Humble, gentle, righteous.
That was Sarutobi Hiruzen's first impression of Shōji. Their direct contact and observation had simply been too brief; otherwise, Hiruzen felt that Shōji was even closer to his former companion, Kagami Uchiha, than Shisui was. Moreover, fifteen-year-old Shōji possessed even greater potential. Hiruzen did not quite believe that a boy of that age could disguise himself so perfectly.
If that were truly the case, it would be rather terrifying.
Therefore, from a conventional standpoint, Shōji was still trustworthy. As for that tiny lingering concern, Hiruzen intended to assign him several missions after he entered the Anbu and observe him further. So long as he passed those tests, Shōji would truly become Sarutobi Hiruzen's most trusted subordinate, just as the Second Hokage had once trusted Kagami Uchiha.
Shōji was the Kagami Uchiha Hiruzen had chosen for this generation!
In the Original Work, the Third had Uchiha Itachi join the Anbu. In this life, having found Shōji, who was even more worthy of cultivation, making the same choice was only natural.
"You flatter me, Lord Hokage!"
Shōji maintained his slightly bowed posture as he replied in a calm tone.
"Heh heh."
After chuckling softly, Sarutobi Hiruzen cleared his throat and said seriously, "All right, let us get to the point. Uchiha Shōji, I summoned you here today because I want you to join the Hokage's direct Anbu. Are you willing?"
The sudden, shocking words fell.
At that moment.
Shōji abruptly raised his head. His pupils widened in an instant as he stared at the Third Hokage before him, disbelief written across his face.
"The Anbu? Lord Hokage, you want me to join the Anbu? But I am from the Uchiha Clan..."
The Anbu, whose full name was the Assassination Tactical Special Unit, had been founded by the Second Hokage,