Itachi did not open the invitation in the Hokage Building.
The document first underwent verification within the clan and at the External Records Point.
This was not to let the Uchiha decide for him.
It was to confirm that the invitation concealed no further orders.
The mission would last fifteen days.
Its objective was to verify the black residue remaining in the Land of Fire's old command network.
He was not to enter the Uchiha's undisclosed Stone Tablet levels.
He was not to be asked to monitor clan meetings as a member of the clan.
Sasuke, his parents, and other clan members were not to serve as guarantees for the mission.
Itachi could abort if he discovered that its scope had expanded.
His reasons for aborting had to be recorded, but he did not need prior Anbu approval.
These terms were more comprehensive than before.
That did not mean the invitation was without risk.
The Anbu still answered directly to the Hokage.
Parts of the mission remained classified.
Once involved, Itachi might encounter materials that neither the clan nor the village wanted made public.
Fugaku asked for his assessment.
He did not say that the family needed someone in the Anbu.
Nor did he demand that Itachi prove his loyalty by refusing.
Itachi first raised four questions.
Who would identify the black residue?
If the mission uncovered problems with Konoha's own old orders, would he have to surrender the only original copy?
Could he place his objections on record if other Anbu exceeded the mission's scope?
After the fifteen days ended, would his confidentiality obligations become indefinite surveillance?
The Hokage's Direct Subordinates Records Group provided a written supplement.
Identifying black residue required supporting evidence in at least two of three categories: physical evidence, chakra, or command links.
Original documents would