After parting with Konan, Anya headed straight to the Hokage's office. The lights were still on—unsurprisingly, the Third remained as diligent as ever.
Anya knocked on the door, and a voice quickly called from within, "Come in."
Stepping inside, she glanced around the room—Tsunade, who had already completed her report, was gone, leaving only the Third sitting alone in his chair, puffing thoughtfully on his pipe. His face carried a lingering sadness, clearly still deeply affected by Orochimaru's departure.
Seeing it was Anya, the Third composed himself and calmly asked, "I'm curious. Where did you go and what did you do these past two months after leaving prison?"
Not much really—just took down a Kage and founded an organization.
Of course, telling the truth wasn't an option. Anya could only repeat the excuse she had used with Tsunade earlier: "A friend got into trouble, so I went out to rescue him and later settled him somewhere safe. It just took a little time along the way."
If the Third pressed further, Anya would simply bring up Takigakure—with Genzo's wisdom, anyone sent there would find nothing suspicious.
Luckily, the Third didn't dig deeper. Instead, he handed Anya a document and said, "The village is about to hold the Chunin Exams. To prevent any incidents during the exams, I've been struggling to decide which Medical Ninja should be assigned for support. Now that you're back, this mission will be yours."
The Chunin Exams? Anya had almost forgotten. This wasn't wartime, so promotions to Chunin were decided through examinations. Cases like Kakashi's triple promotion were rare exceptions. Recalling the early episodes of the anime, she couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia—during those exams, the Third had met his death right here. She shook off the feeling.
Anya gave the mission scroll a quick glance before nodding, "Alright."
Once the assignment was given, the Third asked, "You came here because you must have something to say."
"Yes," replied Anya. "It's regarding my student Konan's assignment." She explained her ideas to the Third, including Konan's own request.
Hearing this, the Third looked at Anya with mild surprise. "Never thought you had this planned even back then."
Anya answered, "Because I understand the importance of intelligence."
The Third naturally saw no reason to refuse and quickly agreed, "I'll assign Konan to Anbu. From now on, there'll be designated contacts working directly with her."
With business concluded, Anya prepared to leave.
But the Third called her back, "Wait a moment."
Anya stopped and silently waited for him to speak.
After thinking briefly, he asked, "How has your three-year imprisonment been? Do you resent the village's punishment?"
"It's impossible to have no resentment at all. But later on, I realized that making mistakes means bearing their consequences," Anya lowered her head slightly and replied, "Besides, my teacher spent his life fighting for Konoha. As his student, it's only right that I carry on his legacy."
The Third smiled warmly, clearly satisfied with her answer. "It seems you've matured a lot over these past three years. Have you considered returning to Anbu?"
"Is it genuine? Or is it a test?"
Anya wasn't sure, so she simply refused, saying, "No thanks. I'll stay in the Medical Division and continue helping Tsunade-sama establish Konoha's medical system."
The Third didn't insist, "Alright then."
After Anya left, The Third made his way alone to White Fang's grave, standing silently in darkness like a statue.
When daylight filled the sky, Anya returned home. Konan had obviously received notice already; her personal belongings were neatly packed as she waited quietly.
At the moment she saw Anya, Konan stepped forward and handed over a bag of money, "Teacher, this is the money I've saved from missions over these years. I'm returning it now."
Anya didn't take it. She sighed lightly and said, "Rain Hider's area isn't like Konoha. You'll have many expenses in the future. I don't lack money. Keep it for yourself."
"But…"
Before Konan could say more, Anya interrupted directly, "Listen to me. Going undercover, never act on emotions. Once your two companions discover the truth, misunderstanding will definitely arise between you. So be careful with your actions and protect your safety."
Hearing Anya's words full of concern, Konan was deeply moved. She put away the money pouch without insisting further, nodding with her usual calm expression, "Okay, Teacher. I got it."
After speaking, Konan turned around and hugged Haku. They had lived together for three years and had become very familiar with each other. Konan had yet to meet someone gentler than Haku. She couldn't even imagine how her teacher had made this girl fall for him so completely. Meanwhile, she silently mourned for her friend Kurenai Yuhi—should Haku really have a romantic relationship with her teacher, no one would ever stand a chance against her.
After the hug, Konan gave each of them a paper-folded flower as a final farewell.
Once Konan's figure walked far away and disappeared completely, Anya couldn't help but ask Haku, "If Konan knew that I took her as my student merely for use, how would she see me—as her teacher?"
Haku blinked and countered, "Do you really care about her opinion?"
Anya gave a bitter smile, "Perhaps. That's why after bringing her back to Konoha, I've barely interacted with her—to avoid possible consequences in the future."
Feelings are a double-edged sword, hurting both others and oneself. Anya had always understood this well.
"At least, right now, your relationship is good."
"Then do you think I'm a bad person?"
Suddenly, Haku laughed, "You really are terrible, but that's just who you are. Didn't you intentionally expose my Kekkei Genkai identity back then too?"
Anya's face flushed instantly at Haku's words. She couldn't help raising her hand and flicking Haku's forehead, fiercely saying, "Don't dig up my past anymore, and definitely don't say I'm bad."
Rubbing her forehead slightly, Haku murmured, "You're terrible, but I like it anyway."
Upon hearing this, Anya growled fiercely, "And don't like me either."
This was how Anya dealt with feelings from women these days—her three rules: no taking the first step, no outright refusal, no commitment. Because the things she planned for the future shouldn't be allowed to stand in the way because of someone's feelings. Haku was the first one she had clearly rejected. Perhaps this was the favoritism shown by a heartless man.
What could Haku say? He could only nod reluctantly, thinking to himself: You never said I couldn't love you. I'm sticking with you no matter what.
Anya quickly pushed her thoughts aside. There was no point in thinking too far ahead right now. Better to focus on finishing the current mission first.
The Chunin Exams really were something to look forward to. It'd be a great chance to see how this generation's ninja measure up and whether they'd survive the upcoming Third Battle.
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