Sarutobi Hiruzen laughed. "Enough yammering. This is a big deal, so take it seriously."
"Relax, I get it," Hibari said cheerfully. "Remember to treat me to a nice hot pot when I get back."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's face darkened. "Weren't you the one who came up with hot pot? You own every hot pot restaurant in the village, and you still have the nerve to make me pay?"
Hibari lifted his chin smugly. "Even brothers keep their accounts straight. I offered to let you invest back then, but you wouldn't. Bet you're kicking yourself now, huh?"
"I'd just gotten married!" Sarutobi Hiruzen snapped. "Where was I supposed to get spare cash?"
He genuinely looked a little regretful, then added, "Hibari, next time something good comes along, give your buddy a hand."
"Aren't you my uncle?" Hibari asked, looking puzzled.
Sarutobi Hiruzen waved a hand, grinning shamelessly. "Oh, come on. No need to be so formal about that uncle business."
They chatted a little longer, and Hibari turned to leave, only for Sarutobi Hiruzen to suddenly call him back. "Wait. You nearly threw me off track. I haven't gotten to the real business yet."
Hibari stopped, his brow furrowing. "What is it? I'm short on time."
"Something important." Sarutobi Hiruzen lowered his voice. "Don't you think our Anbu is a little short-handed?"
Hibari raised an eyebrow, seemingly catching his drift, and turned back around. "A little. Why?"
"We've always picked our recruits ourselves, which was fine before," Sarutobi Hiruzen explained. "But if we keep doing that, it'll be both improper and a hassle, won't it?"
Hibari nodded along. "So you want to... set up a place specifically to train people for Anbu?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's lips curved upward. "Exactly. And as it happens, I have someone reliable in mind to run it."
Hibari