"Then the child mentioned in the news I just received should be this Mirai." After hearing Inuzuka Tsume's report, Sarutobi quickly reached a conclusion, but then asked, "But why would Mr. Ian go to such lengths just to take away an ordinary child?"
The anxious Inuzuka Tsume looked at the Third Hokage. Though confused, she said gently, "Don't worry. I received word of the child's kidnapping earlier, and I've already sent Kakashi's team to rescue him."
"Oh, really?" Hearing that someone had already gone to rescue him—and that Kakashi was something of a minor celebrity—Inuzuka Tsume breathed a huge sigh of relief. But she immediately added, "Lord Hokage, please allow me to join the rescue mission."
Seeing Inuzuka Tsume's agitation, Sarutobi knew that even if he forced her to stay, she would be unable to provide any useful information. He agreed to her request and calmly said, "All right, you may join the mission. Kuromaru's tracking ability will be of great help to you."
With the Third Hokage's approval, Inuzuka Tsume quickly left White Emperor in the Hokage's office and set off with Kuromaru to track the target.
After learning Mirai's identity, Sarutobi immediately summoned Yamanaka Kai to the Hokage's office.
A suspicious Yamanaka Kai hurried into the Hokage's office. White Emperor, who had been entrusted with his scent, rushed toward him. Tears filled its eyes as it aggrievedly bit down on his trouser leg, urgently trying to drag him away.
Yamanaka Kai immediately reacted and recognized White Emperor at once. He looked around but did not see any sign of Mirai, and a terrible feeling swiftly flooded his heart.
Yamanaka Kai held the aggrieved White Emperor, suppressed his impatience, and quickly stepped before the Third Hokage. He asked anxiously, "Lord Hokage, where is my Mirai? Why is White Emperor