Shuji slept especially deeply. When he woke the next day, he found he was the last one up.
Itachi had probably gone home. When Shuji saw him, he had changed clothes and was eating dango with Anko.
Those two would probably never tire of that food.
Besides dango, the low table held rice balls, rolled omelet, grilled fish, and a bag containing a towel and toothbrush.
"Mother made breakfast. When she learned I was coming back here, she had me bring some." Itachi said quietly.
"The towel and toothbrush are newly bought. Senpai can use them."
Cold water splashed on his face and drove away the last bit of drowsiness. He returned to the table and picked up a rice ball.
Anko said, "The Hokage sent word. After we rest, we should go to the Hokage Building."
"Mm." Shuji answered casually.
Anko looked hopeful. "Commendation? It's a commendation, right? This mission was so hard."
Itachi countered, "Senpai worked hard. Anko-senpai and I only accompanied."
"What nonsense! Without foolish subordinates, how can the captain's brilliance shine!"
The Uchiha fell silent, not knowing how to respond.
Anko smiled smugly.
After the meal, Team Five went to the Hokage Building. News of the successful mission had spread through the village, but most villagers did not know exactly who took part. They only knew the leader was named Shuji.
But they had no specific image of which person that was.
This time there was no Nara Shikaku or Utatane Koharu in the office. Only Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"You haven't rested enough, have you? My apologies for calling you in again."
The Third as always first showed concern before getting to business.
"First matter. News of your successful mission has lifted the villagers' spirits greatly. Koharu suggested holding a ceremony in your honor, but I want to hear your opinion first, Shuji."
Boost morale? Create momentum? Is this still about rebuilding Senju?
Or are they planning to establish a new hero?
Shuji shook his head. "The mission's success relied on the village's overall strength. Right now frontline forces are still fighting. I think we should not monopolize this credit."
Sarutobi Hiruzen respected his opinion.
"Second matter. For Team Five's mission, the village will add one S-rank mission completion record for each of you. Payment will be distributed after Administration processes it."
"Third matter. Team Five may rest in the village for three days..." At this point the Third looked apologetic. "With manpower tight, that's all the time I can give you. My apologies."
Given the current situation, letting a jōnin rest three days was already generous. Shuji did not mind.
"Finally, the village needs to send someone to coordinate material handover with Sunagakure. There are details that need your help handling."
Naturally no problem.
After finishing the handover, Sarutobi Hiruzen let Team Five return to enjoy their brief leave.
The routine squad meal went without saying. After resting, Shuji continued training, filling the blank scrolls he had purchased before departure one by one.
During that time Hayami Shigeru came by once.
"Everyone's thinking is that your promotion to jōnin is a big deal. We should celebrate." He said.
Shuji knew who "everyone" was. This time he did not refuse. Raising fame in the village was unnecessary, but ceremonies to maintain and unite internal bonds were still needed.
Shuji did not decline.
"You can arrange the time and place."
Hayami Shigeru left satisfied.
Team Five's leave proceeded as planned. But the shinobi world, already stirred, would not pause just because one corner of Konoha briefly stopped.
Some were not content to watch Konoha gradually reverse its disadvantage. Much less wait for Cloud Village to respond to Konoha's envoy.
Just as Shuji was about to use up his last day of leave, urgent intelligence tore apart the bit of ease that had risen from Suna's alliance.
Iwagakure was moving south on a massive scale.
Over a thousand Iwa shinobi like a yellow tide boldly rushed across Grass Country's border, their spearhead aimed straight at the Kannabi Bridge line!
Urgent cries from the front came one after another.
Shuji was summoned again.
Before leaving, Granny Momoka called to him.
"Shuji, truly, do you not plan to give up?"
Shuji stopped at the door without turning. "No."
Senju Momoka's eyelids lowered slightly. "In that case, then go."
"Take care of yourself."
This time only Shuji was summoned. The location was not the Hokage Building but the cliff above the Hokage Rock.
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood at the cliff's edge, gazing down at the whole village. Behind him were two Anbu Shuji had seen before.
Their features were too distinctive to forget.
One was Yamato, codename Tenzō. One was Hatake Kakashi.
"Shuji."
"Hokage-sama."
"Iwagakure has dispatched jinchūriki."
Shuji's eyes sharpened. No wonder the front collapsed so quickly. Iwa with two jinchūriki certainly had that ability.
The Third's gaze remained on the village below. "Uchiha Shisui has already led elite from the Police Force to the Hot Water Country line."
Hot Water Country? Guarding against Cloud also deploying jinchūriki? Shuji glanced at Tenzō and roughly understood why only he was summoned.
This time, only his power was needed.
Itachi was too young. Anko lacked means to oppose jinchūriki. Granny's question before he left might have been the last chance she could give Shuji. A chance for the village to keep pretending not to know about his power.
"I have recalled Jiraiya, but he alone is too strained against two jinchūriki."
"You, though, can help. I need a clear answer."
The cliff fell into brief silence. Only wind howled.
Shuji was silent a long time, then finally spoke. "I can."
The Third took a deep breath and turned to face him. "Then I ask this of you."
His tone changed. "Jōnin Shuji, for this mission you will be incorporated into the Anbu ranks. After the mission ends you will resume jōnin status."
"Your teammates are Kakashi and Tenzō. You already observed their abilities during your last exam."
"Kakashi has deeper experience and rich mission background. He will lead this time."
Tactical genius Kakashi leading? Shuji had no objection. Rare to have a time when he did not need to think so much.
Deploying as Anbu meant the Third did not plan to expose his identity. That was fine. Shuji also did not want to easily expose Wood Release.
Without Senju Hashirama's level of strength, hiding intelligence appropriately was always wise. Regular release techniques could handle most situations.
Keeping Wood Release as a trump card, as long as it hit, often decided life and death. Wood Release's additional damage was extremely strong. Perfect for catching opponents off guard.
"The front situation is urgent. Depart immediately after receiving Anbu equipment."
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild