Chapter 88: ANBU Commander — Uchiha Itachi
"There's no candidate for now," Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. "Ever since Kakashi retired, there hasn't been anyone in ANBU who has both the strength and seniority to command respect."
"But this post is critical, isn't it?" Jiraiya pressed. "Without a strong leader, even I—Hokage Advisor—can't get things done. Right now, if the Police Force requests assistance, ANBU and the Jonin Corps respond faster than they do to my orders. Give it more time, and they'll become Uchiha's private army in everything but name."
"So you have someone in mind?" Hiruzen asked.
"Yes." Jiraiya nodded and handed over a resume.
Hiruzen glanced at the file, his expression stiffening. "Uchiha Itachi?"
"That's right," Jiraiya confirmed. "At present, he's the best candidate. Though he's still young, his strength is top-tier in ANBU. More importantly, he's one of the few ANBU who hasn't participated in any joint operations with the Police Force."
"But he's still Uchiha… and Fugaku's son," Hiruzen frowned. Even though Itachi had moved out of the Uchiha district, the Third still harbored doubts. Jiraiya's proposal to appoint him as ANBU commander was risky.
"I'm just floating the idea for now," Jiraiya said. "I'll talk to him before we finalize anything. But I believe he'll choose the village."
"…You're right," Hiruzen exhaled and nodded slowly. "Perhaps I'm overthinking it. Itachi was always a ninja with vision beyond his clan. Still—talk to him first."
"I will." Jiraiya turned to leave, but then paused. "Old man… sometimes, I wonder if I was right to agree to this."
Hiruzen opened his mouth to respond, but Jiraiya had already leapt out the window.
---
The next morning, Kakashi departed with Genma and the others on their mission to the border. Uchiha Douguang personally saw them off at the gate.
Before leaving, Genma handed Douguang a kunai inscribed with a special formula. Douguang smiled. "You came prepared."
"Better to have contingencies," Kakashi said, the blade Jirei hanging at his waist.
"I won't say much else," Douguang said, tucking the kunai away. "I wish you all success—may fortune favor your blades!"
"Appreciate the blessing, Clan Leader Douguang," Genma replied cheerfully.
Once they departed, Douguang strolled back to the Police Force headquarters.
---
Meanwhile, in Jiraiya's office, Uchiha Itachi stepped inside.
"Jiraiya-sama, all spies sent by the Land of Lightning have been eliminated, and the ones hiding in the village have been flushed out. No classified intel was compromised." He bowed as he reported.
"Well done, Itachi. Please, sit," Jiraiya said.
Though a little unsure, Itachi took the seat before Jiraiya's desk.
"You needed something, sir?"
"I'll keep this brief." Jiraiya went straight to the point. "I plan to recommend you to the Third Hokage as the new ANBU commander."
Itachi was taken aback. "Jiraiya-sama, my experience is lacking. I'm not qualified for such a position."
"Itachi, ANBU needs someone like you. Right now, experience isn't as important as integrity and strength," Jiraiya replied. "You're more than qualified."
"But the commander of ANBU is a significant post. Please reconsider carefully," Itachi said cautiously. Ever since leaving the Uchiha district, he'd focused entirely on ANBU. But recently, more and more of his colleagues were gravitating toward the Police Force. Some even called themselves "followers of Douguang," led by civilian shinobi like Nagai Seiichi.
He feared what would happen if Douguang ever staged a coup—these people would stand on his side without hesitation.
Itachi wanted to stop this—but his lone voice was drowned out in the rising tide.
"Before you refuse," Jiraiya said, walking around the desk and placing a hand on his shoulder, "what do you think of your current clan leader, Uchiha Douguang?"
Itachi frowned. He wasn't sure why Jiraiya asked, so he replied formally, "We've rarely interacted. But among the clan, he's highly respected."
"Interesting. That's not what you reported to the Third before. Back then, you said he had dangerous ambitions," Jiraiya said pointedly.
"That was based on hearsay," Itachi said quickly. "I apologize for spreading disharmony."
Jiraiya sighed. "You've seen the current situation. I'll be honest with you—I returned to the village and accepted this role because of a prophecy."
"…A prophecy?"
Jiraiya explained everything—from his connection to Mount Myōboku, the Great Toad Sage's visions, to how the originally clear future had become a muddled unknown—and that this chaos may be linked to Douguang.
The idea that the Child of Prophecy would bring peace stirred Itachi's heart. And the thought that Douguang might derail that future set his resolve ablaze.
So he really is dangerous, Itachi thought. If Douguang becomes Hokage, disaster may follow.
For most people, this "prophecy" would sound like nonsense. But not to Itachi.
He already harbored doubts about Douguang. He was obsessed with ideals of peace, burdened by philosophical thoughts beyond his age, and now, a perfectly constructed future dangled before him. It ticked every box.
Add to that the Uchiha's natural pride and stubbornness—and Itachi was fully convinced.
"I need your help, Itachi," Jiraiya said solemnly. "Help me stop the descent into chaos."
"What would you have me do?" Itachi asked.
"Accept the role of ANBU commander," Jiraiya said. "Right now, you're the only one strong enough—and untouched by Douguang's influence."
Itachi hesitated, but then thought of the Will of Fire, and of the peaceful future Jiraiya described. He made up his mind.
"I understand. I'll accept the post."
"Good," Jiraiya smiled. "The Third always said you were a child of the Will of Fire."
"I'm honored to serve the village," Itachi replied.
---
The next day, Itachi officially became ANBU commander.
His appointment—clearly influenced by higher powers—wasn't met with much enthusiasm by the rank and file. But out of respect for Jiraiya, no one openly objected.
That evening, Nagai Seiichi delivered the news to Uchiha Douguang's desk.
The following morning, Douguang brought several senior Police Force officers to the Hokage office to submit the final report on the Shimura–Mitokado–Koharu–Orochimaru conspiracy case.
"Third Hokage-sama, the report is all here for your review," Douguang said, stepping back after placing the scroll on the desk.
Hiruzen barely glanced at it before setting it aside. "You've done well, Douguang."
"All for the Will of Fire," Douguang said with a bow.
"In accordance with regulations, the remaining 2 million ryō in unclaimed assets from the case is to be deposited into the village treasury. Please sign off, Hokage-sama."
Douguang placed a scroll and ledger onto the desk.
"Only 2 million left?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. He knew very well just how much wealth had been confiscated.
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