It's Too Troublesome to be Hokage

"Lord Nara is gone!"

Taketake Tonbo cried out in shock.

Unlike Nara Shikadan, who came from a prestigious clan…

Unlike Sarutobi Asuma, the direct son of the Hokage…

And unlike Yūhi Kurenai, whose father was a seasoned Jonin…

Taketake Tonbo was just an ordinary civilian-born ninja.

The knowledge Nara Shikano had shared about the Summoning Technique was rare "high-level intel" for a civilian Chūnin like him—it had been genuinely enlightening.

Which was why, when Nara Shikano vanished in a puff of smoke, Totake was the one most visibly shaken.

"Calm down, Chūnin Tonbo."

Yamanaka Inoichi stepped in calmly.

"That smoke was from a Reverse Summoning Technique. It was likely triggered by the white monkey summoning beast earlier. Under the Third Hokage's command, it must have summoned Lord Shikano back to the village."

"He's probably in the Hokage's office right now, reporting the mission status."

Relieved by Inoichi's explanation, Taketake Tonbo quickly settled down.

Nara Shikadan, however, was still staring at the spot where the old patriarch had disappeared.

"I've already learned the [Summoning Technique], but I haven't learned the [Reverse Summoning Technique] yet. I'll have to ask the patriarch to teach me later."

"Unlike regular summoning, reverse summoning can be initiated by the summoned beast—or used by the summoner proactively."

"In combat, it's an excellent method to avoid danger or retreat temporarily."

"But of course, before I can use it, I need to find a suitable summoning contract partner first…"

"Now where should I look?"

Before he could consider further—

Bang!

Another puff of smoke erupted, and Nara Shikano reappeared before them.

"I've reported the situation to the Hokage."

His voice had lost its earlier tension. In fact, he now seemed rather relaxed.

"As per the Third Hokage's orders, we'll proceed with the mission to clear out bounty hunters along the route. Support from the village is already on its way, so don't worry."

Of course, Shikano wasn't requesting backup because he believed their group incapable of finishing the B-rank mission [Bounty Hunter]. Even if Ino-Shika-Chō were in rough shape, not just any random rogue could pose a serious threat.

No—the reason was Kakuzu, who might still be lurking nearby. And the mysterious "invisible ninja" who had yet to show themselves.

Better safe than sorry.

Nara Shikano didn't intend to let his final ninja mission end in disaster.

"Now then, where were we?"

He glanced around as if resuming a casual lecture.

"Ah—ninja dogs of the Inuzuka clan, and crows of the Yamashiro clan!" Taketake Tonbo replied eagerly.

"That's right."

Shikano leaned on the deer cart, speaking at an easy pace.

"The Inuzuka and Yamashiro clans are unique in that they specialize in breeding summoning animals. Their summoned beasts—ninja dogs and ninja crows—have become entire clans of their own."

"Because the clans themselves have relatively few members, the beasts they breed often outnumber their handlers. Which raises a question—what do they do with the excess?"

"The solution they devised was to rent or sell the more capable animals to the village."

"These ninja dogs possess exceptional scent-tracking skills, and the crows have aerial mobility—abilities that most standard shinobi lack."

"As a result, the village allocates extra funding to raise these creatures. They're even issued Konoha forehead protectors and organized into official support units."

"Ninjas outside the Inuzuka and Yamashiro clans can apply for summoning rights through a formal process."

"Of course, this kind of contract is mutual—two-way."

"Some talented ninja might bond with multiple ninja dogs right away."

"But others, less compatible, might not be able to contract a single beast at all."

Shikadan's thoughts immediately turned to Hatake Kakashi and his eight ninja dogs—especially Pakkun.

"Could Kakashi have signed his contract with the eight dogs this way?"

"Come to think of it… all of them do wear Konoha forehead protectors."

*"That would explain it. They aren't just dogs—they're part of the ninja system."

"Mr. Nara!"

Taketake Tonbo raised his hand eagerly.

"If I want to form a summoning contract with a ninja dog or crow, where do I apply?"

"That would be the Animal Training and Rehabilitation Division under the Medical Corps," Shikano replied.

"They manage all ninja beast-related matters for the village."

"You could also approach the Inuzuka or Yamashiro clans directly. Since they run the business themselves, they won't refuse a potential client."

Tonbo etched this into his memory.

For a civilian ninja like him, Chūnin was often the peak of a career. But with a summoning beast at his side, he might have a shot at becoming a Special Jonin one day...

Nara Shikadan, however, raised an eyebrow at the mention of the Animal Training and Rehabilitation Division.

He had always assumed it was just a glorified veterinary clinic—not a department handling high-level summoning contracts.

Unfortunately, he was no longer assigned there…

Besides, he didn't have much interest in ninja dogs or ninja crows.

"It'd be great if there were ninja deer…"

"Ah, that reminds me," Shikano said, as if noticing Shikadan's disinterest.

"There's also a very peculiar old turtle in the village—another summonable creature."

"But its personality is... eccentric. It's extremely selective when choosing contractors."

Shikadan perked up at that.

Meanwhile, Sarutobi Asuma couldn't help but interrupt.

"Hey, Nara Jonin—why do you keep talking about dogs and crows?"

"The Sarutobi clan has monkey summoning beasts too!"

"Indeed."

Shikano nodded evenly.

"But as you said—they're the exclusive summoning beasts of the Sarutobi clan."

"Except under rare circumstances, it's nearly impossible for someone outside your family to sign a monkey contract."

"There are many similar examples. For instance—"

"Jiraiya, with the toads of Mount Myōboku."

"Orochimaru, with the snakes of Ryūchi Cave."

"Tsunade-hime, with the slugs of the Shikkotsu Forest."

"All three contracts are personal relationships. They have nothing to do with the village system."

"Ordinary shinobi won't be able to sign with toads, snakes, or slugs, no matter how hard they try."

To put it bluntly—

Unless you were a direct disciple, you wouldn't get access to those kinds of secret techniques or personal summons.

And that rule applied to more than just summoning—it was true for most high-level ninjutsu.

"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Nara!" Tonbo said with deep sincerity.

Shikano gave a small wave, brushing off the gratitude.

He was about to say something else—when a flash of golden light entered their field of vision.

The newcomer was tall and well-built. His golden hair shone like sunlight, and his smile was gentle. Though he wore a standard Konoha vest, he seemed to shine with an aura all his own.

"Minato, you're still as fast as ever."

Nara Shikano turned to greet him with a relieved expression.

"You flatter me, Lord Shikano."

Namikaze Minato bowed politely, then turned to the others.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Namikaze Minato."

Shikadan nearly answered instinctively.

His eyes widened slightly.

Konoha's Yellow Flash—in the flesh!

So radiant!

The blonde hair. The blue eyes. The vest. That overwhelming speed…

"His current strength probably isn't at post-Third-War peak yet, but it should be close…"

"Can he trigger an A-rank battle mission right now?"

"Too bad [Flying Thunder God Technique] is an S-rank time-space jutsu—it can only be unlocked through an S-rank [Ninja Secret Scroll]…"

Unaware of Shikadan's inner scheming, Minato turned to Shikano.

"Lord Shikano, I scouted the area before arriving."

"I couldn't sense any trace of the high-chakra bounty hunter you mentioned."

"Given standard ninja movement speeds, he's likely not far. He may be hiding underground or moving via subterranean stealth."

"As expected of you, Minato."

Shikano nodded.

"If he's vanished entirely, there's no point pursuing him now."

"Let's continue with the mission."

Minato agreed. He walked over to Choza and produced a scroll.

"Brother Choza, here's a medical ninjutsu scroll from the village. It should help with your recovery."

"You're the best, Minato!" Choza grinned broadly.

If healing was possible, who wanted to fight while injured?

Minato's arrival added a reassuring presence to the team. The original plan resumed—the Konoha ninja continued clearing bounty hunters near the Fire Country's official roads.

As night fell, they made camp in a nearby village.

Nara Shikadan stood by the fire, still hesitating whether to approach Minato.

But before he could act, the old patriarch appeared beside him.

"Shikadan."

"Minato said you seemed like you had something you wanted to discuss with him?"

-End Chapter-

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