Might Guy

Facing the legendary Sannin, Yuzuru Hyuga couldn't say he was completely unfazed, but he certainly wasn't afraid.

As they were both out on the main road, Orochimaru wouldn't dare do anything to him, even if he were crazy.

However, considering this was around the time Orochimaru was supposed to go on the run, Yuzuru Hyuga remained vigilant, just in case the man had some strange idea before disappearing.

"Yuzuru Hyuga," Orochimaru said, his voice hoarse, with a tone he thought was friendly. "The youngest Anbu ninja in history..."

He began the conversation with a statement that sounded like both praise and contemplation.

Yuzuru Hyuga simply pushed his glasses up with a smile. "Lord Third Hokage, good morning."

Although this was their first meeting, it was clear they weren't entirely unfamiliar with each other.

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, his beast-like pupils flashing with intense interest. "Ah, no need for formalities."

"Now, if you're not busy, how about we chat for a bit?" he proposed.

Yuzuru Hyuga regretfully shook his head. "I'm sorry, the Third Hokage has summoned me."

"Oh, then perhaps another time." Orochimaru appeared quite disappointed, but after Yuzuru Hyuga nodded to signal their farewell, he stuck out his tongue.

He squinted with a smile, deep in thought: It seems the rumors are true.

Having walked the Ninja World for many years, Orochimaru had developed an excellent eye. For him, a single glance and a few words were enough to form an initial judgment of a person.

Though it might sound a bit mystical, Orochimaru had unwavering faith in his own judgment—the young man before him, despite appearing incredibly youthful, was entirely different from other brats.

Composed, confident.

How interesting.

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, a multitude of bold ideas flashing through his mind, but he ultimately suppressed them. The time was not yet right.

Having embarked on the path of a ninja, it was destined that he couldn't remain hidden within Konoha Village forever.

There would be opportunities to meet again in the future.

At that time, he would try to have some fun with this young fellow.

Orochimaru took a step forward, walking in the opposite direction of Yuzuru Hyuga.

Yuzuru Hyuga looked back from the end of the street. Orochimaru's figure had already vanished. He had a feeling that their encounter wasn't a coincidence, and that Orochimaru might even know he was going to see the Hokage, which was why he had waited along his route for this 'chance' meeting.

His motive?

Just to see him?

Yuzuru Hyuga couldn't figure it out, but he wasn't overly worried. Yet, in some inexplicable way, he felt something—he had a feeling they would meet again soon.

Picking up his pace, Yuzuru Hyuga soon appeared before the Hokage Building.

This was his first time personally stepping into this building.

The Anbu guards and ninjas on duty around the building were quite familiar with the handsome, refined young man with the Byakugan. They didn't give him any trouble; instead, those who could greet him exchanged a few words. Wherever he went, he was met with smiles.

During the recent reconstruction efforts, Yuzuru Hyuga's active presence had left a considerable impression on them. Everyone who saw the young man couldn't help but feel a genuine fondness for him.

Who would dislike a diligent, kind, and gentle genius?

Especially since he wore glasses and looked somewhat frail, yet could accomplish feats that many adult ninjas couldn't, earning him even more admiration.

Yuzuru Hyuga quickly arrived at the Hokage's office door. He calmly adjusted his white robe slightly and knocked.

"Lord Third."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gentle voice quickly responded from inside. "Is that little Yuzuru? Come in."

Only then did Yuzuru Hyuga push the door open and enter.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind the long office desk, wearing his Conical Hat and smoking his pipe, his eyes subtly appraising the young man before him.

His black hair flowed loosely down his back, with strands falling casually around the edges of his glasses. His white eyes appeared very docile behind the lenses. His youthful face lacked the innocence typical of his peers; he was mature, steady, and poised. At the moment, he wore a respectful demeanor, seeming less like a child and more like a... noble.

For some reason, Hiruzen Sarutobi thought of this description, which was entirely unsuited for a ninja.

Even with the Hyuga Clan's strict family traditions and long history, someone like Yuzuru Hyuga was rare, let alone that he came from the Branch Family.

"Lord Third, good morning. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please guide me in the future," Yuzuru Hyuga said, bowing slightly with a respectful yet friendly smile.

"Indeed, a hero emerges from youth. Even the Fourth Hokage, at your age, didn't seem as impressive as you," the Third Hokage remarked, giving him extremely high praise and even comparing him to Minato Namikaze.

The reason was simple: both of them gave the Third Hokage a subtly similar impression. Perhaps it was the heartwarming power in their smiles.

Thinking of the Fourth, the Third Hokage sighed softly. Regaining his composure, he smiled. "Don't be nervous. Relax a little. Today is just a casual chat between an elder and a junior."

"Yes, Lord Third." Yuzuru Hyuga stood up straight, but in front of the desk, only his head was visible, making his appearance look quite comical, like a kid with a lot of wisdom.

For the first time, the Third Hokage felt a flicker of doubt—was it the right decision to recruit this young fellow into the Anbu so early?

But he quickly dismissed these useless thoughts and said kindly, "You performed very well during the reconstruction work a while ago. Tell me, is there any reward you desire?"

This was a spontaneous gesture from Hiruzen Sarutobi, influenced by the good impression Yuzuru Hyuga had made on him, which prompted his desire to reward him.

Yuzuru Hyuga's heart skipped a beat. He instinctively thought of the Scroll of Sealing, but quickly suppressed his emotions. He simply said softly, "Lord Hokage, helping the villagers and rebuilding the village is my duty. No reward is necessary."

"Good!" Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but nod with a smile.

He pondered for a moment before getting to the main point. He picked up a pre-prepared forehead protector from his desk. "Even if you might have known before, I still want to ask you now."

"Yuzuru Hyuga, are you truly ready to become a ninja?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked softly.

Just as Yuzuru Hyuga was about to reply, Hiruzen Sarutobi interrupted him, "Yuzuru, don't answer so quickly. Becoming a ninja isn't just a change in status."

Yuzuru Hyuga feigned silence for a moment before looking up with a bright smile, "Lord Third, I am prepared to give everything for it."

"Congratulations."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze was complex. He never imagined he would be the one to personally place a forehead protector on a five-year-old child and send him to the Anbu.

He crouched down, picked up the forehead protector himself, hesitated for a moment, and instead of removing the boy's headband, he tied the protector onto it.

"From today on, you are a Genin of Konoha. Furthermore, your assignment has been decided."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up and turned towards the outside, calling out loudly, "Kakashi."

As Yuzuru Hyuga couldn't help but smile and turn to look.

Kakashi Hatake, his emotions hidden behind a mask, his single dead fish eye listlessly gazing into the void, pushed open the door and entered.

Upon entering, Kakashi instinctively glanced at Yuzuru Hyuga, who was 'laughing wildly' as he looked at him.

Even though the kid just looked like he was smiling, Kakashi felt that this brat was probably laughing even more exaggeratedly in his heart than anyone from the Uchiha clan.

He felt utterly helpless, sighing, Is this really fate?

He had already prepared himself for the possibility of requesting a transfer before the kid graduated if things got too difficult, but now he was entangled with this little brat already.

Lord Third, he's still just a child! A child this age joining the Anbu, isn't this a joke!?

But Kakashi Hatake knew that the situation was irreversible. So, he quietly nodded to the Third Hokage, awaiting his orders.

"From today onwards, Kakashi Hatake will be responsible for your work in the Anbu. With him taking care of you, I believe you will integrate quickly."

"Perhaps you don't understand the work of the Anbu yet, Kakashi. You can teach him about it."

"Today, your mission is to help Yuzuru Hyuga understand and be clear about the work and discipline of the Anbu. Starting tomorrow, he will join your team, and in three days, he will accompany you on that mission."

Kakashi Hatake's current position in the Anbu wasn't very high. Although his status and abilities were highly valued by the Third Hokage and Danzo, in reality, his spectacular Anbu career had only just begun.

In fact, having Yuzuru join the Anbu was not only for Yuzuru but also for Kakashi.

Ever since Rin's death, Kakashi had been dispirited, sometimes neglecting his life and killing like drinking water on missions. He even earned the nickname 'Comrade Killer' from his Anbu peers for being too ruthless and efficient when eliminating Konoha rogue ninjas.

Even though the Fourth Hokage had painstakingly arranged for him to become Kushina's bodyguard, hoping that the birth of a new life would somehow redeem him, it was unclear how effective that plan had been.

The Third Hokage believed that with Yuzuru Hyuga's displayed sunshine and gentleness, he would surely be able to influence Kakashi Hatake, help him let go of the past, and look forward positively.

With them supervising each other and a suitable age gap, there was no one more fitting for Yuzuru Hyuga than Kakashi.

Kakashi Hatake frowned slightly, appearing to ponder something. He glanced at Yuzuru Hyuga, "Wouldn't that be inappropriate?"

"Don't worry," the Third Hokage seemed to have already made up his mind, saying softly, "There will be no danger."

What Kakashi was asking about was the mission three days later—escorting the Third Hokage to the Land of Fire Daimyo's Mansion to officially resume his position as Hokage.

The appointment of a Hokage wasn't something that could be decided solely within the village. Or rather, even if it were decided, a visit to the Land of Fire Daimyo's Mansion was still a formality.

Kakashi fell silent for a moment, then looked at the Third Hokage with complex eyes before silently nodding, "I understand."

"Then it's settled," the Third Hokage said with a smile, looking at Yuzuru Hyuga, and continued softly, "Kakashi is an extremely outstanding ninja. By following him, you will surely learn a lot."

"Yes," Yuzuru Hyuga replied with a smile.

The two then left the Hokage's office together.

Outside the Hokage Building, Kakashi Hatake turned to look at Yuzuru Hyuga with a complex expression and simply said, "You should be aware of the Anbu's rules, given your Hyuga clan background. Beyond that, there's only one thing I need to clarify with you in advance."

"When carrying out missions, if you feel the situation is impossible, prioritize your own safety."

After Kakashi Hatake finished speaking, he saw Yuzuru Hyuga display a gentle smile, "Senior Kakashi is truly kind. Or perhaps, you have the confidence to complete the mission without my help?"

Kakashi Hatake didn't want to speak and continued walking forward with his hands coldly in his pockets.

"Lord Third said we should get to know each other well today."

Yuzuru Hyuga spoke from behind him at an unhurried pace.

Kakashi Hatake looked back at him with his dead fish eyes, finding this little guy seemed to have a lot of free time.

"I'll give you one last piece of advice."

A terrifying killing intent suddenly erupted from him. His cold dead fish eyes stared at Yuzuru Hyuga, his voice chillingly deep, "Since you've embarked on the path of a ninja, be prepared to die at any moment!"

Yuzuru Hyuga, however, simply stood in place, blinking his eyes.

"Senior Guy, do you think so too?"