Early the next morning, an official notification from the Hokage's Office was delivered to Night's residence by an ANBU ninja.
The review process had clearly been expedited. Night didn't even need to submit a written mission report; his verbal account in the Hokage's office had already been selectively recorded in his file.
The notification stated that given his outstanding performance in the Mist—not only successfully preserving himself in an extremely hostile environment but also bringing back vital intelligence and five precious Uzumaki survivors—his mission was being upgraded.
The "Mist Infiltration" mission was officially reclassified as S-Rank.
Although the news wasn't public, it caused quite a stir among Konoha's high command.
According to those in the know, a certain one-eyed elder had stormed angrily into the Hokage's office and walked out with a face black as thunder. It was rumored that even the door to the Hokage's office suffered collateral damage and was now a bit shaky on its hinges.
If someone were curious enough to flip through Night's pitifully thin ninja dossier, they would probably doubt their own eyes.
His record contained only three missions:
1. Reconnaissance at the Land of Whirlpools Border — S-Rank
2. Pursuit and Rescue (Cloud Ninja Kidnapping) — A-Rank
3. Secret Infiltration of the Hidden Mist — S-Rank
Three missions. Two S-Rank, one A-Rank.
"Only playing in high-elo lobbies, huh?"
This monstrous résumé was unparalleled in Konoha's history. It was hard to find a second example.
This couldn't be summed up by mere "luck" or "strength" anymore. It looked more like a legend was quietly rising.
Contrasting this dazzling record was a note in the notification: due to his short time since promotion and lack of seniority, Night could not be promoted in rank for the time being according to regulations.
However, as compensation—and as a form of nurturing for a talented junior—he would receive other forms of rewards. The notification subtly hinted that a "guiding ninja" would be arranged for him.
"Guiding ninja?" Night rubbed his chin, a playful glint in his eyes.
A "guiding ninja" usually implied a master-disciple relationship. Although he had deliberately hidden his full strength, based even on what he did reveal, an ordinary Jonin—or even an Elite Jonin—would hardly be qualified to guide him.
Ninjas above that level were few and far between, even in Konoha. Therefore, the Third Hokage's arrangement was less about training and more about showing favor and binding Night to the village leadership.
He put the scroll away, his expression returning to calm. He didn't care much about nominal rank; real power and System Points in his hand were what mattered.
---
Having dealt with the notification, Night strolled out of his house.
The sunlight was just right. He realized it had been a while since he visited his "good little brother" and future "sister-in-law."
Arriving outside the Ninja Academy, he saw the students in a practical combat class. The playground echoed with immature shouts and the clashing of ninja tools.
Counting the time, Night realized that Minato was still about a year away from graduating. That meant Kushina Uzumaki, his classmate, was in the same boat.
Sensing Kushina from a distance, Night noted that she only possessed boundless life force chakra. There were no signs of the special seals or isolation measures usually placed on a Jinchuriki.
"It seems... the historical trajectory has indeed deviated slightly."
Night mused inwardly. According to the original timeline, Mito Uzumaki should be near death by now. Kushina should have been designated as the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and begun the relevant preparations.
He recalled his impression of Mito Uzumaki from yesterday. The old woman bore the same Strength of a Hundred Seal as Tsunade. She didn't use chakra to maintain a youthful appearance, so she looked aged, but her life force was still robust. She was clearly far from running out of oil.
It seemed the wings of the butterfly—Night himself—had changed things invisibly.
The biggest factor was likely Nawaki's survival. Because of this change, Mito didn't suffer the trauma of burying her grandson, so her health didn't deteriorate rapidly.
Dismissing these thoughts, Night saw there was still some time before Minato's class ended. He didn't plan to wait around and turned to walk in another direction.
He decided to visit the Konoha Hospital. After all, nominally, he was still a wounded soldier in need of "recuperation." No one could find fault with that reason.
Just as he crossed a quiet street and prepared to turn onto the main road toward the hospital, an unexpected figure appeared ahead.
The man wore the iconic high-collared, short-sleeved outfit of the Uchiha clan, with the fan crest printed on the back.
His expression was stern, radiating an aura that said "strangers keep away." It was Yashiro Uchiha, a squad captain of the Military Police Force.
He looked like he had just finished his duties, a trace of imperceptible fatigue between his brows.
Night's mind moved. He remembered how Yashiro had indirectly helped him out of the ROOT surveillance incident.
Even if Yashiro had acted solely out of duty and dissatisfaction with ROOT overstepping its bounds, it didn't stop Night from noting the favor.
He quickened his pace, put on a perfectly measured smile, and called out, "Senior Yashiro."
Yashiro Uchiha paused. His gaze shifted, and seeing it was Night, he nodded stoically in acknowledgment.
Night didn't mind the coldness. After all, he had technically tricked Yashiro into intervening last time.
He walked naturally to Yashiro's side, falling into step with him. "Judging by the direction, are you heading for some tricolor dango, Senior?"
"Yes."
Yashiro's tone was slightly unnatural, seemingly surprised by Night's familiarity.
"I happen to be free as well. Would I have the honor of treating you to tea and dango? I haven't had the chance to properly thank you for the Police Force's impartial law enforcement last time."
Hearing this, Yashiro sized Night up.
The young man's temperament had changed drastically compared to a few months ago. His posture was straighter, and even his words carried a subtle authority born of confidence.
Connecting this with the recent rumors circulating within the clan about Night, Yashiro found himself believing them a bit more.
Even the proud Uchiha weren't entirely devoid of social understanding. Night's signal of goodwill was obvious.
A powerful, up-and-coming ninja with limitless potential taking the initiative to be friendly was worth engaging with, both logically and emotionally.
"The Uchiha Police Force has its own regulations. We do not act on personal feelings; no thanks are necessary."
Yashiro's voice remained flat, but his pace slowed down, tacitly accepting Night's company.
The two walked into the same dango shop where they had first met. It had been renovated recently and looked quite elegant.
They chose a seat and ordered. The atmosphere was briefly silent after the food arrived.
Yashiro wasn't one to beat around the bush. He spoke directly: "You've been in the spotlight quite a bit lately."