Returning to his prime was an enormous temptation for the Third Hokage.
He was nearly seventy, and both his stamina and his energy had declined drastically. He was a far cry not only from his prime in his thirties and forties, but even from when he had been in his fifties.
If he could become a few years younger, even just recover the condition he had been in during Minato's time in office...
He could lead his students and subordinates into battle, face the Akatsuki head-on, and regain the confidence he had lost during the last raid.
Outside Amegakure, without Jiraiya and the Shadow Guard's help, they would have struggled to escape Pain. In his younger days, he would at least not have been left in such a sorry state.
Dispelling those stray thoughts, the Third Hokage called out into the empty space beside him, "Get Tsunade here."
After leaving the Hokage Building, the Fire Squad headed to a nearby training ground.
Their trip to Takigakure had given them all plenty to reflect on. After taking care of a few matters, the squad disbanded on the spot.
While everyone enthusiastically suggested going to an izakaya, Kakashi turned down an alley alone.
Seeing this, Guy hurried after him. Yamato lost interest in going to the izakaya as well and followed Guy and Kakashi.
"Kakashi might have already figured it out..." Zou Hyuga watched Kakashi's retreating figure.
Oto rested one hand on her hip, a hint of disdain in her eyes. "Obito isn't worth all this. He's just a guy who turned against everyone and sought revenge because a teammate died."
"Really?" Zou Hyuga smiled as he studied Oto's face. "What if I died one day?"
Hearing that, Oto seemed to put herself in Obito's shoes. After a long silence, she