April 8, Year 41 of Konoha. Anbu Headquarters, Konoha, Land of Fire.
"This is the forehead protector that identifies you as a Konoha ninja, this is the Ninja Handbook, and this is the Ninja Code... Make absolutely sure you don't lose the first two, especially the forehead protector." After completing her registration, Guan Ze handed the usual three items to Hikari.
The Ninja Code was merely symbolic. It wasn't as though anyone's household lacked a copy.
The forehead protector and Ninja Handbook, however, were important. The former needed no explanation; the latter recorded a ninja's completed missions and other information, and also served as proof of identity during missions.
Hikari was entirely unfamiliar with these things. Holding the three items, she raised them before her eyes and gave them a rather cavalier look.
"Ahem. Given your special circumstances, Lord Hokage hasn't assigned you a Jonin or Chunin leader. Normally, your Uchiha Clan..." Guan Ze had been about to say that the Uchiha Clan should make its own arrangements.
But then...
Hikari swept a cold glance at Guan Ze, making him shiver.
"All right, all right, I'll teach her!" Akaseki immediately interjected.
"Ah..." Guan Ze looked at Hikari sympathetically. The girl reacted so strongly just to hearing "Uchiha"-she must have suffered terribly out there... Kensho Uchiha, look what you'd done!
Hikari: ...
Hikari found that sympathetic gaze unfamiliar, and deeply uncomfortable.
After leaving Anbu Headquarters, Akaseki and the other four went to the Pine Deer Pavilion...
"Isn't this Young Master Akaseki? Will you be clearing the place out today?" Upon seeing Akaseki, a server at the Pine Deer Pavilion immediately came over, bowing and scraping.
Akaseki's eyes widened at that. "When have I ever cleared the place out? Hasn't our Uchiha Clan always shared its joy with the people?"
"Yes,