ANBU Base – Secret Chamber
Sarutobi Shinnosuke walked to the bookshelf and pulled down a scroll.
It contained detailed information about Drake.
From his birth, to entering the academy, graduating, and being assigned to Team Nine.
It even recorded every single mission Team Nine had undertaken — along with Drake's daily movements.
After reading everything in one go, Shinnosuke narrowed his eyes.
"Taijutsu… and Wood Release…"
Murmuring to himself, his gaze lingered on the scroll.
Then, he suddenly smiled coldly.
"The tremor in the back mountain before… that was Drake using taijutsu to carve out a cave."
"And Orochimaru's secret base is also located in the back mountain!"
A dangerous conclusion formed in his mind.
"So Drake must be Orochimaru's accomplice!"
With this "handle" in hand, Shinnosuke's mood brightened.
Now he could easily control Drake — force this brat to submit to ANBU, and to Father.
Whether it was true or not?
That part no longer mattered.
As ANBU Commander, what he said was law.
ANBU Hall – Near Noon
Team Nine was diligently memorizing the handbook.
Everyone… except Drake.
He lounged back in his chair, legs resting on the stone table, lazily resting.
Tap. Tap.
Footsteps echoed through the empty hall.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke strode in, his gaze immediately locking onto Drake.
His eyes narrowed.
That arrogant brat…
He walked over and sat beside Drake.
"Drake, do you know that ANBU Regulation Article Six states that subordinates must greet their superiors properly?"
"Hm?" Drake tilted his head.
"You sure you want me to greet you… personally?"
"It's the rule!" Shinnosuke barked.
"Alright."
Drake nodded, then smiled oddly.
"Pass my regards to your mother."
"And while you're at it, send my regards to your wife too."
"Pfft—"
Team Nine burst out laughing, barely holding it in.
Shinnosuke froze.
Technically, Drake had greeted him…
But everyone knew exactly what kind of "greeting" that was.
His face darkened.
He was the Hokage's son. The ANBU Commander.
How dare this nobody speak to him like that?
Suppressing his rage, Shinnosuke decided to strike back in another way.
"Looks like you've memorized the rules. Good timing — the test begins with you."
"Great." Drake nodded casually.
"Hand in your manual."
Drake didn't move.
"Did you not hear me?" Shinnosuke snapped.
"I said hand it in."
"You blind? I don't even have one," Drake replied.
"What?"
Shinnosuke looked again.
Indeed — no manual in Drake's hands.
"But I clearly gave one to everyone!"
He searched around. Still nothing.
A vein bulged on his forehead.
"Commander so forgetful you didn't even give me a manual, and you're testing me? What a joke," Drake added lazily.
That was the final straw.
Shinnosuke's fist clenched, knuckles cracking.
Then — he smiled.
A cruel, triumphant smile.
"Drake, do you remember digging that cave in the back mountain?" he whispered close to Drake's ear.
"And?" Drake replied calmly.
"Orochimaru's secret base is also there. Plus that mysterious explosion in the back mountain…"
"So I have every reason to suspect you collaborated with Orochimaru and tried to destroy Konoha."
His eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
This accusation was deadly.
Even Wood Release wouldn't save Drake from this if it went public.
"So… your goal?" Drake asked coldly.
"Submit to me. Be loyal to my father. And this matter will be buried forever."
He leaned back, waiting.
A smart man would choose survival.
Silence.
Then Drake sighed.
"Yeah… I've thought it through."
Shinnosuke smiled wider.
"Good. A wise decision."
Drake raised his eyes slowly.
"There are some pots you don't throw around carelessly."
"Because it'll get you killed."
"What did you say?"
THUD!!!
A sickening sound echoed.
Drake's fist pierced straight through Shinnosuke's chest.
Blood splattered.
Shinnosuke stared down at the gaping hole in disbelief.
"You…!"
Blood poured from his mouth as his strength faded.
"Why…?"
His final question left his lips.
Drake withdrew his hand calmly.
"I warned you. Don't throw blame recklessly."
"Next time… remember it better."
He wiped the blood on Shinnosuke's clothes with complete indifference.
"You bas—"
THUMP.
The body hit the ground, lifeless.
The Hall
Dead silence.
Every member of Team Nine stood frozen.
No one spoke.
No one even breathed.
They could only stare at the corpse of the ANBU Commander…
And the boy who had just killed him.
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