High Heaven Palace, laboratory.
Tobirama sat at a desk, pen in hand, writing rapidly across a sheet of paper.
A moment later, his pen stopped. He stared at the lines he had just written, frowned, then drew a line through them.
He turned the page and started over.
Cross it out. Rewrite it.
Cross it out again. Rewrite it again.
He repeated the process for who knew how long, until a thick stack of paper had piled up on the desk.
At last, Tobirama put down his pen. Looking at the plan covered in dense handwriting, his stern expression softened slightly.
He was about to stand when he seemed to sense something and froze.
His face fell again. Without turning around, he put both hands back on the desk and snorted.
"Hmph. You irritating brat. Of course you show up right when I finish my work. You certainly know how to pick your moment."
"Uh, hahaha. Sorry, sorry. A few things came up, so I took longer than I expected."
Kou spoke with a grin as he stepped out from behind Tobirama.
A trace of the night breeze still clung to him. His collar hung slightly open, leaving him looking a little disheveled.
Ignoring Tobirama's look of distaste, Kou appeared at his side in an instant. He studied the plan on the desk and clicked his tongue in admiration.
"As expected of the Second Hokage. You put together such a thorough plan in so little time.
"What efficiency! You were born to work yourself to the bone. Having someone as capable as you around sure makes my life easy!"
"Hmph. Spare me the flattery. Don't think a few kind words will let you pull one over on me!"
Tobirama immediately put some distance between himself and Kou. Folding his arms,