"Okay, then we'll list it as S-rank!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was momentarily stunned by Tsunade's abruptness, then chuckled. This was a trivial matter for him, and it also allowed him to save face for both Ren and Tsunade. Why not do something like this?
"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Ren responded unhurriedly.
"Alright, Ren, if you have nothing else to do, you can leave now. The old man and Tsunade haven't seen each other in many years, so our teachers and students can reminisce properly."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Ren didn't want to linger in the Hokage's Office, so he promptly left. Whatever thoughts Hiruzen Sarutobi harbored had nothing to do with him anyway; he didn't care at all.
"I haven't seen Tenten in a long time, and I wonder how far that little girl's training has come." Thinking of Tenten, a knowing smile appeared at the corner of Ren's mouth. He'd been away from home for so long. When he returned, he wondered what that girl would be worried about. He estimated she'd become his shadow, sticking to his side for a few days before giving up.
"Captain!"
"Captain!"
"Captain Ren!"
As soon as he stepped out, he met Sunflower, Moth, and Seaisland from the Anbu team.
"The compatriots we rescued in the Land of Hot Water have already met Lord Hokage, and Lord Hokage has assigned them to other positions."
When Moth and Seaisland heard this, they lowered their heads, unable to meet his eyes. They were ashamed of Ren and felt they had no face to see him.
"Go and collect the mission bonus, then go home and get some good rest for a while."
"Mm..." Sunflower responded first. This mission... if it hadn't been for Captain Ren... she might have died this time. This mission was far too dangerous. And having seen an enemy with five hearts, and an enemy who didn't die even after being beheaded... Sunflower's worldview was about to collapse. She truly needed to rest for a while and adjust her mindset.
"Captain Ren, can I come to see you occasionally during the vacation?"
Ren raised his eyebrows. He truly hadn't expected Sunflower to say such a thing.
"Certainly." Ren replied with a warm smile.
"Captain... Captain..." Moth and Seaisland approached Ren hesitantly, still not daring to fully raise their heads.
"What's wrong? Is something amiss?" As soon as the words left his mouth, Ren was taken aback. He knew what Moth and Seaisland wanted from him. During the period in the Land of Hot Water, Moth and Seaisland, as Anbu members, had disobeyed their captain's orders and acted privately, almost causing the entire team to be unable to return to Konoha... No captain would have positive feelings for such subordinates in such a situation.
And... Ren had just reported the mission to the Hokage... Moth and Seaisland were undoubtedly anxious.
"Don't worry, I didn't speak ill of you to Hokage-sama."
"I reported the process of this mission to Hokage-sama objectively, and also told Hokage-sama that you were acting with Konoha's compatriots in mind."
"Lord Hokage... is there..." Moth stammered hesitantly.
Ren shook his head. "Lord Hokage didn't mention you."
"Alright, after this mission, everyone's tired. Hurry back and rest."
After saying that, Ren turned and left. From behind, he heard the excited voices of Moth and Seaisland, relieved after their ordeal.
"We... we're still in Anbu!"
"Thank you, Lord Ren!!"
Ren didn't respond, heading straight to the reward reception office to collect the resources for this mission, then walked towards his home. Moth and Seaisland were still too naive. Although Ren hadn't given them a hard time, and even the spies lurking in the Land of Hot Water had spoken on their behalf...
But, as an old schemer, Hiruzen Sarutobi—did he truly like this kind of ninja who ignored the overall situation, violated the orders of superiors, and acted privately? Hiruzen Sarutobi would definitely deal with Moth and Seaisland, but not now. And this disposition couldn't be explicitly stated.
Anbu... Moth and Seaisland would definitely not be able to stay there any longer. Not just Anbu; for other, more central and favorable positions in Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi would not arrange them! Analyzing the enemy and their own situation without thought... disobeying the orders of superiors... and privately colluding with others to act against superior orders, thereby worsening the situation for their own side. Such people, how could Hiruzen Sarutobi reuse them?
He shook his head, pushing these complex thoughts out of his mind.
"Hmm... do I want to bring a present for Tenten?" Ren hummed a little tune, walking happily towards his house with brisk footsteps.
---
Hokage's Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Tsunade, who seemed a little impatient, with a smile on his face. "Tsunade, come back, don't leave silently again."
"Old man, I said it before, I just came back for a visit!" Tsunade immediately confronted Hiruzen Sarutobi. "I'm definitely leaving; don't think about making me stay. You can't keep me!"
"Tsunade, I, the Third Hokage, am already old, and I may be gone someday," Hiruzen Sarutobi said slowly, not disheartened. "There is no ninja in the current Konoha who can fill the position of the Fifth Hokage."
"It just so happens that you're back, Tsunade; you can't run away!"
Tsunade immediately shook her head. "That's not right, I'm not right! Whoever wants to be this Hokage can be, but it's definitely not me!"
"Tsunade, Konoha was established by your grandfather and your granduncle. Do you have the heart to watch Konoha decline?"
"Old man, I said I have to leave! Don't use these crooked arguments!" Tsunade said firmly. "If you say those words again, believe it or not, I will leave now!"
Seeing Tsunade's resolve, preferring to be a shattered jewel than a complete tile, Hiruzen Sarutobi's cheeks twitched. 'Hokage...' This was Konoha's highest position. In the entire ninja world, he was also a top-tier figure. 'Tsunade... can you please stop being so difficult!'
"Okay, okay, don't talk about it. I won't mention this anymore."
Finished, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately changed his expression to a very serious face. "Tsunade, Ren was with you on this mission. Please tell me the details again."
Tsunade raised her eyebrows. "What is there to say? Didn't Ren already report to you?!"
"That's right, old man!"
"Didn't you just say that there's no choice for the Fifth Hokage? What do you think about that kid Ren?!"
"I think he's quite good!"
"He's both a good person and strong, the only slight flaw is that he's too young..."
"But it's alright, old man, your body is tough, and you can work for many more years!"
"When you pass away, Ren will be in his prime at that time!" Tsunade's eyes shone brightly. The more she spoke, the more she felt that Ren was the best successor for the Fifth Hokage!