Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent again for a while. For a time, the only sound in the space the two occupied was that of him puffing smoke.
After another moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke again. "Kakashi, who do you think is stronger, that man or me?"
Kakashi hesitated, then decided to tell the truth. "...To be honest, Lord Hokage, I felt an unprecedented sense of pressure in that man's presence, something I've never felt from you..."
As he said this, none of Kakashi's usual languor remained. He was utterly serious.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression did not change at his words. Then he dismissed Kakashi.
In truth, he was not nearly as calm inside as he appeared. He felt Kakashi's assessment was worth considering. After all, setting aside Kakashi's strength, his combat intelligence and powers of observation were both outstanding.
Though old and frail, he considered himself quite strong, at least by Kage Level standards. That meant this mysterious man who had suddenly appeared was at least Kage Level!
Hiruzen Sarutobi could not help sighing inwardly. These truly were troubled times, and right during the Chunin Ninja Exams, too...
For the next few days, he decided to do as the man had said for now. They still did not know whether he was friend or foe, so it was best not to provoke him, at least until the exams concluded smoothly.
"What?! Sarutobi! Have you gone senile?! You're letting a stranger stay around the Jinchūriki?! Merely keeping him under surveillance was already the limit of what I could accept!"
Danzo vented his anger before Hiruzen Sarutobi. He felt this old companion of his truly had gone senile. This was the Jinchūriki, a weapon of unparalleled importance to the village! How could he dare be so unworried?!
Faced with Danzo's disrespect, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not