The Hokage Building.
Gua gave the Third Generation a full account of what had happened.
"You said you were teaching when you felt the Flying Thunder God Mark on Naruto burn away. That was why you dared to go rescue Naruto?"
The Third Generation took a puff of his pipe and scrutinized Gua.
"Yes."
Gua nodded lightly.
The Third Generation fell silent for a while before continuing his questions.
"Then why did you leave a Flying Thunder God Mark on Naruto?"
That question made even Gua pause.
He raised his head and looked into the Third Generation's eyes.
The Third Generation was suspicious of him...
But on closer thought, that was understandable. The Uchiha were already showing signs of rising, and Naruto was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Placing a Flying Thunder God Mark on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki at a time like this was clearly somewhat inappropriate.
But Gua had not thought that much about it at the time.
He had simply wanted to test his Flying Thunder God and, if anything went wrong, be there immediately to protect Naruto.
Now that the Third Generation had asked, Gua did not know how to answer.
He thought for a moment before saying,
"Actually, I did it to protect Naruto."
The Third Generation stared straight at Gua.
Only after a while did he withdraw his gaze.
He nodded lightly.
"Gua, I believe you."
Gua had had enough.
He had done a good deed, only to fall under suspicion for it.
Believe me or don't. I don't fucking care.
Gua offered no further explanation. He said goodbye to the Third Generation and left.
After Gua left.
Inside the Hokage Office, the Third Generation looked at Shikaku beside him.
"What do you think about this?"
Shikaku looked toward the doorway and sank into thought for a