Chapter 11: Hiruzen Sarutobi's Arrangement
Until now, Hiruzen Sarutobi had never seriously considered recruiting Kakashi into the Anbu. It wasn't merely because of Kakashi's young age, but more so because of who he was — the son of a man who had once been a strategic-level asset, a figure whose strength could rival even the Five Kage.
Kakashi's status in Konoha was, by nature, an unusual one. A child prodigy, he had entered the Academy at the age of five, graduated within a year, and in just three years of active service, completed over a hundred D- and C-rank missions, alongside more than a dozen B-rank missions. His strength and achievements were indisputable, and it was by merit alone that he had risen to the rank of chūnin.
Even the elite heirs of the great clans paled in comparison to Kakashi.
Among his generation in the Hidden Leaf, there was no one who could be considered his equal.
Kakashi was, without question, an exceptional shinobi.
Hiruzen had once considered placing him under the tutelage of Jiraiya's team — part of his usual approach to cultivating promising talent. But the suicide of Sakumo Hatake had shifted not only the dynamics within Konoha, but across the entire shinobi world. Kakashi's position had become more... delicate.
What surprised Hiruzen even more was Kakashi's own request — a desire to join the Anbu.
That single choice had caused the Hokage's intentions to change.
Because as much as Jiraiya's student held potential, Hiruzen felt that Kakashi — a child molded in tragedy and sharpened into steel — would be better suited under someone else. Someone he trusted deeply.
"Very well then, Kakashi. Tomorrow morning at six, report to Training Ground Two. I'll have an Anbu operative come for you," Hiruzen said with a solemn expression. "But understand this — once this decision is made, there's no turning back. The Anbu do not allow for hesitation or doubt. You must commit fully."
His words carried a heavy irony to Kakashi's ears.
But the silver-haired youth simply lowered his gaze and responded calmly, "Yes, Lord Third. I understand. Please rest assured."
Whatever the truth behind this village was, Kakashi understood one thing clearly — in this place, he was now a tree without roots. If he wanted to survive, he had to become one of Hiruzen Sarutobi's most trusted subordinates. He needed power. He needed a stage. And above all, he needed time.
Joining the Anbu… was just the first move.
"This is only the beginning…"
Beneath his lowered lashes, a cold gleam flashed momentarily in Kakashi's eyes.
"Very good. You may go," Hiruzen said, nodding with satisfaction.
Unaware that the boy before him harbored the soul of someone far more mature, Hiruzen was quite pleased with the apparent obedience Kakashi displayed. In his eyes, Kakashi, like his father, was a shinobi who fought for the village above all else.
Sakumo Hatake's death — a tragedy, yes — but also a moment Hiruzen regretted, to an extent.
Still, he believed he could cultivate another "White Fang of the Leaf."
And this time, the product would be completely loyal to the village. After all, who would ever doubt a soldier raised in service from the age of eight?
As Kakashi gave a final bow and quietly exited the room, a voice broke the silence that followed.
"What do you think, Mōki? Kakashi will be joining your squad. Any thoughts?"
Hiruzen leaned back slightly in his chair, puffing on his pipe as he exhaled a slow curl of smoke, speaking seemingly into the empty air.
From the shadows of the room emerged a figure clad in standard Anbu uniform, a monkey-mask obscuring his face.
"He's a very promising one, Lord Hokage," the man replied. "But… are you sure about putting him in Anbu? He's only eight. Isn't that too young?"
Despite his praise, the man's hesitation was apparent.
This was Mōki Sarutobi, Hiruzen's eldest son — twenty years old, an Anbu squad captain, and a seasoned jōnin in his own right.
He couldn't help but shake his head slightly. When he had joined the Anbu, he had been considered young at twelve. Kakashi was entering at only eight.
"Haha, relax, Mōki. No need to be so formal when we're in private," Hiruzen said with a rare warm chuckle.
"…Understood, father."
Indeed — this was no ordinary Anbu member. Mōki was Hiruzen's firstborn, and as of now, the one overseeing many of the Anbu's day-to-day operations. With Sakumo's sudden death, Hiruzen had entrusted the reins of the organization to his son.
Assuming nothing went awry, Hiruzen fully intended to elevate Mōki further, perhaps even toward more central leadership roles in the future. Assigning Kakashi to his squad was the first step in that plan.
"You're to guide and shape Kakashi well. In time, I believe he'll become every bit as brilliant as Sakumo was," Hiruzen said, his voice layered with deeper meaning.
Mōki nodded heavily, the light of comprehension flashing in
his eyes.
"Yes, Father. I understand completely. I'll handle it."