"Is that so? Koharu, she..."
Slowly setting down the scroll in her hand, Biwako Sarutobi looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, who was frowning as he puffed away at his pipe. She let out a soft sigh, and even her stern expression seemed tinged with wistfulness.
"Mm..."
In response to his wife's sigh, Hiruzen Sarutobi merely grunted thoughtfully, offering no particular reaction.
"Then, what do you plan to do?"
Hearing that thoughtful hum, Biwako Sarutobi seemed to sigh again before asking.
"Me? What plans could I possibly have?"
At this, Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a long sigh and slowly lowered his pipe, his lips twisted in a bitter smile.
"Actually, I don't really agree with making Chiba an assistant either. When it was only temporary, it was a good opportunity for him to gain experience. But if he becomes an official assistant, that would be somewhat inappropriate."
Looking at her bitterly smiling husband, Biwako Sarutobi voiced her own thoughts. From her words, she seemed to agree with Utatane Koharu and oppose Chiba formally becoming the Hokage Assistant.
"Minato is the one in charge now. This matter still depends on what Minato wants. If Minato insists, then I should support him."
Listening to his wife, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke with considerable helplessness.
In truth, he bore some responsibility for this matter. On the day Minato Namikaze took office, he had proposed training Hokage candidates early. Now, Minato Namikaze was merely carrying out the policy he had left behind. It would be rather inappropriate for him to oppose it now.
Besides, he approved of training Chiba as well. Since Chiba had been chosen as a future Hokage, the current Hokage naturally had to consult him, the former Hokage who was still around.
He had also felt that Chiba was highly suitable.
He