Chapter 42: Hiruzen: Am I old? Out of touch with the times?

Land of Fire, Konoha Village.

In the Hokage office, Sarutobi Hiruzen was using the Telescope Technique to peek... observe the livelihood of Konoha, when the office door was suddenly knocked.

Sarutobi Hiruzen calmly put the crystal ball into the desk drawer and said, "Enter."

"Hokage-sama, Chief Hatake has returned."

"Oh?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen was somewhat surprised; wasn't he on a mission to the Land of Whirlpools? Why did he return so soon?

"Sakumo, is the matter finished? Have him come in to see me quickly."

"That... Chief Hatake is currently in the Konoha Hospital."

Sarutobi Hiruzen: "...?"

————

Konoha Hospital, intensive care unit.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked in astonishment at Hatake Sakumo, who was wrapped like a mummy, and said in disbelief, "... Sakumo?"

Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen, Hatake Sakumo immediately wanted to get up, but was pressed back down by Tsunade with a slap.

Tsunade said impatiently, "Don't move around!"

"Hiss—"

Hatake Sakumo gasped, feeling as if his injuries had worsened.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's face twitched, and he hurriedly said, "Sakumo, receive treatment first; we can talk about anything later."

Hatake Sakumo apologized, "Sorry, Hokage-sama."

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head, giving him a look that said to receive treatment with peace of mind.

But his expression was very grave.

Hatake Sakumo, Konoha's most genius ninja today!

Even his three disciples couldn't be compared to him!

Even the proud Uchiha Clan had to lower their genius pride in front of Hatake Sakumo.

Since becoming a ninja, every mission without exception had been completed perfectly!

At the age of only twenty, he had ascended to the position of ANBU Chief!

His status was second only to him and Danzo!

Such dazzling achievements all proved Hatake Sakumo's talent and strength!

From Sarutobi Hiruzen's daily observations, Hatake Sakumo's strength at this time was infinitely close to a Kage!

For a person of this strength, Sarutobi Hiruzen really couldn't imagine who or what kind of situation could injure him like this!

Not to mention it was just a mission to the Land of Whirlpools.

Even if he were besieged by the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, as long as Sakumo wanted to, he could escape without a scratch!

So, what exactly happened to Sakumo?

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned, subconsciously taking out his pipe, wanting to take a puff.

Tsunade's beautiful eyes glared, "This is a hospital!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's hand holding the pipe paused, then he calmly put it away and asked, "How is Sakumo's condition?" ===== CHAPTER 44 =====