That evening.
Anbu Squad Six.
"Dismissed."
Captain Hatake Kakashi gave the order to disband.
And so.
The figures of Tsureryu, Uzuki Yugao, Yamato, and the others turned into afterimages and disappeared from the scene.
"Itachi."
Kakashi looked at Itachi.
Now, only the two of them remained in the clearing.
Itachi had joined the ANBU several months ago.
He had completed every mission flawlessly.
Although he had faced difficulties from all sides when he first joined.
Itachi was extremely calm and patient, allowing him to persevere.
Moreover, the absolute talent and overwhelming strength he had displayed.
Had even astonished Captain Hatake Kakashi.
There was one thing Hatake Kakashi had to admit...
Eleven-year-old Uchiha Itachi was far stronger than he had been at eleven!
"Asuma is leaving... We're going to see him off later. Aren't you coming?"
Kakashi asked.
Asuma—Sarutobi Asuma.
Recently, because his conflict with his father, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, had grown increasingly intense.
Asuma was preparing to leave Konoha and venture into the Shinobi World.
Those seeing him off included Kakashi, Might Guy, and other companions. Naturally, his lover, Yūhi Kurenai, would be there too.
Itachi was an ANBU member, as well as a Chunin.
He had once gone on missions with Asuma and Yūhi Kurenai, so strictly speaking, they had met several times.
"No. I still have something to do... I need to go back and train."
Itachi replied stiffly.
"Is that so..."
Hatake Kakashi scratched his head.
He looked rather disappointed.
As the captain of Anbu Squad Six.
Hatake Kakashi always paid attention to his subordinates' needs and showed them consideration.
For example, Itachi, who was still a newcomer to the ANBU.
Kakashi had always looked for opportunities to talk with him and pass on his experience.
Kakashi also often said that they should "value their comrades."