<em>The group, amid somewhat uncomfortable banter, somehow makes it to the Hokage's residence without decimating a building or without harshly silencing the jaunty tunes of their newest member, though it likely would be no surprise if either happens shortly after their mission begins.<br/><br/>Waiting in the inner chambers, the Hokage waits, a stern-looking, refined older gentleman who, in truth, has always been among the kindest of teachers and the wisest of authorities, known as much for using his eloquence to diffuse political situations as he is for using his ninja skills to solve unresolvable differences by force. When the four ninja enter, he seems a bit sad, staring thoughtfully out the window.</em>