No One Could Be Trusted

Asuma got up and left, seemingly with no intention of waiting for Daigo Sarutobi. However, Daigo Sarutobi looked around at the others before getting up and following Asuma.

As they walked, they heard talk of gathering under the pretense of holding a meeting, then figuring out how to proceed.

Asuma's face was dark as water as he led Daigo Sarutobi to his own courtyard.

After entering, they found a ninja wearing sunglasses and a headscarf, dressed in a tight black combat uniform, teaching ninjutsu to a half-grown child.

"Uncle, you're back!" The half-grown child was none other than Konohamaru.

The person beside him was his private tutor, Ebisu.

"Teacher Ebisu, let's end today's lesson here."

Ebisu looked at Asuma, then at Daigo Sarutobi behind him, recalling that the Sarutobi Clan was holding a gathering today.

He roughly guessed that something had happened.

"Very well, Lord Asuma. I'll come again tomorrow."

Asuma spoke evenly. "I'll be at home for the next two days. Teacher Ebisu, come back on the third day."

"I understand." Ebisu then greeted Konohamaru and left.

The news outside was grim, and Konohamaru had long known about what had happened to his grandfather.

It was an enormous blow to him.

Fortunately, Asuma had looked after him and brought him home in time.

Asuma instructed Konohamaru, "Pack your things immediately. Today, I'm taking you on a long-distance mission."

"Really, Uncle?!"

Konohamaru looked pleasantly surprised, and eager to try.

By all rights, he was about due to graduate, but he had been staying at home and had not gone out.

Naturally, he had been looking forward to doing missions.

Asuma said seriously, "Of course. You have one hour to pack. Otherwise, I won't take you this time."

"Yes!" Konohamaru immediately agreed and hurried into his room to pack.

Once Konohamaru