[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for having a sweet dream while sleeping. You can choose one of the following two rewards.]
Two rewards?
Indeed, this sleep was not in vain.
[1. Genjutsu]
[2. Sealing Technique]
The Host can choose only one.
Genjutsu and sealing techniques each had their merits.
But as a member of the Uchiha clan, who already possessed the Sharingan, did Nanaya really need to learn Genjutsu?
Not at all.
"Sealing Technique!" Nanaya decided almost immediately.
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for acquiring:]
[Dead Demon Consuming Seal]
[Reaper Death Seal]
All at once, the detailed information for these two advanced sealing techniques flooded Nanaya's mind.
The Dead Demon Consuming Seal?
Who would ever use such a self-destructive technique?
Nanaya pouted. "It's as good as not getting a reward."
---
A Special Mission
Despite his grumbling, life went on. Nanaya had been a Special Genin for some time now, thanks to his stellar performance in D-class missions.
Iruka, who often oversaw his missions, couldn't stop praising Nanaya for his active participation.
But today was different.
A special mission awaited him.
After packing his gear, Nanaya headed to the Hokage building.
Inside, the Third Hokage sat at his desk, surrounded by stacks of documents. Smoke lingered in the air as he turned the pages.
Iruka stood silently nearby, watching the Hokage work.
The room was quiet, save for the rustling of papers and the faint clinking of the Hokage's pipe.
Nanaya entered confidently.
"Lord Hokage, you mentioned a special mission that would benefit my future development. What is it?"
The Third Hokage chuckled.
"Nanaya, you've done well in your D-rank missions. Today, I'm assigning you a personal instructor to guide you one-on-one."
---
A New Instructor
One-on-one guidance?
This was an unprecedented privilege in Konoha.
But Nanaya immediately shook his head in refusal.
With his current strength, why would he need an instructor?
"No need," Nanaya said bluntly. "I work better alone."
Having an instructor would only feel like a restriction—a burden, even.
The Third Hokage frowned slightly. "Nanaya, this is for your benefit. With proper guidance, you'll rise to the rank of Chūnin—or even Jōnin—much faster. You could become an important asset to the village."
Iruka, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "Nanaya, Lord Hokage is only looking out for your future."
Nanaya yawned, clearly unimpressed.
The truth was, staying in Konoha sometimes made him restless. With his current abilities, he could easily defect and leave the village if he wanted.
Why aim for Chūnin or Jōnin when freedom was so much more appealing?
---
The Hokage's Motives
The Third Hokage, however, had his reasons. Assigning a personal Jōnin mentor to Nanaya was not just about improving his skills.
It was also a way to monitor him.
As a member of the Uchiha clan, Nanaya warranted close observation—especially given the recent events involving his clan.
Sasuke, the other remaining Uchiha, was still in the academy under the watchful eyes of teachers like Iruka.
Nanaya, despite his lack of traditional Uchiha talents, was still someone to keep an eye on.
After a moment of thought, Nanaya's expression shifted.
"Lord Hokage," he said with a sly smile. "Alright, I accept."
---
A Bold Entrance
Iruka blinked in surprise. Had they just begged Nanaya into accepting their offer?
Before the Hokage could reply, a loud CRASH shattered the room's calm.
The glass behind the Hokage's desk exploded into shards.
A figure in a gray coat burst through the opening, landing gracefully beside Nanaya.
Before Nanaya could react, the figure hooked their arm around his neck, pulling him into a tight headlock.
Nanaya bent forward, his cheeks squished awkwardly. A soft, warm sensation pressed against his face, though he wasn't sure if it was comforting or humiliating.
A bold, female voice rang out.
"Well, Lord Hokage, the Genin you asked me to mentor turns out to be a handsome one!"
The figure shook Nanaya's head vigorously, causing his cheeks to rub against something soft.
His words came out muffled. "W-Who is this?"
---
Mitarashi Anko
Nanaya's vision was partially blocked by black fishnet stockings—a bold and revealing outfit that was as much a statement as it was impractical.
Black fishnet clothes and matching stockings hugged the figure's curves, emphasizing a slender yet athletic frame.
The Third Hokage coughed awkwardly, his face reddening.
"Anko, you're being a bit… inappropriate."
Sarutobi Hiruzen, known for his occasional perversion, secretly wished he were the one in Nanaya's position.
Meanwhile, Iruka stood frozen, his face flushed red as steam practically poured out of his ears.
The woman finally released Nanaya and scratched the back of her head sheepishly.
"Sorry about that, Lord Hokage! It's my first time mentoring a Genin, so I got a little excited."
The woman was none other than Mitarashi Anko—Konoha's carefree and outspoken kunoichi.
---
An Unexpected Mentor
Nanaya straightened himself, taking a moment to process the situation.
Anko Mitarashi? His new mentor?
The same Anko who would one day proctor the infamous Forest of Death in the Chūnin Exams?
At this point in time, Anko was only a year or two older than Nanaya. Despite her relatively young age, she had already gained a reputation for her bold personality and daring fashion sense.
"Cough, cough," the Hokage interrupted, trying to regain his composure. "Anko, you'll need to pay for the window you just broke."
"Ah… ha ha… of course, Lord Hokage," Anko replied, laughing nervously.
Nanaya, still in a slight daze, found himself staring.
The idea of being mentored by someone as lively—and reckless—as Anko was both intriguing and exhausting.
"Well, this should be fun," Nanaya muttered under his breath, a mix of amusement and resignation in his voice.