Chapter 56: The Returning Prince, Health Checkup
Notes:
Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Konoha's Eight Colors appear to be fan creations within the Naruto universe.
At the Underground Bounty Station, a cluster of nervous staff huddled in a corner, visibly shaken.
"Didn't you say Chigo was just some ordinary monk?" Kakazu's grim face loomed as he grabbed the station chief's collar. This mission had gone sideways, costing him not one but two of his precious lives. If he hadn't fled when he did, it would've been fatal.
The station chief trembled under Kakazu's glare. "Kakazu-sama, the intel we received said just that. We ran all checks—no records of him ever taking action, nothing unusual."
Kakazu didn't relent. "Do you realize how close I was to dying back there?" The chief stammered, "Since this was a failure of intel, the bounty station will compensate you."
"Compensate?" Kakazu snorted disdainfully. "How much?"
…
At the Hokage Residence, Namikaze Minato and his team gave their report on the mission's success. Listening carefully while reviewing the Fire Temple's correspondence, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in approval.
"You all did an excellent job. You faced three rogue Jonin and the infamous bounty hunter Kakazu. The Fire Temple has increased the reward to 600,000 Ryo, upgrading the mission to A-rank. Considering Tonan and Kakashi's outstanding performance, both will be promoted to Chunin as a special case."
Tonan and Kakashi bowed deeply to Hiruzen. "Thank you very much, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen tucked away the mission paperwork and added, "The reward is credited to your accounts. Now, take some well-deserved rest. From now on, no need to take any D-rank missions."
With the official business concluded, Tonan smiled subtly and placed a neatly wrapped gift before Hiruzen. "Hokage-sama, I brought you something from Rose Street. Happy Birthday."
Hiruzen's reaction was more reserved than expected. He simply smiled and nodded toward Tonan. "The thought is what counts. I'll set it aside and open it later tonight." He gently moved the gift to the side.
"Understood." Tonan gave a polite nod, expression unchanged.
Just then, a middle-aged ninja entered the room, radiating energy. "Hokage-sama!"
Upon seeing the visitor, Hiruzen's face lit up warmly. "Shinnosuke, you've returned. Come, meet these promising young ninjas—they are the future pillars of Konoha."
Minato greeted Sarutobi Shinnosuke with a respectful nod. "Hello, Shinnosuke-senpai, I'm Namikaze Minato."
"Hello," Shinnosuke returned with a smile, then turned his attention to Tonan and Kakashi.
"These two are Konoha's celebrated prodigies, Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Tonan," Hiruzen chuckled, introducing them. "Shinnosuke, as a senior, I expect you to watch over them. Both have just cleared an A-rank mission and earned promotion to Chunin. Especially Tonan—he took down a Mist rogue-nin."
Hearing this, an unfamiliar emotion flickered across Shinnosuke's eyes. He regarded Tonan and said quietly, "Truly admirable."
Tonan adjusted his glasses, replying with a modest smile, "It wasn't anything special. The opponent was careless and fell into my genjutsu. I haven't seen you around the village before, Shinnosuke-senpai."
Shinnosuke placed a hand on Tonan's shoulder. "I've been staying with the daimyo. A few days ago, I took leave and came back to check on things. Since I was here, I hoped to find some exceptional ninjas to bring to the Fire Capital to help maintain order."
Tonan nodded thoughtfully.
Minato finally spoke up, "Hokage-sama, we'll be leaving now."
Hiruzen's gaze stayed fixed on Shinnosuke as he waved his hand casually. "Go ahead."
Tonan bowed to Hiruzen and turned to leave. No wonder Hiruzen's been so cold toward me. His biological son is back. If memory serves, Shinnosuke is one of Konoha's Eight Colors and has been with the daimyo all along… Looks like Hiruzen is setting the stage for his son's rise.
And here I thought I'd ever earn his recognition—turns out I was just the loyal dog to groom for his true heir. Tonan's steps didn't falter, but just before exiting the office, he glanced back at the happily chatting father and son.
…
The next day, in the corridor of Konoha Hospital, Tonan gently pushed Sanbo Motoyoshi to the window to soak up some sunlight.
"Grandpa, rest here for a moment. I'll go fetch the medical report."
Motoyoshi waved dismissively, "Alright."
Tonan headed to the doctor's office and handed over the health check token. The doctor examined it and pulled a medical report from the drawer.
"Are you Sanbo Motoyoshi's relative?"
"Yes, I'm his grandson."
The doctor reviewed the test results and explained kindly, "There's nothing wrong with your grandfather's health, but naturally, with age, bodily functions decline."
Tonan nodded, "Does this decline affect him in any significant way?"
"It affects lifespan somewhat. He's seventy-one—considered advanced age in our world."
"Will he see me grow into adulthood?"
The doctor coughed lightly, handing the report to Tonan. "Realistically? If he stays positive, he could live about five more years. But he must rest well and get enough sleep."
Tonan studied the report solemnly and asked quietly, "Doctor, may I make a request?"
The doctor frowned slightly, "What is it?"
"Please don't tell my grandfather about his limited time. No matter how much he asks, tell him he can live a long life. He wants to see me get married and have children. If he knows the truth, he'll be consumed by worry."
The doctor nodded understandingly, "We've encountered this before. It's a harmless white lie. Don't worry—I won't tell him."
Tonan bowed deeply, "Thank you, Doctor."
He crumpled the medical report and tossed it into the trash. Smiling warmly, he left the office. "Alright, Grandpa, let's go home."
"What took you so long? Where's the medical report?"
Tonan pretended to hide something, replying, "The doctor said you're in good health and will live a long life. No need for the report."
Motoyoshi's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Are you lying to me?"
Tonan gave a tight, awkward smile. "Why would I? You'll live to a hundred and hold your great-grandchildren in your arms."
With that, he gently pushed Motoyoshi forward.
In the corridor, the doctor who just exited the office watched the scene with a quiet sigh of admiration. "It's been a long time since I've seen such a devoted grandson."