There were various expressions in the crowd—praise, flattery, envy.
In short, Kaito, this once-poor genius, was not someone you could afford to provoke. If you did, you were on your own.
Are you kidding? He defeated Hyuga Hiashi, a veteran jonin with a powerful kekkei genkai!
And it wasn't just about his strength—his connections were even more terrifying. Since Hiashi's defeat, whether he admitted it or not, Kaito had effectively become Hyuga Hinata's fiancé.
Add to that the fact that the Yamanaka clan's little princess clearly had feelings for him too. With just those two clans behind him, Kaito could already walk through Konoha without fear.
Not to mention the Ino-Shika-Cho trio—they were inseparable!
This was a power play. And it was working.
At this point, the only person in all of Konoha with the authority to challenge Kaito... was the Hokage.
…
While the outside world buzzed with speculation, Kaito had returned home and was sleeping soundly.
The next day, surprisingly, Kakashi wasn't late. He passed on a message from Hiruzen Sarutobi, granting the team a few days off.
Just as Naruto was cheering, an Anbu appeared before them.
"Senior Kakashi, the Hokage wants to see Ayanami Kaito."
"Oh? Looks like they're calling you in," Kakashi said lazily, as if he'd been expecting it.
"Well then, I'm off. Naruto, everyone—see you later."
With that, Kaito followed the Anbu toward the Hokage's office.
---
Hokage's Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked carefully at the young man before him, nodding with subtle approval.
Remaining calm under his gaze—this one had a solid character.
He took a deep drag from his pipe and exhaled slowly. "Come to think of it, this is the third time we've met."
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Kaito nodded, calm and composed.
"No need to be so formal. Tsunade is my student, and that makes you my grand-disciple," Hiruzen said warmly.
"I called you here for two reasons. First, I've already taken care of last night's incident for you."
"Second, with your current abilities, staying in Kakashi's squad isn't ideal. I believe you understand that."
"My original plan was for you to remain on Team 7 until the Chunin Exams in a few months—then join the Anbu."
"But after what happened with Zabuza, and again last night... I've decided it's time for you to join the Anbu early. It's the only way your strength can develop properly."
"Of course, the choice is yours. You're my grand - disciple, I won't force you," Hiruzen added with a smile.
"I'd like to think it over," Kaito said calmly.
"Alright. You've got three days. Your squad is on break—use the time to relax and decide," Hiruzen nodded.
"Understood. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave, Lord Hokage."
"Go ahead," Hiruzen said, waving him off.
---
After leaving the Hokage's office, Kaito returned home, lost in thought.
The conversation had disrupted his rhythm. Hiruzen still didn't understand his true strength—thinking Anbu missions would make him stronger.
But that wasn't the issue. If he could break through to a higher level just by training or fighting more, it would've happened already.
The only thing that came to mind was Sage Mode—something he planned to pursue once Tsunade became Hokage.
But for now, it didn't matter if he was on Team 7 or with the Anbu—neither would help him grow much stronger.
Still, the Anbu offered some advantages: more combat experience, travel, and free time after missions.
That would let him balance both missions and time with Hinata and Ino.
With that thought, Kaito made his decision: he'd remain with the Anbu until the Chunin Exams, then withdraw once Orochimaru assassinated the Third Hokage and Tsunade took office.
Having made up his mind, he felt lighter. Hiruzen's three-day window was perfect—like a short vacation.
As for Kakashi, a shadow clone could handle that.
While thinking this over, Kaito reached the entrance to his home.
As soon as he stepped in, he paused, eyes narrowing.
"Interesting," he muttered.
His electromagnetic sensing had picked up a static magnetic field inside—completely motionless.
Someone was here. And not just anyone—someone skilled and bold.
Click.
He opened the door and stepped inside.
Sitting silently in the room was a pale, bandaged old man with a cold expression.
Kaito blinked once. 'Well, well. Look who it is—the infamous war hawk, Danzo.'
As for why he was here, Kaito already had a pretty good guess.
"Who are you, and what are you doing in my house?" Kaito asked with a frown, feigning ignorance.
"I'm Danzo Shimura, Senior Advisor of Konoha. Leader of Root," Danzo said with a thin smile.
That smile made Kaito's skin crawl. Honestly, not smiling would've been better.
"Ah, Danzo-sama. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I heard about what happened last night. Impressive. You should join Root. We need talents like you."
Kaito inwardly scoffed. Root had tried to recruit him before—and when he refused, they sent agents after him. They didn't make it back.
But after his public display of strength against Hiashi, Danzo's interest had clearly reignited.
"You're too late, Danzo-sama. I've already accepted Lord Hokage's offer to join the Anbu," Kaito replied coolly.
---
Don't be shy, unleash those Powerstones! (⊙_◎)