Hokage's Office.
The Third Hokage had a pipe clenched between his teeth. With his back to Uchiha Shingen and the other two, he explained the details of their mission.
"You are Konoha's finest new generation."
"I'm at ease leaving this matter to you."
Shingen's head started to ache as soon as he heard that. His instincts immediately rejected getting involved in trouble. "Third Hokage, I don't need to go, do I?!"
"Patriarch Fugaku just promoted me. A new official has to make his mark, but I haven't even warmed my seat before being sent on a long-term mission that could take one or two months."
"That's not appropriate."
The Third Hokage glanced at Shingen. Seeing that he still wore that lazy expression, his irritation flared. "Come to think of it."
"The reason this matter reached this point has something to do with you as well."
"Before the third stage of the Chunin Ninja Exams, I already told you not to force it if things became impossible."
"What did you do?!"
"You pushed Kumogakure's Two-Tails Jinchūriki into a rampage. I didn't even bring that up, and now you're trying to back out on me?!"
"Then how about you pay the related bills for me?!"
Shingen's mouth twitched. He did not know how to respond and could only curse the shameless old man inwardly.
But he knew even better that, when all was said and done, he was somewhat in the wrong.
So he stopped arguing.
Seeing Shingen fall silent, the Third Hokage gave a few more instructions before allowing the three of them to leave.
After leaving the Hokage Building.
Minato lowered his head and calculated briefly. "The peace talks are scheduled for half a month from now."
"From Konoha to the Land of Iron, even at our pace, it will