Zhou Cheng followed Uzuki Yugao into the building and entered a private room.
First, she explained the ANBU's organizational structure to him in detail.
The ANBU had one commander and one deputy commander.
Under them were four divisions, each with seventeen members, a division captain, and four squads.
Each squad had four members, including a squad leader.
Zhou Cheng also learned that Uzuki Yugao was actually a division captain, with sixteen people under her command.
He couldn't help marveling inwardly at how strong and beautiful she was.
That old fox Hiruzen Sarutobi had actually sent a captain to keep an eye on him!
Then she took Zhou Cheng's measurements.
Compared with the other ANBU members, Zhou Cheng was far too young. None of their uniforms would fit him, so his would have to be custom-made!
She also told him that real names couldn't be used in the ANBU and asked him to come up with a codename!
An animal name would be best, so the other members could remember it easily.
Zhou Cheng thought for a moment, then gave her his codename.
"Red Hare? Are you sure?"
Confusion filled Uzuki Yugao's beautiful eyes. Why would a man choose such a feminine name?
Still, she took out a rabbit mask and handed it to him.
The corner of Zhou Cheng's eye twitched as he looked at the rabbit mask in her hand. He'd meant Red Hare, the legendary steed, not a red rabbit.
With no other choice, he accepted the rabbit mask and put it on. Now he wouldn't have to worry about being recognized when he went out to do things at night.
"Your uniform should be ready tomorrow. Come here first thing in the morning to report for duty!"
"Usually, it's pretty relaxed, if a little boring!"
"Everyone has to stay here for four hours. After that, you're free to do as you please if you don't have a mission!"
Zhou Cheng nodded. It was essentially a round-the-clock rotation with three shifts.
That ensured a squad was always near the Hokage building to protect the Hokage.
"And most importantly, you must not tell anyone that you've joined the ANBU, not even the people closest to you!"
For the first time, Uzuki Yugao's tone turned serious.
This was not just to protect themselves, but their families as well.
Many shinobi in the past had been unable to keep their mouths shut and told others that they had joined the ANBU.
Before long, their families had been assassinated by their enemies.
Making enemies was unavoidable in an ANBU career.
Zhou Cheng understood what she meant and nodded solemnly to show that he understood!
Then Uzuki Yugao let him leave, telling him to return tomorrow to officially begin his duties!
After leaving the ANBU headquarters, Zhou Cheng strolled toward home, his mind full of questions.
What exactly were Hiruzen Sarutobi and those other old foxes plotting?
They had so readily agreed to let him refuse to become their apprentice.
And after he chose to join the ANBU, both advisers, Danzo and Mitokado Homura, had remained perfectly calm.
If they truly wanted to bring Zhou Cheng into their service, they should have fought hard for him.
Only now did Zhou Cheng realize he was a complete amateur when it came to schemes and politics.
Against those old foxes, he could only be careful, careful, and more careful.
If he let his guard down, a single wrong step might doom him forever.
Zhou Cheng looked back at the Hokage building, his eyes filled with wariness.
The person he needed to watch out for most right now was Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Joining the ANBU meant becoming a direct subordinate of the Hokage. He would have to carry out any mission Hiruzen Sarutobi assigned without asking why.
For now, though, his most pressing concern was Naruto's situation.
Judging by Naruto's behavior today, Mizuki had probably already approached him and filled his head with poisonous encouragement.
Naruto would probably make his move in the next few days, stealing the Scroll of Seals to prove himself.
Zhou Cheng had still been wondering how to hide his identity when the time came.
Now that he had joined the ANBU, all he needed to do was put on the uniform and mask, and no one would recognize him.
And afterward-
Zhou Cheng checked the time and remembered that the Ninja Academy hadn't let out yet. Even if he went home, he would be alone.
Then he remembered his agreement with Kakashi. If he could achieve early graduation, Kakashi had promised to take him as an apprentice!
So Zhou Cheng changed course and headed toward the Hatake Clan's home.
The past month or so of walking girls home hadn't been about winning their affection.
Each time, he had found excuses to take different routes. His real goal was to familiarize himself with Konoha's layout and streets.
Now he could name the location of every clan's compound. He already had a detailed map of Konoha in his head.
He was preparing for the future. If the day came when he could no longer stay in Konoha, he wouldn't be completely lost while trying to leave the village.
He wouldn't be left without any idea where he was or how far he was from the sealing barrier.
Twenty minutes later, Zhou Cheng stood outside the Hatake Clan's gate.
The Hatake Clan no longer enjoyed the glory it had possessed in White Fang's time. Its gate saw hardly any visitors, leaving the place quiet and deserted.
He stepped forward and knocked, then stepped back a few paces to wait quietly.
As he waited, Zhou Cheng thought, Kakashi has chakra of every nature. I hope he can teach me plenty of Water Release and Earth Release ninjutsu.
Ideally, he'll teach me both chakra shape and nature transformation.
While he was thinking, the gate opened.
A silver-haired head poked out.
Seeing that the person knocking was Zhou Cheng, Kakashi opened the gate a little wider.
When he saw the forehead protector on Zhou Cheng's head, his dull eyes widened slightly. The boy had actually graduated early!
The Third Generation actually agreed?
Then there was nothing wrong with his background?
"Kakashi-sensei, I've graduated early. I've upheld our agreement, and I've come to become your apprentice!"
Kakashi didn't answer. Instead, he opened the gate fully and walked inside first.
"Come in."
Zhou Cheng stepped over the threshold and entered the Hatake Clan's home.
The furnishings inside were simple, with nothing unnecessary, and everything had been cleaned spotless.
Kakashi invited him to sit down, then poured him a cup of tea.
"Why do you want to become my apprentice?"
This was what Kakashi couldn't understand, no matter how much he thought about it. Zhou Cheng had rejected offers of apprenticeship from Kage Level powerhouses, only to seek out someone everyone knew was lazy.
Zhou Cheng had long since prepared his answer. His expression turned serious as he readied himself to move Kakashi with the man's own beliefs.
"So I won't have to wander anymore, and so I can protect my comrades!"
"In the shinobi world, those who ignore the rules are called trash, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash!"
"The ninjutsu I want to learn are all ones that can protect my comrades!"
"When I was in Kirigakure, I heard of your reputation as the Copy Ninja. Everyone said you knew over a thousand ninjutsu. If I become your apprentice, I'm sure I can learn techniques that will protect my comrades!"
After Zhou Cheng finished speaking, Kakashi froze. For a long time, he gave no response, his pouring hand suspended in midair.
Zhou Cheng saw that his eyes looked as though he were remembering something.
Hehe, how could Obito's words fail to shake you?
See Obito's shadow in me, and be a good boy and take me as your apprentice!
Only after a long while did the overflowing tea snap Kakashi out of his daze. He hurriedly set down the teapot and stared straight at Zhou Cheng.