Roshi slept more soundly that night than he had in weeks. When he finally woke the next morning, sunlight was already streaming through the paper windows—and he realized he was the last one up.
Itachi had clearly gone home and returned; his clothes were different now, and he was sitting at the table with Anko, quietly eating dango.
Those two really would never get tired of dango.
Besides the skewers, there were rice balls, tamagoyaki, and grilled fish neatly arranged on the low table, along with a small paper bag containing a towel and a new toothbrush.
"Mom made breakfast," Itachi said softly. "She knew I came back late last night, so she packed extra. The towel and toothbrush are new, Captain—you can use them."
The cool splash of water on his face washed away the last traces of sleep. When he returned, Roshi picked up a rice ball, taking a slow bite as Anko spoke between mouthfuls of dango.
"Hokage-sama sent a messenger," she said. "He wants us at the Hokage Building after we've rested."
"Mm." Roshi's reply was casual, almost absentminded.
Anko's eyes gleamed with expectation. "A commendation, right? It has to be! That diplomatic mission nearly killed us!"
Itachi quietly countered, "The one who did the hard work was the captain. We were just assisting."
Anko pointed a dango stick at him. "Nonsense! Without foolish subordinates, how can the captain's brilliance shine through?"
Itachi fell silent, unsure how to respond.
Anko grinned in triumph.
After breakfast, Team 5 made their way to the Hokage Building. Word of their successful mission had already spread throughout the village, though most people didn't know who exactly had been involved—only that the team leader was a young Jonin named Roshi.
For now, he remained more rumor than image.
Inside the Hokage's office, only Hiruzen was present; Shikaku and Koharu were elsewhere.
"You must still be tired," Hiruzen began warmly. "I'm sorry to summon you so soon."
As always, the Third Hokage led with kindness before getting to business.
"First," he continued, "news of your success has greatly lifted morale. Koharu suggested holding a formal celebration, but I'd like to hear your thoughts first, Roshi."
Boost morale? Rebuild the Senju name? Or simply create a new hero for the people?
Roshi shook his head. "The mission's success was thanks to the entire village's strength. The front lines are still fighting—we shouldn't claim all the credit."
Hiruzen nodded in approval. "Understood."
"Second," he went on, "the village will record one S-rank mission completion for each member of Team 5. Your remuneration will be processed shortly."
"Third…" His expression softened with faint apology. "You're granted three days of rest in the village. Given the current state of affairs, that's the best we can offer."
Three days was already generous for a Jonin during wartime. Roshi had no complaints.
"Finally, there are logistical matters to handle with Sunagakure regarding material transfers. Some of those details will need your assistance."
Roshi nodded. "Understood."
Once the arrangements were complete, the Hokage dismissed them to enjoy their short respite.
Naturally, the team gathered that evening for a simple celebratory meal. Afterward, while the others rested, Roshi returned to his quiet training routine, filling one blank scroll after another with notes and practice results.
A few days later, Hayami Shigeru stopped by.
"Everyone thinks your promotion to Jonin is worth celebrating," he said.
Roshi immediately knew who "everyone" meant. This time, he didn't refuse. Gaining fame meant little to him—but rituals like these strengthened camaraderie within the ranks.
"You can arrange the time and place," he said.
Hayami left, visibly pleased.
Team 5's brief vacation passed peacefully. But the world beyond Konoha didn't stop turning simply because a small corner of it had paused.
Not everyone was content to watch the Leaf regain its footing—or to wait for Kumo's official response to Konoha's envoy.
On the final day of his leave, just as a rare moment of peace began to settle, an emergency report shattered the calm born from the Sunagakure alliance.
Iwagakure had launched a large-scale invasion.
Over a thousand Iwa shinobi surged southward like a red tide, crossing the Grass Country border and striking directly at the Kannabi Bridge line.
The messenger hawks' shrill cries tore through the skies again and again.
Roshi was summoned.
Before he left, Grandma Momoka called after him.
"Roshi," her voice was calm but heavy, "are you truly not going to turn back?"
He stopped at the doorway, not looking back. "No."
Momoka's eyelids lowered slightly. "…Then go."
"Please take care of yourself," he said quietly, and stepped out.
This time, the summons wasn't to the Hokage Building, but to the cliff above the Hokage Rock.
Hiruzen stood at the edge, the wind tugging at his robes as he looked down over the sprawling village below. Behind him waited two Anbu operatives Roshi recognized instantly—because their faces were too distinct to forget.
Yamato—code-named Tenzo.
And Kakashi Hatake.
"Roshi."
"Hokage-sama."
"Iwa has deployed its Jinchuriki."
Roshi's eyes narrowed. So that was why the front line had collapsed so swiftly. With two Jinchuriki under their banner, Iwa certainly had the power to overwhelm defenses.
"The situation is escalating quickly," Hiruzen continued, his gaze never leaving the village below. "Uchiha Shisui has already led an elite Military Police unit to the Land of Hot Water front line."
The Land of Hot Water? To guard against Kumogakure possibly sending out their own Jinchuriki?
Roshi glanced toward Tenzo and immediately understood why he alone had been summoned.
This mission would require power—his power.
Itachi was still too young, and Anko lacked the means to fight a Jinchuriki head-on. Grandma's question earlier that morning echoed faintly in his mind. That had been her final attempt… to dissuade him, and perhaps to let the village continue pretending ignorance of what he could truly do.
"I've recalled Jiraiya," Hiruzen said. "But even he will be strained facing two Jinchuriki at once."
His eyes turned to Roshi. "You can assist him, can't you? I need a definite answer."
The wind howled against the cliff, carrying the tension of unspoken resolve.
Roshi was silent for a long time before finally replying. "I can."
Hiruzen exhaled deeply, then turned to face him. "Then I'll leave it to you."
His tone hardened. "Jonin Roshi—effective immediately, you are reassigned to the Anbu ranks for this operation. You'll resume your Jonin status after it's complete."
"Your teammates will be Kakashi and Tenzo. You're already familiar with their abilities from the last assessment."
"Kakashi has more seniority and mission experience, so he'll lead the team."
Roshi nodded. With Kakashi's tactical precision, he had no objections. It was rare—and almost comforting—not to have to think ahead for once.
Anbu assignment, concealment of identity—so the Hokage intended to keep his Wood Release hidden. That was fine by Roshi. Revealing it recklessly would serve no one.
Without the unmatched strength of the First Hokage, even a Wood Release user needed to tread carefully.
Conventional ninjutsu was enough for most fights. But when the time came, when a single strike could decide life or death, the element of surprise would be his greatest weapon.
"The front line's situation is urgent," Hiruzen said gravely. "Report to the Anbu headquarters and depart as soon as you're equipped."
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