The décor of the Hokage's office was almost exactly as Kyoichi remembered. Or rather, all Hokage offices followed more or less the same template — only the personal touches of each Hokage created any real distinction. And judging from appearances, the Third Hokage clearly favored simplicity and frugality over luxury.
To put it bluntly—
The office was plain. Not a trace of extravagance anywhere.
"Elder Anjō Oniyuzu, welcome to Konoha."
The Third Hokage stood behind his desk, smiling gently. He looked like a kind, easygoing old uncle — not at all like the age-worn, liver-spotted elder Kyoichi remembered.
"Hokage-sama."
Anjō Oniyuzu gave a slight respectful bow, then said, "The Mizukage sends his regards."
Just diplomatic pleasantries.
"Please extend my thanks to the Mizukage."
The Third responded with equally standard, carefully measured courtesy.
"This is a letter entrusted to me by the Mizukage."
Anjō Oniyuzu retrieved the letter he carried on his person. Instead of handing it over immediately, he glanced at Minato standing nearby. Not that he needed to — Konoha's Yellow Flash was no dull-headed idiot. He stepped forward at once and accepted the letter.
After a quick but thorough inspection,
Only then did he place it on the desk.
The Third Hokage didn't reach for it. There was no need — he already knew exactly what would be inside: well-crafted niceties, auspicious words, nothing substantial. There was no rush. Compared to the letter…
He was far more interested in the two emissaries standing before him.
Elder Anjō was well-known.
One of Kirigakure's key power-holders, once active on the battlefield in earlier years — not a stranger at all.
But the one who truly drew attention—
Was the youth standing beside him.
"Elder Anjō, and the young man of the Koeda Clan… Please, have a seat," the Third said warmly. Then he instructed, "Minato, call someone to bring tea."
Minato acknowledged the order with a quick nod and left lightly.
Anjō Oniyuzu didn't stand on ceremony. Regardless of what other villages' customs were, the Kiri had no patience for complicated etiquette. Whether killing or anything else, they valued simplicity and efficiency. He sat down cleanly on the guest sofa.
Kyoichi remained standing beside him.
Minato soon returned — not with attendants, but with tea he personally prepared and carried in.
"Koeda clan youth, may I address you by your name directly?"
Once each person had been handed a cup of hot tea,
The Third spoke — not to Elder Anjō, the official envoy, but to Kyoichi. His tone was amicable, even intimate.
"Elder Anjō?"
Kyoichi did not answer immediately. Instead, he lowered his head and sought Anjō's guidance.
"Since Hokage-sama has asked, just answer. You blocked Orochimaru earlier — he is the Hokage's beloved student. It's natural he'd be curious about you." Elder Anjō replied lightly, but the barb beneath his words was unmistakable.
You ignore the official envoy—
And instead talk to the boy?
Do you think I'm petty?
Trying to sow discord between us?
If that's how you're going to play… then he would not humble himself either. He intended to complete this negotiation at any cost, yes — but that didn't mean he would crawl in the dirt. If forced to that point… he would rather go to war with Konoha again.
Kirigakure might have spineless cowards who bowed and scraped—
But he, the one who devoted himself to supporting the Fourth Mizukage and strengthening the village,
Was not one of them.
"Hokage-sama, call me however you wish."
Kyoichi replied mildly.
That attitude—
Clearly showed he didn't appreciate the Third Hokage's particular attention.
If Elder Anjō were just a bit more sensitive… the Third's little maneuver could very well have caused trouble for Kyoichi and the entire Koeda Clan. This Third Hokage…
Was up to no good — not releasing his fart properly!
Fortunately—
Not liking it didn't mean disrespect. Regardless of whether the conspiracy theories in his memories about this Hokage were true or false, the fact remained: the man before him was Hokage. Stirring discord to benefit Konoha… was perfectly reasonable from his position.
"My apologies, Elder Anjō… and Kyoichi. It was rude of me." The Third Hokage smiled sheepishly and explained, "Orochimaru mentioned you before — praised you highly, said your future was boundless. I got a little curious."
He spoke of Orochimaru with complete calm,
Not caring in the slightest about Anjō's earlier barb.
"That much is true. The Mizukage thinks highly of him, and so do I. Kyoichi's future is limitless — he will become a pillar of Kirigakure someday!" Elder Anjō did not hold back, showering Kyoichi with praise.
"Hahaha!"
The Third laughed. "Old Ōnoki must be regretting it now — pushing away his own prodigy until he defected. If I were him, I'd be sick with regret!"
"In that case, we should thank the Tsuchikage."
Anjō responded smoothly.
Kyoichi blinked.
He glanced at the Third Hokage, wanting to ask if he regretted causing the White Fang of Konoha to commit suicide…
But the thought circled once and sank back down. As long as the Third didn't poke him again, he had no reason to create trouble.
After all—
Kirigakure was at a disadvantage compared to Konoha.
Especially in this negotiation — the Kiri's position was even weaker this time. This was truly a time to avoid unnecessary conflict. Otherwise, they wouldn't have forced Momochi Zabuza to offer an apology. In the end, it all came down to one truth:
It was the weakness of the Kirigakure.
He needed to grow stronger — overwhelmingly stronger.
Kyoichi thought quietly.
While his mind wandered —
The conversation continued.
The Third no longer attempted any subtle provocations, instead exchanging idle chatter with Elder Anjō. They rambled on with meaningless diplomatic lines, none worth remembering.
Then, a knock sounded from outside.
"Hokage-sama, we have a report."
Hearing this,
Elder Anjō immediately rose to take his leave.
The Third made a token effort to keep him, then instructed Minato — standing there like a block of wood — to escort the Kirigakure delegation to the embassy.
Writer's block.
"My mind's not turning well today. I'm taking a day off!"