What does it mean to complete a mission even at the cost of one's life?
This was clearly the only mission among their group where they had a chance of survival. Although, given the current situation, the person returning to report might indeed be hunted down by Konoha Ninja, the risk was already the lowest. The three Jonin left behind—Ao, Goro, and Otokaze— were in the most dangerous situation.
To put it bluntly, the three of them were absolutely certain to die. So what if Jonin? This was the heart of Konoha, the number one ninja village in the Shinobi World. Even if the Third Raikage, who was now considered the strongest Shinobi World, came here, the only possible outcome would be death in battle.
The only difference is how much price Konoha has to pay.
A selfish person would definitely choose this mission themselves, not to mention that Ao and the other two are still considered young Jonin in the village. It's absolutely impossible for them not to have any ambitions of their own!
Therefore, at this moment, not only Kei and Mei Terumi, but even Kisame Hoshigaki was deeply moved.
It also made him truly understand what the greater good of the village and the bond between comrades meant!
What kind of childhood and ninja life Kisame went through in the original work that led him to become the way he is later is unknown. However, in this life, since teaming up with Kei and Mei Terumi, it is certain that Kisame's future will be very different from that in the original work.
While innate personality traits are indeed difficult to change, the influence of the environment is the most crucial factor.
"Yes, Team 7 will definitely complete the mission!"
Qi straightened his body and replied loudly with an unwavering expression.
At this point, there's neither the need nor the possibility to be sentimental.
Say what you need to say.
Do what you're supposed to do!
A ninja should look like a ninja!
"Okay, very good, then..."
Qing nodded with satisfaction, and was about to say something more.
"Da da da!"
A crisp sound of footsteps on a wooden plank suddenly came from the hallway outside the door, making the people in the room tense up.
Those heartstrings that were subconsciously tightened.
Each of them immediately assumed a fighting stance.
Is Qingjun inside?
But then a slightly aged chuckle came from outside.
It was quite obvious that Qing showed a look of astonishment.
Before Kei, Mei Terumi, Goro, and the others could say anything...
Qing immediately got up and went to the doorway, where the door was pulled open. As soon as the figure outside came into view of everyone inside,
Qi and the others all showed expressions of shock and confusion.
That familiar face, that iconic imperial robe.
The newcomer was none other than the Third Hokage of Konohagakure — Hiruzen Sarutobi. No wonder everyone in the room couldn't sense his arrival at first; they only noticed him when they got very close, and it was obvious that he was deliberately making noise!
As the Third Hokage who has managed to hold onto the tail end of his peak, he is undoubtedly a powerful Kage. The rest of them are at most Jonin, and none of them are skilled in sensory techniques!
If Qi's strength were to increase further and his ability to utilize his bloodline power were to advance even further, he might be able to detect certain special auras through the flow of air. However, it is impossible for Qi to do this now!
Hiruzen Sarutobi is a shadow!
He was merely a Genin Kirigakure, whose strength was close to that of Jonin.
It would be a miracle if someone could sense it beforehand!
'But why would the Lord Hokage be here at this time? Could it be...?'
Qi suddenly felt that his brain was a little overwhelmed.
" Lord Hokage, how could we trouble you to come here so late at night? If you need anything, you can simply send someone to summon us!"
Regardless of previous speculations.
When Hiruzen Sarutobi actually appeared before them.
Qing still greeted him with the utmost respect.
This can be considered a tacit understanding among the Five Great Shinobi Villages. No matter how fiercely they fight each other, the Five Kage are universally recognized as the highest authority!
No matter when or where, no ninja from any village can act rudely. To put it more bluntly, you may have the ability to kill a Kage, but you must never insult a Kage, especially in public.
The people inside, including Qi, immediately stood up and bowed.
"Hehe, there are some minor misunderstandings after all. It's best if this old fellow can explain things personally. Otherwise, I'm worried that something unpleasant might happen. I think Your Highness the Mizukage of your village probably feels the same way. Qingjun, you wouldn't mind if I came in and had a seat, would you?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi, with his hands clasped behind his back, still maintained a gentle expression as he smiled and spoke.
"Ah, my apologies, Lord Hokage, please come in!"
Ao quickly bowed in greeting, then stepped back slightly to the side, adopting a welcoming posture, and spoke to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"You three go out first!"
As Ao invited Hiruzen Sarutobi to sit in the main seat in the room, he also turned to the side and gestured to the three of them with his eyes, saying softly.
The sudden arrival of the Lord Hokage.
And those meaningful words just now.
Especially the word 'misunderstanding'.
This gave Qing a thought: the situation might not be as bad as they had imagined, but some necessary preparations still couldn't be skipped; who knew what would happen next?
"Yes, Teacher Qing!"
Kei, Mei Terumi, Kisame responded in unison, and after bowing once more to Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage, the three slowly retreated.
After closing the door and stepping back to a slightly more distant position.
"Qi, what do you think?"
Mei Terumi couldn't help but look at Kei and ask, her beautiful eyes clearly showing a hint of doubt and worry.
She understands the current situation less and less.
Does Konoha have any designs on them?
If so.
This development is really too strange, isn't it?
Kisame Hoshigaki's gaze also fell on Kei at that moment. It's no wonder that the two of them felt so strange. It was only because Kei was a transmigrator that he was very clear about the personalities and behavior of some characters in the original work. He might not have been able to figure it out before, but now that he had sorted out his thoughts, Kei felt that he might have grasped the truth of this incident to some extent.
However, even if Qi was 80-90% confident in his own judgment, he could not utter these speculations aloud.
Therefore, on the surface, Qi also shook his head slightly with a solemn expression and said, "It's hard to say. The current situation is still too unclear, and we know too little. The only thing we can be sure of is that it shouldn't be as bad as we previously estimated! The rest depends on what happens during the discussion between Ao-sensei and that Third Hokage!"
As he spoke, Qi also looked back at his teacher Qing's room.
Kisame Mei Terumi, who were standing nearby, also turned their gazes in that direction.