Only then did Kumoi turn his gaze back to Crow, who was still kneeling on one knee, awaiting further instructions:
"Your mission is complete.
Go rest. That is an order."
Crow's body seemed to tense slightly. He raised his head, his eyes beneath the mask looking at Kumoi through its holes, his voice carrying the particular stubbornness of one who carried out missions:
"Lord Hokage, I am still in acceptable condition. I can continue working."
"That is precisely why you need rest."
Kumoi's tone allowed no argument, though it softened slightly.
"There will be harsher missions ahead.
Maintaining your best condition is so you can work better in the future.
Go."
"...Yes.
I obey."
Crow heard the deeper meaning and the finality in the Hokage's words and finally stopped insisting.
He lowered his head once more, then took out another, thicker dossier disguised as commercial accounts from his robes and gently placed it at the corner of Kumoi's desk.
"This contains a summary of recent transactions with our 'partners,' as well as signs of unusual movements in funds and supplies observed through their channels."
With that, he rose briskly, gave a salute, and silently withdrew as though melting into the darkness. He disappeared through the door, heading for the absolutely secure resting point prepared by the Anbu for operatives like him who carried out top-secret field missions.
Sarutobi Compound.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had just properly settled the dead-drunk Danzo and instructed the clan members to watch over him carefully. Having removed his outer robe, he was about to wash up and sleep, hoping to dispel the exhaustion brought on by that heavy conversation with his old friend.
His wife, Biwako, was making the bed in the inner room.
Suddenly, he sharply sensed an extremely faint chakra fluctuation carrying a special rhythm