Life in Konoha's ANBU by Shezza

Chapter 3: ANBU Directive 2

Located in the heart of Fire Country, Konoha was regarded as the largest military and economic power within all of the Elemental Countries. Boasting of a Shinobi population of over ten thousand, Konoha served not only as a military force but one of the primary driving forces of Fire Country's economy. Clients from the Land of Fire and beyond highly valued the work ethic and efficiency of Konoha's Shinobi and Leaf Shinobi were the first choice by many when a task needed to be done. Each day, hundreds of Shinobi teams would leave and return to the Village to complete missions. The majority of these were made up of C and D-ranked missions, suitable for Konoha's well-trained and diverse field of Chunin and Genin.

For the most part, Clients visiting Konoha would be directed to the Mission Assignment Desk located in the Administrative section of the Academy. There, Chunin would take down the mission details, organise teams to complete said missions and accept payments. It was a well-oiled machine that made use of the vast majority of rank-and-file Shinobi. Failed Graduates of the Shinobi Academy usually found themselves in bureaucratic positions or acting as messengers, while the average Chunin team would complete the vast majority of the missions. While it wasn't as glamorous as the high-risk and dangerous missions handed out at the Hokage's Tower to the elite, these jobs generated a large percentage of Konoha's revenue and were seen vital to Village prosperity.

It was for that reason that Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage of the Village Hidden in Leaves, would often leave the Hokage Tower and direct many of these missions personally. Not only was he able to meet the clientele, many who were suitably impressed by the infamous God of Shinobi, but it gave him a chance to work with the average Shinobi that generally would not get a chance to interact with their leader. As the Hokage's personal guard and assistant, Uzumaki Naruto would usually accompany him. Between filing reports, meeting with clients, scheduling meetings and even assigning missions, the young ANBU agent received his share of Konoha's bureaucratic juggernaut with not-so-quiet dignity.

Sarutobi puffed happily on his pipe as he adjusted the conical hat on his head. A white cloak draped over his red full-length gown. He sat at the head of a large wooden table, one of many. Around him, scores of Chunin hustled busily, taking down mission details, referring clients to other Chunin and bundling paperwork to be sorted and filed. Teams of Ninja would occasionally enter, greet their client and leave. It was an efficient system first started by the Second Hokage and continued by his successor.

"My Lord, Hokage," greeted an enthusiastic man. He was rather round and large, with the strange curly hairstyle favoured by the Nobles of the Fire Court. "Your health appears well!"

Sarutobi puffed once more and removed the pipe from his lips, the predominant lines under his eyes curving up as he smiled. "Greetings, Lord Shinji," he replied back. He coughed once into his hand. "How may our village assist you today?"

"I require a team of your best spies!" Shinji replied and his face darkened. He leaned forward, his eyes furtively darting around the room. "I think you-know-who is going to make his move. I must have accurate intelligence if I am to counter?"

"I see," Sarutobi murmured, stroking his small goatee. "Then, the contracts from the Land of Tea have not yet been finalized?"

"Soon," Shinji said, frowning. He rubbed his hands on his fine clothes. "With your help, of course."

"I recommend that you go and see Nara Ren and give him your details," Sarutobi said. "We shall, of course, provide you with some of our finest Chunin."

"Excellent," Shinji bowed deeply. "My thanks, Hokage-sama."

Sarutobi smiled and moved his pipe back in his mouth as the portly noble walked off. He puffed a few more times, his eyes flickering to his right. "Ferret!" he barked.