Naruto Meets Kakashi

Hiruzen Sarutobi stumbled out of the exit to the Root's underground base.

Stepping out into the open, Hiruzen looked up at the sky, an impulse to weep rising within him.

With trembling hands, he pulled his beloved pipe from his inner pocket, lit it, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled the smoke.

Which bastard was it that went to tattle to Master Tobirama?

How childish could they be?

Few people knew the origins of Naruto and his group—only those present this morning. Logically, Hiruzen should have been able to deduce the culprit with ease.

But! After a brief analysis, Hiruzen sadly discovered that aside from the honest Minato, everyone else from that morning was a prime suspect.

Not to mention his closing disciple, Kizaru; Hiruzen knew all too well the wicked sense of humor hidden in his personality.

As for Tsunade, his only female disciple, she had always been a leaky coat; it wasn't the first or second time she'd sabotaged him.

As for the two Uchiha, their suspicion was even greater. Among the Uchiha, there were very few who actually liked him, the Third Hokage.

Exhaling a cloud of thick, sorrowful smoke, Hiruzen—at his age, still being grabbed by his teacher for ninjutsu instruction—suddenly felt he couldn't stay in Konoha for the time being.

If someone else went to tell Master Tobirama something, he might just get lectured again.

Thinking of this, Hiruzen decisively made up his mind: he could not remain in the village for a while.

At this moment, Hiruzen displayed astonishing efficiency. He went straight to the Hokage Building and found Kizaru slacking off in the Hokage Office.

"Such a major incident has occurred recently; Konoha cannot do without you, Teacher Hiruzen." Kizaru sat at his desk, puffing away, a faint smile on his face.