If Asuma were to stir up trouble in the Land of Demons, the people there wouldn't hesitate because of his identity as the Son of the Hokage; they wouldn't show him any mercy.
He had already lost one son and didn't want to lose another.
Asuma said nothing, merely staring silently at Hiruzen, his eyes betraying his steadfast determination.
Regarding the Land of Demons, which rose between the great nations, everyone would naturally take an intense interest in it.
People, including ninjas, were accustomed to the Five Great Nations being high and mighty, a pattern unchanged for hundreds, even hundreds of years.
Now, with the sudden arrival of a force that threatened the status of the great nations—the Land of Demons—many people were unaccustomed to it.
But the Land of Demons had already proven its strength; it defeated the Land of Wind outright, forced the Land of Fire and Konoha to compromise during the Five Kage Summit—no small nation could achieve such feats.
Back then, Half-God Hanzou of Hidden Rain only resisted the ninjas of three great ninja villages, but ultimately Konoha's victory was inevitable.
Hidden Rain was both stronger and weaker than Hanzou.
Aside from Hanzou, there was no other formidable ninja to present.
However, the Land of Demons was distinct; they possessed advanced combat ninja tools and multiple strong ninjas. As for the core combat force, although it hadn't been revealed, the Land of Demons, hidden for many years, wouldn't recklessly provoke great nations; therefore, they likely didn't lack core strength; they simply didn't need to show it on the battlefield against the Land of Wind.
Seeming to have detected Asuma's determination in his eyes, Hiruzen's headache worsened.
He smoked more intensely, sitting there coughing vigorously.
He dearly wished his eldest son hadn't perished in battle, for he could've guided Asuma, helping him fully integrate into the Konoha family.
"Although in name I revoked Chiba Hakushi and his renegade ninja status, their presence remains highly dangerous. Also, recently, the Land of Demons has been carrying out secret plans near the Land of Waves close to the Land of Fire. Evidently, their ambitious heart aims to seize the status of great nations. You going to the Land of Demons now would be akin to walking into a trap."
"But didn't Uchiha Ruri visit Konoha before? Although it was a secret visit, not publicized, very few in the village knew."
Asuma replied.
Hiruzen became even more troubled.
Not only was there a transaction between him and Chiba Hakushi, but also due to Uchiha Ruri's immense power, killing her would come at an exorbitant price.
In comparison, Asuma's strength left Hiruzen less assured.
Having heard Shikaku's report, Asuma had been easily suppressed in direct combat by Uchiha Ruri's daughter, who was only twelve. Comparable to Uchiha Itachi, who joined a mysterious organization, serving as a spy, the strength may be similar.
The military power of the Land of Demons is certainly not as superficial as it appears.
"If you're not allowed to go to the Land of Demons, then cancel the long-term mission."
Hiruzen's persistent silence only intensified Asuma's rebellious spirit.
The more people didn't want him to do something, the more he wanted to try and prove them all wrong.
He refused to remain a fledgling forever sheltered by the Hokage.
The identity of the Son of Hokage brought him countless glory but also immense pressure.
He wanted to transcend the 'Hokage' constraints, to be Sarutobi Asuma, not merely the Son of Hokage.
"Sigh... If Ryu and Linko were still here, they wouldn't allow you to be so reckless."
Hiruzen chuckled wryly, conceding in disguise.
"Big brother and sister-in-law would support me, unlike you, only blaming my mistakes. You too, persistently follow your path while I steadfastly follow my own. Who's right or wrong, how would we know without seeing it through to the end?"
Asuma remarked.
Hiruzen knew he couldn't persuade Asuma, nor did he have the time for family matters.
Allowing Asuma to leave Konoha for a while could also bring him peace.
"I permit you to accompany the Daimyo's envoy to the Land of Demons. But you must promise me not to cause trouble there; you must curb your impulsive nature. Moreover, once the Daimyo's envoy departs, you must leave with them and shall not stay too long in the Land of Demons."
"What if I disagree?"
"Then I'll have Anbu accompany you. Do you wish your break to be constantly monitored by Anbu?"
Hiruzen's resolve was firm.
"I understand, I'll follow the arrangements of the envoy."
Having secured such terms was already the limit, Asuma said no more, turning to leave the office, leaving behind the slightly melancholic and anxious Hiruzen.