"Hmm, Demon of the Mist Zabuza of Kirigakure was involved too? That really is quite an unexpected development..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the two Sealing Scrolls Kakashi had placed on the floor, as well as the Kubikiribōchō. A faint look of surprise appeared on his aged face.
A minor C-rank mission escalating directly into an A-rank mission was not unheard of, but such incidents were rare. For Team Seven, who had only just graduated, to encounter one was indeed beyond even Sarutobi Hiruzen's expectations.
Then, with a light wave of his hand—
An Anbu appeared at once, took the Sealing Scrolls and the Kubikiribōchō from the desk, and departed.
The two corpses held considerable research value. As for the Kubikiribōchō, even if Konoha did not keep it for its own use, it could serve as a bargaining chip in future negotiations with Kirigakure. All of them were unquestionably valuable.
"Now then, Kakashi, tell me what you think. What do you make of Menma?"
"Yes, Third Lord. I believe Menma is a ninja worthy of trust and cultivation. I believe that in the future, he will surely become a pillar of Konoha, just like the Fourth Lord."
Kakashi straightened up and responded in an unusually solemn tone.
At that moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen folded his hands atop the desk. An incomparably serious expression appeared on his face as he looked at Kakashi, as though he were confirming it again and again. For a moment, time itself seemed to have come to a standstill.
No one knew how long passed.
Only then did Sarutobi Hiruzen reveal a faint smile. He nodded lightly and said, "Mm, that is good. With Team Seven in your hands, I am most at ease. Kakashi, whether it is Menma, Sasuke, or Naruto, I hope they can all receive