Could Haruto Saito really become the next leader of the Assassination Unit?!
The idea felt absurd. Haruto was only twelve years old, and he had been in the Anbu for barely over a month. Even by the end of the year, his tenure wouldn't even span half a year.
Of course, Haruto was only temporarily in first place. There was no guarantee he'd stay there until year's end, so calling him the future leader was premature.
But the possibility now existed.
The atmosphere grew tense. No one dared to speak—Kirimizu was still the current captain, a position he had held for years. His authority in the Assassination Unit was absolute ,
"As expected of the Hokage's personal disciple." Kirimizu clapped Haruto on the shoulder, his voice flat, before turning and walking away.
The others watched in silence as Kirimizu disappeared into the distance.
"Captain Kirimizu will probably take on an Ultra S-rank assassination mission now," one Anbu operative muttered. "With his skills, he won't fail. Once he completes it, his merits will surpass Haruto's again."
"Yeah."
"Definitely."
The others nodded in agreement.
"Hey, what's with the attitude?" Haruto scowled, scanning the group. "You all sound like you're rooting for me to lose."
"Not rooting for it—it's just inevitable." Byakugan shrugged, meeting Haruto's gaze. "You don't know Kirimizu like we do. When he's determined, he's terrifying. Last year, Lord Chihe's merits briefly surpassed his. To reclaim the lead, Kirimizu went on a four-month nonstop mission spree—not only catching up but pulling far ahead. By November, Chihe didn't even have enough time to close the gap."
"So?" Haruto frowned, not fully grasping the implication.
"So Kirimizu will overtake you," Byakugan said bluntly. "And you—Haruto—shouldn't throw yourself into suicidal missions just to compete with him. If you do, he'll just push harder. And let's be honest… your odds of surviving that kind of fight are much lower than his."
"Wow, way to jinx it." Haruto rolled his eyes.
"Not a jinx—just facts. Remember what happened to Chihe?"
Chihe.
The man who had tried to match Kirimizu by taking on the same deadly missions.
Kirimizu succeeded.
Chihe died.
"I get you're trying to help, but that's really not encouraging." Haruto flipped Byakugan off with a raised middle finger.
Byakugan didn't recognize the gesture but ignored it, turning to update the mission board.
Merit Rankings (Temporary):
1st – Haruto Saito (Crimson Eye)
---
### Two Days Later – Yamaryu Village
Haruto sat by a window in a bustling market district, slurping noodles. He wore an elegant gray kimono, wooden geta sandals, and a jade pendant at his waist—a perfect imitation of a wealthy young noble.
The past few days had been uneventful. He ate, drank, and waited. By now, his report should have reached Konoha. Soon, the Hokage's orders would arrive.
But no matter what Sarutobi Hiruzen decided, Haruto had his own plans: **the treasure in the Forest of Toxic Punishment came first.
"Thief! Thief!"
"Beat him!"
"You're still eating?!"
A commotion erupted outside. Haruto glanced through the window to see a boy, no older than seven or eight, curled up on the ground, desperately shoving a stolen bun into his mouth while a burly shopkeeper rained down kicks and punches.
The crowd initially jeered at the boy, but as the beating worsened, their tone shifted to concern.
"Stop! You'll kill him!"
Haruto assessed the situation in seconds.
The boy was a street urchin—filthy, ragged, and starving.
The shopkeeper? A baker whose stall the boy had robbed.
Again.
"Huh?" Haruto's eyes narrowed.
Because the boy's identity, revealed through his Byakugan, was… unusual.
Name: Kaga
Status: Orphan, drifter (Whirlpool Country)
Reputation: 0
Relationship: Neutral
Traits:
- Unbreakable Will to Survive
- Prodigy-Level Swordsmanship Talent
- Prodigy-Level Wind Release Ninjutsu Talent
Haruto had scanned hundreds of thousands of people since arriving in Whirlpool Country. Many had traits like "average ninja potential" or "basic combat aptitude."
But this level of talent? Rare.
Kaga wasn't just gifted—he had dual prodigy-level abilities in both swordsmanship and ninjutsu.
"Well then…" Haruto set down his chopsticks and vaulted through the window.
"Enough. Killing him over bread isn't worth it." He pushed through the crowd and grabbed the shopkeeper's arm mid-swing.
The man whirled, ready to snap—until he saw Haruto's noble attire. His tone shifted to grudging respect.
"Young master, I get your kindness, but this rat needs to learn!"
"How much did he steal?" Haruto adjusted his sunglasses.
"Eight times! Eight!" The shopkeeper's face twisted in fury. "He's hit my stall eight times this month! Does he think I'm running a charity?!"
"…Eight?" Haruto's eye twitched. He looked down at the boy, who was silently enduring the beating, arms wrapped around his head.
Okay, maybe the kid was asking for it.
Stealing to survive? Understandable.
Targeting the same guy eight times? That was just asking for a beating.
"Here." Haruto pulled out his coin pouch. "I'll pay for what he took. And I'll make sure he doesn't bother you again."
The shopkeeper waved him off. "It's not about the money! It's the principle—"
Haruto shoved a bill into his hand. "Take it. Consider the matter closed."
---
### Meanwhile – Rooftop Overlooking the Market
Two figures materialized atop a nearby tower, watching the scene below.
"What's he doing?" Shirogane muttered, puzzled.
"Playing hero," Kirimizu replied coolly, arms crossed.
---
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