The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room through the gaps in the curtains.
Tsunade had limped away before dawn.
Chiyo had just finished washing up when hurried footsteps sounded outside the door.
"Clan Leader, Lord Fugaku requests an audience!"
An Uchiha clan member stood respectfully outside the front gate.
"Let him in."
Chiyo straightened his collar and headed for the sitting room.
Fugaku pushed open the door and entered, a trace of fatigue on his face. Clearly, last night's meeting had taken quite a toll on him.
He approached and stood ramrod straight before Chiyo.
"The results of last night's meeting are out."
Chiyo motioned for him to sit while leaning back in his chair, lightly tapping the armrest with his fingers.
"Go on. What tricks did the Third Hokage pull this time?"
Fugaku took a deep breath and began his detailed report.
"At the meeting, the Hokage also summoned Hatake Sakumo. After everyone's deliberation, the Anbu was split into two divisions."
"Oh?"
Chiyo raised a brow, interest flashing in his eyes.
"One division would be led by Hatake Sakumo. Its members would come from the major clans and civilian shinobi.
"Most personnel would be appointed personally by Hatake Sakumo or recommended by the major clans.
"Their recruitment would not be subject to the Hokage's control.
"They would mainly handle external combat, reconnaissance, and support."
Fugaku paused, then continued.
"The second division would be the 'Hokage Guard,' personally selected by the Hokage. It would serve as the Hokage's exclusive Anbu force."
Chiyo chuckled.
"The Third Hokage actually let the major clans and civilian shinobi form an Anbu division?"
"Interesting. Go on!"
Fugaku nodded.
"As for Root, its duties were formally defined as espionage and intelligence operations inside and outside the village. It would be a 'special intelligence agency.'
"However,