Sarutobi Hiruzen had naturally already learned that Kumogakure's target was Mirai, and that Mirai had subdued the Kumogakure ninja alone. At the time, he had been filled with both surprise and relief. Once he learned that Mirai was no longer in danger, a weight lifted from his heart.
Also, in order to stabilize the people and raise morale, Konoha Village did not reveal that Kumogakure had come for Mirai. Instead, they portrayed him as a young hero who had risked his life to fight the enemy in order to protect the villagers. This earned Mirai a great deal of admiration among the ordinary villagers.
"Grandpa, why are you here?" Mirai asked in surprise. He truly had not expected the Third to come see him. The Third should have been very busy right now.
"Our little hero of Konoha is in the hospital. Of course I had to come see him!" Returning to his usual unassuming demeanor, Sarutobi Hiruzen teased him with a faint smile.
"What kind of hero am I?" Mirai scratched his head and spoke shyly.
"How is Mirai? He should be all right, yes?" Sarutobi Hiruzen bent down to tuck Mirai's blanket around him, then turned to Akita and asked.
Akita's eyes were still red. While tending to Mirai's wounds, she had been unable to stop herself from crying again. She was deeply distressed and kept telling Mirai to be careful. Mirai could only obediently agree, feeling both helpless and grateful toward the talkative Akita.
"Third, please rest assured. Mirai's injuries have already been treated. As long as he rests properly, he'll recover in a few days," Akita said, tears beginning to flow again as she sobbed in Tanaka's arms.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed helplessly and said remorsefully, "This is my fault as well. An accident happened, yet I