My Choice Will Not Change!

"I really don't understand why that village insists on taking the Seven-Tails back. Haven't they paid enough of a price over the years?"

Watching Hikaru speak with an annoyed expression, the Third Hokage rolled his eyes and said nothing.

In truth, wasn't this outcome inseparable from Hikaru? Yet Hikaru had long decided that he would no longer interfere in the Seven-Tails' life. No matter what the Seven-Tails became in the future, he would not use the Summoning Jutsu to restrain it again.

But Takigakure still refused to give up.

"Also, why am I the one who has to say it? This should be your business, Third Hokage. If I handle it, I'll be overstepping my bounds."

Hikaru was frustrated. This was something the Hokage should handle, so how had it fallen onto him, the Anbu Minister? Even if the Third Hokage was too busy, weren't there other higher-ups? Such as the Elder Council.

"There is naturally a reason for sending you. I hope you can persuade Takigakure. Besides, I guarantee that no one will step forward and criticize you over this matter." Of course, the Third Hokage knew that these matters were supposed to be handled by him, but he had already been pestered enough. For certain reasons, he had also gradually begun delegating authority to Hikaru.

"Wait!!!!"

Hikaru sensed that something was off. He turned back to look at the Third Hokage and asked suspiciously, "Third Elder, the more I listen to you, the stranger this sounds. What do you mean, guaranteeing that no one else will come out and criticize me over this?"

"You're not actually planning to retire, are you?!"

"If you are willing, then I would naturally be willing to retire. Child, I'm old too. Many things have begun to feel beyond my strength, and I