The ninja froze, somewhat puzzled, but still intended to bring Lu You and his companion over immediately.
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, his mental exhaustion leaving him somewhat dazed, and sighed.
"Are you new to this post?"
"Reporting to Lord Hokage, I was assigned to replace Chunin Yamashita at the main gate. Yesterday, Chunin Yamashita... died in the line of duty, and I was urgently assigned to take over."
The ninja hurriedly explained.
Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi gave an even more bitter smile and waved him off, indicating that he should hurry over.
"I see. I see..."
Normally, the ninja squads stationed at the gates were all elite. These elites had all participated in the Third Shinobi World War and would not have failed to recognize Lu You.
Or know his real name.
But these new ninja, hastily pressed into service, did not know him. It showed just how weak Konoha's core forces had become after two upheavals.
Outside the Hokage's village, Lu You and his companion were invited inside. The ninja leading them was Jiraiya, whom they had not seen in a long time.
Jiraiya did not look well after their time apart. His expression was downcast, and sorrow showed at the corners of his eyes.
The junior he had been proudest of had died so suddenly.
When he had first received the news, it had struck him like a thunderbolt. Who had dared come to Konoha and murder the Hokage himself and a member of the Uchiha?
Trampling on this village's peace and tranquility (though Konoha often trampled on other villages' tranquility too).
Whenever he thought of his student Minato, even someone as easygoing as him felt cold killing intent rise within him toward the person who had stirred up the unrest.
"Long time no see, Jiraiya.