Whenever Hikaru sought out Minato Namikaze for a serious talk, Minato would unconsciously feel his mood sink—and his blood pressure rise.
There was no helping it. Every piece of intelligence Hikaru brought him touched on the darkest corners within Konoha.
Even though Minato had only received two rounds of information from Hikaru so far, each time he managed to verify even part of it, that same oppressive feeling followed.
So when Hikaru said those words, Minato frowned almost reflexively.
That reaction was so strong it even caught Hikaru off guard.
Still, Hikaru didn't dwell on it. There were things he had to discuss with Minato properly—specifically, the vacant ANBU division commander position.
Hikaru didn't know what choice Minato would ultimately make, nor did he know the exact stance of the higher-ups.
But for the sake of his own plans, he had to act.
Otherwise, killing Namuki would have been completely meaningless.
Moreover, Hikaru had already stirred certain thoughts in Minato. Minato's current position clearly wasn't as comfortable as it looked.
In that case, an ANBU division commander willing to cooperate, obey his directives, and even provide him with more intelligence was not just useful—it was necessary.
And Hikaru was certain of one thing:
If Minato didn't try to do something now, there was a very high chance that this position would slip right past Hikaru.
He had competitiveness—but he wasn't the only competitive candidate.
"What is it? Say it."
Minato steadied himself, visibly forcing calm. "Why didn't you bring this up earlier?"
"Because I was still thinking about it," Hikaru replied with his usual gentle smile. "About whether I should say it at all. And before that, I felt I wasn't qualified enough. But now…"
As he spoke, Hikaru glanced at the kunai in his hand—the one already engraved with the Flying Thunder God marking.
It wasn't so much that he hadn't been qualified before.
It was that his bargaining chips hadn't been strong enough to force a decision.
But now, Hikaru had completed the two most difficult steps of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
More importantly, the moment he attempted spatial transfer, it would mean he had fully grasped the most basic form of Flying Thunder God.
However, Hikaru had no intention of demonstrating that now.
He knew very well that if he did, Minato might notice something abnormal.
Mastering such a technique too smoothly, without any buffer period, was the same as exposing his secrets.
Anything that risked exposing him was something Hikaru would never do lightly.
That was also why he dared to reveal his progress in fuinjutsu—it had a natural buffer. Even while busy, he could reasonably claim he trained in his spare time.
As for Flying Thunder God, while Hikaru hadn't used it yet, Minato—someone deeply proficient in the technique—could clearly see that Hikaru was only one step away from success.
Even if Hikaru outright claimed he had learned Flying Thunder God, it wouldn't sound unreasonable.
Minato seemed to understand.
With Flying Thunder God, a powerful summoning beast as a partner, and solid personal strength, Hikaru indeed held a formidable hand.
"You want…" Minato paused briefly before finishing the thought. "The position of ANBU Third Division Commander?"
"Yes."
Hikaru's expression remained warm, but his tone this time was unyielding.
"I want the division commander position."
"Give me a reason."
Minato took a deep breath and frowned. "If it were only about strength, I could help you compete—but…"
"This position is extremely important, both to you, Lord Hokage, and to me."
Hikaru cut him off calmly.
"You should know that Namuki had already drawn close to Root.
His death—whether in your eyes or the Third Hokage's—means neither of you would allow another 'Namuki' to appear. Am I wrong?"
Minato nodded slowly.
Indeed, he had discussed the vacant ANBU division commander position with the Third Hokage recently, and the two of them had tacitly excluded Danzo from consideration.
The candidates they discussed were all experienced and capable ANBU members—but in those talks, Hiruzen Sarutobi had held the upper hand.
Minato had ideas of his own. He wanted to use this position to draw some people to his side.
But within ANBU, he only truly had Hikaru and Kakashi.
"Tell me everything you're thinking," Minato said with a quiet sigh.
"I want your full thoughts. No reservations."
"In truth," Hikaru said with a faint smile, "you're worried that acting too openly will anger the Third Hokage, aren't you?"
He spoke lightly, as if the topic itself carried no weight.
"After Kakashi's case, and because you don't want direct conflict with the Third Hokage, this decision puts you in a difficult position.
In ANBU, there simply aren't many people you can fully trust.
But I believe I am absolutely one of them.
As for seniority—I've been in ANBU for five years. That alone meets the minimum requirement.
As for strength, while my chakra reserves are currently limited by my age and may not be ideal, I believe it won't take long before I fully master Flying Thunder God.
On top of that, I have Lizardmaru as my partner.
Within ANBU, there aren't many I would lose to.
Yes, I'm young—but give me time, and I will become stronger, and more worthy of your expectations."
Hikaru paused.
Minato nodded slightly.
The information Hikaru laid out did indeed prove that he possessed the qualifications to become a division commander.
Experience. Strength.
These were the core requirements—and Hikaru met them.
Not to mention his terrifying potential.
That potential alone was a decisive bargaining chip.
"And besides that…"
Hikaru's smile widened.
"I believe you also want a force within ANBU that truly belongs to you.
Right now, ANBU has three divisions.
Two answer to the Third Hokage.
One had already leaned toward Root.
With this seat now vacant, even if you act a little more assertively and take it, the Third Hokage would at most be annoyed—he wouldn't tear things apart.
He controls too many resources.
And with Kakashi's entry, the Third Hokage was already mentally prepared for this outcome.
More importantly—only if I become a division commander can I provide you with more accurate, more detailed, and more timely intelligence.
Isn't that right, Lord Hokage?"
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