The Shopkeeper of Konoha

The Hokage's satisfaction with the work caused everyone to smile broadly. Normally, the cryptology department was always in charge of deciphering, and this branch was mostly in charge of interpreting secret messages, torturing someone for additional information, or other tasks that had no bearing on anyone's daily lives.

The people in this department, which were extremely covert and only active during times of war, felt for the first time that they could contribute to Konoha and perhaps even profit from it.

"Then we can start making new ones and connect them as fast as possible." Hokage said as he anticipated having less job to do and more leisure time.

"Of course, Hokage-sama." The people around knew that this was just the start and the real hard process would start now. Aoto exited with the Hokage and they had a stroll together to their residences after exploring the operating system and acquiring a general understanding of how it operated.

"You have worked very hard, Aoto." Hiruzen spoken.

"It's nothing. I just gave ideas and they worked out perfectly for them." Added Aoto.

"No, you don't realize how you have been changing Konoha. The hospital, which will shortly be built, came first, and now these so-called computers. Konoha is very lucky to have you. Sad that your expertise isn't on ninjutsu or other such techniques.

"It's okay. I'm content if I can make a difference in other ways." Added Aoto. Although Hiruzen still harbored some regret, he decided not to act on it as they returned in silence. Since he was dressed normally, people could recognize him and salute him.

Hirzuzen not being regarded like a major celebrity and being able to move about normally made Aoto happy. Though people might recognize him but that didn't mean that the people would worship him as some kind of God.

Aoto liked living here because of this, among other things. There were enormous statues of well-known and influential people, but there wasn't a strong sense of adoration for them. Maybe their lore and their feats wasn't as magnified like his previous life and not worshiped hence. Regardless, he enjoyed this particular culture in this place.

"Hokage-sama, do you hold death row prisoners in your prisoners?" After a prolonged period of stillness, Aoot abruptly questioned.

"Huh!?" The hokage who had just welcomed a little child while traveling.

"Yes the prisoners who you think will be put to death. Have you got them?" Aoto re-asked.

"We do have some from other villages. Why are you asking?" Hiruzen couldn't understand why Aoto had no interest in convicts.

"Bring one of them over to my house tonight. I'll demonstrate something fascinating for you." Aoto spoke while flashing a mysterious smile. Hiruzen immediately knew what he was getting it and asked.

"Is it some kind of cruel experiment?" He felt a little uneasy as he considered the inhumane experiments. He could still clearly recall going to Orochimaru's lab to capture him. It was covered in blood, had bodies with limbs severed from them, and was full of dead bodies, including small children. (The gory part was there in the manga, but it was never shown in the anime)

"No.. No.. It's going to save the lives of people during troubled times." He was reassured by Aoto.

"I'll be there after dark." Hiruzen was confused about why he wanted a prisoner that was supposed to put to death but he had faith in Aoto since he had said so. Truth be told, the marijuana and the chicken had already won his heart all this time, and he had never let him down. Now he was a regular buyer of the weed and love to inhale one before he went to sleep.

However, Aoto was quite rigorous about how much weed he could have, only allowing him two or three times each week. Aoto was subject to this restriction for his own good, Hiruzen also understood. They separated on their ways as they  went to their own places later.

Later that night.

Aoto had urged his roommates to go to sleep and was now eagerly awaiting Hiruzen's arrival while waiting for him on the roof. Since everything was in order and he was in Konoha secure, there was really no point in making them wait for him.

Hiruzen finally arrived while smoking his pipe after a 30-minute wait in the full moon night and the sound of insects chirping all about. It wasn't just him. Two more people were with him.

Kakashi himself was one of them, while the other was a ninja who appeared to be restrained by strong iron chains around his hands, feet, and his neck. He appeared to be someone who was through some sort of slave trade. His lower body is covered in loose-fitting black slacks that taper at the ankles, while his upper body is covered in a dark blue flak jacket. On his forehead, he was sporting a headband marked with a stylised cloud. But there was a cut above the cloud.

It indicated that he was from the Hidden Cloud Village, or Kumogakure no Sato.

The rough edge on the line indicated that the cut was made by hand kunai. This demonstrated that the ninja was a rogue and had left the town.

Kakashi-san: "Oh. It's been a while. Aoto replied after casting a quick glimpse at the brought-in man. As he was restrained and transported to this location, he didn't appear to be showing many emotions on his face.

"Ah..Aoto.. It has been a while. How are you?" He and Kakashi exchanged the customary greetings. Aoto pulled a vial out of his pocket after engaging in some light chat.

"What is it?" Hokage, who had been remaining mute while they both talked and ignored him, finally spoke up.

"My latest and limited invention." Added Aoto.

"What does it do?" Kakashi had already known of the various weird things that Aoto was sold and he himself benefited a lot from it.

"You will know soon. In order to show you, you will have cut one limb from this guy."