"I remember Sakumo returned to the village yesterday, didn't he? Why hasn't he come to see me?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked doubtfully as he packed some tobacco into his pipe.
A ninja wearing a cat-faced mask silently appeared behind him and said respectfully, "Reporting to Lord Hokage, Lord Sakumo did return to the village yesterday. But as you know, because of the mission, the companions he rescued returned to the village first, and there have been some rumors spreading around lately. You also know how strong Lord Sakumo's pride is. He was probably hurt after hearing those words, so he did not come to see you."
"I see." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and lit the pipe in his hand without any suspicion.
The Anbu ninja behind him was one of the current Anbu leaders, codenamed "Fire Cat," and deeply trusted by him.
"It might be good to let him calm down at home for a few days. After all, I can understand what happened during this mission, though he did violate the rules of a ninja. I hope he can get past this hurdle." Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, then picked up another document and began reviewing it.
The Anbu named "Fire Cat" gave a bow and silently withdrew, seeming to slide straight into the wall.
Unfortunately, his face was hidden behind the mask. Otherwise, Hiruzen Sarutobi would have noticed the faintly mocking smile on his face.
Time always slipped away unnoticed. Three days had passed since White Fang returned to Konoha, and because of his return, the rumors in the village had only grown worse.
Regarding White Fang's decision to abandon the mission and break the ninja rules, most people did everything they could to condemn him, with no intention of giving him any chance to explain himself.
Of course, the Konoha