Once the ANBU and 'Root' were merged, Minato needed to assign talented individuals to the new unit.
Among his considerations was Kakashi. If Minato arranged it, Kakashi would have no objections, and he was more than capable of taking on the role of a team captain.
In addition to Kakashi, Minato also valued Shisui Uchiha. Minato believed Shisui was another strong candidate for a captain position, but unlike Kakashi, he couldn't be certain if Shisui would accept.
Among his peers, only these two stood out as ideal for captaincy. Others like Obito, Asuma, Hayate, and Genma where all promising members of the younger generation and could take this opportunity to join the ANBU. This would provide them with training and also ease the integration of ANBU and 'Root.'
Minato ultimately decided to offer the captain position to Shisui, planning to personally discuss it with him.
Then there was Itachi, who, at such a young age, had independently applied to join the ANBU. It was a rare occurrence. Minato had no objections to this. To him, Itachi was an extraordinary talent.
He shared these decisions with Hiruzen.
"Shisui is a fine young man. I believe he'll gladly accept the role and perform admirably," Hiruzen said, giving Shisui high praise without hesitation.
Minato nodded. Based on Shisui's track record, he was indeed a rare talent. Most importantly, Shisui valued the village over his clan, a quality that was exceptionally rare.
"Itachi is quite special," Minato remarked as he reviewed Itachi's file.
Hiruzen added, "You should approve his application. Even during his time at the academy, Itachi displayed extraordinary potential. The ANBU environment might help him grow further. I'm eager to see what he'll achieve."
"Unlocking the three-tomoe Sharingan at the age of ten and voluntarily applying to join the ANBU, he's certainly impressive. I'm also looking forward to his growth," Minato said with a smile, his gaze lingering on Itachi's youthful portrait, filled with interest.
The Uchiha clan was indeed a cradle of geniuses. First Shisui, then Itachi, and now Obito. These three were not only representatives of the younger generation but also ninja who upheld the Will of Fire.
In this recent attack, the strength of the Uchiha clan was evident, as was Fugaku's attitude. During the assault, the Uchiha clan had gone all out to defend Konoha.
Hiruzen's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he gazed out the window at the sky, as if seeing a string of Konoha leaves dancing in the air.
Even as he grew older and his shoulders could no longer bear the weight of the village, he could see more and more people stepping forward to shoulder that responsibility together.
Uchiha Clan Residence – Fugaku's Home
In the traditional-style living room, Fugaku sat in loose-fitting house robes, his hands tucked into his sleeves, quietly observing Itachi, who knelt across the table.
"Itachi, you've always been gifted and ambitious. Even so, I hope you'll continue to grow and walk the right path," Fugaku said calmly.
"Father, I can see the right path clearly," Itachi replied earnestly.
Fugaku regarded him with a steady gaze. "Your vision surpasses your peers. I have no doubt that you'll become a pillar of the Uchiha clan in the future."
After a moment of silence, Itachi responded, "I hope to become one of the village's pillars as well."
"If that's your choice, then pursue it. Perhaps you and others like you can change the Uchiha clan," Fugaku said, his tone emotionless, though the slight shift in his gaze hinted at deeper thoughts.
His words carried weight... Not just you, but you and others. Clearly, he saw potential in more than just Itachi.
Change the Uchiha clan? Change what exactly?
Itachi nodded firmly.
After bidding his father farewell, Itachi prepared to leave home to find Shisui. His desire to grow stronger burned brighter than ever, and he wanted Shisui to guide him.
At the entrance, while changing his shoes, he paused and looked toward the wooden corridor. Standing there was a black-haired, dark-eyed boy. His name was Sasuke Uchiha.
"Big brother, will you teach me shuriken practice today?" Sasuke asked hopefully.
Itachi hesitated briefly, then smiled and beckoned Sasuke over with a hand.
Thinking his brother had agreed, Sasuke's face lit up with joy as he ran toward him.
Instead, Itachi gently flicked Sasuke's forehead with his index finger and smiled. "Sorry, maybe next time."
Sasuke winced and clutched his forehead, visibly disappointed.
Everything here is what I want to protect... Not just the clan, but the village too, Itachi thought silently.
As Sasuke reluctantly watched his brother leave, Itachi departed to meet Shisui. The two trained together at a secluded training ground, where Itachi was thoroughly defeated.
After every loss, Shisui would point out his flaws and teach him how to address them properly.
The training lasted from morning until dusk.
At sunset, Shisui glanced at Itachi amidst the fading orange glow, his tone carrying a trace of emotion. "Starting tomorrow, you'll be part of the ANBU."
Itachi smiled slightly and replied, "I'll be in your care, Captain Shisui."
There was a subtle teasing undertone in his words, which made Shisui chuckle bitterly. "Come on, let's go. I'll treat you to dinner."
Itachi's eyes lit up as he smiled. "I want dango!"
"Alright, as many as you can eat," Shisui said generously.
The two walked side by side under the orange twilight, heading toward the village's famous dango shop.
...
The next day, Itachi Uchiha, at the age of ten, officially joined the ANBU under Shisui's command as part of Squad Eight, which comprised fifteen members.
In a place like the ANBU, strength dictated respect. A ten-year-old joining their ranks was not something the other members could immediately accept.
Shisui did not intervene in this dynamic, nor did he ask his team members to accept Itachi. He believed Itachi would earn their recognition through his own abilities.
Upon joining the ANBU, Itachi received standard-issued combat gear, a standard long sword, and an animal mask—a white fox mask adorned with red flame-like patterns.
Once he donned the mask, he became just another member of the ANBU.
From then on, Itachi not only engaged in the ANBU's rigorous training methods but also immersed himself in various scrolls and documents.
Fully integrating into the ANBU, he spent every day training in the ANBU's exclusive training rooms. In his free time, he sparred daily with Shisui, demonstrating his relentless desire to grow stronger.
Itachi seemed to carve time out of thin air, not wasting a single moment. After spending some time in the ANBU, he gained access to certain classified materials, including records on Ye Zi.
Ever since witnessing that battle, Itachi had been deeply intrigued by Ye Zi and had set him as a benchmark to surpass.
As the ANBU and Root began their merger, subtle changes unfolded. During this time, Itachi obtained Ye Zi's mission records. These documents detailed the number of missions Ye Zi had undertaken during his time in Root, along with comprehensive reports on his actions and decisions.
These records were meant to serve as resources for ANBU members, but for Itachi, they were of particular interest.
Opening Ye Zi's mission records, Itachi was immediately struck by the sheer number of missions Ye Zi had completed, especially the staggering quantity of S-rank missions.
What shocked him even more was Ye Zi's incredible mission success rate: 99.5%.
His gaze fell silently on a photograph of Ye Zi, whose cold and indifferent expression stirred Itachi's emotions slightly.
"I will surpass you!" he declared inwardly.
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Currently on Chapter 501 - A Complete Disaster