A few days later in Konoha, sunlight gleamed on the glazed tiles of the Hokage Building. Cicadas sang in the courtyard's cherry trees, their cries mingling with the scent of leaves on the breeze.
"My little man is pretty romantic, but is the little fox meant to represent me really this ugly? A three-year-old could draw better."
Kurenai Yuhi straightened the subtle pattern on her cuff, her fingertips brushing the clasp of her Ninja Tools pouch—inside lay a small bronze mirror Qingwu had given her, a crooked little fox engraved on its back.
"Lord Hokage wants to see me?" She paused in front of the building, the red beauty mark at the corner of her eye especially distinct in the sunlight.
Meanwhile, at the Hyuga Clan Compound, Hyuga Seigo leaned against a veranda pillar, peeling an orange. The White Zetsu Clone's chakra fluctuations settled lightly as a feather in the direction of the Hokage Building.
"What's that old monkey up to now?" He tossed an orange segment into his mouth, juice splashing onto his chin. "Still, with White Zetsu following her, Kurenai won't get the short end of the stick." With that, he waved a hand, too lazy even to extend his divine sense over there again.
With Qingwu's White Zetsu Clone following her.
As long as she didn't lose out.
She could make whatever trouble she liked. He was there for her, after all.
Inside the office building, the stern faces of the two ninja guarding the door instantly melted into eager smiles at the sight of Kurenai Yuhi.
"Jonin Kurenai Yuhi! Lord Hokage is waiting for you inside!" One rushed to open the door as he spoke, even the soft creak of its wooden hinges seeming ingratiating.
Kurenai Yuhi raised an eyebrow. These two had served in the