"You have three days to retrieve the required documents."
The Third speaks with grave haste.
"Hokage, three ninjas? Is that really necessary?" Izumi asks.
"You need to cross the upper valley to get to Middle Town from here. That borders with three other smaller hostile villages," Shisui says, "so it does make sense to send three shinobis to complete this mission in such a short span of time."
"The documents hold significant meaning, I presume," Itachi adds.
The Third turns to the three.
"Quite correct on both Shisui and Itachi's part. However, there is another short mission I would like you to complete on the way," he pauses at the ninjas' intrigued features, "close to Middle Town is another smaller settlement - Mid-West Town. They have been experiencing an unusual surge in the growth of various poisonous organisms in their waterways. They do not have specialists who can determine its origin or composite and have urgently requested assistance from us. One of Konoha's laboratory worker will need to be safely escorted to and from the town. The three of you will ensure their safety."
"Who may that be?" Izumi asks.
She stares across the room as if expecting the materialisation of a fifth person.
"Ah, Chihiru will be arriving shortly-"
"Chihiru has been misidentifying some of the more recent toxins that cropped up from returning jounins. Such news would have spread to Mid-West Town by now."
The interjecting voice hails a darkened atmosphere that swiftly infiltrates every corner of the room.
"Ah, Lord Danzo," the Third says.
His voice holds steady, as if every ounce of willpower has consolidated into a sphere of composure.
Danzo appears at the office entrance - a sly shadow that not even the Third nor three advance ninjas could anticipate.
"Hokage, sending Chihiru who has no doubt soiled Konoha's reputation will further amplify mistrust towards the villagers of Mid-West Town. Because Konoha is in such close proximity to these surrounding areas, news travel quickly," Danzo continues.
His tone holds a hard edge, yet it hovers briefly in a manner that proves condescending.
"Regardless, we do not have any-"
"May I suggest one of my subordinates?" Danzo interrupts, "I am rather reluctant to utilise my workers for trivial matters, but given Konoha's lack of experienced toxicologists and the potential shame Chihiru will bring if we proceed with him, I am willing to put forth my offer for the sake of the village."
As he speaks, Danzo steps forward and reveals a sixth unimposing person from behind.
Honoka.
Even amongst a stiffened atmosphere, Honoka's sudden appearance sends a paralysing energy of bland. Her features saturate with ingrained blankness that trails from her dull, dismal dress sense to the vast emptiness of her gaze.
And for a brief second, Shisui's watch flickers with traces of remorse. Izumi may have mistaken them for signs of mild astonishment, however, when she looks to Itachi, there is a peculiar expression surfacing his watch, as if he too is second guessing Shisui's non-verbal manner.
"My name is Honoka. I am at your service."
She sinks into a low bow that elucidates complete submission.
"Raise your head, Honoka," the Third says, "Seeing that Lord Danzo has put forward a…ah…compelling reason, I shall leave the fate of Mid-West Town in your hands."
His mannerisms appear directed towards Danzo's vicinity, albeit his gaze lingers ever so vacantly on Honoka.
"Well then, I shall politely dismiss myself," Danzo says.
The wry expression is overt, perhaps deliberate as he disappears. The Third may have sensed an element of ulterior motive, yet the fleeting wariness surrounding Honoka's presence may have hindered any further expression.
"Please, if you can, make it back on time for the Fireworks Festival. I am sure the village will enjoy your company just that bit more. Shisui, I will leave you to brief Honoka on the mission," the Third says.
The action Shisui gives is minute. But Izumi attunes to the invisible tension radiating between he and Honoka.
"Yes, Hokage," Shisui answers.
There is a brief look of underlying caution when he turns to Honoka, as though skeptical of her proximity. And when he speaks with unwavering eye contact, Izumi gets the strange sensation he is gazing past her.
On Itachi's end, the expression he conveys is almost speculative, as if Shisui's apprehension is jarring.
"Thank you, Shisui. I look forward to working under you."
Honoka gives another submissive bow, then departs.
"Something wrong, Shisui?" Izumi asks.
Though he is looking slightly mollified, Izumi's questioning sends another bout of inconspicuous anxiety through the atmosphere.
"No nothing at all," he answers brusquely.
"You sound concerned," she says uncertainly.
"Can't you take my word for it?"
He speaks with a passive steel like pointedness.
"I mean just get a goodnight's rest. We have a big day tomorrow."
His tone indicates dismissal.