"Captain… you really plan to enter…?"
"Mm. No need to be surprised."
Inside ANBU headquarters, Hikaru smiled and spoke quietly to Kakashi.
Kakashi's surprise was completely understandable. After being here for a month or two, he had more or less figured out how ANBU worked.
This position was only below the ANBU Commander and Vice Commander—one of the most powerful seats in the entire organization.
ANBU had many departments, but no matter how many there were, they all ultimately answered to the action units. In other words, those departments existed to serve the operational teams.
So for a position with that level of authority, Kakashi had never even dared to imagine it.
Yet his captain… actually intended to compete for it.
But soon, beneath his mask, Kakashi's expression subtly changed.
Because he realized something:
His captain truly did qualify.
Whether by experience or by strength, his captain met the requirements.
If he qualified—why not try?
Taking a slow breath, Kakashi nodded seriously.
"I understand. Captain… good luck."
"Of course." Hikaru smiled at him. "If I succeed, would you be willing to come under me?"
"I will naturally follow you, Captain," Kakashi replied firmly.
In all of ANBU, the person he knew best was Hikaru—and Hikaru had helped him far too much.
If Hikaru left, Kakashi would likely be reassigned into some other squad. He wasn't afraid of an unfamiliar environment, but he didn't like it either.
If he could follow someone he trusted, why would he choose to work under strangers?
Besides—Hikaru's relationship with his teacher was anything but ordinary. Kakashi had long since regarded Hikaru as "one of us."
While the two were speaking, the entire ANBU hall suddenly fell silent.
At the same time, the great gates of the plaza opened.
Hikaru and Kakashi immediately stopped talking, because several figures were walking in.
Looking closely—it was Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Behind them followed a middle-aged man wearing ANBU uniform but without a mask.
"Murashima Takumi."
Hikaru's gaze locked onto the man instantly. He knew exactly who he was.
This man stood at the head of one of Konoha's most terrifying—and most powerful—institutions.
Of course, "most powerful" here was within the scope of department heads.
The ANBU Commander held far more authority than other department leaders.
But Hikaru also understood: the real meaning of Murashima Takumi's existence was that he was Hiruzen Sarutobi's mouthpiece.
His strength was unquestionable.
Yet what stood out most wasn't his combat power—but his loyalty to the Third Hokage.
The fact that Hiruzen could grip ANBU so firmly, and even after stepping down as Hokage still maintain control over it, said everything about just how loyal this man truly was.
Hikaru didn't know the personal history between Murashima and Hiruzen.
But he did know this:
As long as Murashima Takumi remained in ANBU, ANBU would remain Hiruzen Sarutobi's one-man show.
When they reached the center of the plaza, Hiruzen and Minato exchanged a look.
Then Hiruzen stepped forward and spoke.
"Everyone—why we've come today… I think you all know already, yes?"
His movement was effortless. Everyone present looked as though this was only natural.
But Hikaru couldn't help shaking his head internally.
Who exactly was the real Hokage here?
And who was ANBU truly supposed to answer to?
Minato's weakness—was painfully obvious.
"Good." Hiruzen swept his gaze across the crowd, then nodded.
"Since you all understand, I won't waste words.
"Today, you are here not only to witness the evaluation—
but also to serve as part of its supervision.
"The post of Division Commander is extremely important. I trust all of you understand that. So we cannot afford even the slightest carelessness.
"We must select someone experienced, capable—someone who can lead you in completing missions and protecting our home."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" the ANBU shouted in unison.
But as they answered, many of them couldn't help glancing toward Hikaru.
And Minato's brows tightened slightly.
Hikaru was one of the candidates.
But he was far too young.
Even with the reputation he had gained through recent publicity, it still wasn't enough—far from enough—to make ANBU accept him as their commander.
Hiruzen hadn't said a single word directly rejecting Hikaru, yet the effect had already been achieved.
Everyone in ANBU knew Hikaru had been personally chosen by Minato.
Even if Minato was Hokage, he lacked the kind of entrenched authority within ANBU that Hiruzen had.
So Minato's move naturally attracted criticism.
ANBU were still human.
Even if they feared neither blood nor death, they did fear dying for no reason.
A commander who made the wrong decision at the wrong time would absolutely get them killed.
"Then let the evaluation begin," Hiruzen continued, as if he hadn't noticed the subtle looks at all.
"But we'll move directly to the practical combat assessment. I'm confident the candidates won't have any issues with theory.
"After all, you're all elites. Regardless of age, this level of competence shouldn't be a problem—correct?
"Finally, this evaluation will not restrict fighting methods. You may use summons and the like, since they are your partners."
At those words, Minato's expression finally changed—though he quickly forced it back under control.
And Hikaru, once again, could only shake his head internally.
He had to admit it:
This old fox was truly formidable.
With a few simple lines, like gentle rain that soaked in without sound, Hiruzen had made Hikaru's situation far more delicate—and far more uncomfortable.
Skipping theory and going straight to combat?
To Hikaru personally, theory wasn't something he feared.
But his age was a fact—experience would always be his weak point.
Now Hiruzen publicly removed that part of the evaluation, making it look as though Hikaru was being "favored."
And his last sentence—allowing summons—was even worse.
Because everyone in ANBU knew Hikaru's reputation: strong skill, low chakra, and a terrifying summon as his partner.
If Hikaru actually used that summon, he would be walking straight into Hiruzen's trap.
First, he would gain the label:
"He relies on his summon; his own strength isn't that impressive."
Second, it would deepen ANBU's resentment toward Minato's choice.
And worse still—if Hikaru won under these circumstances, after theory had been "conveniently skipped," it would only reinforce the idea that:
"The Fourth Hokage is forcing this result."
Which would push ANBU and Minato even farther apart.
"This old man really knows how to stir trouble…" Hikaru thought grimly.
"Looks like this election won't be easy."
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