Since early in the morning, a small white letter stamped with the Hokage's seal lies in Kurenai's mailbox. It reads, Kurenai,
congratulations on another year of service. Your work has been exemplary as always. You have to see how many letters cross my desk singing nothing but praise for your work. I have to say they are starting to pile too high… Anyway, take the day off. Your work can wait, trust us to keep the village safe in the mean time. Rest, take the time to enjoy the village you protect. You have more than earned it.
- Tsunade
Kurenai is glad that she's alone when she finds the Hokage's letter waiting for her. She brings it inside and to her table, where she sits at her table, legs tucked beneath her, and opens it. If it's a summons or mission details, she should read it in private. She had hoped to spend her birthday with Asuma but duty comes first.
Instead of either a summons or details of duties she needs to perform, Kurenai finds herself reading praise for her work and a insistence — no, an order — that she take the day off.
Now she's glad to be alone so that no one sees how hot her face has become. Praise for her work from the Hokage herself. Kurenai carefully folds the paper and replaces it in the sleeve of its envelope. She will have to find a safe place to keep this.
