The sigh made Sasuke's spine stiffen further, something that he could only assume made him look more suspicious. It was becoming rapidly obvious that his success so far in keeping his business secret lay largely in avoidance rather than any real deception.

Is there anything you can tell me, Iruka asked, but Iruka had always been some strange combination of being associated with Itachi -- all the shine of his brother left on the people he'd interacted with to some lesser extent, jealously -- and another authority figure to respect and impress more than confide in. Sasuke glanced at the door before forcing his gaze back to the man behind the desk, chiding himself for so obvious a tell.

"I've been busy," he repeated, with slightly more emphasis. "My mission load increased considerably over the past few months."