Harada scratched his head. "Makoto and the others... are they really okay?"
"They won't die."
Kakashi kept it brief and turned toward the Mission Hall.
He knew Uchiha Makoto had brought back something extraordinary, but since Makoto didn't want to talk about it, he wouldn't pry.
As long as he didn't blow up the village, he could do whatever he liked.
The next day, in the Hokage's Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi held his treasured pipe between his teeth as he leisurely leafed through the mission report Kakashi had submitted.
Amid the swirling smoke, his seemingly clouded yet shrewd eyes lingered on the line that read, "Harassed by a small group of wandering ninja; a brief conflict ensued; attackers repelled." Then he raised his eyes to Uchiha Makoto, who stood before his desk.
"Makoto," the Third Hokage said, his voice as warm as a kindly grandfather next door.
"You did well on this mission. The caravan couldn't stop praising you. They said you not only protected them thoroughly but also helped identify quite a few rare medicinal herbs? You're very knowledgeable for someone so young."
Uchiha Makoto stood straight, wearing just the right modest smile for an outstanding Genin:
"You flatter me, Lord Hokage. Running a restaurant for so long has given me a little familiarity with various ingredients and medicinal herbs. It was hardly any trouble."
"Mm, it's good for young people to learn more." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and took a puff, but the conversation shifted slightly. "Still... about the way this mission was posted..."
He set down his pipe and leaned forward slightly. Though he was still smiling, a trace of the sharpness befitting the "Shinobi Hero" showed in his eyes. "Posting a mission in your own shop's name, then specifically assigning your own team to carry it out... quite