Anyo gave a meaningful smile. "Some people can't get rid of the air in their bones, no matter how well they hide. I sensed something unusual the moment I saw you."
The man was visibly startled. He studied Anyo carefully, then sighed. "All right, you got me. Tell me, kid, what do you want me to do?"
Rather than explaining outright, Anyo asked, "Tell me your name first."
"Genno," the man answered simply.
Anyo thought for a moment but remembered nothing. After all, he had only skimmed through Naruto. He knew the broad outline of the plot, but had no recollection of individual supporting characters. He had no idea how long this man had lived, either. Still, anyone who could remain undercover in Konoha presumably had some skill, so Anyo decided to tell the truth. "I want you to help me steal the Scroll of Seals."
Genno froze. He hadn't expected Anyo to state his aim so directly, much less that he actually wanted him to help steal something. Why should I? He's just a little brat.
"You should know that I'm a ninja from another country," Genno said tentatively. "I was ordered to come to Konoha to gather intelligence. You want me to help you steal something, then defect with me?"
Anyo gave him a puzzled look. "You're the one stealing it. Why would I defect?"
Good grief, the little fellow's shamelessness left even Genno stunned. He simply asked outright, "Then what makes you think I'll hand it over to you once I've stolen it?"
Anyo replied casually, "It doesn't matter. If you don't give it to me, I'll just take it from you. All you need to do is steal it."
One-on-one, with the Spirit Transformation Technique at his disposal, Anyo really wasn't afraid of him escaping. His concern now was that Genno might refuse to steal it.
Genno began to wrestle with himself. The little fellow before him was definitely no innocent-shameless and ruthless. If he refused, he would most likely be unable to stay in Konoha, and might even be hunted down. Should I steel myself and kill him?
At that moment, Genno felt the urge to kill.
Anyo continued at his leisure, "By the way, my teacher is Konoha White Fang. I suggest you calm down."
A man's reputation carried weight. The moment those words left his mouth, the murderous intent rising from Genno vanished. He put on a kindly smile. "Are you serious, kid? Something that important must be heavily guarded. How could I possibly steal it?"
"Yes, you can't do it alone, but you can with my help," Anyo said confidently. "Of course, I'm not asking you to steal it now. We need an opportunity when the Third Hokage leaves the village."
Being caught during his last attempt to steal the Scroll of Seals had reminded Anyo of a detail from the original anime: the crystal ball in the Third Hokage's hands. Back then, that thing could show what was actually happening elsewhere at any time. As long as he remained in Konoha, no one had a chance of stealing it.
"All right." Genno breathed a sigh of relief after hearing that. At least the boy wasn't sending him to his death. It seemed he genuinely wanted that thing. Still, the Hokage probably rarely left the village, and that interval would be enough for him to complete his great undertaking in Konoha.
Pleased to hear Genno agree, Anyo stepped closer and said, "I'll find out who you are during this time. If I run into ninja from your village on the battlefield later, I'll show them mercy. See you."
With that, Anyo left without looking back, leaving Genno with a complicated expression. He understood that Anyo's final words had clearly been a threat. There were only so many ninja villages hostile to Konoha. Given his position as a disciple of Konoha White Fang, uncovering Genno's identity probably wouldn't be difficult. He might even kill Genno to silence him the moment he obtained the Scroll of Seals.
What a frightening child.
Genno's guess really wasn't wrong. Anyo had indeed entertained that thought, but soon dismissed it. Discovering Genno and asking him to steal the scroll had only been a spur-of-the-moment idea, a casual move laid in reserve. Success would naturally be welcome, but he didn't care if it failed. After all, swordsmanship remained his foremost priority. Ninjutsu was only there to diversify his tactics and help him adapt to different environments. Quality mattered more than quantity.
Soon, Anyo went to White Fang's home, entered the familiar training grounds, and began searching for the feel of that slash.
Iaido-a very fitting name. This slash perfectly united the wielder's essence, energy, and spirit. Once the blade was drawn, it had to draw blood. But if it achieved nothing, it would leave the wielder burdened, so there had to be a follow-up.
Anyo began recalling the first slash White Fang had taught him, simulating it over and over in his mind before his hand began moving along with it.
Watching from the side, Kakashi felt only that Anyo was very different today. At a glance, Anyo seemed like a flash of blade light, arresting the eye. Young as he was, Kakashi still didn't understand what this change meant.
Three days passed in a flash, and White Fang entered the training grounds.
Anyo spoke first. "Do we have a mission?"
White Fang nodded. "Yes."
Having already brought himself into peak condition, Anyo said confidently, "Then let's go."
White Fang cautioned him, "We're going to the battlefield this time. You need to be mentally prepared not to return."
Anyo went still, then slowly said, "I understand."
Kakashi came forward then and asked, "Are you leaving again? I want to go to the battlefield with you."
White Fang gently stroked his head. "Be good. When we return this time, I'll send you to the Ninja Academy. Once you graduate, we'll go together."
Young Kakashi cheered. "Okay!"
Anyo shook his head inwardly. It's good to be young, not knowing the cruelty of war.
The two left Konoha one behind the other. Unlike the previous trip with just master and disciple, a great many ninja were deploying with them this time. Anyo made a rough count; their numbers were approaching a thousand. It seemed this would be a large-scale battle.
White Fang said, "Amegakure has already defeated the Land of Iron. Hanzo of the Salamander certainly deserves his title of demigod. His influence has expanded, and to prevent him from growing any stronger, we've decided to strike with our full strength and settle this decisively. The Third Hokage's three disciples will lead the war effort. I'm responsible for protecting the army's rear."
Hearing this, Anyo asked in confusion, "Why didn't the Hokage put you in command?"
Given Konoha's current situation, White Fang was unquestionably second only to the Hokage.
White Fang had clearly considered this question. He said frankly, "I think it must be because of Hanzo of the Salamander's abilities. His poison is extremely powerful. I'm afraid Tsunade may be the only one who can deal with it. If I fought him, the outcome would be uncertain. Besides, I'm at my most formidable when I don't strike."
"Oh, I understand."
An unseen blade was the deadliest. As long as White Fang didn't strike, Hanzo of the Salamander would always have to guard against him and would have no way to unleash his full strength. Put plainly, Konoha was pitting its raw strength and reserves against Amegakure this time, seeing who would give out first. And what did poison users fear most? One possibility was an antidote, leaving their poison unable to kill you. The other was speed so great that their poison couldn't reach you. Tsunade and Orochimaru went without saying; both were extremely good at staying alive. Jiraiya could summon toads to protect himself, so his ability to keep himself safe was hardly weak either.
White Fang, however, was different. His abilities meant he needed to close in for a killing strike. He might be able to kill Hanzo of the Salamander, but the moment he struck, he would inevitably be poisoned as well. If he couldn't withstand it, they would die together. Clearly, the Third Hokage had given this battle against Amegakure considerable thought.
Of course, that all depended on the Third's three disciples being able to withstand the pressure from Hanzo of the Salamander.
Before you continue