Toroi was another Elite Jonin of Kumogakure, the only ninja capable of using the Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai.
His Ninjutsu was unusual, something ordinary people had never seen, making it easy for him to exploit an information gap early in battle.
A handed the letter to an Anbu and added, "Have them arrive no later than the day after tomorrow. They must be there."
"Yes, sir!"
The Hidden Cloud Anbu vaulted over the wall and vanished beyond the village.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in his chair. His pipe had gone out long ago, yet he had not relit it.
He gazed at the sky outside the window, his eyes somewhat unfocused.
After a long while, as though he had finally made up his mind, he rose, draped on his outer robe, and pushed open the door.
In the courtyard of the Senju Clan Compound, Mirai was practicing the hand seals for several Water Release techniques.
Kushina sat nearby watching, peeling an orange and occasionally tossing a segment into her mouth.
When Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared at the courtyard gate, Kushina nearly choked on her orange. "Cough, cough, cough... L-Lord Hokage?!"
"Sorry for the interruption." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded to her, then turned his gaze to Mirai. "Mirai, I have something I want to discuss with you."
Mirai lowered his hands and brushed the water stains from his clothes. "Lord Hokage, what is it?"
"About the duel three days from now." Hiruzen Sarutobi walked to the center of the courtyard, his tone more serious than usual. "I want to go up and fight a match."
Mirai raised a brow. "Oh?"
He had not expected Hiruzen Sarutobi to volunteer himself.
"Yes." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "As Hokage, it has been a long time since I personally set foot on a battlefield.