Hokoma...
As Tazuka and the other three Anbu Ninjas shifted their gazes, Chiba's eyes also fell on Hokoma. However, a faintly inexplicable look flashed across his face.
At that moment, the Third Hokage's assistant seemed somewhat unfamiliar to him.
Compared to before, Hokoma had clearly changed, whether in build, appearance, or temperament.
In terms of appearance, Chiba's eyes first fell on Hokoma's face. At this moment, a long scar ran down from his right temple to his chin, intersecting with the scar beneath his eyes that stretched across both cheeks to form a cross. As a Medical Ninja, Chiba knew that the wounds which had left those two scars had, without exaggeration, nearly killed Hokoma. Even the exposed skin on his hands bore faint scars, almost giving the impression that his entire body was covered in them, without an inch of unblemished skin.
As for his temperament, Hokoma felt much steadier to him. His entire body seemed to exude an unshakable air, making him appear even more shrewd and capable. There was no doubt that Hokoma had been thoroughly tempered during the Third Great Ninja War. The Hokoma before him felt completely different from the one Chiba had known before.
To be honest, it might have been somewhat disrespectful to say so, but although the previous Hokoma had also seemed shrewd and capable, he had possessed rather little presence when standing beside the Third Hokage. Now, however, Chiba could say with certainty that even standing beside the Hokage, Hokoma would draw attention. And that attention would not simply be because of his appearance or the scar on his face, but because of his bearing.
"Alright, alright! Leave this to the Anbu. Everyone, disperse. It's fine now, it's fine. Move along, everyone!"
At that moment, facing Tazuka's salute and everyone's stares,