善狐・ZENKO

５章・Chapter 5

"Young Inarinomiya, please come in."

The gravelly voice of the Third Hokage called from beyond the large wooden door leading to his office. You proceeded inside, the soft rays of the sun shone through the fixed windows of the office and enveloped your body in their warmth. Behind the curved executive desk sat the aged leader of the village amongst a sea of books and scrolls.

"I hope I haven't interrupted any plans for the day," He sent a placid smile at your inquisitive figure standing before his desk, "I just wanted to check in and see how you're getting along! It's been a while since we've had a good chat."

"I understand," You really didn't. "I'm doing just fine, Hokage-sama. You needn't worry about me."

"Yes, you certainly seem to be managing well! I feared the change of environment would be somewhat disorienting but it appears my worries were unfounded." He nodded pleasantly, "How is your current assignment going? Nothing too troubling has occurred, I hope?"

"Nothing at all, sir. Granted, I've only been with this team for two weeks, and they've yet to participate in any particularly stimulating activities." You recalled.

"Good, good! That means Naruto's keeping well too. I do hope you're getting along with him, you two are quite similar you know! And I don't mean that just because of your shared connection with the Kyūbi."

You nodded absentmindedly, and it was clear to Hiruzen that you had only given him a fraction of your full attention. He let out the slightest grunt—kids your age were so troublesome. He feared the day Konohamaru would enter teenagehood.

"How is Tamamo-san?" He changed the subject in hopes that you would regain interest in the conversation.

"Grandmother is well. Just the other day, she was able to walk the length of the courtyard."

"That's wonderful to hear!"

"Hokage-sama, forgive my impertinence, but is this... welfare check necessary? I was under the assumption that you had called me here for more important reasons."

"Assessing the health and safety of my people is just as important as any S-Ranked mission I would assign." Hiruzen waved a hand to dismiss your barely-concealed displeasure. "I... I understand your resentment towards this village, I really do. But please believe that I do truly care about the people of Konohagakure, including you and Tamamo-san."

"Thank you for your care, sir." You bowed deeply, "Likewise, we truly appreciate it."

Hiruzen sighed. Clearly you didn't want to pursue the topic, and he relented for today. "Well, I won't keep you any longer. But before I let you go, there is someone who wishes to see you. He's waiting on the roof, indulge him a little won't you?"

"Very well, sir." You swiftly took your leave, opening and closing the door to his office with a soft click before proceeding down the halls. On your way out of the building, you almost ran into a familiar scar-faced chūnin.

"Oh, sorry about that." Iruka instinctively apologised before taking another look at exactly who he was talking to, eyes boring holes into the red beni of your facial markings. "Oh, you're..."

"My apologies, I should have been paying closer attention to where I was going." You lowered yourself into a perfect ninety-degree bow.

"No, it was my fault. Please raise your head." He shook his head, watching as you stood back up straight before nodding at him in farewell.

"Ah, wait!" The chūnin called without thinking. Crap, he didn't even know what he was going to say! "Um—Naruto! Is he doing well?"

"He is. Although I'm sure you could have asked him that yourself, you two are quite close if I'm not mistaken?"