"That's all."
Inside the Hokage's office, Kakashi finished his mission report and analysis of the situation.
He reported on the unknown third party and the gruesome state of the battlefield.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was a little grave.
As the Professor, countless possibilities had flashed through his mind.
But the problem wasn't there.
The problem was, were these people really friends of Konoha...
From a wartime interest standpoint, yes.
The dead Hidden Mist ninjas were the best relationship.
But also...this was war.
Besides interests, nothing could be trusted.
This was the experience of a lifetime of war for Hiruzen, and it was an iron rule paid for by countless blood and lives.
"A suspected high-level Fire Release Ninjutsu..."
Muttering, Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned even more.
Kakashi was also thinking on the side.
"Third Hokage, is it possible...that it was the Cloud's doing."
"The two sides appeared at the same time. Given the Cloud's nature, the probability of a conflict is high."
Kakashi guessed.
Hiruzen thought for a moment, and finally shook his head.
"Right now...it's best not to jump to conclusions."
Indeed.
Based on the location of the battlefield, it wouldn't be strange for Hidden Cloud ninjas to appear.
In fact, as the richest major power, the Land of Fire also occupied the richest land, and it was also the target of other countries.
It wouldn't be strange for ninjas from any country to appear in their territory...
But from the location, the Hidden Cloud, which was closest to the Hidden Mist, was indeed the most likely.
But...
Konoha really couldn't afford to make too many enemies right now.
Although there were many frictions at the Hidden Cloud front, they were still within a controllable range.
In Hiruzen Sarutobi's view, it was better to maintain peace.
After all...
Konoha was really short on manpower.
The Fourth Hokage had died in battle.
Orochimaru had defected.
Konoha was really short of talent...
"Forget it, since you didn't have a conflict with the enemy, let's just leave this matter as is for now."
After a long time, Hiruzen Sarutobi ultimately didn't want to dig deeper into this "mysterious third party" in this situation.
"The Anbu found one of Orochimaru's hideouts. To be safe, I haven't sent anyone down to investigate yet."
"Kakashi, since you're back, I'll leave Orochimaru's hideout to you."
Hearing the man's name, Kakashi's eyes instinctively became wary.
That man hadn't been captured back to Konoha.
"Oh, right, isn't there Haruko, Orochimaru's former disciple, on your team."
"Go together, it's also a training for her."
"And maybe there will be unexpected gains."
Hiruzen Sarutobi added.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed instantly!
Instinctively, he wanted to reject the mission.
To be precise, he wanted to reject the personnel allocation.
But when he saw the Third Hokage's tired eyes...
"Yes!"
......
"Little Haruko, Uncle advises you, you can't run around like that next time!"
"That's right, that's right. It's lucky nothing happened. Otherwise, it would be difficult."
"You also saw the Captain's face, didn't you? Something was wrong, right?"
Anbu.
Captain Kakashi was reporting at the Hokage's office.
A group of adults were lecturing a little girl.
Qingchuan, code-named Green Tea, apologized frantically, saying that he had realized his mistake.
"Sorry, I caused you trouble..."
Green Tea Qingchuan bowed again.
Sigh.
Life is not easy.
Going out to earn extra money, I feel like I offended the whole world...
Qingchuan smiled and admitted his mistakes while thinking about what excuse he should use next time to sneak out.
Soon.
Kakashi came back.
The Anbu immediately became serious and looked at Kakashi.
"We don't have to go to the Hidden Mist for now. Someone in the Anbu will take over our previous mission."
Kakashi looked around at everyone, and finally his eyes fell on the girl.
"Next is the usual surveillance mission, but not for me and Haruko."
"The Third Hokage has other arrangements... Dismissed!"
The Anbu dispersed.
In the not-so-spacious lounge, only Kakashi and Qingchuan were left.
Kakashi's eyes were tangled.
He even regretted not rejecting the Third Hokage's order.
Orochimaru's hideout...
Was too dangerous.
He didn't expect Konoha to be so short of manpower.
But he wasn't sure if this was the Third Hokage's deliberate arrangement.
Could it be that...the Third Hokage still couldn't trust Haruko's innocence?
Or was he just trying to train Haruko and get out of Orochimaru's shadow?
Kakashi, who usually didn't ask the reason for the mission, rarely questioned the mission itself.
"Kakashi-senpai?"
At this time, the girl's suspicious and expectant voice brought Kakashi back to reality.
Looking at Haruko in front of him, Kakashi's eyes gradually became firm.
"It's one of Orochimaru's hideouts. The Third Hokage sent the two of us to investigate."
Kakashi slowly explained the situation of the mission.
Hearing this, Qingchuan, who thought there was some special mission, froze.
"Nani?!"
———— 🌟🌟 ————
ps:Support and join my Patreon
patreon.c@om/chenc11 [Remove @]
You can read up to 40 premium chapters.