"above."
Inside the Hokage's office, Kakashi completed his mission report and situation analysis.
The report detailed the identities of the unidentified third party and the horrific conditions of the battlefield.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was somewhat somber.
As a ninja professor, countless possibilities had already flashed through his mind.
But that's not the problem.
The question is, are these people actually friends of Konoha...?
From the perspective of interests in war, yes.
The dead Kirigakure is the best example of a relationship.
But also... this is war.
You can't trust anything except interests.
This is the experience of Hiruzen Sarutobi throughout his life of battles, and an ironclad rule that countless people have paid for with their blood and lives.
"A possible high-level Fire Release ninjutsu...?"
After a moment of contemplation, Hiruzen Sarutobi's brows furrowed even more deeply.
Kakashi, standing next to him, was also deep in thought.
"Third Hokage, is it possible... that this was done by Kumogakure?"
"Given the nature of the Cloud Village, the chances of a conflict arising from the simultaneous appearance of both sides are not small."
Kakashi guessed.
Sarutobi pondered for a moment, and finally shook his head.
"It's best not to jump to conclusions now."
indeed.
Given the location of the battlefield, it's not surprising that Cloud Village ninjas would appear.
In fact, as the richest country, the Land of Fire also occupies the most fertile land, and is also a target of other countries.
It wouldn't be surprising to see ninjas from any clan in this territory...
However, in terms of location, Cloud Village, which is closest to Mist Village, is indeed the most likely candidate.
only....
Konoha really shouldn't make too many enemies right now.
Although there have been some frictions on the Cloud Hidden Front, they are still within a controllable range.
In Hiruzen Sarutobi's view, it was best to maintain peace.
after all....
Konoha is really short of manpower right now.
The fourth generation leader died in battle.
Orochimaru betrayed them.
Konoha is currently facing a severe talent shortage...
"Alright, since you haven't clashed with the enemy, let's leave it at that for now."
After a long while, Hiruzen Sarutobi still didn't want to delve deeper into the existence of such a "mysterious third party" under these circumstances.
"The Anbu has discovered Orochimaru's stronghold. Just to be on the safe side, I haven't sent anyone down to investigate yet."
"Kakashi, now that you're back, I'll leave Orochimaru's base to you."
Upon hearing the man's name, Kakashi's eyes instinctively became wary.
yes...
That man hasn't been captured and brought back to Konoha yet.
"By the way, isn't Haruko, Orochimaru's former apprentice before his betrayal, still in your team?"
"Let's go together. It will be a good experience for her too."
"And who knows, there might be some unexpected gains."
Hiruzen Sarutobi added.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed instantly!
Instinctively, he wanted to refuse the mission.
To be precise, it was the refusal of personnel to participate in this mission.
But when he saw the Third Hokage's tired eyes...
"yes!"
...
"Little Haruka, I advise you, you can't run around like that next time!"
"That's right, that's right. Luckily nothing happened, otherwise it might have been difficult to handle."
"You saw the captain's expression too, something's not right, is it?"
Dark area.
Captain Kakashi reports to the Hokage in his office.
A group of grown men were giving the young girl a long lecture.
Qingchuan, codenamed Green Tea, apologized profusely, saying he had realized his mistake.
"I'm sorry for the trouble..."
Green Tea and Green River bow once more.
well.
Life is tough.
Going out to earn some extra money feels like I've offended the whole world...
While apologizing with a forced smile, Qingchuan was also plotting what excuse he should use to sneak a bite next time.
soon.
Kakashi is back.
The group of ANBU members immediately quieted down and looked at Kakashi.
"We don't need to go to Kirigakure for now. Someone from the Anbu will take over our previous mission."
Kakashi looked around at everyone, but his gaze finally settled on the girl.
"Next is the usual surveillance mission, except for Haruko and me."
"The Third Hokage has other plans... Disperse!"
The group of secret agents dispersed in response.
In the not-so-spacious lounge, only Kakashi and Aokawa remained.
Kakashi's gaze was somewhat conflicted.
He even felt some regret, regretting that he hadn't refused the Third Hokage's order.
Orochimaru's stronghold...
That's too dangerous.
He never imagined that Konoha would be so short-handed.
But he wasn't sure if this was a deliberate arrangement by the Third Hokage.
Could it be... that the Third Generation still hasn't believed Haruko's innocence?
Or perhaps, he simply wanted to toughen Haruko up and help her get out of Orochimaru's shadow as soon as possible?
Kakashi, who usually doesn't ask why he performs a mission, unusually questioned the mission itself.
"Kakashi-senpai?"
At that moment, the girl's voice, filled with doubt and expectation, brought Kakashi back to reality.
Looking at Haruko in front of him, Kakashi's gaze gradually regained its resolve.
"It's Orochimaru's stronghold. The Third Hokage sent the two of us to investigate."
Kakashi slowly explained the details of the mission.
Upon hearing this, Qingchuan, who had assumed there was some special mission, was stunned.
"What?!"
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