The tree longed for stillness, but the wind would not relent.
Konoha, the Hokage's office.
Afternoon sunlight streamed through the latticed windows, cutting the map-covered desk into alternating squares of light and shadow.
Smoke curled through the air. The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi held a pipe between his lips, his brow faintly furrowed as he examined the mission scroll Shimura Danzō had submitted.
His teachers, Hokage Advisors Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, stood nearby as well. The atmosphere was heavy.
"Our alliance with the Land of Iron concerns both our northern strategic buffer and our weapons supply line. We cannot afford to jeopardize it." Danzo's voice was low and steady, as though he were stating an established fact.
"According to this intelligence, the key token and documents for the alliance were ambushed by an unknown force near the Land of Frost's border during transport. The escort was wiped out, and the token's whereabouts are unknown. We need an elite team we can trust completely to infiltrate the area as quickly as possible, recover the token, identify the attackers, and preserve the alliance."
The mission rank marked on the scroll was a glaring "S."
The risks were self-evident: penetrating another country's border region, unknown enemies, an urgent deadline, and major diplomatic stakes. One wrong move could trigger a chain reaction that would upset the postwar balance of power.
"This mission is highly difficult, and-the timing is delicate." The Third slowly exhaled a smoke ring and fixed Danzo with a sharp gaze. "Whom do you propose?"
"Hatake Sakumo," Danzo answered without hesitation. "The Konoha White Fang's reputation and strength are sufficient to handle any unforeseen circumstances. Sending him would also demonstrate how seriously Konoha takes this alliance. He is the most suitable candidate available."
A brief silence settled over the office.
Utatane