To master Observation Haki, Simu had been honing his senses to the limit.
This time, as he landed outside the window of the Hokage's office, he could clearly sense the number, breath, and location of all the Anbu ninjas stationed around.
There were twelve of them in total, forming four Anbu squads, each securing potential entry points that could be used to raid the Hokage's office.
These positions also happened to be the best vantage points to detect any unusual movements within the village.
It seemed that the Third Hokage had already given prior instructions, as the Anbu barely reacted to Simu's sudden arrival.
At least, they weren't as tense as they were the first time he pulled a stunt like this.
Glancing at the window, the Third Hokage sighed helplessly and said,
"Come in."
Simu casually leaped in through the window.
Just as he landed, Minato knocked on the wooden door of the office.
"Lord Hokage, it's Minato."
"Come in."
The Third Hokage glanced at Minato, then at Simu, shaking his head.
"I say, Simu, can't you enter normally like Minato?"
Simu scratched the back of his head. "Does it really matter?"
Saying that, he casually found a chair, sat down, and crossed his legs.
Minato could only smile awkwardly at the Hokage.
Fortunately, over the past year, the Third Hokage had gotten used to Simu's reckless behavior and didn't take it too seriously.
He looked down at some documents on his desk and said,
"You both did a great job with Kushina this time."
He looked at Simu first.
"Simu, your actions were decisive, courageous, and made a significant contribution."
Then, turning to Minato, he continued,
"Minato, you also performed well. If you hadn't left tracking marks along the way, reinforcements might not have arrived in time."
Minato smiled modestly.
"No, it was all thanks to Simu."
Seeing the two of them being humble, Simu quickly lost patience.
"Alright, Lord Hokage, let's just get to the point. Are we getting a reward for our service?"
If there was no reward, he, Polusalino Hanyu Simu, would be the first to walk out the door.
The Third Hokage crossed his arms, already expecting Simu to ask that question.
"Yes, I do plan to reward you both."
He paused before continuing,
"Due to Kushina's special status, this operation cannot be publicly disclosed. However, you will still be compensated in another way."
"Just tell me, what do you want as a reward?"
"You can choose ninja tools or ninjutsu scrolls."
Given the immense potential Simu and Minato had displayed, the Third Hokage was being generous.
After all, both of them were his students and part of his Hokage faction.
Simu tapped his index finger on his temple in thought.
For any other ninja, this reward would be incredible.
After all, there were only three main ways for a shinobi to enhance their strength—ninjutsu, taijutsu, and weapons.
And the Hokage had just offered to provide the best of Konoha in all three categories.
Who wouldn't be satisfied with that?
But Simu was different.
His strength didn't depend on chakra at all.
Other than using the Clone Technique to carry women, he had never even bothered with ninjutsu.
As for weapons, he wielded the sword of light that he conjured himself.
Once he obtained the [Amazon Cloud Sword], he wouldn't need any other weapon.
So, after thinking for a moment, he raised an eyebrow and asked,
"Well, Lord Hokage, can I exchange these rewards for money?"
"Money?"
The Third Hokage looked at him in shock.
Good lord. The things he had just offered were priceless treasures that money couldn't buy.
But after a brief moment, he understood Simu's reasoning.
"Fine, I can give you 200,000 ryō."
Of course, that amount alone wasn't enough to match Simu's contributions.
So, after some thought, the Third Hokage added,
"Additionally, since you don't need ninjutsu, I'll allow you to choose a Summoning Contract."
"Summoning?"
Simu's eyes lit up.
True, even if he didn't use ninjutsu, having a summon would still be an advantage.
Especially if it came from one of the legendary Three Great Summoning Lands.
The Third Hokage took out several scrolls, each containing a contract for different summon species.
Ninja dogs, ninja cats, ninja turtles, foxes…
There were plenty of choices.
However, after flipping through them, Simu didn't find the one he wanted.
Looking up at the Third Hokage, he said,
"I want the Summoning Contract from Shikkotsu Forest."
"Pfft!"
The Third Hokage nearly spat out his tea.
"What did you just say?"
Hands in his pockets, Simu lazily replied,
"If there's no contract from Shikkotsu Forest, then one from the other two holy lands will do."
"You brat, you're too ambitious."
The Third Hokage shook his head.
The Three Great Summoning Lands were:
Mount Myōboku, home of the toads, contracted by Jiraiya.
Shikkotsu Forest, home of the slugs, contracted by Tsunade.
Ryūchi Cave, home of the snakes, contracted by Orochimaru.
Each of these places had unique methods for mastering Sage Mode.
That was why they were called the "Three Great Holy Lands."
Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru's legendary status as the Sannin was closely tied to their contracts with these sacred places.
The Third Hokage gently put down his teacup.
"I do have the contract scrolls for the Three Great Summoning Lands here, but do you think anyone can just sign them?"
"Only those who have been acknowledged by the holy lands' inhabitants can form a contract with them."
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