The Client's Request

Two hours later, at the entrance of Konoha Village.

Because this was an out-of-village mission, Veigar appeared at the meeting point right on time, dressed in light gear. Not long after, Kakashi Hatake arrived as well, and finally, Minato Namikaze walked over slowly, accompanied by Takeuchi Joji.

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

The two nodded quickly and replied, "We are ready!"

Then, Minato Namikaze said, "In that case, Minato Squad, move out."

The two replied once more, "Yes, Teacher Minato."

After Minato Namikaze handed the mission authorization to the ninja guarding the village gate, the group of four walked out of the gates of Konoha Village.

This was the first time in a long while that Veigar had left the interior of Konoha Village. Once outside, looking at the surrounding mountains and forests filled with trees and breathing in air free from the dust and smoke of the village, Veigar felt a sense of boundless freedom, as if the sky and sea were his to roam.

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

Minato Namikaze was very satisfied with the performance of Veigar and Kakashi Hatake, nodding to himself.

Minato Namikaze did not find it strange that Kakashi Hatake, who had been on missions outside the village with him before and had gained considerable experience, was staying vigilant about the surroundings at all times.

However, Minato Namikaze saw the same level of vigilance in Veigar, which forced him to praise the boy.

Average Genin, when going on their first mission outside the village, would not be as vigilant about their surroundings as Veigar was.

Furthermore, Veigar's positioning was very deliberate; he was perfectly aligned with Kakashi Hatake, one on the left and one on the right, shielding Takeuchi Joji and effectively minimizing any danger to the client.

Such actions proved that Veigar had a thorough understanding of the regulations in the Ninja Code.

Because they had a civilian like Takeuchi Joji in the group, the party's pace was not fast. It would take about two days to reach Yamagō Village.

Moreover, this was only because Takeuchi Joji had intentionally quickened his pace; otherwise, it would have taken at least three days.

As the sky gradually grew dim, Veigar welcomed his first night since leaving the village for a mission.

After selecting a location that was easy to defend and difficult to attack, the group of four began to set up camp and lit a fire.

After eating a simple dinner, Minato Namikaze said to Veigar and Kakashi Hatake, "To prevent any night attacks, I have decided to arrange for the two of you to take turns keeping watch."

"Kakashi, you will be responsible for the first half of the night, and then you will hand it over to Veigar for the second half."

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

Just as Minato was continuously instructing Veigar on the precautions to take while on a mission, Takeuchi Joji, who was nearby, approached them. With a hesitant expression, he seemed to have something he wanted to say.

Seeing this look on Takeuchi Joji's face, the three felt puzzled. Minato Namikaze was the first to speak, asking, "Mr. Jōji, is there something you would like to say?"

Under their gaze, Takeuchi Joji looked nervous, his tone flustered as he replied, "Lord Minato, I, I..."

The three of them did not speak, waiting quietly for Takeuchi Joji to continue.

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

After speaking, Takeuchi Joji bowed deeply to Minato Namikaze, his head lowered and his back bent, his tone filled with worry.

Looking at the pleading expression on Takeuchi Joji's face, Minato Namikaze asked, "Mr. Jōji, there is no need for this."

"If there is something on your mind, please speak plainly."

Upon hearing this, Takeuchi Joji sensed that Minato Namikaze seemed willing to help, so he quickly said, "I know that because of me, our progress has been delayed."

"Therefore, I would like you to go on ahead alone to save our village, and just leave me behind to travel on my own."

"I beg of you!"

Minato Namikaze, Veigar, and Kakashi Hatake exchanged glances. Regarding Takeuchi Joji's request, they could not make a decision immediately.

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

It must be known that Takeuchi Joji was the client for this mission. If anything were to happen to him, even if they completed the mission, they would have no way to obtain the mission completion receipt.

This would be equivalent to their mission being recorded as a failure.

However, Takeuchi Joji's willingness to make a sacrifice for his village moved the three of them, even if it went against the rules.

After a while, Veigar and Kakashi Hatake looked at each other, having made up their minds. They turned to Minato Namikaze simultaneously and said 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 who would strictly follow the Ninja Code in the future.

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

As for Veigar, who was on his first mission outside the village, he also chose the latter, though he did not intend to act exactly as Takeuchi Joji had requested.

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

The resolve Minato Namikaze alluded to was the regulations within the Ninja Code.

Kakashi Hatake nodded quickly 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 find a compromise. You, Teacher, can rush to the village where the mission is located to complete it."

"Then, Kakashi and I will escort Mr. Jōji back."

As soon as Veigar finished speaking, Kakashi Hatake hurriedly turned his head to stare at the serious expression on the boy's face, feeling astonished that Veigar had been the one to come up with such a method.

At only six years old and lacking sufficient life experience, Kakashi Hatake had not thought that far ahead just moments ago; he had merely made a simple choice.

As for Minato Namikaze, the look in his eyes as he gazed at Veigar was filled with more gratification than shock.

One reason was that what Veigar had said aligned with the decision he himself had intended to make.

However, he was slightly worried that Veigar and Kakashi Hatake might not be able to successfully escort Takeuchi Joji to his destination.

The second reason was that Veigar's words made him feel that the boy was very adaptable, as well as being a person with great initiative and a kind heart.