"I'm really looking forward to seeing the look on the old Third's face when he reads the report."
Leaving that cryptic remark behind, Sen swaggered through Konoha's gates.
Watching that arrogant figure walk away, Kakashi's eye twitched.
He pulled the mission report from his ninja tool pouch. He had spent the night writing it, and it ran well over ten pages.
It felt heavy in his hand, like a hot potato.
"Is this kid trying to give the old man a heart attack?"
The top-floor office of the Hokage Building.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was in a very good mood that day.
All was peaceful in the village, and after a warning from him, even Root had reined in its little schemes considerably.
Knock, knock, knock.
A knock sounded, and Kakashi pushed the door open and entered.
"Oh? Kakashi, you're back already?"
The old Third blew a smoke ring and looked at him with a genial smile.
"Did the mission go smoothly? Did you deliver that bridge-building expert safely?"
"Very smoothly, Lord Hokage."
Kakashi approached the desk and handed over the thick report.
"This is the detailed report on our mission to the Land of Waves. Please read it."
"Mm, leave it there. I'll look at it later."
The old Third lifted his teacup, took a sip, and asked casually.
"How did the children do? Sen in particular-he didn't give you any trouble, did he?"
Kakashi drew a deep breath, his voice painfully dry.
"Lord Hokage, I recommend that you... read this report now."
"Oh?"
The old Third raised his eyebrows, detecting something strange in Kakashi's tone.
He set down his teacup, picked up the report, and casually opened the first page.
"Ambushed by the Demon Brothers, missing-nin from Kirigakure. Both killed instantly?"
The old Third nodded. That much was within his