Not long after Logan returned to the ANBU to report, he received a mission from his superiors.
"Where's Aida-senpai?"
Logan arrived at the underground headquarters and saw only Takeshi in the room, so he couldn't help but said doubtfully. It stands to reason that he and Aida should act together.
"Aida is not participating in this mission." Takeshi took out a scroll from under his desk and threw it to Logan, "He has some family matters to attend to..." Takeshi paused, glanced at Logan, and added, "It's a joyous occasion, his wife is giving birth."
Upon hearing this, Logan was surprised, "What, I didn't even know about this. Aida-san didn't tell me."
"There are many things you don't know." Takeshi casually remarked, pointing to the scroll on the table, "This is the mission briefing, take a look."
"Alright." Although Logan wanted to sarcastically comment to the ANBU Commander, 'You're completely clueless about spoilers,' he still obediently picked up the scroll, 'Uncle Aida is not young and has a family for a long time. This is possible his second child. But he's a good guy, looks cold on the surface but inside... hmm? Hmm!'
"In that case, this mission involves going outside and may take quite some time." Logan opened the scroll and started reading it, then said, "To be honest, patrolling within the village is definitely easier than roughing it outside. So, it's just me this time?"
"The mission will indeed take some time, but you won't be alone."
Takeshi's words made Logan pause. He lifted his head, his eyes showing inquiry.
"There's a temporary teammate to assist you on this mission." Takeshi said directly, his tone even carried a hint of appreciation, "He is a genius from the ANBU. And coincidentally, he's here."
At Just then, the sound of the door opening could be heard. Logan turned his head and couldn't help but be stunned.
"Raiden Hattori, this is your teammate for this mission, Uchiha Itachi."
With black hair and black eyes, wearing a shirt with the Uchiha clan emblem, the newcomer actually looked quite young, but there was already a profound sense of calm and rigor on his face. His temperament also exuded the cool and handsome aura like the future Sasuke.
'Sure enough, he has the same lineage.' Logan looked at the eleven-year-old Itachi in front of him and scratched his face.
Logan had seen some major characters from the original story, such as the Third Hokage or the Sanin, but only briefly. This time, he actually became a temporary teammate with the still young Itachi, which felt quite amazing.
Although Itachi is still young at this time, he is already a Chunin, and he had fully demonstrated his amazing talents in all aspects. His potential is far beyond that of Jonin.
Children in the Ninja World matured precociously, and Uchiha Itachi's mind was even more mature, and Itachi's mentality was far more mature than his appearance suggested. If Logan remembered correctly, Itachi had already awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan due to the Shisui Incident.
'Not many people should know about the Mangekyo Sharingan yet.' Logan wondered if he could defeat his opponent, who had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan despite being a head shorter than him...
'With the Kekkei Genkai, coupled with his unmatched talent,' Logan quietly clenched his fist.
"Sorry for the delay, had some family matters to attend to." Itachi bowed. His manners were impeccable, but his expression was neither humble nor arrogant, giving off a sense of distance.
"Itachi, this is your teammate for this mission, Raiden Hattori." Takeshi introduced.
Itachi walked over and sized up Logan for a moment, then his expression began to show a hint of embarrassment - because Logan had been looking at him eagerly since he entered the door.
'What is he doing? Is there something on my face??'
Perhaps Logan's gaze was too intense, Itachi couldn't help but avoid eye contact, "I've heard of your name, Hattori-senpai.'
'Senpai?'
"Ahaha... it's just a false reputation, certainly not as famous as you."
Itachi: "..."
Takeshi: "..."
Itachi felt speechless in his heart, but he concealed it well, "Please, please take care of me."
Being addressed as 'senpai' by a super popular figure, Logan naturally felt a bit elated. After exchanging pleasantries, they finally got to business.
"Hattori, Itachi has a very good mission resume after joining ANBU, but he is still young after all. However, judging from your attitude just now, teaming up temporarily should be no problem."
Perhaps this was also Takeshi's consideration. Although Itachi is very talented, there are always those who weren't impressed with him due to their constant effort but average talent. The age gap between seasoned Ninja and Itachi is also quite large, so they let Logan, who is relatively young, to team up with Itachi.
"This mission is A-rank, intelligence-gathering type, the specific details are all in the scroll."
After getting to know each other, Takeshi began to follow the procedures seriously, and Logan also became serious, opening the scroll they were given at the same time as Itachi.
After just reading a few lines of words, Logan unconsciously tighten his grip on the scroll.
"...Infiltrate the organization called Akatsuki in Amegakure and gather intelligence..."
'It's actually Akatsuki?' Logan's heart skipped a beat, after all, this is an organization that would play a major role in the subsequent main storyline, 'But it makes sense. As the largest Ninja Village, Konoha will definitely pay attention to the Akatsuki. And with Itachi... Could I have coincidentally been involved when Itachi first encountered Akatsuki?'
Itachi is actually a very tragic character. Looking at his childhood until the end of his life, it was all bleak. Although Logan couldn't remember this world's timeline very clearly, in just a few years, Itachi will annihilate the entire Uchiha Clan. Itachi can be said to be a triple agent, which is very complex, but if Logan were to irresponsibly make a joke... he is just a brocon.
As for what will happen to Itachi in the future, Logan didn't have much thought about what to do or change. After all, he is just a small fry who wanted to return to Earth, where his parents and friends are, and find out the truth.
He quickly finished reading the mission details. The main purpose is to gather the intelligence of Akatsuki and see what this organization's objectives are. Then, try to collect as much information as possible and analyze whether they would pose any threat to Konoha.
At this time, Akatsuki should still be keeping a low profile, not as arrogant and famous as they are later, so Konoha didn't pay much attention to them, and the mission rank is also just A-Rank. However, if Logan were to grade it, this mission could even be above S-Rank.
There wasn't much else to say. After Logan and Itachi accepted the mission, they planned to set off. After agreeing on the time, Logan went home to prepare and rest for a while.
At noon, Logan put on a black cloak and, with a pass, exited Konoha Village through the ANBU's secret entrance. When he arrived outside, he found Itachi already waiting there.
"Let's go, Hattori-senpai." Itachi said with his usual calm and aloof expression, putting on his mask as he spoke.
Logan nodded, and also put on his mask. He is the leader for this mission, so he took the lead and rushed out without saying anything.