Kusagakure, approved.
Those four simple characters were written on the unfurled scroll, reflected in the Third Hokage's slightly surprised eyes.
"Is the information accurate?"
Then, after checking that no one was nearby, the Third Hokage spoke those words.
"One hundred percent accurate."
A voice sounded from the shadows behind the Third Hokage.
"Then, has Chiba returned to the village?"
Hearing this, the Third Hokage calmly rolled up the scroll in his hand. His gaze shifted downward, as though he had merely seen something insignificant.
His response also sounded and appeared to be an inconsequential remark.
"Yes. According to the message Lord Chiba sent, he has already returned to Konoha."
A definite reply came from the shadows behind him.
As an Anbu directly under the Third Hokage who had established an intelligence connection with Lord Chiba over the past half year, he had mostly received information passively. However, Lord Chiba's activities had seemingly become more frequent during these six months. Basically, there had been news of him every ten days or half a month, and several reports had even come in over the past few days.
Among them was news that he would soon return to the village. Although there had been no information whatsoever about Uchiha Nobuhiko, Lord Chiba had clearly sent word that he had already returned, and that message had arrived together with this scroll.
"Is that so..."
The Third Hokage nodded.
So, he had already returned.
He had said before that he would return during these Chunin Exams, but the Third Hokage had not expected him to truly come back.
Moreover, it seemed he had been back for quite some time, at least long enough to investigate Kusagakure.
Then, my decision should not be wrong.
That thought crossed the Third Hokage's mind.
Clearly, the word "approved" on