"No need for thanks. Looking after my people is part of the job." Hibari waved a hand, his tone casual. "Now that it's settled, I won't keep talking your ear off. Be on time tomorrow, and I'll give you the details then. I'm heading back to report to Second Uncle."
Kagami Uchiha had nothing else to say. Though he understood the reasoning, his frustration had yet to fade completely, so he merely nodded. "Understood, Deputy Chief."
"What deputy? Just call me Chief!" Hibari lifted his chin, looking thoroughly pleased with himself.
He stayed no longer. Pulling his mask over his face to hide the bruises, he gave Kagami Uchiha a slight nod, used the Body Flicker Technique, and vanished.
Staring at the empty courtyard, Kagami Uchiha rubbed ointment around his eyes and muttered, "I'd heard the kid was capable... but I never imagined even I'd lose to him. Should I say that's only natural for someone of my teacher's bloodline? The Senju Clan..."
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Tobirama's pen paused briefly over the documents he was reviewing. Before anyone could knock, he spoke. "Come in."
"Second Uncle, how did you know it was me?" Hibari removed his mask and walked inside.
"I could smell that smugness of yours from a mile away." Tobirama looked up with the hint of a smile.
"What a nose you have." Hibari cracked a joke before turning serious. "Reporting to Lord Hokage: mission successfully completed. Kagami Uchiha will report for duty tomorrow. You can begin preparing for the next stage of your plans."
Tobirama looked him over and nodded lightly. "Good work. Keep it up."
With that, he opened the drawer beside him and took out a document. The words "Establishment of a Security Force" stood out on its cover.
Tobirama tapped the paper