In the days that followed, several old retainers who supported the former ruler of the Land of Snow heard that the princess had survived and hurried over.
The retainers comforted Princess Kazahana Koyuki, who had lost her father, while working tirelessly to rebuild her castle.
Half a month later, thanks to their efforts, the castle was rebuilt.
The surrounding nations also recognized Kazahana Koyuki as the daimyo of the Land of Snow.
With the mission complete, Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief, then left without a care and headed back to Konoha.
Lin Cheng and Kimimaro left at the same time.
Of course, the two of them went in the exact opposite direction from Kakashi.
Lin Cheng hadn't been speaking carelessly.
The Third really was the sort of person who would do certain things for the sake of so-called "peace"!
Hizashi Hyuga's death was proof!
And Kakashi, who knew about the incident, naturally understood what Lin Cheng meant.
Though he didn't know whether Lin Cheng really knew about it, he himself knew the Third was indeed capable of doing such a thing. That was enough.
A week later, after hurrying along as fast as he could, Kakashi finally returned to Konoha after a long absence.
After casually greeting a few familiar faces along the way, Kakashi headed straight for the Hokage Office.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Come in!"
"Third!"
He entered the room, closed the door, and immediately bowed to the Third.
"How did the mission go?"
The Third took a puff from his pipe and asked.
"Reporting to you, Third! There were a few setbacks, but the mission was ultimately completed successfully!"
"Oh? Setbacks? Kakashi, can you tell me more?"
The Third seemed to notice the hesitation in Kakashi's eyes and immediately asked.
"Yes, Third!"
Kakashi then explained how he had been outmatched and was about to flee when the Lin Cheng brothers came to his aid.
When he mentioned that the Lin Cheng brothers were rogue ninjas being hunted by the Mist Village, the Third's attention sharpened.
But when Kakashi said he had taken it upon himself to invite the brothers to join Konoha, he hesitated.
"Is it something unfavorable about me? Go ahead and say it, Kakashi!"
As though he had guessed what was coming, the Third took another long puff from his pipe and spoke in a grave voice.
"Yes, Third!"
After replying, Kakashi repeated Lin Cheng's words exactly, without leaving out a single word.
After hearing Kakashi's account, the Third fell silent.
He only kept taking one puff after another from his pipe.
After a long while, the Third sighed.
"I never thought my reputation, Sarutobi Hiruzen's, had become so tarnished.
To think two young rogue ninjas from another village would distrust me! Even look down on me! Heh!"
"Third!"
"Don't try to comfort me! You hesitated before saying those words.
That must mean you feel the same way in your heart!
There are some things you young people still don't understand! Forget it. I don't blame you for this."
The Third waved a hand, signaling Kakashi to leave.
"In any case, you worked hard on this mission, Kakashi! Go get some rest."
"...Yes, Third!"
After a brief silence, Kakashi chose to bow and leave.
He was just an ordinary member of the village.
It was best not to get involved in the affairs of the higher-ups!
"...Lin Cheng? Kimimaro? To have such astonishing strength at their age!
They're truly geniuses! What a shame! What a shame!"
The Third, Sarutobi Hiruzen, shook his head and said nothing more.
He puffed on his pipe, his expression sinking into thought.
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