The Big Loser!

As the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi's strategic vision is no less than that of the Third Raikage.

After listening to his son's report, Hiruzen immediately grasped the immense strategic value Kizaru could exert on the battlefield.

Capable of both fighting and retreating, with high attack power and high evasion, he is quite simply a super weapon of mass destruction aimed at the enemy's rear.

It can be said that as long as Kizaru is present, Konoha will inherently stand in an invincible position whenever it goes to war with any faction.

As long as Konoha can hold the enemy on the front lines and allow Kizaru to utilize his high mobility to wantonly destroy the enemy's rear and supply lines, then victory for Konoha is only a matter of time!

Thinking of this, the look in Hiruzen's eyes as he gazed at Kizaru grew even more affectionate.

What a good child! He is truly worthy of being my prized student!

Hiruzen can think of these things, and Danzo, as a hawk, can naturally think of them too—perhaps even more.

That fellow Hanzo has been secretly plotting something big; should I go and stir the flames to ignite a great war ahead of schedule?

With Kizaru's current abilities, the Shinobi World War is the perfect stage for him to put on a grand show.

As long as Kizaru performs brilliantly in the war, coupled with my promotion and support, won't fame and power be within his grasp?

The more he thought, the more excited Danzo felt, and the more fervent his gaze toward Kizaru became.

This nephew of mine is a genius among geniuses; if only he didn't have that mouth, he would be even more perfect.

"This mission was arranged by me. Kizaru, Sakumo, and the others performed exceptionally well!" Just as Danzo was lost in his reverie, Hiruzen spoke first, taking the responsibility for potentially provoking a war between the Fire and Lightning nations upon himself.

Glancing at Hiruzen with dissatisfaction, Danzo, who had also been preparing to speak up and take the blame for his nephew, had to close his half-opened mouth, having been a step too late.

Damn it! Late again!

"However, we cannot afford to ignore the reaction from Kumogakure. I will arrange for personnel to head to the border to guard against any retaliation from them." Having said this, Hiruzen paused before looking at his son. "Shinnosuke, increase Anbu intelligence gathering on Kumogakure and keep a close watch on any of their recent movements."

"Understood!" Sarutobi Shinnosuke replied earnestly.

"Hiruzen, let me lead the team to the border myself to guard against retaliation from Kumogakure!" Worried that the ninjas sent to the border might be insufficient and that any sudden raid by Kumogakure could lead to heavy casualties and affect Kizaru's reputation, Danzo prepared to step in personally.

"No, the Land of Rain still requires your attention. I wouldn't be at ease with anyone else in charge there!" Considering the big picture, Hiruzen decisively rejected Danzo's proposal.

Knowing that Hiruzen's words made sense, Danzo fell silent for a moment and did not offer a rebuttal.

"What a drag!" Kizaru, who had been silent until now, scratched the back of his head and spoke lazily. "Why don't you let me return to the border alone? A mere Kumogakure is something I can handle by myself!"

With a lazy tone, Kizaru uttered the most domineering words.

To face a nation alone—what immense confidence!

Filled with deep emotion, Hiruzen looked at Kizaru with eyes full of extreme admiration.

The same words, spoken by different people, have entirely different effects.

If Hatake Sakumo or Sarutobi Shinnosuke had said this, Hiruzen and Danzo would only think the person was arrogant, reckless, and unreliable.

But coming from Kizaru, those present could only feel admiration and appreciation.

The reason is simple: Kizaru has demonstrated the strength to back it up and has the solid combat record to prove it.

"Not for now. You've all worked hard on this mission; rest well in the village for a few days first." Concerned for his student, Hiruzen rejected Kizaru's proposal.

Having been refused by his teacher, Kizaru didn't say anything more and returned to silence.

"You've worked hard these past few days. You may head out now," Hiruzen said, looking at the three men before him.

"Understood!"

"Alright!"

"Bye-bye!"

The three answered differently, but their movements were perfectly synchronized as they walked toward the door together.

Walking out of the Hokage Building, they looked up at the sky and, seeing that it was still early, Sarutobi Shinnosuke spoke up.

"The time is still early; why don't we go grab some barbecue together?" This mission had allowed Shinnosuke to truly witness Kizaru's formidable strength, and he wanted to use this opportunity to grow closer to everyone.

"That is a truly excellent suggestion," Kizaru agreed.

"Captain Shinnosuke, are you treating today?" Hatake Sakumo, who had treated Kizaru to barbecue once before, felt his hands tremble as he braced himself to ask the most critical question.

It wasn't that Sakumo was stingy; it was just that the last time he treated Kizaru to barbecue, it left him with a lifelong, indelible trauma.

The moment he thought about the month of poverty he had to endure after that meal, Sakumo had to clarify things first.

He had no choice; the Hatake clan was too small, and he often had to provide for clan members who were struggling.

"You guy, Sakumo!" Shinnosuke looked at Sakumo with a laugh, having saved up quite a bit of private money this year. "I'll treat today!"

"Then thank you very much, Brother Shinnosuke!" Kizaru said gratefully, looking at Shinnosuke with a beaming smile.

"Don't mention it, eat as much as you like," Shinnosuke said magnanimously, patting his chest.

Out of humanitarian concern, Sakumo walked up to Shinnosuke's side and raised a hand to stop his captain's reckless spending.

"Let's just eat something casual," Sakumo said, looking at the smiling Kizaru as he tried to persuade him.

"Hahaha!" Shinnosuke laughed happily and said confidently, "Don't worry, I have the money! Today, I'm taking you all to the Akimichi Clan's high-end barbecue restaurant."

"I'm really looking forward to it!" Kizaru said with a laugh, echoing the sentiment.

Casting a pitying glance at Sarutobi Shinnosuke, Hatake Sakumo felt he had done all he could and said nothing more.

"Let's go!" With a bold wave of his hand, Sarutobi Shinnosuke strode forward with confident steps, leading his two teammates toward the Akimichi Clan's barbecue restaurant.

The Akimichi Clan's barbecue restaurant was located in the center of the village, right next to Tea Street, and was not too far from the Hokage Building.

With Sarutobi Shinnosuke leading the way, the trio arrived at the restaurant in about ten minutes.

"Lord Shinnosuke, it's been a long time!" Akimichi Heihachi, the member of the Akimichi Clan responsible for greeting guests, walked up with a warm expression.

"Arrange a private room for me," Sarutobi Shinnosuke said with practiced ease.

Akimichi Heihachi's eyes lit up as his gaze swept over the three guests and finally settled on Kizaru.

A big spender had arrived!

Having served Kizaru before, the smile on Akimichi Heihachi's face became even more enthusiastic.

Walking ahead to lead the way with great attentiveness, Akimichi Heihachi brought Kizaru and his companions directly to the most luxurious private room in the restaurant.

After seeing the three of them seated and handing the menu to Sarutobi Shinnosuke, Akimichi Heihachi looked on with anticipation.

"Kizaru, you go ahead and order!" Sarutobi Shinnosuke said with a smile as he handed the menu to Kizaru, completely failing to notice the look of hesitation on Hatake Sakumo's face.

"I'm sorry to trouble you!" Kizaru said, putting on a shy expression as he took the menu.

"Don't be polite, just order whatever you like," Sarutobi Shinnosuke added.

"Then I won't hold back, Big Brother Shinnosuke!" Kizaru said, smiling at Sarutobi Shinnosuke while holding the menu.

"Order away!" Sarutobi Shinnosuke said with a generous wave of his hand.

Upon hearing Sarutobi Shinnosuke's reply, Kizaru didn't even glance at the menu in his hand, handing it directly to Akimichi Heihachi.

"Bring us three servings of everything on the menu!" Kizaru said with a smile under Sarutobi Shinnosuke's puzzled gaze.

"You got it!" Akimichi Heihachi replied loudly, the smile on his face growing even brighter.