"Old man, there's no way Hattori-sensei could be defecting. There's some hidden truth here, and I'll find out what it is!" Naruto shouted with his characteristic bravado. It was hard to believe that he had just fought the Ichibi's Jinchuriki, Gaara, and was now so full of energy again.
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, who had participated in the meeting half an hour ago, were sitting on the side with ugly expressions and didn't know what to say. After all, Logan had worked in ANBU for many years and knew a lot of information, The defection of such individuals was not something that the Genin could participate in.
Originally, the only people who knew about this incident were the people on the roof at the time. There's no need to worry about Jiraiya, and several ANBU's members had already been sealed from speaking of this matter, and the only additional people aware of it were the three elder Advisors, Koharu, Homura, and Danzo. They made an exception during the meeting to allow the members of Logan's team to sit in, but unexpectedly, these kids barged in boldly.
Due to the busy aftermath of the great battle, Danzo, Takeshi, and the others had already left. So at this point, the only people in the room who knew the details were Hiruzen, the two elder Advisors, Jiraiya, and, well, Team 7.
"To be labeled as a Missing-nin requires evidence, right? But right now, there isn't any, and the village hasn't sent anyone. Since that's the case, we'll go bring him back and question him ourselves." Sasuke said coldly.
"Don't cause trouble. Although the village has repelled the attack, the situation is not optimistic! This is not something you can decide." Homura rebuked sternly, flaunting his seniority.
Jiraiya, leaning against the window, watched the sudden developments. He naturally had to stay given the current state of the village. The broken buildings outside were dotted with small fires, mostly submerged in darkness. A lot had indeed happened today. He looked at Naruto without speaking, recalling Orochimaru's escape today and in the past.
"The village is in great need of manpower now, so Hattori's matter will be dealt with later." Koharu said formally, her wrinkled face expressionless.
"Hattori-sensei is an important comrade to the village, to me, and to all of Team 7. We must bring him back!" Naruto did not give up. He ignored Koharu and Homura and his blue eyes were earnestly fixed on Hiruzen.
At this point in the discussion, no one wanted to repeat themselves. Sasuke let out a sigh, gazing solemnly into the deep night outside the window. He bit his lip in frustration, 'Every departure before had at least involved a goodbye. What was the reason for leaving without a word this time?'
Sakura, watching the determined Naruto and Sasuke, silently clenched her hands.
"Hiruzen, make them leave." Homura said irritably. Koharu, sharing the same sentiment, signaled to Hiruzen.
Hiruzen did not immediately respond. He quietly scanned the room before turning to face Naruto, who was staring at him seriously. He spoke slowly and deliberately: "Naruto, capturing a Missing-nin and bringing them back to the village is indeed what the village should do."
Naruto's eyes lit up, "So, you're saying..."
"But..." Hiruzen emphasized, "It is a fact that Hattori has left the village. For this, I must be responsible for your safety."
Sasuke and Sakura both lifted their heads at the sound of his words, and Kakashi lowered the arms he had been folding across his chest.
"The village doesn't have extra manpower to send out right now. And if it's just you three Genin, even if you manage to catch up to Hattori, who is capable of contending with Orochimaru, do you really have the strength to bring him back?"
The three Genin of Team 7 paused at the same time. Hiruzen's serious words were clearly conveyed into their hearts, and a clear line was drawn between their strengths at this time.
Naruto gritted his teeth, and at the same moment, Sasuke, the boy with the fan clan emblem, also clenched his fist, the weight of his words forming into a resolute determination.
"I'll bring him back!"
Naruto and Sasuke were stunned for a moment, then looked at each other before turning towards Hiruzen.
"Hokage-sama, I will go with my students." Having listened for so long, Kakashi finally stood up. Teamwork and abandoning comrades were the first lessons he had taught them during the bell test, and he had a reason to join in what seemed like a reckless attempt.
"Kakashi, you..." Hiruzen sighed in mild frustration, 'Who was it that just apologized for their students' impulsiveness?'
However, with the four of them standing together, Hiruzen found himself unable to utter any words of reproach. People standing together, united. This kind of scene of teacher and students working in harmony was not unfamiliar to him. Bonds within a team had existed in every Ninja's past, and Hiruzen himself must have experienced such moments in the past as well...
Hiruzen fell silent. His hand touched the empty pipe on the table. Deciding to let Logan join Team 7 had not been a mistake, after all. He also wanted to know the answer. As an experienced and battle-hardened Ninja close to seventy, he suppressed his rising emotions to think further.
After a long, seemingly endless wait, Hiruzen sighed deeply. Just as he was about to make a decision, footsteps sounded.
At some point, the noisy office had become so quiet. Hiruzen looked over and saw his student, Jiraiya, walking up to Naruto and placing a hand on the blond-haired boy's head.
"Old man, count me in too."
Jiraiya smiled faintly, "They shouldn't be left with regrets. If it's still not safe enough, then adding me should be okay, right?"
Homura and Koharu were shocked, as they nearly forget that one of the Legendary Sannin was also present. Hiruzen exchanged a glance with his student, who was not young anymore, understanding the meaning within. After a moment of hesitation, he finally nodded heavily, "In that case, there should indeed be no problem."
"Hiruzen!" Homura frowned, but Hiruzen raised his hand to stop him, indicating that he had made up his mind.
"Wow, really?! Ero-Sennin, you must be pretty strong! I mean, you peep on women's baths all the time, but I didn't think you'd help in a situation like this. I'm so touched!"
"Hey, kid, keep your voice down... Don't say such things out loud!"
The atmosphere lightened somewhat with the playful banter between teacher and student. Even Hiruzen couldn't help but smile, "Listen up, everyone..."
"I now formally issue the special mission to Team 7 and Jiraiya: 'Retrieve Raiden Hattori.' The difficulty level is confirmed as S-Rank. If there are no objections, depart immediately!"
Kakashi cast a grateful glance at Jiraiya, adjusted his clothes, approached Hiruzen, and said solemnly, "Team 7 accepts the mission."