The Shadow Hokage [DISCONTINUED]

CHAPTER 11: THE LAND OF DESTITUTION (EDITED)

During the remaining days of the month, Sasuke and Sakura dedicated their time to completing D-Rank missions while Naruto entrusted a clone to attend in his place, as he had other responsibilities to tend to. Kakashi, assuming the role of teacher, closely observed the trio while indulging in his personal reading material without making any fuss about Naruto's clone participation, fully aware of his duties.

In actuality, Naruto enjoyed his newfound freedom, engaging in activities that brought him joy, such as reading and training. He sought solace in the Namikaze-Uzumaki library, which housed a hidden collection of ordinary stories (although the reason for its secrecy remains unknown).

Though sporadic missions occasionally arose, Naruto found them preferable to spending time with what he perceived as incompetent individuals. In his training sessions, he focused on honing his Kamui technique while simultaneously employing 5000 clones to practice Goka Mekkyaku, allowing him to utilize it multiple times throughout the day. Initially, Naruto had contemplated training his Goka Mekkyaku in the Forest of Death but ultimately opted for the underground training complex beneath the mansion. This vast subterranean facility boasted chakra-absorbing seals lining its walls, fortifying them with the absorbed chakra. Its immense size rivaled that of the Forest of Death, with a cavernous yet vibrant ambiance characterized by predominantly red and yellow hues.

Suddenly, Naruto recalled an upcoming event that caused him great distress: the team's first C-Rank mission. This occurrence threatened to tarnish his reputation as the commander, considering his distinguished record that showcased numerous successful A-Rank (151) and S-Rank (238) missions. The addition of 37 D-Rank missions would undermine his standing once he revealed his true identity.

Clad in his customary ninja attire, Naruto dressed for the C-Rank mission, donning one of the numerous outfits he possessed. Thanks to the unique property of his shadow clones, only the original body and its accompanying attachments dissipated upon their dispersion, leaving behind any unattached garments unaffected.

Arriving at the designated meeting spot on the bridge, Naruto discovered that he had arrived an hour earlier than the scheduled time. Realizing this, he decided to utilize the spare time by engaging in meditation and perusing the collection of books within his mindscape. Although the contents of the books were already a part of his knowledge, Naruto enjoyed revisiting them to reinforce his understanding and prevent forgetting essential information.

As half an hour elapsed, Naruto grew restless from the lack of activity. However, he knew that Kakashi adhered to punctuality when it came to C-Rank missions and higher, thus alleviating some of his concerns about tardiness. Adhering to his ingrained sense of ninja etiquette, Naruto patiently awaited the arrival of his team.

Taking advantage of the lull, Naruto delved into his mindscape once more, rousing the formidable Kurama from slumber. Within the recesses of his mind, Naruto conjured a complete shogi board along with its pieces, engaging in a spirited match with the grumpy, ancient entity. It was a rare occurrence for anyone to rouse the attention of the oldest and most intelligent being for a game of shogi, let alone achieve a draw against such an opponent. This turn of events further exacerbated Kurama's already irritable disposition.

Having concluded the shogi match and bidding farewell to Kurama as it returned to its slumber, Naruto reemerged from his mindscape, only to find Sasuke seated beneath a nearby tree. It was of little consequence that the absence of the banshee-like presence was conspicuous, as its absence enhanced the tranquility of the moment, sparing Naruto's ears any potential torment.

~~

Sasuke let out a sigh, mentally preparing himself for the onslaught of Sakura's loud and grating voice, which was bound to assault his ears just before their first C-Rank mission. The prospect of this mission filled him with excitement, as it presented an opportunity to showcase his strength and restore his clan's tarnished reputation, courtesy of Itachi's actions.