The Hokage Office, so unlike the clamor of yesterday's ceremony, was now enveloped in a peculiar stillness.
Sunlight still streamed generously inside, making the brand-new Hokage Ceremonial Robe gleam.
The robe hung casually on a coat rack beside the desk rather than on its new owner.
Tsunade, the newly appointed Fourth Hokage, looked nothing like the commanding figure she had cut on yesterday's stage. Her forehead rested against a mountain of scrolls as she let out a barely audible groan.
A few unruly strands of golden hair fell across her deeply furrowed brow.
The desk that symbolized Konoha's highest authority now looked more like a mountain of paper about to bury her.
"Say... is this what you meant by 'drinking tea, enjoying the scenery, and signing something now and then'?"
Tsunade's voice dripped with resentment, edged with the teeth-grinding anger of someone who had been duped.
She did not even lift her head. She knew the culprit had to be enjoying her suffering in the most irritating pose imaginable.
On the sofa by the window across the office, Uchiha Shinichi certainly did not "disappoint" her.
He was practically sunk into the soft cushions, his feet casually propped on the coffee table, engrossed in a garishly covered book... the latest volume of Icha Icha Paradise. Every so often, he let out a quiet chuckle whose meaning was anyone's guess.
His leisurely contentment made an infuriating contrast to Tsunade's frazzled state.
"Well, getting started is always the hardest part." Shinichi lazily turned a page without looking up. "You have to learn the ropes first, don't you? Besides, isn't this all old business Senior Brother Sarutobi left piled up? He just walked away and left you this whole mess."
His tone was light, as though he were discussing something as trivial as a