The Hokage Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe, his brow furrowed. The rumors about Hatake Sakumo had naturally reached his ears as well.
The detailed report on the failed mission lay on the desk before him.
"Hiruzen, Sakumo was far too impulsive this time!" Mitokado Homura pushed up his glasses, his tone full of disapproval.
"That mission was crucial. It concerned our control over the border with the Land of Grass.
"Now that it's failed, nearly all the manpower and resources we invested beforehand have gone to waste, and we've given Iwagakure something to use against us.
"There's been a lot of talk below."
Utatane Koharu chimed in as well. "Although saving one's comrades is commendable, as an elite jonin, he should have understood the mission's importance better.
"We can't encourage this sort of 'letting emotions cloud your judgment.' If other jonin follow his example, won't the entire mission system fall apart?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi silently exhaled a ring of smoke.
He understood the two advisors' position. From the standpoint of the village's overall interests and rules, there had indeed been a problem with Sakumo's choice.
But he understood Sakumo, too. In that situation, abandoning his comrades to die would have been more unbearable for a man like him than being killed himself.
"Enough." The Third Hokage finally spoke, his voice tinged with weariness.
"I'll take responsibility for the failed mission. Sakumo is a hero of the village, with a distinguished record. We can't let one failed mission negate everything he's done.
"As for the rumors, put an end to them as soon as possible. Find out where they started, and don't let them keep spreading and undermine the village's unity."
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved a hand, signaling that the two advisors could leave.
The office fell quiet again, with only