The guy buried here was involved in all sorts of vices, definitely not a good person. He was also the loudest when it came to bragging in the office.
"The one buried here should be considered your senpai, right?" Masashi said. "When the ANBU was first formed, there were only about a dozen members. He was the first to die."
The seven former Root members looked at the tombstone.
"Where did he fall?" Terai asked with some curiosity.
"He died in the Land of Fields," Masashi replied. "It was a terrible death, his remains were never recovered."
"The Land of Fields, huh..." Fū, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "As far as we know, there were no major factions in the Land of Fields before."
"Yeah, because we wiped them all out," Masashi stood up. "Enough about that. How many former Root members are still in the ANBU?"
"Not many. Besides us, there are about twenty former unofficial members still available for your use."
"That's enough. Gather them all. Tomorrow, you're coming with me to Ame."
"This incident was caused by Ame?"
"The Chunin Exams are about to start. We need to assess the situation. Ame's leader is an old acquaintance of ours."
Everyone was momentarily stunned. An acquaintance from that backwater place?
"Akatsuki?" Fū reacted quickly.
After all, Masashi had said "ours."
Among the Root's acquaintances, excluding those who were dead, in Konoha, or in other countries, only Orochimaru remained missing.
But the Sannin was unlikely to be in Ame. Fū knew what that man was after.
"Masashi-sama, do you also know about the incident that happened to our Root predecessors?"
"Yes. Even though there's no 'Root' anymore, it's fitting for you all to come with me."
Masashi had thought carefully about how to win over these former Root members.
Looking at their behavior since ANBU was reorganized, it was clear that despite Root's reputation as a cold and ruthless organization under Danzō, their behavior aligned with what he knew about people like them.
Root was a tightly knit group built on a strong sense of recognition.
They were extremely loyal to each other and valued their shared history.
The failed operation in Ame against Akatsuki had been a major setback for Root, a historical disgrace that could not be forgotten.
That mission had not only cost Root an entire generation of elites, but it had also reduced their influence within the ANBU.
Because it was officially a mission led by the village, though primarily executed by Root members, some ANBU members had also been involved.
In terms of results, the operation had severely weakened Akatsuki. Most of its members at the time were eliminated, and their leader was killed, reinforcing Hanzō's rule over Ame and securing Konoha's alliance with the village.
The problem had been Nagato.
A severe underestimation of his strength had led to the near-total annihilation of the Konoha forces in Ame, and Root had to take the blame.
"I understand. We'll inform everyone. When do we gather tomorrow?"
"Six in the morning. We'll go and return the same day, I can't afford to be away from the village for too long right now. We leave in the morning and return by nightfall."
"Understood."
"Alright, that's settled." Masashi got up. "This place is pretty big, but it looks like no one maintains it. That's really…"
"Actually… someone does," Fū said. "Danzō-sama used to come here every year. Besides the the First and Second Hokage, he would also pay respects to his other teacher. The Third Hokage and the two advisors would accompany him."
Masashi paused mid-step.
"Huh?"
"Would you like to see?"
"Take me there."
Damn, Danzō! Besides kissing up to the nobles, you secretly had another teacher? Let's see who it was.
If Danzō had taken the time to pay respects every year, then this person must not have been just anyone.
Could it be? Among those old troublemakers who spent their days drinking, smoking, fighting, bragging, and getting tattoos, was there actually someone with a knack for teaching?
With this curiosity in mind, he followed the former Root members deeper into the graveyard.
"This way leads to the Hokage's graves, right?"
"Yes, Masashi-sama. His teacher is buried not far from the Second Hokage."
Hmm? Near the "big spender" himself?
Senju Tōka, that fierce woman?
As he was pondering, they arrived at an open area. There were quite a few people gathered. The arrival of Fū and the others caught their attention.
"Stop right there!" someone called out.
The voice was familiar to Masashi.
Fū and the others halted, but Masashi did not. He stepped forward past them.
"Masashi?" The ninja who had called out looked at him in surprise.
"Hizashi?" Masashi was also taken aback.
Because he also saw Hiruzen standing with a few others, gathered in front of the First and Second Hokage graves, discussing something.
"I heard you've taken charge of the ANBU. So that's how it is..." Hizashi looked at Fū and the others, his gaze shifting. "No wonder. I was wondering why Danzō's former subordinates were here, they're your subordinates now."
Hizashi waved his hand, signaling to a group of Konoha-affiliated ninjas in the distance to halt.
"Why is the Third Hokage here as well? Ah, the two elders are also present."
"This concerns the First and Second Hokage, after all," Hizashi sighed. "Fugaku-sama also takes this matter seriously. My brother sent me to assist."
Masashi glanced toward the Hokage graves. The people over there were already looking in his direction.
"Masashi-sama," Fū suddenly spoke. "Danzō-sama's teacher's grave is right over there."
Masashi followed his gaze. Sure enough, beside the First and Second Hokage graves, there was a slightly smaller one.
The Hokage graves were prominent within the Senju cemetery, designed in the traditional style, made from high-quality granite, and reinforced with sealing techniques to prevent desecration.
This smaller grave followed the same design but was less grand in scale.
"Danzō's teacher?" Upon hearing this, Hizashi was intrigued. "Wasn't his teacher the Second Hokage?"
That was the common understanding in Konoha.
Everyone knew that Danzō had been a member of Tobirama's squad.
In Konoha, being part of a Hokage's squad was a mark of impeccable lineage.
For example, before earning the title of the "Legendary Sannin," Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade had been part of Hiruzen's squad.
Similarly, the current Fourth Hokage, had Minato's squad, though only Kakashi remained now.
"It was another of Danzō-sama's teachers," Fū explained.
Hizashi thought to himself, Danzō sure played things his own way, having multiple teachers.
"Masashi-sama, the Third Hokage and the two elers have invited you over."
"Hizashi, I'll head over first," Masashi said. "Oh, and I'm hosting a gathering tonight, why don't you join us?"
"Huh? Definitely, definitely! Let's talk more later." Hizashi's eyes lit up at the mention of a gathering.
It had been a while since Masashi had organized one.
"You all come with me," Masashi said to Fū and the others.
"Yes."
"Masashi-sama, the Third Hokage and the elders only—" The messenger ninja hesitated.
The Third Hokage had indeed sent him to invite Masashi, but he hadn't mentioned anything about the former Root members.
"Why are you questioning this? You know the relationship between the Third Hokage and Danzō, don't you?" Hizashi frowned, completely forgetting that he had earlier ordered Fū and the others to stop.
As the two spoke, Masashi led Fū and the seven former Root members toward the Hokage graves.
Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura were standing before Tobirama's grave. They noticed Fū and the others approaching.
"Those are Danzō's subordinates, aren't they?" Homura remarked. "I heard that the former Root members don't hold much power in the reformed ANBU."
"Deploying them first is a wise strategy," Koharu commented. "They're all practical operatives."
Both she and Homura were high-ranking officials who had supported keeping Root intact. They had worked to preserve as many of its members as possible during ANBU's reorganization.
They were well aware of the flaws within ANBU.
Root had its issues, but nothing too severe. More importantly, most of Konoha's covert international operations had been carried out by them. Without them, ANBU would practically regress to pre-village days overnight.
Hiruzen simply smiled, smoking his pipe, and did not join the conversation.
"Hokage-sama," Masashi greeted as he approached.
Whenever Minato was absent, Masashi referred to Hiruzen as "Hokage-sama", instead of "Sandaime-sama."
After all, he was personally chosen by Tobirama himself as his successor. That alone warranted respect. And in practical terms, he had not been a bad Hokage.
"Masashi, you're here," Hiruzen greeted warmly. At his age, he no longer cared much about titles and didn't insist on emphasizing that he was no longer Hokage.
He only emphasized it to Danzō, because he enjoyed seeing Danzō's frustrated expression.
"Sandaime-sama."
Behind Masashi, Fū and the others had complicated feelings toward their former big boss's lifelong rival.
Danzō and Hiruzen had competed their entire lives.
And in the end, it was Hiruzen who personally sent Danzō off.
"You've come too. Well, Danzō is gone now, it makes sense for you all to pay your respects in his stead." That was truly how Hiruzen saw it.
Danzō had been alone, with no children.
For him, Root was his family.
Now that Danzō was gone, his former subordinates coming to visit in his place seemed only natural.
"I have already paid respects on Danzō's behalf at Tobirama-sensei's grave," Hiruzen said, putting away his pipe. "Come, let's visit Muzo-sensei's grave next. From now on, you should come every year. There are fewer and fewer members of Tobirama's squad left."
"???" Masashi's mind was full of question marks.
So, Danzō actually burned incense for him every year?
This was awkward.
"Come, come, you should join in too."
Hiruzen noticed the awkward expression on Masashi's face. Thinking that the young man might be feeling left out, he warmly pulled him by the arm.
"Eh? Hokage-sama, I don't need to—"
"You do, you do. Now that you're in charge of the ANBU, Muzo-sensei was your srnpai. The ANBU was established because he suggested it to Tobirama-sensei."
What does that have to do with me? He would've set it up even if I hadn't said anything!
"No need to be shy. We're old now, and we just like to see young people with spirit."
I'm not shy at all, let me go!
"Besides, if you don't come today, you'll have to when your appointment is officially announced anyway."
"Why?" Masashi muttered to himself. If he wasn't worried about the old man playing the victim, he would've shaken off that arm long ago.
"It's an ANBU tradition. Every new ANBU Commander must come to pay respects to the Hokage and Muzo-sensei."
"Hokage-sama, I'm in the middle of an investigation."
"What's there to investigate?" Hiruzen said. "It's definitely my traitorous student. He's the only one who knows how to use this place."
"…"
No choice. He was dragged along by Hiruzen to, well, his resting place.
Great, now I'm burning incense for myself.
However…
Masashi looked at the tomb before him. It was built to the same specifications as the Hokage's, just slightly smaller, made of granite.
How should he put it…? He thought he'd just be in some ordinary apartment, but it turned out to be a small villa, right next to the biggest mansion in the neighborhood.
The tomb was clearly well-maintained over the years.
Damn it, this is actually kind of touching!
Looks like his original plan of just going through the motions in the ANBU wasn't going to work.
The original Root was Danzō's lifelong effort. He couldn't just let it fall apart.
Not only that, but once he made some achievements, he'd have to clean up Danzō's reputation too, because honestly, the guy's legacy wasn't looking great. Even in death, Danzō wouldn't let him have peace. Shaking his head, Masashi turned around to grab an incense stick, only to see Hiruzen pull out a small metal box from his robe.
Inside were rolled cigarettes.
Hiruzen first handed one to Koharu and Homura, then extended the box to Masashi.
"… Hokage-sama, I don't smoke."
"You'll have to start now. ANBU needs to smoke." Hiruzen said. "Muzo-sama loved smoking when he was alive. No other hobbies, we should smoke one with him."
"…"
So every time you guys just light up a cigarette for me?
"You guys do this every time, actually, never mind, forget I asked."
Masashi turned to Fū and the others, only to see that they were already holding cigarettes between their fingers.
Isn't the Tobirama-era ANBU and Root going a little too off-track?
He clearly didn't do anything in the past or treat anyone differently.
If that's the case, I like girls, why don't you burn some lewd pictures for me?
With a sigh, Masashi took a cigarette from the box, silently swearing that he would never come back again. Unless they burn lewd pictures.
Hiruzen put away the cigarette box and pulled out a lighter.
Like a seasoned smoker, he flicked it open with a clack, lighting his cigarette. He took a deep puff, exhaled a stream of smoke, and then handed the lighter to Homura.
After that, he stepped forward, bowed slightly to the tombstone, and placed the lit cigarette in the incense burner.
Masashi watched expressionlessly as Homura and Koharu leaned in to light their cigarettes. They looked exactly like a bunch of students hiding in a school bathroom to smoke.
Just as he was processing this absurdity, a lit lighter was suddenly held up in front of his face, the small flame flickering.
It was Terai.
"Masashi-sama, let me light it for you."
Masashi sighed again, took the cigarette between his lips, and let Terai light it.
Meanwhile, Hiruzen also relit his cigarette.
A group of people stood before the tombstone, puffing away.
Masashi thought to himself, this scene wasn't solemn at all. It was downright stupid.
He recalled his time as Muzo. He was definitely not some kind of comedic character.
The wind blew gently. In the incense burner, the cigarettes burned down to the filters and gradually went out. The smokers had also finished. They rubbed the cigarette butts in their hands, turning them into powder before letting the wind carry them away.
Masashi, with no other choice, followed along with this bizarre ritual.
At this moment, he felt like he could scrape out an entire aircraft carrier using just his toes.
At least it was finally over.
"Masashi, now that you're in charge of ANBU, what are your plans?" Hiruzen asked, picking up his pipe again. "As for the Hokage's tomb, we had Hizashi check it out. Everything is intact, no need to worry."
"Hmm, I plan to gather the former Root members and take them on a mission to the Land of Rain."
"Oh? Under what pretense?"
"As an invitation for Ame to participate in the Chunin Exams." Masashi explained. "ANBU's biggest issue right now is that it has been too passive in recent years, leading to Konoha's declining influence. Traditionally, ANBU has handled negotiations with allies regarding the exam. This way, we can accomplish two things at once."
"That's a good idea. Ame, huh…"
Hiruzen thought back to a past mission. Looking at it now, it had been a mistake. But he didn't regret it. Back then, Konoha had been fighting on multiple fronts, it couldn't afford to lose Ame's strength.
Iwa could only advance through Kusa because Hanzō had firmly chosen to side with Konoha. If not for that, Iwa would not have been defeated back then at the Kannabi Bridge.
"The Ame of the past and present are the same. The decision made back then wasn't wrong," Masashi said. Seeing the look on Hiruzen's face, he knew the old man had once again entered nostalgia mode.
Given Hiruzen's age, if he started reminiscing, Masashi wouldn't be able to leave anytime soon.
"Since you're confident, we will naturally support you." Hiruzen was somewhat disappointed to be pulled out of his memories, but he still gave Masashi some advice. "But don't stay away too long. The village is really short on people right now."
"Don't worry, Hokage-sama. We're only leaving tomorrow. There are still things to be done today," Masashi said as he turned back to glance at the two Hokage graves.
"Masashi, do you want to pay respects to Hashirama-sama and Tobirama-sensei?"
"No need. Rather than burning incense, it's more meaningful for the living to take action."
With that, Masashi nodded toward the others and turned to leave.
Fū and the others gave Hiruzen a slight bow before following Masashi.
Hiruzen watched their figures disappear into the distance, silently smoking his pipe. He could see vitality returning to these former Root members, something that had been lost before but was now rekindled by this young Uchiha.
"I have a feeling things are going to get lively," Homura said. "He has advantages that Danzō never had."
"That's a good thing. The current ANBU needs someone like him." Koharu turned to Hiruzen. "Hiruzen, did you ask Minato about his thoughts?"
"Minato is the Hokage; let's not trouble him with this," Hiruzen waved his hand dismissively. "By the way, are you heading back? I want to stay here a little longer."
"Why go back so early? It's not like we have grandchildren to look after..."
"..." At that moment, Hiruzen suddenly missed Danzō.
---
Meanwhile, Masashi, leading the former Root members, had already left the Senju's graveyard.
They moved swiftly, and before long, they arrived at the base of the Hokage Rock. Returning to ANBU headquarters, Masashi's arrival quickly reached Torabe, who hastily set aside his work and rushed to greet him.
Masashi didn't bother with pleasantries and got straight to the point, informing Torabe of his plans for the next day.
"You're going to Ame?" Torabe was startled. He knew very well about the God of Ame and the deep grudge that person held against Root. "Masashi-sama, Pain has a long-standing hatred for our ANBU. If we go there openly like this, he might see it as the village intentionally provoking him."
"Special circumstances call for special measures," Masashi replied. "ANBU needs to establish its authority, and Ame is the best target. Akatsuki is still operating independently, and we can't rule out the possibility that someone might hire them to act against Konoha during the chunin Exams."
By now, he had lost hope in Torabe's abilities and had already decided to request Fourth Hokage Minato to transfer him out of ANBU.
Tonight's gathering would be more of a farewell dinner.
It wasn't that Torabe was particularly bad, but his thinking and Masashi's were too different. If they continued working together, things would only become more complicated.
Masashi had already decided to establish a cooperation mechanism between ANBU and the Police Force, allowing both military divisions to share resources and maximize their strengths.
All of this needed to be set up before the Chunin Exams, it had to be done efficiently.
"Let's set that aside for now. Don't forget about tonight's gathering. See you later," Masashi patted his shoulder and then headed to his office with Fū and the others.
Torabe, having just opened his mouth to speak, watched as Masashi disappeared like the wind.
Seeing him surrounded by a group of former Root operatives, he absentmindedly touched the spot on his shoulder where he had been patted. He was beginning to realize that he might not be staying in ANBU much longer.
---
Masashi took Fū and the others into the ANBU Commander's office and had them roll up their sleeves.
Without questioning, they lined up and raised their arms.
He placed a Flying Thunder God mark on each of their forearms.
"This is the Flying Thunder God mark. It will enhance coordination between you. You'll get to experience its full effects on the way tomorrow."
Everyone looked at their arms. The moment the seal was placed, they saw the markings, but now, their skin looked unchanged.
"Masashi-sama, is this the same jutsu as the Fourth Hokage's?"
"Yes. But I've made some modifications based on the Second Hokage's original version. Tonight at seven, I'll use this seal to teleport you all to the gathering spot so you can get used to the sensation."
Masashi waved them off.
"For now, you're dismissed. Go reconnect with your old comrades."