Heading to the Land of Waterfalls

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Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Uchiha Sasuke's cold, stiff expression in the crystal ball—the kind of face that said everyone in the world owed him two million—and sighed softly.

He was worried that the child would grow up twisted. In the face of the hatred of his clan's extermination, even the Will of Fire might not be able to change the boundless hatred deep in his heart.

Then the image shifted. He looked at Naruto, who was sitting off to the side with his cheeks puffed out in silent anger, and sighed again.

Ever since the brat had started living alone, he ate instant noodles every day. Sometimes, he even drank expired milk. He had absolutely no concept of shelf life.

Iruka has a difficult task ahead of him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head with a bitter smile.

Just then, an Anbu ninja suddenly appeared behind him, dropped to one knee, and respectfully reported, "Lord Hokage, Lord Houka has just accepted an intelligence-gathering mission. He has already left the village with Deidara."

"Understood." Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed yet again, utterly exhausted with life.

He slowly left the Ninja Academy and returned to the Hokage Building, that prison-like place, where he began working without pause.

At this moment, after bidding farewell to Kurenai Yuhi, Kakashi, Guy, and the others, Houka set out north with Deidara, traveling light.

"Deidara, I'm thirsty."

"Deidara, I'm hungry."

"Deidara, my legs are so sore."

"Deidara, I..."

Deidara finally snapped. He threw the freshly grilled meat in his hand onto the ground and roared, "You bastard, don't push it too far!! I have dignity too, hmm!"

"Hmm my ass. Get over here and massage my shoulders." Houka snorted.

Deidara gritted his teeth, veins bulging