18 Reporting for Duty (1/2)

Suspense and anticipation filled the air as each of those present waited to hear Fuzen's choice.

They all knew it wasn't a simple matter either since it had the potential to cause a shift in the internal structure within the village. If Danzo managed to lure Fuzen to join Root, his future influence would surely increase by a significant margin.

Respect for individual power might be a common trait shared between all hidden villages, but it didn't always matter in the grand scheme of things. What mattered in politics was having the right connections and backing. Without it, the execution and implementation of personal agendas would forever remain dreams.

In a setting like a hidden village, the degree of military potential under one's command was crucial. In case Fuzen followed his current trajectory, it wouldn't be unreasonable to assume he'd become a major asset.

Impatient for an answer, Hiruzen removed his pipe to speak. ”Well, have you decided?”

Noticing a random piece of rubble laying on the floor, a leftover from his previous fight, Fuzen kicked and sent it flying towards Hiruzen's head.

By tilting his head to the side, Hiruzen avoided it with annoying ease.

”Take a chill pill or something! I'm thinking here...”

He studied the marks of destruction created during his spar with Orochimaru. It'd felt fantastic to let go, but throughout the fight, he'd sensed there was still much of his power left untouched and unexplored. Hidden deep down a place where he wasn't yet able to reach.

Whatever path Fuzen chose, it had to allow him to someday reach that place and he suspected the easiest path would be to take an active part in the Second Great Shinobi War.

With that in mind, he quickly eliminated the first option. There was no way Fuzen intended to babysit a team of genin's and be confined to complete D or C-rank missions. It would be a waste of his skills, and that left the other two options.

”Ok, I've decided. I'm choosing Anbu.”

”Excellent.” Hiruzen nodded in approval.

Danzo, on the other hand, remained detached, as usual, and nothing appeared changed even after hearing his choice. It made Fuzen uncomfortable.

The tactics employed by Root simply didn't suit his purposes due to them often being centred around the use of covertness and deception to control events from behind. Never truly on the front line where the continual battles could be fought. Fuzen wanted to be a place that allowed him to partake in the war efforts as much as possible, and continue to temper his skills in the heat of combat.

Hiruzen stood from his chair. ”Ok, ladies and gentlemen, that's it for today's show! I hope you've all enjoyed it.”

With the crowd leaving, Hiruzen indicated for Fuzen to accompany him as he left through a hidden exit.

Giving Danzo one last look, he waved goodbye and moved to catch up.

”We need to discuss terms, old man!”

”Terms? What terms? You will be under the same contract as all my other Anbu's.”

”Don't put me in the same category as those. I've good mad skills.”

Hiruzen stopped walking and turned to face him in the narrow corridor. ”Mad skills, huh?”

”You're damn straight!” Fuzen nodded confidently.

Hiruzen leaned down, attempting to look ominous. ”And what if I say, no?”

Fuzen appeared to give it serious thought.

”That's what I suspected. I know you're here because you want to be. If you want money, all you need to do is complete the missions I provide you!”

”Tsh. Why do you have to act so rational? It doesn't suit you.”

Hiruzen went on ahead. ”Because it's my job as Hokage. Now, let's go meet your squad leader, she should be expecting us.”

”Hey, hold up! You better not hold back on the missions then! I need the money...”

”What in the world do you need money for anyway? Your rent and expenses should be next to nothing as it is.”

Fuzen shook his head. ”I have to prepare for the future, isn't that obvious?”

”In your specific case, the obvious often eludes me.”

Reaching the end of the corridor, Hiruzen stopped and did the Seal of Confrontation. In response, a circular sealing formula extended on the wall. Extending left palm, Hiruzen touched the wall, causing a hole that rippled and formed into a doorway leading into his office.

”Follow me.”

Stepping through, they found a female Anbu waiting beside the desk. She had blond hair collected in a sleek ponytail and wore a cat mask with three black whisker-like markings.

”Ah, good you're here Akata. I trust you've recovered well since your return from yesterday's mission?”

”Yes, Hokage. The medical-nin's have taken excellent care of me.”

”Good to hear.” Going around the table to sit in his chair, he pointed to Fuzen. ”This is the new recruit I mentioned.”

With pale blue eyes, Akata observed him. ”He's young. Are you sure he's prepared for the field?”