"Good morning, Lord Hokage."
"Morning, Natsuhiko-kun."
In the forests of Konoha, Natsuhiko stood smiling at Minato Namikaze. His smile had almost become a habit.
And what he intended to do was turn that habit into a symbol.
Among his classmates, his smile had already become something of a shared impression—but that was far from enough.
His goal was for everyone in Konoha, and even across the entire shinobi world, who knew his name to recognize that smile as his defining mark.
However, what surprised Natsuhiko was Minato's current state.
He looked somewhat tired and slightly helpless.
Yet beneath those negative emotions, there seemed to be a trace of joy mixed in.
Natsuhiko's sensory abilities were strong. At this stage, even without actively activating them, he could faintly perceive the emotions of those around him.
Though he couldn't discern good and evil, sensing someone's mood was well within his capabilities.
The fatigue and helplessness were easy enough to understand.
As Hokage, Minato's work likely hadn't been going smoothly.
If nothing else, the matters concerning the ANBU alone were probably enough to give him a headache.
But what about that hint of joy?
Could it be…
After calculating the timing in his mind, Natsuhiko seemed to arrive at an answer.
At this stage, the most likely source of Minato's happiness could only be his family.
"Congratulations on obtaining such powerful support. And congratulations on completing such a difficult mission," Minato said directly, unaware of Natsuhiko's thoughts. "You've worked hard, Natsuhiko-kun."
"It was just luck. And I had Kakashi's assistance as well," Natsuhiko replied with a modest smile. "Still, thank you, Lord Hokage."
Faced with Minato's praise, Natsuhiko had no intention of claiming all the credit for himself.
Kakashi had participated in the mission too—so whatever achievements were gained, Kakashi deserved his share.
It had nothing to do with Kakashi being Minato's student.
This was simply a good opportunity to build goodwill.
Minato nodded lightly at that, but soon his expression turned serious.
"Natsuhiko, regarding the intelligence you provided, I have already…" His voice grew lower, more subdued.
Before he could finish, Natsuhiko interrupted him.
"Intelligence?" Natsuhiko looked at him in confusion. "Lord Hokage, the information about the Third Kazekage puppet can't be considered something I provided. That person used it so openly—everyone saw it."
Minato couldn't help but shake his head.
This boy was truly cautious.
Was that the intelligence he was referring to?
Since Natsuhiko clearly didn't want to mention it, Minato chose not to press further.
However, the "clan-related intelligence" Natsuhiko had given him had proven astonishingly accurate.
The waters within the ANBU were indeed deep.
"Very well, I understand," Minato nodded slightly. "Then—"
"Lord Hokage, this is for you."
Before Minato could finish, Natsuhiko interrupted him again.
Interrupting one's superior was not good practice.
But Natsuhiko didn't mind.
Minato was broad-minded—he would not take offense.
If it had been Hiruzen Sarutobi, Natsuhiko would never have acted this way. He would have listened obediently.
But Minato was different.
He did not yet possess that overwhelming authority or entrenched power.
This was an opportunity to present himself not merely as a subordinate, but with a distinct attitude of his own.
That was precisely what Natsuhiko needed.
"What is this…?" Minato asked, not angry at all—only puzzled—as he looked at the scroll Natsuhiko handed him.
"Lord Hokage will understand after reading it," Natsuhiko said softly with a smile.
Minato glanced at him, then silently tore open the scroll and began reading carefully.
After only a short while, his expression subtly changed. Soon after, he directly closed the scroll.
Natsuhiko wasn't surprised by Minato's emotional shift, because what was recorded in that scroll was far from pleasant.
Inside were Natsuhiko's speculations regarding that underground laboratory.
In truth, he had intended to hand over this intelligence last time.
But to avoid revealing too many bargaining chips at once—and losing value later—he decided to hold back.
Much of the information was speculation, but part of it was real.
As a member of the ANBU, Natsuhiko would occasionally encounter unusual things—for example, he had once seen someone disappear in the forest.
Moreover, he and Kakashi had seen that underground laboratory with their own eyes.
There had also been rumors within Konoha about Orochimaru conducting secret human experiments, which ultimately cost him the position of Hokage candidate.
Combining the intelligence Natsuhiko previously provided with these events, he was practically stating it outright.
He was essentially telling Minato directly that the Root underground laboratory was conducting human experimentation.
Of course, he withheld even more sensitive details—such as the true nature of what was being researched inside.
He didn't dare to say it.
He wouldn't even hint at it indirectly.
It involved the First Hokage. Without solid evidence, revealing such speculation would invite unimaginable trouble.
Natsuhiko wasn't foolish.
He knew that meals must be eaten one bite at a time, and roads walked one step at a time.
"This matter…" Minato suppressed his rising blood pressure and swiftly ignited the scroll in his hand, burning it away. "This is of great importance. I'll need to investigate it carefully."
Minato had previously attempted to probe into it.
But the results had disappointed him—he couldn't get anywhere near the place. Even when he tried to collect related reports, he found nothing.
Even as Hokage, he had no access to information about those laboratories.
"Of course. After all, I only encountered it once. If there's an error, it would cause serious trouble," Natsuhiko said calmly with a smile. "Only through confirmation can many things be verified. We are shinobi—not detectives who rely on guesswork."
Minato didn't want to continue that line of discussion.
He realized that every time he received intelligence like this, it left him deeply unsettled.
For example, the last time—when he learned of the entanglement between Danzo and Hiruzen, and the factional divisions within the ANBU.
He had also deduced certain hidden but highly plausible truths—such as the relationship between Orochimaru and Danzo.
And now, more intelligence had surfaced—information closely tied to Orochimaru's human experiments.
If true, it would confirm the accuracy of his previous suspicions.
It would prove the ambitions of Danzo and Orochimaru.
And perhaps even suggest that the Third Hokage had played a less-than-honorable role in all of it.
No matter how carefully such experiments were concealed, they couldn't possibly remain hidden forever.
Taking a deep breath, Minato composed himself and smiled.
"Now then, I'll continue teaching you sealing techniques. Are you ready?"
"Well…" Natsuhiko looked slightly embarrassed, yet also somewhat proud as he lifted his head. "I'm afraid we may need to move on to the next stage."
"Hm? What do you mean?"
"Because… I've already learned sealing techniques."