Lock returned to the village at dawn and went straight to the Hokage's office.
He gave his report — carefully edited, of course.
In his version, the Sand Village's large-scale operation had successfully annihilated the monster. His personal role was conveniently… omitted.
"...You're saying that the Sand ninja killed the monster?" the Third Hokage repeated, his brows knitting together. "Not sealed it?"
Lock nodded. "That's right, Lord Hokage. There were hundreds of Sand shinobi in the operation. I infiltrated their ranks and watched from up close. They prepared to seal the creature, but something went wrong — a massive explosion. Looked like someone triggered detonating tags. When the smoke cleared, the monster was gone. Completely. No remains left behind."
Sarutobi's expression darkened. "If the body vanished, how can you be sure it wasn't sealed after all?"
"I overheard their officers after the explosion," Lock replied calmly. "The sealing squad didn't even have time to complete their formation. They were confused — thought it had disappeared mid-battle. I can't say if it truly died, but I'm certain it didn't fall into Sand's hands."
The Hokage sat back, pipe between his fingers, and let out a slow exhale.
"That's... actually good news."
Lock continued, "Sand took heavy losses. At least a hundred shinobi down, and most of them weren't genin. Even their Kazekage-level leaders seemed injured. Their chain of command was in chaos when I withdrew."
Sarutobi's eyes narrowed to slits. His mind was already moving several steps ahead.
For Konoha, Sand's losses were a windfall. The weaker their western neighbor grew, the more breathing room Konoha gained. Especially now, when the entire shinobi world was trembling on the edge of another war.
The Five Great Nations were anything but stable. Cloud had tested Konoha's defenses barely half a year ago. Stone was amassing troops near the border. Sand had been a concern… until now.
Sarutobi leaned back, pipe smoke curling slowly upward. His gaze sharpened, old yet calculating.
"Lock," he said quietly, "I want to ask you something."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
The old man's tone turned philosophical. "If three neighboring countries exist — two strong, one weak — and one of the strong has designs on another, what would it do?"
Lock blinked, caught off guard. He had expected an order, not a riddle. Still, he could tell there was intent behind the question.
"That depends," Lock said slowly. "On the difference between the two stronger nations."
Sarutobi nodded slightly. "And if the gap isn't large?"
"Then the ambitious one faces two paths," Lock answered, after a pause. "Either ally with the weaker country to balance against the rival… or crush the weaker one first, then turn to face the other."
A faint smile tugged at the Hokage's lips. "And if you were the rival — the other strong country?"
"The same logic applies," Lock said, without hesitation. "Either annex the weak one, or ally with it. If strength allows, annexation is simpler. If not — alliance."
Sarutobi chuckled, smoke drifting around his face.
He was not, by nature, a conqueror. He preferred the fragile stability Konoha had now. But he understood too well — in times like these, even choosing not to act was a kind of choice.
And if he didn't make it, others would make it for him.
His eyes glinted. "Lock, you can go. No missions for a while. Rest properly. Soon, there'll be something big, and when that happens, there won't be time to breathe."
Lock bowed. "Understood, Hokage-sama."
As the young man left, Sarutobi's demeanor hardened.
He summoned his advisors and began issuing quiet orders.
"That old fox in Iwagakure won't be able to sit still after this. Let's give him something to think about."
He smiled thinly. "Let's see which bait he bites."
Lock finally had time to breathe. For the first time in months, there were no missions, no orders, no blood. He slept for two days straight, then wandered out into the streets of Konoha — feeling strangely light.
He couldn't even remember the last time he'd walked the village without purpose. Since becoming a shinobi — especially an Anbu — every moment of his life had been about strength, efficiency, survival.
But now? With the Immortal Shield tucked safely away, he had two lives to his name. For once, he could let his guard down.
He wandered through the village until a familiar, energetic voice caught his attention.
"Lin! The dango here's amazing — I'm buying today! Kakashi, you can go home!"
Lock turned, smiling instinctively.
At the shop entrance stood three young shinobi. A boy in orange goggles trying too hard to impress, a calm, silver-haired boy with a mask — and between them, a gentle-eyed girl laughing helplessly.
It was the same scene as ever — Obito, Kakashi, and Rin.
Lock couldn't help but grin. He walked over, calling out, "Yo! What a coincidence."
Obito spun around, eyes wide. "Lock! When did you get here?!" He dashed forward and threw his arms around Lock in an exaggerated hug.
Lock rolled his eyes. "The only thing you ever see is Rin, huh?"
Kakashi gave a small nod of greeting, hands in his pockets. Rin smiled shyly.
"Hey Kakashi, Rin," Lock said. "No missions today?"
Kakashi shrugged. "Day off."
Rin added warmly, "It's nice to see you, Lock. You look… relaxed."
Lock chuckled. "Yeah. For once, I think I am."
For the first time in a long while, he meant it.
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A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
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