Kakashi and the Third Hokage's Conversation

Team 7, having completed their mission in the Land of Waves and endured a long journey back, stopped at the Konoha gates.

Kakashi looked at the slightly weary faces of the three young shinobi and said in his usual lazy tone, though with a hint of concern, "The mission is complete, you've all worked hard. That's all for today. Let's meet at the usual spot tomorrow morning. Go back and get some good rest."

"This is great..."

Sakura rubbed her shoulders. Although her main role in the entire Land of Waves mission was traveling, she still felt exhausted.

However, the thought that she had spent most of this mission with Sasuke made her feel a little delighted inside.

She secretly hoped for more outdoor missions like this in the future, so she could spend more time with Sasuke-kun and give Ino no chance.

Sasuke remained aloof, hands in his pockets, and simply gave a faint "Hn" before turning to leave.

In this Land of Waves mission, they hadn't encountered any formidable enemies. The only ones they had fought were the Demon Brothers, whom they dispatched instantly.

This left Sasuke feeling somewhat unsatisfied.

His only gains were a more solid foundation, learning Chidori from Kakashi, hearing about Uchiha and Konoha history from Naruto's casual remarks, and the possibilities for Chidori's shape transformation...

Moreover...

Naruto not only provided pertinent guidance on his strength before but now could even point out the key to Chidori inadvertently.

Even Kakashi was astonished.

Sasuke decided to head to the training grounds immediately to try out the latest approach Naruto had suggested.

Naruto walked last, hands behind his head, appearing relaxed but his mind was already on future matters.

Since he had received inspiration from Orochimaru and established his future goals, he needed to become more high-profile.

Besides needing to be more high-profile, there were many other things he had to do...

Hokage's Office.

The white smoke from the burning pipe obscured Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression.

He carefully reviewed Kakashi's mission report, nodding at times and pondering at others.

"So, the mission in the Land of Waves ended with the bridge's successful completion and the client, Tazuna, safe, due to internal strife within Gato Company. The process seemed quite smooth."

The Third Hokage put down the report and looked at Kakashi, who stood before his desk.

"Yes, Lord Hokage," Kakashi replied. "Although we encountered the Demon Brothers from Kirigakure, it ended without any major incident."

"Hmm..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep puff of his pipe and slowly exhaled. "According to recent intelligence compiled by the Anbu, the situation in the Land of Waves appears to be more complex than what's written in your mission report."

Kakashi's heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained unchanged. "Oh?"

"Gato Shipping Company."

The Third Hokage tapped a section of the report that Kakashi had also briefly mentioned. "There was a drastic change within the company, not a simple internal dispute, but more like a swift, lightning-fast power grab."

"The former boss, Gato, reportedly 'died of a sudden illness,' but his core confidants were almost completely eradicated. The actions were clean and efficient, like a premeditated purge."

"Now, the company has been renamed 'Dawn Shipping,' ostensibly led by a butler of Gato's from his lifetime, but it's clear that ninja forces are heavily involved and controlling things from behind the scenes."

At this point, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up slightly, his gaze sharpening. "Kakashi, it's reasonable that you didn't encounter any other trouble during your time in the Land of Waves, but did you sense the chakra of ninja from other villages? Or... any unusual movements?"

Kakashi fell silent.

He wouldn't dare admit that he spent most of his time reading and slacking off.

"I did not directly detect anything," Kakashi replied calmly. "Gato was one of the world's wealthiest individuals; perhaps it was due to other enemies or internal power struggles. Lord Third, as you know, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and the descendant of the Uchiha must be strictly monitored, so I was burdened with that responsibility and didn't investigate further at the time."

"Is that so..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed at Kakashi for a moment before nodding, his tone softening as if he had merely asked a casual question. "Never mind. Regardless, the mission's successful completion is a good thing."

"How was the performance of Team 7, especially Naruto and Sasuke? I look forward to their performance in the upcoming Chunin Exams."

Kakashi secretly breathed a sigh of relief and followed up, "Naruto and Sasuke's growth speed has far exceeded expectations. I taught Sasuke Chidori, and Naruto... his strength is still formidable, and he cares deeply for his comrades. He often spends time with Sasuke. Team 7 is capable of participating in the Chunin Exams."

"Very good."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction. As long as Naruto still cared for his comrades, was an inheritor of the Will of Fire, and was within acceptable limits, he could temporarily rest easy.

He would also have something to report to Danzo and the elders.

After all, allowing the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to leave the village was a significant pressure for Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Just then, Kakashi spoke again, his voice more serious than before. "Lord Hokage, regarding my previous proposal... emphasizing the importance of teamwork and trust among comrades, and institutionalizing it, have you reached a decision?"

This matter concerned Kakashi's deep-seated conviction, and he had to confirm it again.

Upon hearing this, a flicker of barely perceptible annoyance crossed Hiruzen Sarutobi's face, but it was quickly masked by his usual benevolent smile.

Hiruzen Sarutobi first sighed and said in a confiding tone, "Kakashi, your intentions are good."

"The current ninja training and assessment system was developed through the exploration and practice of the First and Second Hokage, and it has its own profound meaning and rationale."

"Your proposed plan involves multiple layers and affects everything; it requires extremely careful consideration and coordination among various parties. It cannot be decided overnight."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke with deep sincerity, his words earnest and true, indirectly yet firmly expressing his refusal, hoping Kakashi would understand and back down.

After all, a ninja could only be a tool, not a thinking person.

Konoha needed tools, not people.

Therefore, the suggestion Kakashi had made was something Hiruzen Sarutobi was destined not to implement.

Kakashi frowned slightly.

He understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's words.

It was merely another way of saying "maintain the status quo."

Kakashi thought of Obito, thought of Rin... thought of those tragedies that could have been avoided.

A sense of unwillingness surged within him again, but he also understood that now was not the time for argument.

"I understand," Kakashi's voice returned to its usual languid tone, and he bowed slightly, "Then, I will take my leave."

Watching Kakashi's retreating figure.

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly leaned back in his chair, his gaze deepening once more. He picked up his pipe, took a deep puff, and let the smoke swirl around his office.

Tools didn't need so many ideas of their own.

Konoha, this great tree, needed branches and leaves that obeyed obediently.

New shoots that were too vigorous, trying to change the foundation, sometimes needed... proper pruning.