Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura got up to say goodbye, preparing to mobilize the ninja and report the losses to the daimyo.
They had been in charge of these matters since the Third Hokage, and Sakumo entrusted them with these tasks with complete confidence.
After the two left, only Sakumo, Minato, Jiraiya, and Hiruzen remained in the room.
"Next, let's talk about that mysterious Puppet Master..." Sensing the atmosphere becoming somewhat indescribable, Hiruzen took out his pipe from his pocket and skillfully lit it.
Upon hearing Hiruzen mention the Puppet Master, everyone present turned their gaze to Sakumo.
Recalling the previous battle, a look of seriousness flashed across Sakumo's face.
"I didn't see the Puppet Master's face, but the puppeteer's skill in manipulating puppets was extremely high; in my memory, only Chiyo could rival her."
After finishing his sentence, Sakumo paused for a moment, then added, "The puppet controlled by the other party is also extraordinary. Not only does it resemble the Third Kazekage in appearance, but it can even use the opponent's most proficient Magnet Release."
Because of Magnet Release, Sakumo was unable to kill Sasori in time, only managing to sever Hiruko's thick tail.
"He can even use Magnet Release? He's practically a living person..."
Hiruzen paused, holding his pipe; it was the first time he had ever heard of this technique.
"Let's send a letter to Sunagakure about this matter first and see if they have any leads. After all, the two countries are currently nominal allies."
Minato offered his suggestion, glancing up at the clock on the wall.
It's almost time for Kushina to eat.
"Yes, thank you for your hard work, Minato. I'll leave this to you. Once you're done, you can go straight to Konoha Hospital."
Sakumo noticed Minato's subtle actions and smiled, indicating that he could leave.
"Thank you very much, Lord Sakumo. My apologies."
Upon hearing this, Minato immediately Flying Thunder God Technique to leave the room.
"Becoming a father has changed him. Minato, who used to be so composed no matter what happened, is now so impatient."
Jiraiya was about to make a joke when he was immediately rebuked by Hiruzen:
"How dare you say that? Your disciple already has children, and you're still wandering around like a rootless duckweed!"
Jiraiya was speechless after being confronted by Hiruzen. Avoiding Hiruzen's sharp gaze, he rolled his eyes where the other couldn't see.
Having informed everyone of the information Hidan already possessed, Jiraiya decided to remain silent.
"An immortal body, capable of casting evil Curse Mark, another formidable enemy." Seeing that Jiraiya dared not retort, Hiruzen did not press him further, tapped his pipe on the table, and put it back into his pocket.
"Too many people hate Konoha; this is the fate of ninjas."
Sakumo understood this perfectly; war brought only death, pain, and hatred to the ninjas.
Hatred, in particular, can become a chain that binds the fate of ninjas together, passing it down from generation to generation.
"Fortunately, Konoha's new generation has also grown up."
Sakumo suddenly remembered a phrase that Hiruzen often said.
Where Konoha dance in the air, fire continues to burn.
"Kazashiro, huh? I never expected that kid could actually Tailed Beast Transformation on his own. Being able to do that means he's become..."
Hiruzen with satisfaction, feeling no remorse whatsoever for accidentally injuring the Three-Tails with his staff.
"The Perfect Jinchuriki."
Jiraiya had once fought against Jinchuriki, couldn't help but speak up:
"In the history of ninjas, only the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha have been able to truly control Tailed Beast so far."
Upon hearing Jiraiya Madara Uchiha's name, the atmosphere instantly turned icy.
Could it be...?
Hiruzen suddenly thought of a possibility, but he immediately shook his head and rejected his guess.
How could that be? A person from the same era as the First Hokage, even if he didn't die at the Valley of the End, should have left the Shinobi World due to old age.
However, the first person he thought of was Madara Uchiha, a name that symbolizes power.
"So, in conclusion, I am now the team leader for this mission."
Looking at the three people of different ages in front of him, Kazashiro finished introducing himself.
"I never imagined I'd be working on a mission with the legendary Jonin, Kazashiro. Please allow me to treat you to a meal when we return to the village!"
Shi Haoguan, whose appearance was so similar to that of an ape that one might suspect he had Sarutobi Clan blood, Tokiyoshi Kan his eyes shining, showing no disrespect for Kazashiro despite his younger age.
Of course, he himself is still only a Genin, and he has no right to underestimate Kazashiro.
"Well, forget about the meal, you can choose to pay in cash."
Kazashiro waved his hand and made a joke.
"Ah?"
Tokiyoshi Kan was a little confused and subconsciously reached for his money bag.
Tokuma Hyuga, who was standing to the side, did not speak. He was two years younger than Kazashiro and was only Genin who had graduated from the Ninja Academy a few years ago. He was recommended to participate in the border patrol mission because the jonin he was leading was killed by Setsuna.
The last uncle...
"Uncle Kosuke, hello, thank you for your hard work on this mission."
Kazashiro greeted the other party with a smile. Before the mission began, he had heard Hiruzen introduce this "Eternal Genin". Putting him into Kazashiro's team can be regarded as making up for the team's lack of mid-level combat power.
"Haha, not at all."
The true Jinchuriki, the real scapegoat, Maruboshi Kosuke, has a kind face and no other distinguishing features except for the large iron pot he carries on his back.
From a distance, he looks like a passerby who happens to be passing by.
Anyway, let's go!
With a wave of his hand, Kazashiro led three Genin to the northeastern border of the Land of Fire.
Then the fifth day arrived.
Looking at the footprints on the ground, Kazashiro tried hard to recall what Makoto Ito had taught him.
Tracking, traces, and deception...
Oh no, I can't remember anything!
Fortunately, Maruboshi Kosuke noticed Kazashiro's predicament and casually explained, "This should be a mark left by the border patrol team; the pattern matches Konoha's standard equipment."
"I see."
How did you figure that out?!
While Maruboshi Kosuke continued to investigate the trail, Tokiyoshi Kan was busy checking the defensive traps, Kazashiro quietly lifted his foot to compare the two patterns.
As dusk fell, Maruboshi Kosuke took the opportunity while investigating the traces to collect the ingredients and put them in his iron pot. Led by the other man, the group went to a secluded spot and began to cook.
"It tastes so good no matter how many times I eat it!"
Swallowing the food in his mouth in large gulps, Tokiyoshi Kan, this young genin, had already put aside Genin contempt for Maruboshi Kosuke after the first time he tasted the ingredients cooked by him.
Even when he was in the wild, Tokuma Hyuga, a member of the Branch Family, maintained the good family traditions of the Hyuga Clan. He sat properly and did not eat as rudely as Tokiyoshi Kan.