Asuma got to his feet and left without seeming to wait for Sarutobi Daigo. Still, after looking around at the others, Sarutobi Daigo rose and followed Asuma.
Along the way, the two listened as the others discussed gathering under the pretense of holding a meeting, then how they would proceed afterward.
Asuma's face was as dark as water as he led Sarutobi Daigo to his own courtyard.
After they entered, they found a ninja wearing sunglasses and a headscarf, dressed in a tight black combat uniform, teaching ninjutsu to a half-grown child.
"Uncle, you're back!" The child was Sarutobi Konohamaru.
The man beside him was his tutor, Ebisu.
"Ebisu-sensei, let's end today's lesson here."
Ebisu looked at Asuma, then at Sarutobi Daigo behind him, recalling that the Sarutobi Clan was holding a gathering today.
He roughly guessed that something had happened.
"Very well, Lord Asuma. I'll come again tomorrow."
Asuma spoke evenly. "I'll be home for the next two days. Ebisu-sensei, come back on the third day."
"Understood." Ebisu then said goodbye to Konohamaru and left.
The situation outside was grim, and Konohamaru had long known what had happened to his grandfather.
It was an enormous blow to him.
Fortunately, Asuma had taken care of him and promptly brought him home.
Asuma instructed Konohamaru, "Pack your things immediately. I'm taking you on a long-distance mission today."
"Really, Uncle!?"
Surprise and eagerness appeared on Konohamaru's face.
By all rights, he should have graduated around this time, but he had remained at home and had never gone out.
Naturally, he had long dreamed of doing missions.
Asuma said seriously, "Of course. You have one hour to pack. Otherwise, I won't take you this time."
"Yes!" Konohamaru quickly agreed and hurried into his room to pack.
Once Konohamaru had left, Asuma said to