With Tsunade and Orochimaru's mission report complete, Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a sigh of relief.
Cultivating Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade had been one of his greatest accomplishments.
Yet now, his focus shifted to a new unruly talent—
Saigoji Youmu.
Tsunade glanced at him, then turned to Sarutobi.
"Now that business is done, let's talk about Saigoji Youmu."
Sarutobi chuckled lightly.
"I've seen more than a few reports about him in the last two days."
He eyed Youmu with interest.
"Truly… a hero emerging from youth."
Youmu remained silent for a moment before replying simply—
"Thank you, Third Hokage."
Though he preferred to keep his distance, he understood that continued silence might alienate those who had already extended goodwill toward him.
Tsunade's expression turned serious.
"What are you planning to do about Youmu?"
She had witnessed his strength firsthand.
He had fought Jiraiya.
He had fought Hanzo.
And he had come out alive.
Tsunade feared that misjudgment on Sarutobi's part might lead to a rift—one that would turn Saigoji Youmu into Konoha's enemy.
The consequences of that were unthinkable.
Sarutobi raised a hand in reassurance.
"Take it easy, Tsunade. I understand your concerns."
Then, his gaze turned toward Youmu.
"Leave us. I wish to speak with him alone."
Tsunade hesitated but ultimately complied.
"Yes."
She and Orochimaru exited the office.
As they reached the door, Youmu lightly patted Konan's shoulder.
"Go with them."
Konan nodded, quietly following Tsunade and Orochimaru out.
Just before the door closed, Tsunade cast one last glance at Youmu.
Then—
Boom.
The door shut.
Only Saigoji Youmu and Sarutobi Hiruzen remained.
Hiruzen exhaled, resting his hand on his pipe.
"Tsunade said she invited you to join Konoha multiple times."
"And yet, you refused."
Youmu's eyes didn't waver.
"Yes. I have no intention of joining any village."
There was no need for flowery explanations.
He had his own path to walk.
Sarutobi took a slow puff of his pipe before speaking again.
"The girl with you—Konan."
"You care for her, don't you?"
Though there was no threat in his voice, the implication was clear.
If Youmu chose to align himself with Konoha, Konan would have the best resources and environment to grow.
"Tsunade has agreed to mentor her."
"And you've built relationships with Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade."
"To some extent, you're already Konoha's friend."
Youmu remained quiet for a moment before replying.
"I understand."
Sarutobi nodded.
"So, would you be willing to live in Konoha?"
This time, Youmu did not hesitate.
"Yes."
A small smile appeared on Sarutobi's face.
Though he had failed to recruit him as a shinobi of Konoha, having someone as powerful as Youmu within the village was still a major win.
"I'll handle the identity issues for you and Konan."
"As for housing—go to Tsunade."
Youmu raised an eyebrow.
"You could assign me a house easily. Why send me to Tsunade?"
Sarutobi let out a small chuckle.
"It's nothing. Just go find her."
Youmu narrowed his eyes slightly but chose not to press the matter.
Shaking his head, he turned toward the door.
As he reached the exit, Sarutobi muttered under his breath.
"Ah… it's nice to be young."
His smile shifted slightly—one of amusement rather than formality.
He had a feeling things were about to get interesting.
"Tsunade… let's see what you do now."
Just as Youmu placed his hand on the door handle—
He stopped.
Without turning around, he spoke.
"One more thing."
Sarutobi blinked, pulled from his musings.
"What is it?"
Youmu's voice was calm, but there was a clear edge to it.
"Don't send anyone to spy on me."
Silence.
A quiet tension filled the room.
Then—
Sarutobi let out a small chuckle, shaking his head.
"Alright. I'll respect that."
Satisfied, Youmu opened the door and walked out.
The meeting was over.
But the game had only just begun.