Anya's Ability

Hearing Anya's shallow answer, Kabuto Yakushi froze. His mouth fell slightly open, and for a moment, he could not speak.

He had imagined countless weighty answers. Never had he expected a reason so pure, so innocent, and, frankly, so shallow.

"C-cool?!"

The sheer absurdity of it, and the contrast with what he had expected, left him stunned for a long moment.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil inside him, and spoke as earnestly as he could.

"Anya, listen to me. Being a spy isn't a good dream to have. It isn't as cool as it looks on television."

"It's a dark and painful road."

Cool? He smiled bitterly at himself. I've spent decades as a spy, moving between Root, Akatsuki, Konoha, and even Nine Nether. Every day has been a life of lies and disguises, always watching for the moment I might be discovered and killed. My hands are stained with filth that will never wash off.

When have I ever felt cool?

Just then, Anya heard Kabuto Yakushi's thoughts. The director is a super spy! How exciting! How exciting!

Anya blinked her large eyes. From the director's complicated expression and tone, she seemed to have picked up on something incredible.

Her little mouth opened. She was just about to say more when—

With a soft whoosh, an ANBU member wearing an animal mask appeared at the activity room door, breaking the stillness.

"Director Kabuto, Lord Hokage has urgent business with you. Please come to the Hokage's Office at once."

Kabuto Yakushi quickly tucked away every trace of emotion and resumed his calm, gentle manner as director.

He rose and nodded to the ANBU member. "Understood. I'll be right there."

Before leaving, he gave Anya one last, conflicted look. In the end, he said nothing and