Boredom dragged at eyes already lowered to half-mast. Soft wool crackled in his ears as he shifted restlessly where he stood. Why, oh why, did they require all jounin to attend the signing? Three would easily suffice. His breath huffed out, and the shinobi on his left glanced down at him, brow furrowed.
He should have been late- maybe next time. He sighed again, ignoring the harsh eyes of his companions. Why had he come?
The steady drone of voices from the front blurred in his ears as his eyes drifted idly over the gaudy procession of politicians to the golden hair of his sensei. He sighed once more.
That was why. That would always be why. More fool him.