Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer

"Hmm..."

Koharu Utatane watched as Shikaku Nara walked away, nodding slightly without saying anything more. Their understanding of the same situation had created a certain level of separation between them.

This wasn't entirely a generation gap. It could be a difference in perspective or stance.

Shikaku Nara had developed a particular understanding of the situation, feeling that the events' essence might differ from what he initially imagined. He wasn't genuinely concerned about the position of Hokage or any high-ranking position in Konoha. Returning to the Nara clan, he contemplated whether to continue serving as Konoha's advisor.

However, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado saw things differently.

Both believed that Shikaku Nara was simply trying to distance himself from them. From their perspective, Shikaku, whether by age or relationship, should be aligned with Minato Namikaze. Hence, it wasn't surprising that he wanted to create some distance.

"It's just starting to take sides," Homura Mitokado muttered softly as he watched Shikaku Nara leave. He wasn't emotional about it but genuinely believed Shikaku had chosen to side with Minato Namikaze.

"What does it matter, taking sides or not?" Koharu chuckled bitterly. Her smile suggested she didn't take it seriously, though her words showed she did. "We don't even have a side anymore."

"That's true." Homura's smile grew more melancholic. He knew well enough that with the Third Hokage stepping down and Danzo disappearing, they were essentially headless chickens. Only each other could offer support.

Soon, Minato Namikaze would ascend as the new Hokage. Initially, he might not act against them due to the need for stability and their roles in the liaison between Konoha and the Land of Fire. However, this situation would only last for a while. Eventually, Minato's trusted allies would replace them, just as they had once replaced their predecessors.

In positions as valuable as theirs, it was natural for new leaders to install their loyalists. Koharu and Homura understood this truth well. Yet, they couldn't influence the selection of the new Hokage, especially not for personal gain, without risking public backlash and being branded traitors to Konoha.

Knowing the certainty of their eventual replacement, Koharu and Homura felt the weight of their situation. They couldn't easily resign, as it would appear that they were guilty of wrongdoing and fleeing consequences. This left them in a paradox: stuck in their roles yet aware of their impending displacement.

"Let's just focus on the Hokage transition for now and deal with other matters later," Koharu suggested, patting Homura's shoulder. They shared a unique understanding of their predicament, knowing only they could empathise with each other.

With a nod, Homura followed Koharu toward the Hokage's office. Their presence in the bustling village seemed increasingly obsolete, and their departure wouldn't affect Konoha's daily operations.

...

Aoba sat in his room, busily writing new stories. A stack of notebooks lay on his desk, filled with completed manuscripts yet to be shown to Morino Ibiki.

This period was a rare break for him, allowing his mind to wander freely into his creative pursuits.

On his desk were four new works:

"Ninja Academy Teacher Haku"

"Ninja Academy Teacher Haku 2"

"Ninja Academy Boy Binbin 2"

"Ninja Academy Kunoichi Tangtang"

These four manuscripts awaited publication, and Aoba wanted to avoid handing them over to the publisher Morino Ibiki knew. Previously, "Ninja Academy Teacher Haku" faced limitations from the publisher, leading to differences and a desire for greater freedom.

With Minato Namikaze about to become Hokage, Aoba anticipated having more influence in Konoha. He aimed to establish a personal publishing house within the village, ensuring he had control over his work's direction and presentation.

As he wrote, a knock on the door interrupted him. Surprised, Aoba stood up, guessing it was Morino Ibiki, though it had been a while since anyone visited.

"Coming," Aoba called out, walking to the door. To his astonishment, standing at the entrance was not Morino Ibiki but Minato Namikaze himself.

"Minato?"

Aoba was taken aback, puzzled why Minato, soon to be Hokage, would visit him. This should have been Minato's busiest time, filled with preparations and transitions, not paying personal visits.

"You look surprised," Minato remarked with a bright smile. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"

Minato walked in and sat without waiting for an invitation, making himself comfortable.

"Have a seat," Aoba chuckled helplessly, closing the door. He couldn't fathom why Minato would come at such a critical time.

"Minato, why are you here?"

Aoba asked, his mind racing through possibilities, wondering if something he did had been exposed.

"Can't I visit for no reason?" Minato smiled, his cheerful demeanour lighting up the room. He glanced at the notebooks on Aoba's desk, picking one up and flipping through it.

"Hmm?"

As he read the manuscript, Minato's interest was piqued. Initially curious, he quickly became engrossed and recognized the quality of the work.

"These... did you write all these?"

Minato's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected to find such engaging stories here, especially not the sequel to "Ninja Academy Teacher Haku."

"You wrote 'Ninja Academy Teacher Haku'? I thought the author was Fugaku."

Minato was astonished, having assumed the book's author was Fugaku Uchiha.

"Well..." Aoba hesitated. He hadn't planned on revealing this, but seeing Minato's genuine interest, he explained. "Yes, I wrote them. But I use Fugaku's name."

"Don't worry, your secret's safe with me," Minato reassured, intrigued by the discovery. He glanced at the sequel, eager for more.

"So, when will these be published? I'm a fan and can't wait to read more!"

Minato's enthusiasm puzzled Aoba, who hadn't expected such support.

"Well..." Aoba saw an opportunity. "I've thought about it, but the previous publisher didn't fully support my work. Morino Ibiki suggested we establish our own publishing house in Konoha, but with everything going on, we haven't had the chance."

He didn't outright ask Minato to set up a publisher, but his words implied the need. Minato, now poised to become Hokage, could easily make it happen.

Minato's visit still held a deeper purpose, though Aoba couldn't yet discern what it was. For now, he played along, hoping to uncover Minato's true intentions.