“If I have taught you anything at all over the years, the one thing I would like you to keep at the forefront of your mind is that you should always be prepared for every eventuality. My failure to prepare cost an entire city their lives - if we fail again, more than that could hang in the balance. To answer your question: Yes. You should be prepared, though I hope I will not have to call upon your preparations. We should first see how the summit goes… And I expect that we may well have to make use of your talents to uncover the true nature of Konohagakure’s secrecy if it does not become apparent otherwise.” Akaritori replied, and though it would perhaps seem brash or harsh, she and Touzoku had gained a rapport over their time spent working together, and the language and mannerisms that the two exhibited were quite well known to one another. It may have looked offensive from a different perspective, but between the two it was a perfectly normal course of conversation.

“If you could make your preparations to leave, I would be most appreciative. We will leave at first light.” Akaritori nodded, bowing to Touzoku as she turned to re-enter her office proper. Yui would prepare her overnight kit and ceremonial robes, and Touzoku would likely already have had measures in place to facilitate a smooth transition from her ordinary life to, essentially, a political and diplomatic one. Years of militaristic training and routine had left Akaritori a beacon of discipline, and first light was not an issue for her to awaken at - though she expected it would be a small shock to Touzoku’s system. She planned to let Touzoku sleep on the journey when time allowed for it, however - a privilege that was afforded only to her closest operative. The gesture might not seem like much to an outsider, but it was another piece of the complex puzzle that was their relationship.