Meanwhile, at the Hokage Building, in the Hokage's Office.
Under the same white light, Minato Namikaze frowned. After hesitating for a moment, he handed the scroll in his hand to the Anbu Ninja kneeling on one knee before him.
"Make sure it reaches Assistant Agent. And remember, everything must remain confidential."
Then, with a grave expression, he spoke.
"Yes..."
The Anbu Ninja nodded in acknowledgment, but did not leave immediately. Instead, he hesitated.
"What is it?"
Seeing the Anbu Ninja's demeanor, Minato Namikaze's brow furrowed slightly as he asked.
"This... do we really have to do this? Lord Hokage, do we really have to follow Lord Hokoma's wishes? This... this is such a shame!"
Hearing the Hokage's question, the Anbu paused. As if making up his mind, he spoke.
His words carried a deep regret over the order written on the scroll in his hand.
"I see. Were you the one who had been protecting Hokoma all this time? Thank you—for protecting him all this time."
Upon hearing the Anbu's words, Minato Namikaze was initially taken aback. Then he understood the reason and spoke.
As an assistant, Hokoma had also been an influential figure in the village. He understood the village's operational structure and all sorts of circumstances, making him an extremely important person. Even while on leave, someone had to protect him in secret.
He had not expected that the Anbu currently on duty before him was the very one who had once been assigned to protect Hokoma. What a coincidence.
And if he knew Hokoma's last words, then it was hardly strange that he knew the contents of the order on the scroll.
"No! Lord Hokage, you honor me too much. It was my duty."
Caught off guard by the Hokage's sudden thanks, the Anbu Ninja was nearly