Just as Tsunade accompanied Kazekage Rasa to the Hokage Building, they encountered someone none of them had expected to see there.
Standing in front of the Hokage Building was a rather short old man in ordinary clothes. He held a pipe in his hand, taking a puff from it now and then.
His appearance brought Tsunade and the others to an involuntary halt. An especially complicated look flashed through Kazekage Rasa's eyes, and he spoke in a slightly hoarse voice:
"If I'm not mistaken, you must be Lord Third Hokage?"
Hearing Kazekage Rasa's words, Tsunade came back to her senses and immediately introduced him:
"That's right. This is Konoha's Third Hokage, and he's also my teacher."
The Third Hokage stepped forward with a warm smile and said:
"This old man has already retired. You can simply call me Hiruzen Sarutobi."
At that, the Third Hokage turned his gaze toward Kazekage Rasa and continued:
"I heard that Sunagakure's Kazekage had come to visit us. It's been a long time since this old man met an outstanding member of Sunagakure's younger generation, so I couldn't resist coming out. I wonder if you'd allow me to show you around Konoha for the rest of your visit."
Kazekage Rasa paused briefly at the Third Hokage's words, then smiled and nodded.
"I couldn't ask for more than to have Lord Third Hokage accompany me personally."
Tsunade also caught on and turned to look at Shin Uchiha beside her.
The Third Hokage was practically living in seclusion now. Shin was the only person who could have persuaded him to come out.
Meeting Tsunade's gaze, Shin Uchiha did not deny it. He merely gave a slight nod.
Although Tsunade did not know why Shin had done this, she trusted him. After exchanging a few words with Kazekage