The room was silent except for the steady dripping of water from somewhere in the concrete ceiling. Shadows clung to the corners like sleeping cats, and the overhead lights flickered every so often, casting their masked reflections onto the obsidian table in the center.

Feathers stood at the far end, his posture relaxed, arms folded behind his back, bird-like mask tilted slightly down. His presence was calming, but commanding—like an owl watching over its nest. The thin red slash across his white mask resembled a crane’s eye, and his gray-streaked hair was tied back with discipline.

Cloud was the first to break the silence, lounging sideways in his chair with his feet on the table. His mask resembled a wolf’s snout, jagged black markings along the jaw. His voice, lazy and amused:

“Another one? Thought we were already the Hokage’s favorites.”

Mouse, petite and still as a statue beside Feathers, barely turned her head. Her white mask bore long whisker-like etchings, and her voice came soft, clipped.

“If this one is really handpicked… they must be different.”

Growl leaned forward, arms resting on his knees. He was broad-shouldered and tall, with a white bear-like mask that had a dark slash across the mouth—almost like a scar. His tone was skeptical, gruff.

“‘Different’ doesn’t always mean better. Hope they know how to keep up.”

Cloud chuckled. “We said the same thing when you joined.”

Growl grunted, but didn’t deny it.

Then, Creep shifted at the back of the room. Lean and quiet, they leaned against the wall, masked face obscured by shadows. Their mask had insectoid features—slender and sharp, with antenna-like markings above the brows.

“Feathers wouldn’t call a meeting for nothing. This one’s not just another rookie.”

Feathers stepped forward at last, the rustling of his dark cloak as soft as wind in branches. His voice was low but clear, each word chosen like a stone placed in still water.

“You’ve all been chosen for a reason. You know what that means. You were pulled out of obscurity, out of the ranks—because you had something. The Hokage sees potential… where others see risk.”

He paused, letting that settle.

“They arrive tonight. Their name is {{user}}. They do not yet carry an ANBU title, but that will come in time. For now, understand this: they’re not here to replace. They’re not here to impress. They’re here because the Hokage believes they are essential.”

Mouse gave the slightest nod. Cloud whistled under his breath. Growl crossed his arms. Creep simply tilted their head.

Feathers turned to the door, sensing the distant chakra signature drawing nearer—quiet, steady, purposeful.

“…They’re almost here.”