Facing the guards' stern questioning and faint hostility, Crow made no unnecessary movements or explanations.
He simply raised his right hand, palm up, and released a trace of chakra.
Beneath the skin of his palm, a complex and secretive rune faintly lit up, then projected the phantom image of a deeply solid dark-purple energy token no larger than a palm.
At the center of the token was an abstract animal profile—a crow.
Around it were three tomoe markings that seemed to be burning—Konoha Anbu · Highest Emergency Passage Order.
The Jonin leading the guards saw the token's projection, and his expression changed drastically. He immediately dropped all signs of vigilance, swiftly stepped aside, and gestured for him to pass at once.
The two seasoned guards behind him immediately followed suit.
However, the young guard standing at the outermost position was clearly newly assigned or lacking in experience.
He watched Crow produce an unfamiliar "light token" and try to head straight inside.
Seeing his seniors let him through without a thorough interrogation, he instinctively felt it was against protocol and could not help speaking up.
"Wait! You—"
Before he could finish, the experienced Jonin guard beside him yanked him back and barked in a low voice.
"Shut up! Are your eyes just for decoration?!
That is an Anbu Level Three Highest Emergency Order!
Seeing the order is the same as seeing the Hokage in person. Other than the Hokage himself, no one may obstruct, question, or delay its bearer!
You haven't even memorized that? How did you end up posted to the outer perimeter?!"
The young guard froze from the shouting. By the light of the shinobi lamps, he finally made out the three burning tomoe and the distinctive Anbu insignia on the energy token. A fine layer of cold sweat