Summoned by Duty

Tetsuma approached the hidden entrance to the Anbu headquarters, his body still aching from the long journey back to Konoha. As he neared the secret passageway, an Anbu operative materialized from the shadows in front of him, blocking his path. The figure was cloaked in black with the standard mask that obscured his face, a silent sentinel of Konoha.

"Captain Tetsuma," the Anbu said, his voice firm and direct, "The Hokage requests your immediate presence. You are to come with me."

Tetsuma's eyes narrowed, exhaustion tugging at his limbs, but he knew that such a summons was not something to be taken lightly. He straightened, his usual calm returning. Whatever awaited him in the Hokage's office, it could not be postponed.

"Lead the way," Tetsuma responded, his voice steady despite the fatigue that threatened to cloud his focus.

Without a word, the Anbu operative flickered into the shadows, moving with practiced speed and silence. Tetsuma followed closely behind, his senses sharpened even as his body screamed for rest. The Hokage's call was always urgent—he would need to be ready for whatever task was ahead.

Tetsuma stepped into the Hokage's office, his eyes scanning the room with a mix of weariness and caution. The air felt thick with anticipation, and he could sense something was off. Seated at the Hokage's desk was the Hokage himself, his gaze sharp and unwavering. However, Tetsuma's attention was drawn to the other figures present.

His mother, Senju Toka, stood near the window with an expression of calm authority. As the Anbu Minister, she held significant power in the village, and her presence here was no surprise, though the lack of a smile on her face was unusual. The Jonin Captain of Konoha, Sarutobi Sasuke, was also present, his usually gentle demeanor replaced by a serious, focused expression. They all waited in silence for Tetsuma to begin.

"Ah, Tetsuma," the Hokage greeted with his usual calm, his voice steady yet laced with a sense of concern. "Please, sit. We've been waiting for your report."

Tetsuma nodded, stepping forward to take a seat in front of the Hokage. His mother's gaze lingered on him, her expression unreadable, but he could see the subtle tension in her stance. She was always so composed, yet something about this moment felt different.

"I've just returned from the Land of Grass," Tetsuma began, his voice steady but carrying the weight of exhaustion. "The mission didn't go as planned. We were ambushed on the first day by a team from the Explosion Corps. We fought hard, but the situation was much worse than we anticipated."

His gaze shifted briefly to his mother. Toka's expression softened for just a second before she regained her composed demeanor.

"We were caught off guard," Tetsuma continued. "We managed to fight back, but they had set up traps and laid in wait. The battle was brutal, and we had no choice but to retreat. We fought off the Explosion Corps and a team of Iwa Anbu, but at the cost of our stamina and chakra reserves. We barely made it back to the border."

Sarutobi Sasuke's eyes narrowed, clearly concerned at the mention of Iwa Anbu. "So, it was more than just a simple mission to gather intel on Kusagakure. The presence of Iwa's Anbu complicates things."

Tetsuma nodded solemnly. "Yes, there were no key figures we could identify, but their coordinated attack makes me think that something larger is at play. We couldn't complete the mission, and I wasn't able to gather the intel we were sent for."

Toka's voice was calm yet firm as she spoke up, her eyes meeting Tetsuma's. "Survival was the priority, Tetsuma. You did well to get back. But the lack of intelligence gathered is concerning."

The Hokage interjected, his tone more resolute. "This confirms our suspicions. The other villages are making moves, and we need to be prepared. The Land of Grass, the Explosion Corps, and now Iwa's Anbu… they are all part of something larger. Tetsuma, your survival is a victory, but we must regroup and prepare for the next steps."

Tetsuma clenched his fists slightly, frustrated by his inability to finish the mission. "I'm sorry I couldn't provide more, Hokage-sama."

Sarutobi Sasuke spoke up again, his tone understanding but still sharp. "You fought well, Tetsuma. The mission's failure was not your fault. The enemy was prepared, and they had the advantage. The fact that you survived and returned with valuable information speaks to your skill."

Toka's eyes softened as she spoke again, her voice low and reassuring. "You did your best. The failure lies not with you, but with the circumstances. We will have to regroup and find another way to get the intelligence we need."

Tetsuma nodded, grateful for her support, but the weight of the failure still gnawed at him. He wasn't used to returning empty-handed, and this mission had been a reminder of just how high the stakes were.

"I'll prepare for the next step, Hokage-sama," Tetsuma said, determination replacing the weariness in his voice. "I'll be ready for whatever comes next."

The Hokage's gaze softened, and he gave a small nod. "Rest for now, Tetsuma. We'll have new orders soon. You've earned it. But the next phase is approaching quickly. Be ready."

With that, Tetsuma stood and turned to leave, his mind already racing with plans and contingencies. He knew that whatever came next, he would be ready. The true test was still ahead.