"Hibari, you're not joking, are you?" Sarutobi Hiruzen stared wide-eyed, his voice full of surprise.
Hibari shot him an exasperated glance. "Do I look like someone who'd joke about something like this?"
Kagami Uchiha, standing nearby, fell silent for a moment before speaking gravely. "Thinking it over, it's not entirely impossible."
His words silenced everyone else. Only after a long while did Hyuga Hiten ask again, "Then, Deputy Chief, how exactly will we carry out the mission?"
The corners of Hibari's mouth lifted.
"I plan to lead the team myself and infiltrate Kumogakure. But I'll need a partner, and I think Kagami would be a good fit."
Sarutobi Hiruzen considered this, then nodded. "This really is a serious matter. If you go yourself, you'll be able to make decisions on the spot when something happens. As for a partner, Kagami is indeed a good choice."
"If it's intelligence gathering," Hyuga Hiten suddenly said, his tone rather stiff, "my abilities should be stronger. Why not choose me as your partner?"
He meant nothing else by it; he was simply puzzled. Clearly, the others were already used to the way he spoke, and none of them took offense.
"This is an undercover investigation, after all," Hibari explained. "Those eyes of yours stand out too much. Anyone could guess where you're from. What are you going to do, pretend you're blind?"
He paused, then looked at Kagami Uchiha.
"Kagami is different. The Sharingan is excellent for gathering intelligence too, and it doesn't normally draw attention. The two of us can pose as brothers and stroll right into Kumogakure. That'll make things easier."
Hyuga Hiten understood after hearing this and nodded. "I see. That does make sense."
"As the Anbu chief, Hiruzen has too much to handle in the village to leave, so naturally