Don't Stare at Me with Those Big Eyes

"Strange Ability? It can control Gravity and Repulsion... Could it possibly be a new Kekkei Genkai...?"

"Wood Release? Are you sure?"

"You said Zabuza and Haku became Sen's subordinates? Aren't they fugitives from the Hidden Mist Village?"

As he listened to Kakashi's report, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression kept changing, shifting between shock and pain. He rubbed his forehead and looked at Kakashi. Compared to subduing Zabuza, the fact that someone could use Wood Release was what concerned him most.

"I'm not sure, but judging from the traces left on the battlefield, such a large-scale ninjutsu would require immense chakra reserves. The caster should be a Kage Level expert."

"There was thick fog at the time, so I couldn't see clearly. However, we can't rule out the possibility that someone intervened in secret."

Kakashi spoke in an extremely official tone. Really, they could just ask the people involved—at least, that was what Kakashi thought. What a pain. He felt like a babysitter.

"Mm, I understand."

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, waved Kakashi away. Ten minutes later, ANBU members brought Uchiha Sen, Zabuza Momochi, and Haku to the Hokage's Office. Naturally, Zabuza and Haku were temporarily left waiting outside.

After learning of Sen's strength, Hiruzen became even more determined. As long as he used the right methods, he could make him serve the village.

With his trademark smile, Hiruzen said kindly,

"Hole-Hole Monster, you performed exceptionally well on this mission. You also successfully recruited two local fighters for headquarters. This is the reward the organization entrusted me to give you. Keep it safe."

Although Zabuza and Haku's identities gave him quite a headache, Hiruzen handled the formalities flawlessly and handed over a stack of cash.

Sen's eyes lit up. Money meant meat, meat meant delicious food. He curled his lips and said,

"Everything is for the planet. It's only what I should do."

If his hands had not moved so quickly to cover his pockets, Hiruzen might really have believed his nonsense.

"Hole-Hole Monster, I'd like to ask—did you defeat Zabuza and the other one all by yourself?" Hiruzen asked.

"Of course! Those two little punks weren't even a match for one of my slippers, okay? Even if there were a hundred more of them, they still wouldn't be a match for Big Sen!"

As he said this, Uchiha Sen looked utterly smug, as if he ranked first in the world and the heavens ranked second.

Hiruzen frowned deeply. Although the person involved had admitted it himself, he did not fully believe it...

All signs indicated that Sen might truly be able to use Wood Release: abundant Yang-nature chakra, Kakashi's account, and the two people outside...

Yet Hiruzen still found it hard to believe. After the First and Second Hokage passed away in succession, the Hidden Leaf Village had conducted experiments involving Wood Release for a time, but the results had been far from ideal. And now, this power, enough to awe the ninja world, had appeared in an Uchiha orphan...

No matter what, it should not have been an Uchiha!!

[You sure know how to brag!]

"You're the one bragging! Big Sen is invincible!"

"Lord Danzo, the Third is speaking with someone inside. It may not be convenient to enter right now..."

A burst of commotion came from outside the door...

"Creak~"

The doors were pushed open, and the bandage-wrapped Danzo walked in, staring darkly at Uchiha Sen.

"Hiruzen, I'm taking this one."

Without wasting any words, Shimura Danzō stated his purpose directly.

[Beep! Detected a ninja in the room with deep hostility.]

[Name: Shimura Danzō; Strength: Pseudo-Kage Level; Danger Index: 6]

The sudden appearance of another person in the room drew Sen's attention as well. He turned toward the sound and activated True Eye.

Danzo's clothes gradually became transparent, followed by his bandages slowly vanishing. Ten scarlet eyes covered his entire right arm, while a face was embedded in his left arm.

Sen instantly flew into a rage. Clutching his pockets tightly, he roared,

"What demon are you?! How dare you covet Big Sen's treasures! Stop staring at me with those big eyes!"

"You're still looking! Believe it or not, I'll slap you to death!"

As he spoke, he pulled a slipper from beneath his foot, ready to go teach this many-eyed freak a lesson at any moment.

Wait! Those?

Hiruzen stared suspiciously at Danzo. No matter how he looked at him, Danzo could only look at people with one eye. Had Sen's condition flared up again?

Shimura Danzō was inwardly startled. How was that possible? After special treatment, ordinary sensory ninjutsu and even the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan should have been unable to see the things he had hidden.

Feeling somewhat guilty when he noticed Hiruzen's changing expression, Shimura Danzō did not dare linger. After saying that he had other matters to attend to, he hurriedly left.

"Alright, Hole-Hole Monster. I'll arrange identities for those two. I'll also arrange a new place for you to live. Your old place can't accommodate that many people."

"There are three of you, so you can form an ANBU squad. It will both conceal your identities and allow you to carry out missions assigned by the organization under that status."

Hiruzen had only just thought of this. It could be said to kill three birds with one stone: not only would it add combat strength to the village, but he could also use Uchiha Sen to handle matters for him while resolving Zabuza and Haku's identity problem.

"No!"

Sen turned his head away, looking thoroughly unwilling.

"Of course, every time you complete a mission, I'll use that identity to get you a generous payment."

"Alright!"

Several black lines appeared on Hiruzen's forehead.

Sure enough, this guy just wanted money!

After settling Uchiha Sen and the others, Hiruzen looked at a document on his desk: <Matters Concerning the Joint Chunin Exams with Sunagakure>.

That Danzo had been making quite a few little moves lately. Forget it—he should arrange this matter first.

The Chunin Exams jointly held by the two countries were extremely important. Many ninja from surrounding small villages would come as well. It would also be a chance for Konoha to display its strength.

Sure enough, under my leadership, Konoha is getting better and better.

Meanwhile, under Hiruzen's arrangements, the group moved into their new residence. It was a modest courtyard with four rooms in addition to the main hall.

Swish!

An ANBU ninja wearing a cat-faced mask leaped down from the rooftop.

He took out three Hidden Leaf Village ninja forehead protectors and three cat-faced masks, then said,

"The Third Hokage ordered me to deliver these to you. From this day onward, the three of you are the ANBU Special Operations Squad. Uchiha Sen will serve as squad leader. You answer directly to the Hokage and are not under ANBU command."

Zabuza and Haku stared wide-eyed at each other. Just hearing the name made it sound impressive. They had indeed followed the right person. The main reason they had chosen to join Sen in the first place was because of his formidable strength. They had assumed his rank in the Hidden Leaf Village could not be low, and now it was clear that he truly was extraordinary.

Though the three of them were an ANBU squad, they did not need to obey ANBU leadership. Only the Third Hokage had the authority to deploy them. Even his own son probably did not receive such generous treatment.

Zabuza thought to himself...

Hiruzen Sarutobi: I only just discovered that guy is absurdly strong too...

"Um, Haku, from now on, you'll handle all the household matters... I don't know how to do that sort of trivial work... As for fighting..."

Zabuza suddenly realized that, among the three of them, he seemed to be the most useless one...