Seeing Kirichi's identity information before his eyes, Haruto Saito was shocked.
"Why is it malicious?"
Haruto couldn't understand. He had never interacted with Kirichi before, had no connection to him at all, and had never had any conflict with the Shimura clan. So why was this man, whose real name was Shimura Fuuga, showing hostility towards him?
Haruto had the feeling of a sheep entering a tiger's den. Kirichi was not only the leader of the First Squad but also the head of the Assassination Unit. Meanwhile, Haruto had just become a new recruit in the same unit. In other words, Kirichi was his direct superior.
Why on earth was this guy hostile towards him?!
"Lord Kirichi, I look forward to your guidance," Haruto said, keeping his expression neutral.
"Mm." Kirichi responded with a faint nasal sound.
Haruto couldn't detect any negative emotions from Kirichi's eyes. Although his response was cold, other than the data indicating hostility, Haruto couldn't sense any actual malice from him.
It was very strange.
"In a while, you'll go with Kirichi. Since you've just joined the Anbu, you must undergo special training. You won't be assigned any missions in the short term," White Fang informed Haruto. "Akahito, I hope you perform well and don't disappoint the Hokage."
Haruto really disliked the codename Akahito, but he had no choice but to accept it.
"Akahito? That's his codename?" Kirichi asked.
"Yes." White Fang nodded and glanced at Haruto's eyes. "Your eyes are quite distinctive. If you try to cover them up, it might actually create a more noticeable trait. Think of a way to adjust."
Haruto had heterochromatic eyes—one was normal, while the other was red!
He suddenly understood why White Fang had given him the codename Akahito—it was because of his eyes!
Red—Aka!
While they spoke, Jiuqing, behind the office desk, had already taken out a full set of gear from a cabinet, including a mask, belt, black robe, and cloak. As for the other clothing, Haruto would need to prepare that himself.
The three of them left the office together and headed toward the central hall.
"I'll notify the research team to make your identity token. It'll be delivered to you tomorrow," White Fang continued. "Also, remember, the identity token can only be used inside Konoha. It's meant to verify your identity in special situations. Outside the village, there will be other ways to prove your identity. You are not allowed to carry the token outside."
"As for the special training, it's already late today. It will start tomorrow morning—I'll come find you then."
Haruto nodded repeatedly while holding the robe, mask, and other gear in his arms.
Upon reaching the central hall, the three of them parted ways. White Fang entered the passage leading to the research unit, while Kirichi led Haruto toward the training hall.
After walking through a long, dimly lit underground corridor, the space suddenly opened up, revealing a noisy atmosphere.
It was a vast underground cavern, much larger than the central hall, brightly illuminated.
The area was roughly divided into different zones: a resting area, a sparring ground, a training zone for weapons, and a gathering site. Around fifty to sixty Anbu members were scattered about—some lounging on sofas in the resting area, chatting; others engaging in combat on the sparring ground; and some testing their strength in the weapons training zone.
It was lively!
One crucial detail stood out—many Anbu members here weren't wearing masks!
Since this was an internal space where everyone knew each other, there was no need to conceal their identities.
"What's he doing here?"
"Haruto Saito… Did he join the Anbu?"
"He must have, otherwise he wouldn't be here."
Many people noticed Haruto, sparking a wave of discussion.
Upon entering the training hall, Kirichi also removed his mask. He looked about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, strong and in his prime. His appearance was ordinary, with a faint scar below his lips. Combined with his tall stature, he had a rather intimidating presence.
Clap, clap!
Kirichi clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention before speaking. "Listen up, we have a newcomer! Haruto Saito. I don't need to introduce his background—you all know who he is. His codename is Akahito, so don't get it wrong."
Then, he turned to Haruto and said, "In the Anbu, we only use codenames to address each other. Understand?"
"Yes." Haruto nodded.
"Let's go." Kirichi gestured and took the lead.
Around the hall, there were several passageways leading to different areas. Kirichi was currently guiding him toward the living quarters.
"So Haruto Saito really joined the Anbu."
"Akahito, huh… I bet the Hokage wants to put him through some tough training."
"Why is Lord Kirichi guiding him? Does this mean…?"
"No way… Is he joining the Assassination Unit directly?"
The Anbu members whispered among themselves, their curiosity running wild. Although they usually maintained a cold, emotionless demeanor, that wasn't their true nature. They weren't mindless killing machines—they all had dual identities, and the personalities they showed in the village were their real selves.
Entering another corridor, they took a few turns, passing through two cross-sections before finally reaching a hallway with neatly arranged stone chambers.
"Room 121—it belonged to a former member who died on a mission in the Land of Water three months ago. It's vacant now," Kirichi said, pointing ahead but not proceeding further himself.
"Understood." Haruto nodded, carrying his belongings as he walked towards the room.
Kirichi didn't say anything else and simply turned to leave.
Haruto glanced at Kirichi's departing figure, his mind filled with even more questions. Why was this guy hostile towards him? There were no visible signs of ill intent—Kirichi was cold to everyone, even in the training hall.
Reaching Room 121, Haruto looked around before pushing the door open—it wasn't locked.
The room was small but equipped with a table, chair, and bed.
Stepping inside, Haruto noticed a scroll on the table. He unrolled it and saw that it contained the 'Anbu Code of Conduct.'
Late into the night, Room 121 was dimly lit by candlelight.
Haruto sat on the edge of his bed, still reading the Anbu Code of Conduct. It wasn't a guide on missions but a set of behavioral standards for Anbu members. It outlined rules such as only addressing colleagues by their codenames inside the base, restricted and unrestricted areas, and procedures that required superior approval.
There were many rules.
Haruto didn't like them, but fortunately, as an assassin unit member, he wasn't required to remain in the Anbu base. He could live outside, take missions when assigned, and otherwise move freely without being bound by these regulations.
Knock, knock!
A sudden knock on the door.
Haruto looked up before getting up to open it.
Standing outside was Yamanaka Kioni—also known as Second Squad Captain, Kishi.
"Lord Kishi, are you here to congratulate me?" Haruto asked, half-joking.
"Terao is waiting for you," Kishi said coldly.
"Oh." Haruto immediately understood.
He needed to deal with Terao!
"Let's go." Haruto stepped out and closed the door behind him.
The two of them walked toward the underground prison.
Last time Haruto met Terao, his eyes had been covered. Now, as an Anbu member, he no longer needed that restriction.
"By the way, Lord Kishi, may I ask you something?" Haruto suddenly spoke.
"Go ahead." Kishi responded curtly.
"Why is Lord Kirichi so cold toward me?" Haruto asked, pretending to be confused. In truth, he knew that coldness alone wasn't an issue—but Kirichi's hostility was inexplicable. "I mean, we barely know each other, but he acts like he dislikes me."
Kishi glanced at Haruto, hesitated briefly, then said, "He was once a Root ninja. He has a special background and mission history—he's cold to everyone."
"Root?" Haruto froze, then widened his eyes in realization.
Damn! He got it now—Kirichi was one of Danzo's men!