The Third Hokage put away the mission scroll and sighed, visibly exasperated.
"This is Yamanaka Yoruha. He just graduated from the Ninja Academy, and we were discussing his team placement,"
Sarutobi Hiruzen said, his tone dull and tired.
"As for your mission report, let's talk about it later. If there's nothing else, go home and get some rest."
"Eh? Old man, you're shooing me away the second I get back?"
The purple-haired kunoichi raised an eyebrow. "At least pretend to be polite and offer me a seat… maybe even a cup of tea?"
"Uh..."
Hiruzen paused awkwardly.
Emmm...
There was no good way to answer that.
Meanwhile, Yoruha took the opportunity to study the bold, confident woman standing in front of him.
Short purple hair that gave off a sharp, no-nonsense vibe.
Petite frame, but her curves were undeniable.
And then there was the fishnet mesh under that yellow coat...
It was a lot.
And a little too bold for a first impression.
If Yoruha had to guess, she was probably one of Orochimaru's students—
Mitarashi Anko.
Sure enough, Anko caught the Third Hokage's awkward energy and grinned mischievously.
"Old man, I caught a bit of your conversation with this kid just now. He's got guts—I like that.
How about this? Let me take him on for now. I'll be his temporary mentor."
"You?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.
"That's right," Anko said, waving her hand lazily.
"I've been sick of mission work lately. Let me try guiding a genin for once.
This kid's got potential—and honestly? He's my type.
Worst case, once he's strong enough, I'll let him fly solo."
She turned to Yoruha with a sly wink.
Then, just like her infamous master, she flicked out her tongue and licked the corner of her mouth.
"…"
Yoruha and the Third Hokage both froze.
What does she mean he's her "type"?
Was she planning to train him... or eat him?
"Oh come on, old man," Anko said with a lazy smirk.
"Let's not debate whether this kid can go solo. Even if he's strong, someone has to teach him how to function as a ninja.
Wouldn't you agree I'm the perfect candidate for that?"
Her tone was teasing but strangely persuasive.
Hiruzen sighed again. In that moment, he deeply regretted not summoning Nara Shikaku to this meeting.
If Shikaku were here, he could've just turned and asked, "What do you think?"
Instead, he was stuck making the decision on his own.
It was at this point that Yoruha finally spoke up.
"Sandaime-sama," he said calmly, "ninja mission procedures are already taught at the Academy.
In fact, they're part of the very textbook you personally authored.
Shouldn't you be the most confident in its content and educational value?"
A pause.
"According to your curriculum," Yoruha added with a slight smile,
"I don't really need a Jōnin instructor at all."
That hit home.
For a moment, Hiruzen looked... proud.
"You're right! The textbook I wrote does thoroughly cover mission protocols and teamwork strategies."
He puffed out his chest a little.
But a second later, his expression turned serious again.
"Still, for safety reasons, I think Anko's suggestion deserves consideration.
Let her act as your temporary mentor. Once you've proven you can handle tasks independently, she can step aside."
Yoruha's mouth twitched.
So even flattery didn't work, huh? This old man's still got defenses.
Still... it wasn't the worst outcome.
At least he wasn't being forced into a permanent three-man team.
And Anko, despite her eccentricities, was a high-level ninja.
It could've been worse.
Then—
Anko stepped forward, slung an arm around Yoruha's shoulder, and pulled him close.
Her "heroic attributes" pressed directly against him.
"Alright, handsome. Let's go."
"You'll learn all about the perks of having me as your mentor soon enough."
Yoruha gave her a dry stare.
Lady... I'm already learning plenty.