Chapter 34 - 32: Dear Fire Temple, I Come Bearing Techniques (And Zero Respect for Tradition)
"Forgive me for the earlier question, Kakashi-san."
The voice of Lady Sakuraba came softly from within the carriage.
Kakashi smiled beneath his mask, his posture relaxed.
"No offense taken. They're fresh graduates, yes, but Garou's abilities already rival most chunin."
"What he lacks is experience, which is exactly why I'm here, to guide him through it."
"That's... actually very reassuring."
"You've nothing to worry about," Kakashi continued. "The other two, Tenten and Kasumi, are also students I hold in high regard. They both have the makings of exceptional kunoichi. They're more than capable as bodyguards."
Lady Sakuraba, a noble from the capital, wasn't unfamiliar with shinobi affairs. She had initially found the escort arrangements lacking, sending a team of Genin to protect a high-ranking noble felt insulting.
If not for Kakashi leading them, she might have filed a formal complaint for reassignment.
But now, her perspective had changed completely.
Not long after the scuffle on the road, Garou returned from cleaning up. His appearance was neat, save for some dust clinging to his sleeves and the soles of his sandals. No blood, no wounds. He looked no different than he had that morning.