Inside the Hokage Office.
As usual, the Third Hokage worked through official business with a pipe between his teeth. Most of it concerned trivial matters within the village.
It was precisely these minor troubles that let him appreciate the village's current stability and briefly forget the problems caused by the Akatsuki.
After stamping an official document with the Hokage's seal, the Third Hokage took a stack of confidential files from a drawer. They contained intelligence brought back by ANBU operatives sent out on missions.
After Jiraiya returned to the village with Tsunade, he had dispatched most of the ANBU to gather intelligence outside, including his eldest son and daughter-in-law.
Come to think of it, his shrewd, capable daughter-in-law had recently given him a grandson, whom they had named Konohamaru.
Remembering his grandson's face, the Third Hokage broke into a smile that creased his face like a chrysanthemum, then began reviewing the confidential intelligence.
When he reached the intelligence his son and daughter-in-law had brought back, his smile broadened.
The couple he had sent to the Land of Water had gathered a great deal of useful intelligence. With these achievements, his son's position as ANBU commander would be even more secure.
Still smiling, the Third noticed something amiss at the end of the letter. An ominous feeling rose in his heart.
Suddenly, a knock sounded at the office door. A Jonin from the Intelligence Division appeared before him, anxiety written across his face.
"Lord Third, Lord Third..." The Intelligence Division Jonin looked at him, struggling to get the words out.
The Third sensed something was wrong. Looking at the Jonin, he said, "Whatever has happened, tell me. Has Kumogakure attacked Konoha's border again?"
The Intelligence Division Jonin shook his head, still hesitant. He could not be certain of the news.
Anger