"Lord Hokage, Lady Tsunade." Kakashi was surprised to see these two.
"Why are Lord Hokage and Lady Tsunade here?" Sakura was also a bit bewildered.
Only Naruto remained carefree and greeted them.
And Xin, meanwhile, was observing the Third Hokage of Konoha.
Just like in the anime.
Relatively short and thin, with age spots covering his face, but the smile on his lips made him appear somewhat benevolent.
At the same time.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was also carefully observing Xin.
He looked... just as ordinary as any ordinary person.
He had barely slept all night. When Tsunade came to him yesterday, offering healing potions in exchange for money, he took the opportunity to ask Tsunade to introduce him to this merchant.
"I have come for Mr. Xin."
Hiruzen Sarutobi walked up with a smile and said to Xin.
Just one sentence.
It made Kakashi look at Xin anew.
Even Lord Hokage used an honorific?
"You are too kind."
Xin just smiled, as if the person in front of him was just an ordinary old man, not the most powerful person in Konoha Village.
He even added:
"I thought Konoha Village didn't welcome my arrival."
"Konoha welcomes any friend." The smile on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face didn't change at all. "Mr. Xin helped Tsunade a great deal, so he is naturally a friend of Konoha. I came this time to explain what happened last night—that was not my intention, it was just a subordinate acting on his own initiative, which caused some misunderstanding."
"Oh?" Xin was also a little surprised.
Not by what Hiruzen Sarutobi said, but by the fact that as Hokage, he would personally come to offer an explanation for such a matter.
Even though Xin had displayed miraculous goods and a seemingly terrifying aura, Hiruzen Sarutobi's courage was enough to be astonishing.
However...
Xin glanced at Tsunade, who also had a slight smile on her face, standing nearby.
He understood instantly.
This was probably not just an explanation, but also a preparation to personally test him. Was calling Tsunade over to prevent the atmosphere from becoming too awkward?
In that case, it's perfect—
Xin turned his head to look at Sasuke and smiled, "Sasuke, didn't you want to quit the team? The Third Hokage is here; he definitely has the authority to approve it."