Shikamaru was in Kakashi’s office.The Sixth Hokage was surrounded by mountains of documents as always, his handhurriedly signing papers as if it was just waiting for the time it could goslack with exhaustion.
The window across the room had been thrown open, and youcould see the streets of Konoha outside. The city seemed to glow under thesunshine of the bright morning, all wrapped up in a gentle, peaceful atmosphere.
“I’ve made you wait.” Kakashi said as he straightened out a sheaf of papers on his desk. “What business do you have with me today?”
“The Country of Silence.”
“Ah, that…”
Shikamaru still hadn’t finished his report about the Union’s meeting the other day. There wasn’t anything particularly special to report, so he’d left it alone.
“Everything’s the same as ever at the Union. It’s made up of a collection of capable people, there’s nothing to worry about.”
“You’re one of those capable people too.”
Was he really? Was he really someone who was fit to represent Konoha?
“Do you really intend to go?” Kakashi asked.
“Yes.”
Kakashi let out a great sigh at his answer.
“Is it really necessary for you to go?”
“Sai’s been captured. Our village has lost a large number of shinobi, both those who went missing during the war and those who ended up disappearing after. Whether they really left the village of their own free will, or ended up being captured by Gengo is something that we have to verify.”
“You’re really determined, huh.”
Shikamaru silently nodded.