Hokage Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi removed his Hokage hat with a nostalgic expression. He beckoned warmly, gesturing for Seisui to sit in the chair across from him.
"You've really been troubled by this. Matters at home had to weigh on a child like you, and that leaves this old man rather ashamed."
"Come sit, Seisui. Let this old man take a good look at Kagami's descendant, at the village's future."
Seisui returned Hiruzen Sarutobi's smile with a sunny one of his own and sat down without hesitation, as though they were already well acquainted.
Though this was only Seisui's first meeting with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
After Asuma and his Hokage father's astonishing kneeling incident...
Amid his shock, Hiruzen Sarutobi had heard his once-rebellious son criticize his own past behavior, as well as his heartfelt admiration for Seisui and his desire to become teammates with him.
This delighted Hiruzen Sarutobi. The little brat at home had finally grown sensible!
Yet at the same time, his years of administrative experience made him catch a whiff of something delicate.
Thus, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had originally intended to observe Seisui for a while longer, was prompted by Asuma to seek Seisui out early and take the initiative to speak with him as both an elder and the Hokage.
Seisui keenly sensed Hiruzen Sarutobi's thoughts. Without waiting for him to lay any groundwork, he directly told the Hokage father the general content of his conversation with Asuma.
So far, everything Seisui said matched perfectly with Asuma's account, gradually putting Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind at ease.
But that was not enough. Konoha's Hokage still had one final test for Seisui.
"Lord Hokage, I don't think Asuma's matter has been troublesome in any way. On the contrary, I've enjoyed spending time with him. He's an enthusiastic, sunny, and talented ninja."