A Fire's Shadow

Past Reflections
Konoha was in a bustle of activity, banners proudly in display, showers of fireworks igniting the night sky. The roaring cheers and thunderous beat of the townsfolk as they gathered together, singing, dancing and enjoying the eve. It was the night of the Seventh Hokage's coronation, and it was a glorious event. Her citizens had put weeks worth of planning into this, motivating her people to not only welcome their  new leader but to surge forward to a brighter future. And it paid off. Decorations strewn about, music dancing in the air, it was a time for celebration, remembrance, and joy. For the first time in years since the Fourth War, Konoha could rejoice in their prosperity.

Hidden in the shadows, gazing upon the light but never standing in its radiance is a man whose efforts have finally born fruit. Never staying in the village for more than a few weeks at most, perhaps even a month he spent the majority of his time fighting countless wars shrouded in secrecy and darkness. Afterall this time, he thought, was it worth it? He does not have an answer but there is one thing he does know. He has no regrets.

It was only three days ago that he had finally returned to Konoha, only to discover that his esteemed leader had chosen to step down and name his successor. Deciding that discretion was the better part of valor he kept his presence scarce until such an opportune time to present himself. But as he stood outside her quarters in the Hokage Tower he couldn't help but feel a sense of dread creep along his spine. The last time they had met, she was trying to kill him but at the time she wasn't cleared to the specifics of his mission. Ordinarily that would sour most relationships but in business of spies, today's enemy may very well be tomorrow's friend. Now he understood his former leaders cryptic note a bit more. However powerful the Sixth Hokage had been he was still a malicious prankster at heart.

There's no time like the present they say. he thought morbidly, and with that small comfort he crossed the threshold and entered.