Preparing for the Storm

Thank you for the clarification! Let's adjust the scene to reflect that the Anbu Minister is Tetsuma's mother,

The next day, Tetsuma walked toward his mother's office in the Anbu Headquarters. The quiet, disciplined air of the building felt heavier than usual, as though everyone knew something was coming but hadn't yet fully accepted it. As he approached his mother's office, Tetsuma couldn't help but reflect on the grave news he had received the day before. The Hokage had informed him of Hashirama's deteriorating health—an end that seemed to be approaching faster than anyone had expected.

Senju Toka, his mother, had been the Anbu Minister for as long as Tetsuma could remember. As the head of the covert operations division, she was a woman of immense strength and resolve. At fifty years old, her appearance had the vitality of someone much younger, thanks to both her Senju bloodline and her dedication to maintaining her body. Yet there were signs of age creeping in—small wisps of white in her hair and the gentle lines near her eyes. Despite this, she was still an imposing figure, both in physicality and influence.

Tetsuma knocked softly before entering her office. She sat at her desk, sifting through a stack of reports, but her sharp eyes met his as he stepped in.

"Tetsuma, what is it?" she asked, her voice calm and focused.

He walked toward her desk, placing the thick stack of papers—his compiled proposal and reports—gently down. "Mother, I've been reviewing the state of the Anbu, both internally and abroad. The situation is becoming untenable. The village is on the brink of instability, and with the God of Shinobi's condition growing more severe every day, we cannot afford to be caught off guard."

Senju Toka raised an eyebrow, already understanding that her son wasn't here simply to report. He was about to present a plan.

"Go on," she prompted, her voice steady.

Tetsuma explained his proposal, detailing the current personnel situation. The Anbu had three fully operational elite battalions, but the rest were stretched thin. There were logistical teams, but they were understaffed and overburdened. He proposed adding three more battalions to ensure Konoha had the strength to deal with any internal or external threats. Furthermore, he argued for the creation of an Intelligence Department and a Politics Office, which would be vital for navigating the coming political turmoil and ensuring that Konoha maintained its strategic advantage.

"The country is in a delicate state right now," Tetsuma continued. "We're already seeing rogue shinobi becoming more active, and even newly graduated genin are encountering dangerous threats during routine missions. I believe this will escalate once the Hokage passes, and if we aren't ready, it could lead to significant unrest. We need to act now."

Senju Toka read through the proposal quickly. Her eyes narrowed as she absorbed the details. Despite her usual calm demeanor, Tetsuma could sense the weight of the situation pressing on her as well. This wasn't just about the Anbu or the tactical needs of Konoha; it was about the future of the entire village.

After a long silence, Tetsuma's mother finally placed the papers down on her desk and looked up at him. "You're right," she said quietly. "Hashirama's health is worsening faster than we expected. The storm is coming, whether we're ready for it or not. These battalions, the new departments—these are necessary. I'll back this proposal."

Tetsuma's heart lightened slightly, though the burden of what was coming still weighed heavily on him. "Thank you, Mother. I'll need your help in presenting this to the higher-ups. The Anbu needs to be ready, and quickly."

Senju Toka nodded, her face hardening with determination. "I'll speak with the Hokage. But you know, this will take time. It won't be an easy sell to the others, especially with so many eyes on Konoha as it is. But if anyone can make this happen, it's us."

Tetsuma felt a brief flash of relief. His mother, the one person who had always been a rock in his life, understood. She had always been someone to rely on, and now more than ever, he would need her strength and wisdom.

"I'll start organizing the resources and paperwork," he said. "In the meantime, I'll make sure our existing forces are ready for anything that comes."

Tetsuma turned to leave, but his mother stopped him with one last comment.

"Tetsuma," she called softly. "You already know this, but be prepared. The political storm brewing around the Hokage's passing could reshape Konoha in ways we can't predict. Don't let anyone underestimate you."

Tetsuma nodded, feeling the weight of her words. As he exited the office, the uncertainty of the days ahead loomed over him, but he was resolute. He had the knowledge and the will to ensure that Konoha would survive whatever challenges awaited.

As he walked down the hallway, his mind shifted into overdrive. The plan was in motion. The Anbu would be prepared for anything.