Head of the Anbu? I Refuse

Rumble!

Not long after the massive explosion rang out, a crowd of Konoha villagers gathered below Hokage Rock.

"The explosion seems to have come from the forest above Hokage Rock. What's going on? Why are Lord Hokage and Shisui Uchiha fighting up there?"

"Has the evil Uchiha Clan finally made its move? Is that why the Fourth Hokage is stepping in to rid the village of a threat?"

"If that's true, where are the Anbu? Where have all the Anbu members gone at a time like this?"

"..."

Regardless of how the villagers reacted, explosions continued to ring out one after another in the woods behind Hokage Rock.

Dust billowed, and shattered stones flew everywhere.

Some shops were even buried outright by falling rocks.

At the sight, Hiruzen Sarutobi barked at the Anbu members beside him.

"Quick! Evacuate the villagers nearby!"

"To reassure them, tell them the Fourth Hokage is assessing Shisui Uchiha's capabilities for special missions."

"Yes, Third Hokage!"

Only after the Anbu members left did Hiruzen Sarutobi look up toward the woods, where the explosions were growing ever more frequent. He covered his face with one hand and sighed helplessly.

"What was I thinking, having Minato test Shisui's true strength there?"

If only he had sent them outside the village to fight. Then Hokage Rock would not have been covered in cracks, and a dozen or so shops in the village would not have been buried.

"I hope it's not too late..."

Meanwhile, as the Anbu members rushed around evacuating the crowd, several minutes passed in the woods.

At the end of a fathomless ravine, Minato Namikaze's expression grew increasingly grave, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

His eyes remained fixed on Shisui Uchiha nearby, who had not moved from his spot since activating Susanoo.

"Cough, cough... So this is Susanoo's true power?"

"Not only can it find a way to counter my attacks every time they're about to hit you, but it can also unleash such tremendous power. That's quite an ability."

Shisui Uchiha was not listening to Minato Namikaze's ongoing analysis at all.

Although the Spiral Sword had dissipated, his Susanoo, clad in Crow Tengu armor, remained active.

For now, he had no need to worry about a sudden attack from his opponent and could take his time considering his own condition.

From using the Sharingan to assist him at the start of the fight to activating Susanoo and drawing the Spiral Sword afterward...

Despite using the Sharingan so frequently, his eyes had not even bled!

It seemed this was the benefit of Wood Release: it could slowly restore his damaged ocular power.

Then doesn't that mean I can keep using the Spiral Sword now?

Boom!

The next moment, a raging chakra tornado appeared around Shisui Uchiha's green weapon once more, enveloping it.

Spiral Sword!

It really works. What about Kotoamatsukami, then?

How long is its cooldown now...?

I really need a specialist for questions like these.

Orochimaru!

"Stop, stop, stop!"

Seeing Shisui Uchiha gather the same power around his green weapon as he had for that last strike, Minato Namikaze hurriedly called out to stop him.

"I've finished assessing your strength. Thank you for your cooperation, Shisui."

He had to stop him. If he did not, Shisui would blast the entire mountain apart!

At Minato Namikaze's words, Shisui Uchiha paused. His Mangekyō Sharingan turned, and the Spiral Sword and Susanoo dissipated together.

What a shame. He had wanted to test how many times his current ocular power and recovery rate would let him unleash his strongest moves in succession without injury.

Seeing how readily Shisui Uchiha complied, Minato Namikaze gave a slight nod.

"By the way, Shisui, as far as I know, using the Sharingan for too long puts a tremendous strain on your body, doesn't it?"

"I may have told you to go all out, but you pushed yourself far too hard!"

"You understand, this was only a test of your strength on his behalf."

At that, Shisui Uchiha put on a solemn expression and said,

"Where Konoha dances, the fire burns on. For the will of fire, for the protection of the village, I am willing to sacrifice everything."

Hearing Minato Namikaze's reply, Shisui Uchiha nodded in satisfaction.

As expected of someone trained by the Third Hokage. Even though he came from the Uchiha Clan, his profound understanding of the will of fire was truly admirable.

With that thought, Minato Namikaze considered for a moment before extending his right hand to Shisui Uchiha.

"Shisui, help me protect Konoha. From now on, I'll leave the Anbu in your hands."

"..."

Leave the Anbu in my hands?

I'd have to be tired of living to accept that job.

Because once he agreed to take over the Anbu, Danzo's desire to kill him would only grow stronger. He might even make his move ahead of time.

That was not what Shisui wanted.

Besides, who knew whether this was yet another test from Hiruzen Sarutobi?

With that in mind, Shisui Uchiha shook his head gently at Minato Namikaze.

"I'll pass on managing them. I'm better at carrying out missions than leading people."

"But..."

At his reply, Minato Namikaze opened his mouth, but ultimately sighed and smiled.

"In that case, I'll respect your choice."

"If you ever change your mind, come see me at the Hokage Office. I'll keep the position of Anbu commander open for you."

Whoosh!

With those parting words, Minato Namikaze used the Flying Thunder God Technique and vanished.

His battle with Shisui Uchiha had caused far too much commotion. As the Fourth Hokage, he had to reassure the villagers now and could not stay here any longer.

Come see you?

Unfortunately, I might not have time to see you again after this.

Shisui Uchiha remarked inwardly, his tone detached.

Ding! A new check-in location has appeared!

Check-in location: the residence of Konoha Dragon God, Teacher Chen!

Time limit: one month!

The place where Konoha Dragon God, Teacher Chen lives?

Uh, how am I supposed to know that?

Forget it. When I go ask Orochimaru about ocular power, I'll ask whether he knows while I'm at it...