"It was just a coincidence. We happened to catch the Iwagakure spies. Otherwise, there was no way we could have won against superior numbers so easily," Mu Yue answered humbly.
"How could that be a coincidence? That was your ability, Mu Yue." Hiruzen Sarutobi put away the documents in his hand and said with a chuckle.
"If you hadn't mastered a Ninjutsu capable of distinguishing malice, it wouldn't have been a victory against superior numbers. It would have been another crushing defeat."
Before Mu Yue uncovered those "Iwagakure spies," even Hiruzen Sarutobi had never imagined that there was still a Transformation Jutsu in the shinobi world capable of deceiving Perception Ninjutsu users.
By then, it would not have been as simple as losing a battle. Spies with all kinds of identities would have thrown everyone into a panic.
If another clan produced a spy, Hiruzen Sarutobi might only investigate them once. But if an Uchiha spy appeared, Hiruzen Sarutobi would immediately wonder whether the Uchiha were plotting a coup with other Ninja Villages.
When it came to the Uchiha, every Konoha higher-up questioned them first, because the Uchiha truly had a history of such things.
"Without Observation Haki, Iwagakure's spies really are impossible to guard against. Lord Third Hokage, I think we should select some shinobi with sensory talent to learn Observation Haki," Mu Yue said proactively when he saw Hiruzen Sarutobi steering the conversation toward the Iwagakure spies.
"If I'm the only one who has mastered Observation Haki, I can't cover too many places."
Since he was going to teach it eventually anyway, it was better for him to take the initiative. That way, everyone would save face.
"Your concern is not without reason, Mu Yue. It's just too much trouble for you." The smile on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face