Third Hokage's Move Bought Senju New Leverage

The white mask stopped against the clan wall, a Hokage summons scroll resting in the palm exposed beyond the sleeve.

"Senju Chiba, the Hokage summons you. The Land of Waves mission report requires your personal additions."

Silver-white roots climbed over the wall. They sensed no hostility from the visitor, but caught the scent of tobacco in the document's sealing wax.

Chiba opened the clan gate, his gaze settling on the blank mask.

"Anbu masks have no patterns?"

"I'm escorting mission documents. There is no need to leave the action squad's insignia."

"Who told you to listen outside the wall?"

"The Hokage only told me to wait."

Bai Ye's bone blade emerged from behind a corridor pillar, its tip aimed at the visitor's chest.

"If you're waiting, you can knock."

The Anbu put away the summons without explaining.

Chiba accepted the scroll. Beneath the Hokage's seal was a short note added by Asuma.

Haku's identity requires personal confirmation from his guarantor.

"I'll go."

Haku came over from beside the room door, holding the temporary pass he had just received.

"Do you need me to come too?"

"You stay."

"The report will mention me."

"That's why you don't need to go."

Bai Ye withdrew his bone blade and looked at the Anbu beyond the wall.

"What if he doesn't come back?"

"Then tear down the Hokage Tower."

The Anbu paused with one foot on the wall.

Chiba stepped through the clan gate.

"Don't actually tear it down. We haven't received the repair funds yet."

The door to the Hokage's Office was not fully closed. Asuma stood by the window, reading through the report he had submitted.

The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, his pipe set beside his hand. An unfinished shogi game lay before him.

"You're here?"

"Yeah."

Asuma pushed the