Hiruzen Sarutobi also breathed a sigh of relief, though he couldn't help feeling puzzled.
"Then who exactly did he come for?"
Was there still someone in Konoha worthy of Xia Le's attention?
For a moment, curiosity filled his mind.
"My teacher didn't mention it."
Kakashi shook his head.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sank into thought. A moment later, his expression suddenly changed, and his heart gave a jolt.
He had thought of someone!
Could Xia Le have discovered that person's whereabouts?
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression involuntarily turned grave.
Then he looked up at Kakashi, replacing his expression with a smile. "Since Xia Le means us no harm, we can lift the village's combat alert!"
"As for his wish to stay in Konoha..."
"This was his home to begin with. He can stay as long as he likes!"
A strange expression crossed Kakashi's face as he listened.
He had keenly noticed the subtle change in the other man's expression just now. But he said nothing about it, merely taking his leave.
Only after he stepped out of the office did Kakashi's gaze darken.
He was certain the Third Hokage knew something.
The Third Hokage definitely had a lead on the mysterious person his teacher was tracking.
But who exactly is that person?
What sort of person would warrant my teacher coming in person?
Kakashi grew even more puzzled.
Xia Le settled down in Konoha just like that, with no one rash enough to trouble him.
After discussing the matter, Konoha's leadership deliberately kept information about him under wraps.
Naruto and Sasuke attended school as usual, carrying out their basic training and studies at the Ninja Academy.
Sasuke remained the same genius, while Naruto...
Still hadn't shaken off his dead-last label.
After all, growing stronger required steady effort, one step at a time. Naruto