Kakashi caught on and blinked. "Lord Hokage, you mean you want me to approach my teacher?"
"Exactly!"
"Find out why he came to Konoha."
"You are undoubtedly the best person for this mission."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.
For one thing, Kakashi had close ties with the man. For another, among Konoha's younger generation, he was the only one whose strength truly stood out.
"I understand!"
After a moment of silence, Kakashi nodded.
Then he quickly left the office.
Although a long time had passed since Xia Le left Konoha, facing his teacher still put Kakashi under immense pressure.
The difference in their standing naturally made him feel subordinate.
As soon as he stepped out of the Hokage Building, Asuma Sarutobi, Guy, and Kurenai Yuhi approached him.
"You three?"
Kakashi froze.
"Come on. We're just here to keep you company!"
After a pause, Asuma Sarutobi sighed.
"After all, we're dealing with that man!"
Kakashi's gaze flickered, but he understood their feelings and nodded.
Along the way, he soon noticed that the atmosphere in the village had completely changed. The Military Police Force was mobilizing in large numbers, heading toward the Uchiha Clan's grounds.
Even Ninja on leave had been called back.
The village looked as though it were facing a formidable enemy, preparing for war.
"They're really pulling out all the stops!"
Kakashi muttered.
"It's only natural. We have no way of knowing whether any other major figures from the Hidden Rain Village came along with him!"
Asuma Sarutobi lit a cigarette, an unreadable look in his eyes.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing.
Since this incident involved his teacher, he could hardly offer much of an opinion. He was also deeply puzzled as to why the Third Hokage never kept him away from matters like this.
It was as