After the meeting ended, Mokgetsu wanted to return to his office but was called by Sarutobi Hiruzen and taken to the Hokage Office.
"In the battle against Sosuke, I lost." Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed and said.
"Sosuke's strength far exceeded my imagination; to say he's the strongest ninja in the current Ninja World wouldn't be an exaggeration."
Although Mokgetsu has the achievement of severely injuring the Kazekage with one punch and can employ Woodman Jutsu over sixty meters high, there is still a considerable distance from Senju Hashirama.
However, Sosuke gave Sarutobi Hiruzen the impression of being very close to the legendary ninja like Senju Hashirama.
Therefore, Sarutobi Hiruzen believes that the strongest in the Ninja World now is Sosuke, not Mokgetsu.
"I'm sorry; I was impulsive this time and should have listened to your advice."
As he spoke, Sarutobi Hiruzen showed a look of remorse.
For Sarutobi Hiruzen, this is not just a battle defeat but a major strategic blunder in development.
If Sosuke hadn't been provoked, Konoha could smoothly digest the victory of the Third Ninja World War, while also allowing Mokgetsu to develop safely.
"Since it's already a fact, let's continue to look forward. If we want to find fault, we high-ranking officials can't avoid it; if we had insisted a little harder, maybe the result would have been different." Mokgetsu comforted.
This time he indeed struck hard, even though he left no irreparable bodily harm to Sarutobi Hiruzen, but it likely left Sarutobi Hiruzen with some psychological shadow.
After all, Sarutobi Hiruzen was also a top-tier fighter in the current Ninja World, and to be defeated without even touching the opponent, the sense of frustration is conceivable.
Seeing Mokgetsu's words filled with emotion and his expression without any hint of acting, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but feel touched.
Even with Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, who grew up with him as old comrades, Sarutobi Hiruzen could sense a bit of resentment in their hearts.
Of course, it's indeed his fault, so Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't think Mitokado Homura was wrong.
But comparisons can be daunting; as fellow high-ranking officials and as one of the advisers, Mokgetsu actively helped him take some blame and comfort him.
"Though his strength is not weaker than mine, he still remembers the favor of my previous teachings." Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed inwardly.
Mokgetsu is very dependable; he truly remembers his favors.
"I lost, but I did gather some intelligence on Sosuke." Sarutobi Hiruzen then shared some battle details with Mokgetsu.
"He has a jutsu that can create a shield to protect his entire body, capable of withstanding both Taijutsu and Ninjutsu attacks, but it should have a limit. When I performed the Five Release Dalian Bullet, he used other means to dispel my Ninjutsu."
Mokgetsu showed a listening attitude, nodding occasionally.
Using Unlimited Jutsu to create insurmountable "infinite" around him; understanding it as a shield is plausible, and indeed it is not unbreakable.
However, he can withstand Five Release Dalian Bullet; it's just that he intends to use Sukuna Hikona to further enhance the sense of oppression.
To break the Unlimited, Five Release Dalian Bullet is not enough; Truth-Seeking Orb or Six Paths Sage Art might do it.
"Before the election is over, Mokgetsu, you shouldn't leave the village." Sarutobi Hiruzen warned.
Although Sosuke is strong, Konoha also has many powerful fighters, and working together might not be unable to contend with Sosuke. After all, Sosuke alone has limited chakra.
If Mokgetsu leaves the village, then the risk would be great.
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't dare to bet on whether Sosuke would attack or not. Sosuke letting him return doesn't mean Sosuke would spare Mokgetsu.
Because Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't pose a threat to Sosuke, but if Mokgetsu continues to grow, who will be stronger is uncertain.
This speculation made Sarutobi Hiruzen feel that Sosuke might be trying to numb Konoha by letting them return, making Konoha lower their guard.
Mokgetsu nodded, anyway, if he leaves, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't know.
Unlimited Jutsu for long-distance travel is quite handy, its consumption isn't too exaggerated, and the distance it can cover is considerable.
In terms of long-distance travel, Mokgetsu is willing to call Unlimited Jutsu the strongest, far surpassing Flying Thunder God Jutsu.
"By the way, recently, Konoha Newspaper will have an interview with you, you can prepare in advance." Sarutobi Hiruzen said.
Actually, it doesn't exist now; Sarutobi Hiruzen needs to issue the next order in a while for it to happen.
However, this isn't important; Mokgetsu, as Konoha's hero from the Third Ninja World War, being interviewed by Konoha Newspaper is reasonable and has nothing to do with Mokgetsu being nominated for Fourth Hokage.
Mokgetsu thanked him and then left the Hokage Office, heading to his own office to work.
Watching Mokgetsu leave, Sarutobi Hiruzen silently took out a tobacco pipe, lit it, took a deep breath, and then exhaled a faint white mist, showing a relieved expression.
A few minutes later, Sarutobi Hiruzen collected himself and continued handling official duties. Before the formal handover, he was still the Hokage.
After the workday ended, Sarutobi Hiruzen clocked out on time and returned home.
At this time, Asuma had just returned from cultivation at the training ground, reclining in a chair in the living room.
"You're back?" Asuma turned his head and glanced.
"Yes." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in response, took off the Hokage Kasa, and put it aside.
Then the two didn't engage in much more conversation.
Asuma had nothing he wanted to say to Sarutobi Hiruzen, and Sarutobi Hiruzen had things he wanted to say but couldn't say directly now.
During dinner, Sarutobi Hiruzen proactively talked to Sarutobi Biwako about recent work.
"Finally, I can relax a bit recently. A few days ago, I was busy assessing and discussing those ninjas who had made significant contributions and achievements to Konoha. The meetings were nonstop."