After hearing what the white-haired ANBU had to say, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression grew increasingly grave.
"The timing all lines up..." he murmured.
Still, it could have been a coincidence.
He suddenly recalled what that woman had said about coming from Shikkotsu Forest.
Perhaps he could ask Tsunade about this.
She should know something that could shed light on the matter.
"Baiji, I have an important mission for you..."
At those words, Baiji abruptly raised his head.
Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "Consider it your punishment for failing! There will be no reward for this mission."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage." Baiji bowed to the figure before him.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, then held out the scroll on his desk to him.
"Hunt down two rogue ninja. Both are S-rank rogue ninja from Konoha. Will you accept this mission?" As he asked, his gaze remained fixed on the ANBU before him.
Baiji stiffened slightly at those words.
He could hardly believe it.
It wasn't the mission itself that shocked him, but the fact that two S-rank rogue ninja had emerged from the village at once.
With trembling hands, he slowly accepted the envelope.
"I will not fail you!"
"Mm..." Seeing him accept without hesitation, Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes filled with a measure of approval.
"All right, time is short. Hurry and get started!"
"You may bring a few more comrades along."
Baiji nodded.
Clutching the scroll in his hand, he left the office.
Watching his retreating figure, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly.
"Hatake Sakumo..."
The boy had talent. He had only joined the ANBU a few years ago, yet he was already this strong.
His future prospects were likely limitless.
But he had too little experience with missions. He still needed more tempering.
Otherwise, Hiruzen would have wanted to appoint him an ANBU division captain right now.