The Client's Request

Two hours later, at the entrance to Konoha Village.

Because this was a mission outside the village, Veigar appeared at the meeting point on time, dressed lightly for travel. Not long after, Kakashi Hatake arrived as well. Finally, Minato Namikaze came strolling over with Takeuchi Joji.

Looking at Veigar and Kakashi Hatake, Minato Namikaze asked, "Veigar, Kakashi, are you both ready?"

The two hurriedly nodded and replied, "We're ready!"

Then Minato Namikaze said, "In that case, the entire Minato Squad is setting out."

The two answered again, "Yes, Teacher Minato."

After Minato Namikaze handed the travel authorization to the ninja stationed at the village entrance, the four of them left through the gates of Konoha Village.

This was the first time Veigar had left Konoha Village since arriving there. The moment he stepped outside and saw the forests filled with trees all around him, breathing in air with less smoke and dust, he felt as though the sky and sea had opened before him, inviting him to roam freely.

Minato Namikaze, who walked at the front, kept his attention on Takeuchi Joji behind him and on Veigar and Kakashi Hatake walking side by side at the rear.

He was very satisfied with Veigar and Kakashi Hatake's performance, and secretly nodded in approval.

Kakashi Hatake had left the village with Minato Namikaze to carry out missions before. Given his considerable mission experience, Minato Namikaze did not find it strange that Kakashi remained alert to his surroundings at all times.

But Veigar displayed the same level of vigilance, which compelled Minato Namikaze to praise him as well.

An ordinary Genin on their first mission outside the village would not maintain such vigilance toward their surroundings like Veigar did.

Moreover, Veigar's position had been carefully chosen. Together with Kakashi Hatake, he protected Takeuchi Joji from both sides, greatly reducing the possibility of danger reaching the mission client.

This also proved that Veigar had a thorough understanding of the regulations in the Ninja Code.

Because Takeuchi Joji, an ordinary civilian, was traveling with them, the group did not move quickly. It would take a little over two days to reach Yamagō Village.

And that was only because Takeuchi Joji had deliberately increased his pace. Otherwise, it would have taken at least three days.

The sky gradually darkened, and Veigar welcomed his first night since leaving the village to carry out a mission.

After choosing a position that was easy to defend but difficult to attack, the four of them began setting up camp and started a fire.

After eating a simple dinner, Minato Namikaze said to Veigar and Kakashi Hatake, "To prevent us from being attacked at night, your teacher has decided to have the two of you take turns standing guard."

"Kakashi, you'll be responsible for the first half of the night. Veigar will take over during the second half."

Veigar and Kakashi Hatake hurriedly replied, "Yes, Teacher Minato."

Just as Minato was mainly instructing Veigar on the precautions to take while carrying out missions, Takeuchi Joji approached from the side. His hesitant expression made it seem as though he had something to say.

The three of them were puzzled by Takeuchi Joji's expression. Minato Namikaze was the first to ask, "Mr. Jōji, is there something you wanted to say?"

Under their gaze, Takeuchi Joji looked nervous and replied somewhat flusteredly, "Lord Minato, I—I..."

The three said nothing, quietly waiting for Takeuchi Joji to continue.

Then they heard Takeuchi Joji plead, "Lord Minato, could I ask you for a favor?"

After saying this, Takeuchi Joji bowed deeply to Minato Namikaze, lowering his head and bending at the waist. His voice was filled with worry.

Seeing the pleading look on Takeuchi Joji's face, Minato Namikaze asked, "Mr. Jōji, you don't need to do this."

"If there's something you want to say, please just say it."

When Takeuchi Joji heard this, he sensed that Minato Namikaze was willing to help and hurriedly said, "I know that I've slowed you down because of my situation."

"So I want you to go on ahead and save our village on your own. I can stay behind and make my way there alone."

"Please!"

Minato Namikaze, Veigar, and Kakashi Hatake exchanged glances. Faced with Takeuchi Joji's request, they were unable to make a decision for the moment.

That was because it did not comply with the village's regulations governing ninjas on missions outside the village.

Takeuchi Joji was the client for this mission. If something happened to him, then even if they completed the mission, they would have no way to obtain the proof of completion and receipt.

That would mean their mission would also be recorded as a failure.

However, Takeuchi Joji's earnest request and his willingness to sacrifice himself for the village moved the three of them, even though it went against the regulations.

After a while, Veigar and Kakashi Hatake exchanged a glance. They made their decision and looked toward Minato Namikaze, saying in unison, "Teacher Minato, please make the decision!"

At this time, Kakashi Hatake had not yet experienced the pain of losing his father. He was not yet the Kakashi Hatake of the future, who would carry out missions in strict accordance with the Ninja Code.

Faced with the choice between one person and an entire village, he chose the village in his heart.

Veigar, who was carrying out his first mission outside the village, also chose the latter. However, he did not intend to follow Takeuchi Joji's request completely.

Seeing Veigar and Kakashi Hatake's attitudes, Minato Namikaze smiled with relief and asked, "Have the two of you made your resolve?"

The resolve Minato Namikaze was referring to was the regulations in the Ninja Code.

Kakashi Hatake hurriedly nodded and replied, "Yes."

Veigar, however, shook his head and said, "Teacher Minato, I think we can split up."

Minato Namikaze looked at Veigar in surprise and asked, "Veigar, do you have an idea?"

Veigar replied, "Yes!"

"In response to Mr. Jōji's request, we can reach a compromise. You can hurry to the village where the mission is taking place and complete the mission first."

"Then Kakashi and I can escort Mr. Jōji back."

As soon as Veigar finished speaking, Kakashi Hatake quickly turned to stare at Veigar's solemn little face. He was astonished that Veigar had thought of such a solution.

Kakashi Hatake was only six years old, and his life experience was still limited. He had not thought that far just now and had merely made a simple choice.

At this moment, Minato Namikaze's eyes held more relief than shock as he looked at Veigar.

First, Veigar's proposal was also the decision he had intended to make.

What worried him slightly was that Veigar and Kakashi Hatake might not be able to escort Takeuchi Joji there safely.

Second, Veigar's words made Minato feel that Veigar knew how to adapt. He was also a very thoughtful and compassionate person.