Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
Heavy footsteps echoed through the busy halls of the Hokage Tower.
Tsunade walked ahead without slowing, Shizune at her side, while the four masked ANBU followed several steps behind.
She reached the office door, pushed it open, and entered without hesitation.
For a moment, she simply stood there.
Her eyes drifted across the room—the desk, the papers, the windows overlooking Konoha, and finally the portraits resting high upon the wall.
The previous Hokage watched in silence.
Shorai noticed the brief shift in her expression.
A trace of sadness.
Gone almost before it had appeared.
Tsunade walked behind the desk, pulled the chair back, and dropped into it without ceremony. The red Hokage hat landed on the table beside her.
Shorai and the others stopped before the desk.
No one spoke.
Tsunade's gaze moved across the room again, lingering on the drawers, papers, and shelves as though she were measuring the weight of every responsibility that had just been placed into her hands.
Then she released a slow breath through her nose and reached for the file waiting beside her.
"Well?" Tsunade asked.
Her eyes settled on the smallest operative among the four.
Shorai remained silent.
Behind the fox mask, his lips curved into a faint crescent smile.
"Your Wisest Big Sister is Hokage now, boy," Tsunade said, her voice calm and unreadable.
Eagle, Boar, and Cat turned toward him.
Curiosity flickered in Eagle's visible eye. Boar looked openly amused. Cat's expression shifted only slightly beneath her mask, but Shorai noticed it.
"What are your orders, Lady Hokage?" Shorai replied in the same calm tone.
"Orders?" Tsunade repeated.
One corner of her mouth lifted.
"Fine. Be honest with me."
Her gaze moved toward the walls.
"Would one of you make this conversation private? I will need time to adjust to all these protocols."
Boar nodded and stepped forward.
He pressed two fingers to the edge of a seal beneath the desk.
A low hum passed through the room.
The sounds of the tower vanished. Voices beyond the door, footsteps in the hall, the distant movement of clerks and shinobi—all of it disappeared behind a thin, controlled silence.
Tsunade nodded approvingly.
"Useful."
She opened the file.
"Fox," she began, turning a page. "Or rather… Shorai."
Her eyes moved quickly across the reports.
"I have been curious about your exploits."
She turned another page.
"Yesterday, I read this file."
Another.
"And the more I read, the more concerned I became."
Tsunade raised her eyes.
"But first…"
A small smile appeared on her lips.
"You managed to convince my sensei, Jiraiya, and those old fossils that you could be trusted with enough freedom to keep yourself safe."
The smile disappeared.
"Then you used that freedom to keep experimenting on your own body."
Shorai remained silent.
"Now you are acting obedient?" Tsunade asked. "No retort? No clear answer because I am wearing that hat?"
Her gaze sharpened.
"You were honest with my sensei, were you not?"
She tapped the file once.
"You said you intended to keep that honesty with me."
"Then make it true."
"Thank you, Lady Fifth, for worrying about me and recognizing my abilities," Shorai said. A smirk appeared beneath the mask.
Tsunade lifted a hand.
"Do not try to escape with polite wording."
She leaned back slightly.
"Your file tells me enough. You carry more than a child your age should be carrying."
Her expression softened for only a moment.
"You may remove the mask. This is not a mission."
Her gaze moved across all four of them.
"I want to speak to the people in front of me—not tools behind masks."
The four operatives glanced briefly at one another.
Then their masks came off in sequence.
Kaito held the Eagle mask at his side. Tetsurō set down the Boar mask. Yūgao lowered the Cat mask with calm hands.
Shorai removed the striped fox mask last.
Tsunade studied him for a moment.
"Same expression," she said, a faint smirk appearing. "No matter the disguise."
Her eyes moved over his brown messy wig.
"But you do look less cute like this."
"Tsunade-sama," Shizune said, lips pursed. "We have much to do."
"I know."
Tsunade waved one hand without looking at her.
Then her eyes returned to Shorai.
"Three elemental affinities. Lightning, Wind, and Water."
"You fused two of them into what you call Swift Release."
"You have studied fuinjutsu, medical ninjutsu, sensory techniques, field tactics, stealth, genjutsu, chakra control, and more than enough ways to hurt yourself."
Shorai's lips twitched.
Tsunade continued, turning another page.
"My sensei changed his mind about placing you under Hatake Kakashi. He placed you in an ANBU environment instead after reading Iruka's reports and hearing your own views."
"I am grateful to Iruka-sensei," Shorai replied. "And to the person I called Grandpa in private."
His expression became more sincere.
"They protected me from many problems, especially in the beginning."
His gaze moved toward the three operatives beside him.
"But that gratitude extends to my mentors. My comrades. I have learned more with them than I did in my early Academy years."
Tsunade watched him carefully.
"Yes," she said. "I read the reports."
"Your trials. Your missions. Your decisions."
Her eyes narrowed.
"So far, your words and actions have not contradicted each other."
She paused.
"Ibiki, Jiraiya, and these three have a good opinion of you."
"I am pleased my actions helped Konoha," Shorai said.
He bowed his head slightly.
"This village gave me a home. It protected me. It gave me the opportunity to develop my skills."
"It is a choice I made. I intend to give something back."
"Hm."
Tsunade's gaze shifted toward the three older shinobi.
"Kaito. Tetsurō. Yūgao."
They straightened.
"Yes, Lady Fifth."
"What is your honest evaluation of him?"
Tsunade rested an elbow against the chair.
"Do not give me a report. I have already read those."
"I want your real answer."
Kaito spoke first.
"Helpful," he said simply.
His Eagle mask remained clenched in one hand.
"His abilities require further polish. His discipline during training requires the same."
He glanced at Shorai.
"But he learns quickly. He adapts under pressure. And he understands the difference between completing a task and preserving the mission."
Tsunade's attention shifted to Tetsurō.
"Very capable," Tetsurō said after a short pause.
A small smile appeared on his lips.
"He sees problems from angles most people miss. That can be annoying."
Shorai's brow rose slightly.
"But useful," Tetsurō added. "Very useful."
Tsunade looked to Yūgao.
Yūgao met her eyes evenly.
"He adapts quickly in the moment. He listens when correction matters."
Her gaze moved briefly toward Shorai.
"People underestimate him. His appearance, his age, the way he speaks."
She paused.
"He understands that. He uses it."
Tsunade's brow lifted faintly.
"Is that so?"
Her eyes returned to the file.
"Good."
Then she looked directly at Shorai.
"How do you feel?"
Shorai was quiet for a moment.
He was unsure what exactly she meant.
"My body is rested," he began carefully. "I am ready to return to work."
His eyes shifted briefly.
"With a new, carefully planned regimen. It will allow me to progress without repeating previous mistakes."
Tsunade's expression did not change.
"Will it?"
Her hand settled flat upon the desk.
The atmosphere in the room shifted.
"What do you think about becoming my direct-report squad?"
The three older shinobi blinked.
"As you command—" Kaito began.
"No."
Tsunade shook her head.
"No command."
Her gaze moved between them.
"I want an answer from people. Not masks, titles, or tools."
"What I need are people I can trust enough to tell me when I am wrong."
Kaito's expression shifted slightly, as though he had not expected such words.
Then he stood straighter.
"I am Kaito Hatayama."
"I served under the Third. I will serve under you, Lady Fifth."
His eyes remained firm.
"I will prove that you can trust and rely on me."
Tetsurō glanced at Kaito before stepping forward.
"Forgive him, Lady Fifth. Kaito-san is not very good at putting feelings into words."
Kaito gave him a flat stare.
Tetsurō continued.
"We served Konoha honestly for years. Its safety and protection were always our duty."
His gaze moved to Yūgao. She gave a small nod.
"We want to continue that work under you."
He bowed his head.
"Tetsurō Akamori."
"Yūgao Uzuki," she said.
Her voice was calm and unwavering.
"We are honored to be among those you trust, Lady Hokage."
"We will protect you with our lives."
The three of them knelt.
Tsunade watched in silence for a moment.
Then her eyes moved to Shorai.
"It applies to you as well."
Shorai's gaze lifted.
"You are part of their team, Fox."
"I am still a trainee, Lady Fifth," Shorai said carefully. "Am I worthy of standing in such a position beside them?"
"Do not start that."
Tsunade shook her head.
"I prefer the way you addressed me before."
A smirk touched her lips.
"And yes. You are worthy."
"Lady Tsunade?" Shorai asked, smiling faintly.
"Sure."
Her eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Though I still think I should have made that bet follow this appointment."
Then her tone shifted.
"My first decree in this office."
The room became still.
"Kaito, Tetsurō, and Yūgao. You have each served as captains and led squads of your own."
"You were assigned as mentors for Shorai."
Tsunade's gaze moved to the brown haired boy.
"And you were assigned to learn from them."
She leaned forward.
"Today, that changes."
"By my authority as the Fifth Hokage, Kaito Hatayama, Tetsurō Akamori, and Yūgao Uzuki are reassigned as a direct-report special squad under my command."
Her eyes moved to Shorai.
"Shorai, your status remains classified."
"You will serve beside them as Fox, a direct-report operative under my authority."
"No public registration. No open record beyond the files necessary to protect your civilian identity."
The four shinobi stared at her.
"Eagle. Boar. Cat. Fox."
"The four of you will report directly to me for protection duties, sensitive missions, and matters I do not intend to leave in ordinary channels."
"At present, I have reports to review and a village to stabilize."
She leaned back in the chair.
"Use the time. Rest. Train. Improve the areas where you are lacking."
"Inform my office what you need."
The three older operatives nodded.
Shorai remained frozen for a brief second before joining them as they knelt.
"Lady Tsunade," he said quietly. "I will not disappoint the trust you have placed in me."
"You had better not."
Tsunade huffed.
"I am running out of patience for people who expect me to place my dreams on another reckless bet."
Her eyes hardened.
"And you will not be reckless with your health. Do you understand?"
"That is an order."
"I understand," Shorai replied.
He remained kneeling for another moment.
"May I make a special request?"
Tsunade tilted her head.
"Yes?"
"If I am correct," Shorai said, glancing briefly toward his three comrades, "full ANBU registration includes the standard tattoo."
"I would like to avoid it."
Tsunade's brow rose.
"I need my civilian position to remain intact. I have business ties with Heavenly Lotus."
He paused.
"And I model for them."
For a moment, Tsunade only stared.
Then her brow rose higher.
"Heavenly Lotus?"
"That name has followed me through half the village since I arrived," Tsunade said. "Half the women in this village have been talking about some 'Heavenly Prince.'"
Her eyes narrowed with entertained realization.
"So that is you."
Shizune blinked.
"Shorai-kun?"
"The mask I wear is one," Shorai said with a quiet exhale. "Still, I carry more than one responsibility."
His expression became more serious.
"It would be safer to remain completely hidden from certain people."
Tsunade's amusement faded into consideration.
"The tattoo is not only decoration," she said. "It is ANBU identification."
Her fingers tapped lightly against the desk.
"Field authentication. Location reporting when activated. Clearance for restricted ANBU facilities and secured records."
She looked toward the others.
"Removing it entirely would leave gaps."
Shorai nodded.
"I understand."
"But," Tsunade continued, "that does not mean it has to remain visible."
She looked back to Shorai.
"I cannot promise anything yet. I will examine the protocols and see whether an alternative seal, concealed placement, or restricted authorization method can preserve your cover without weakening the unit's security."
Shorai's eyes brightened slightly.
"I will refresh my fuinjutsu training, Lady Tsunade."
He straightened.
"While following my new regimen."
"I would be grateful for access to advanced seals. I understand basic three-layer formations, but I have not practiced at that level recently."
Tsunade stared at him for a moment.
Then she slowly exhaled.
"Of course you do."
Her lips twitched.
"Jiraiya mentioned you resembled my great-uncle."
Her eyes narrowed with faint amusement.
"The more we interact, the more fitting that comparison seems."
Shorai remained still.
Tsunade looked to all four of them.
"A direct-report squad needs secure communication, authentication, containment, and counter-seal knowledge."
"I will arrange access to the material and instructors you require."
"You will all refresh your knowledge of fuinjutsu, seal-script, and field authentication."
"Yes, Lady Fifth," the four answered together.
"Hone those skills while you can."
Tsunade nodded once.
"Refresh your memory. Practice your calligraphy."
Then she glanced toward the piled reports waiting on her desk.
"My work calls."
"Dismissed."
The four replaced their masks.
After a final bow, they left the office.
—
The hall outside was quieter than the office had been.
The sound-suppression seal faded behind them, and the noise of the tower returned: distant clerks, measured footsteps, paper shifting, low voices—life continuing beneath the weight of a new administration.
"We have to celebrate this," Boar said immediately.
He turned toward Eagle.
"Eagle-san, there is only training and further orders waiting for us now. You will not find an excuse this time."
Eagle's eyes shifted briefly toward Fox.
"Let us return to headquarters first," he said.
"Boar-san, then we will discuss it."
After returning to the unusually empty ANBU rest area and changing into civilian clothing, Tetsurō spoke again.
"We did not celebrate Fox's appointment as a trainee before."
He looked toward Kaito.
"Do not be such a bore. You need to rest as well."
Kaito stood with his arms folded, staring at the floor.
"Hm."
"For once," Yūgao said quietly, "I think Tetsurō-san may be right."
Her eyes grew faintly distant.
"Many things have happened."
"We should rest from time to time."
Tetsurō turned toward her, visibly stunned.
"You agree with me?"
His grin widened.
"That is a rare sight."
Shorai remained quiet.
"What is this?" Tetsurō asked, turning toward him. "Are you becoming a copy of this stiff one?"
He shook his head dramatically.
"No. No. No. Not on my watch."
Shorai released a slow breath through his nose.
"I am eager to continue with my plan, Tetsurō-san."
Then his lips curved into a small smile.
"But I can find time for my new comrades."
His gaze moved between the three of them.
"Not merely my mentors."
"Rest is something shinobi lack."
Kaito sighed from the side.
"Fine."
"But no heavy drinking."
His gaze landed on Tetsurō.
"We do not know what will come next. I want clear heads for training and study."
"Right. Right."
Tetsurō nodded, dismissive but pleased.
"Then we all agree."
His eyes narrowed playfully toward Shorai.
"Rookie."
"Let me guess," Shorai said, raising one hand. "You want me to treat you."
Tetsurō's smile widened.
"I did not say that. You said it."
"How generous of you to treat your new comrades."
"You intended to exploit him?" Yūgao asked, giving him a mildly displeased look.
"No," Tetsurō said. "I intended to see whether he would be honest."
Kaito looked at him flatly.
"By making him pay the bill?"
"We need to strengthen our new friendship, do we not?" Tetsurō said with a wink.
Then he paused.
"Also… invite that Yamanaka girl."
Shorai's brow rose.
"Ino?"
"She is not foolish," Tetsurō said. "She knows you are involved in something dangerous."
His expression became more serious.
"If she knows us, she will not picture faceless ANBU taking you away on missions."
"She will know the people who bring you back."
Kaito shook his head once.
"This is a bad idea."
"Why did you suggest that, Tetsurō-san?" Shorai asked. His expression became sly. "Do you want to make me uncomfortable?"
"It crossed my mind," Tetsurō admitted with a laugh.
"Now I want to see Professor Fox in action."
"Maybe I will learn something from a boy who refuses to act like one."
"I can ask her," Shorai said with a small sigh. "And I will pay for inviting you all."
His gaze moved to Kaito and Yūgao.
"But do you agree with her joining us?"
"I am not against it," Yūgao said.
She rested one hand on her hip.
"In your company, aside from our little prince, having another woman at the table may be pleasant."
"Ouch," Tetsurō said, pressing a hand to his chest. "That hurt, Yūgao-san."
"With all those missions together, you are still this distant?"
"Your reputation is in shambles," Shorai said.
"Completely," Kaito added.
Tetsurō looked between them in betrayal.
"Fine. Fine."
Shorai's smile warmed.
"How about the two-story barbecue place near the main street?"
"Six in the evening."
"Sounds good," Yūgao said.
"Good place," Tetsurō added.
Kaito nodded once.
"Yes."
With final goodbyes, the four dispersed from the unusually quiet rest area.
—
Shorai turned toward the Yamanaka compound.
Ino answered the door herself.
When he invited her, her face brightened before she quickly tried to regain her composure.
After a brief conversation with her mother—and a knowing look that made Shorai carefully avoid meeting Ino's eyes for too long—he left with their plan settled.
Shorai glanced at his watch.
Four in the afternoon.
'Two hours.'
'A small training exercise before dinner would not be too much.'
His body almost moved automatically toward his training ground.
Then he stopped.
"No," Shorai murmured.
He thought of the conversation with Stoic.
Of anchors.
Of choosing what mattered in the moment rather than treating every empty hour as something that had to be converted into progress.
His eyes drifted toward the distant shape of Konoha Hospital rising above the rooftops.
The building stood still against the afternoon sky.
Too still.
'Sasuke should be awake by now.'
Or perhaps he was not.
Shorai did not know.
The uncertainty settled quietly in his chest.
"Training can wait," he said.
He moved toward the hospital.