"Thank you, Tenzo," Kirito nodded.
"No need for formality," the Anbu ninja said, taking off his mask to reveal his forehead protector, and his tone became gentler. "We're comrades now. Just call me Tenzo; that's the code name Lord Hokage gave me."
He glanced at Kirito's sword, *Kyoka Suigetsu*, and remarked, "That's a fine sword, but it stands out too much. Anbu missions are all about secrecy. I recommend switching to the standard issue Anbu ninja sword."
"I understand, Tenzo," Kirito nodded, thinking to himself, *So this is the Wood Release ninja, Yamato.*
"I've told you before, don't call me 'senior,'" Tenzo chuckled, sighed, and patted Kirito's shoulder before turning to leave. "Change into your uniform. I'll introduce you to the other members soon."
A short while later, Kirito emerged in his new Anbu gear, choosing a mask with a smiley face. He stored *Kyoka Suigetsu * in his personal space and joined the others outside. A group of Anbu, including Kakashi, Yamato, and Uchiha Itachi, awaited him.
Since Kirito had sparred with Kakashi before, he was spared from the hazing usually inflicted on new recruits, unlike Itachi when he first joined.
"How's everything, Kirito? Settling in alright?" Kakashi asked, removing his dog mask.
"Thanks to you, everything's going smoothly," Kirito said, his demeanor now much more humble behind the mask.
"Glad to hear it," Kakashi replied, glancing over at Itachi, who was perched on a nearby tree trunk wearing his fox mask. "Itachi, come here."
"Yes, Captain Kakashi," Itachi responded instantly, appearing in front of them and removing his mask.
"This is Uchiha Itachi. I assume you two know each other, so no need for introductions," Kakashi said. "Kirito, only you and Itachi are aware of the top-secret mission from the Hokage. I'll leave the specifics to the two of you."
Kakashi paused before adding, "For now, just report to Anbu as scheduled. I won't be assigning any extra missions."
"Yes, Captain," Kirito replied respectfully.
"Follow me," Itachi said coldly, placing his mask back on and disappearing in a blur.
Kirito used the Body Flicker Technique to follow him, and soon they arrived at a tall building overlooking the Ninja Academy.
"I didn't expect you to get involved in this," Itachi said in a low voice, his gaze fixed on the academy where his brother Sasuke was attending class. "Is it because of Izumi?"
Kirito leaned against a pillar, arms crossed. "And you, Itachi? You're the eldest son of the Uchiha clan's leader, yet here you are, acting as a spy for the village. Ironic, isn't it? Is it because of Sasuke?"
"So, you know about him," Itachi said, turning to face Kirito, his expression cold as his dark eyes bore into Kirito. "You're not as simple as you appear."
"Neither are you," Kirito responded calmly, removing his mask. His tone was relaxed despite the serious air.
Before continuing, Itachi narrowed his eyes, activating his Sharingan. Kirito's body froze momentarily, his pupils dilating under the genjutsu's power. But in the next instant, Kirito's form dissolved into a swirl of cherry blossom petals, wrapping themselves around Itachi.
Itachi's Sharingan spun quickly as he used his * technique to reverse the genjutsu. The illusion shattered, but it didn't reflect back on Kirito. He stood calmly, watching with a smile.
"That was close. You almost turned my illusion back on me," Kirito admitted, feigning relief. "Your Sharingan is impressive. Good thing you haven't unlocked the Mangekyō yet, or things would've been troublesome."
Despite his relaxed tone, Itachi couldn't help but sense an underlying power in Kirito.
"So, did you get the confirmation you wanted?" Kirito asked.
"I suppose," Itachi responded, though his suspicions deepened. The mysterious person who had stolen Shisui's right eye came to mind, and Itachi couldn't help but feel wary of Kirito.
Turning away, Itachi placed his mask back on and said seriously, "I'll inform the Uchiha higher-ups about your promotion to Jonin and your new Anbu role. Because of Izumi, they'll likely extend an olive branch and propose that you marry her."
"All you need to do is act as usual with her. Someone from the clan will approach you soon."
"Is it really that simple?" Kirito asked, finding the whole situation oddly easy.
"Yes, it's that simple," Itachi replied before vanishing in a flash.
Kirito remained behind, musing to himself. *Itachi's brilliant in many ways, but he's already suspicious of me. He probably suspects I'm involved in the theft of Shisui's eye.*
*But how could someone so intelligent be so easily manipulated into slaughtering his entire clan for the village? Even the innocents who had nothing to do with the coup... He's truly a tragic figure,* Kirito thought before using his own teleportation technique to disappear.
A moment later, a large pitcher plant emerged from the wall, slowly revealing the strange half-black, half-white figure of Zetsu.
"Who is that guy? He seems unaffected by the Sharingan's illusions," White Zetsu commented.
"He didn't face Itachi's Mangekyō, so we can't be certain," Black Zetsu rasped. "But the chakra he released during that genjutsu was powerful. It seems Konoha has a new talent on their hands."
"So, should we report this to Obito? Or to Madara?" White Zetsu asked.
"No, this doesn't concern them yet. A genjutsu user without the Sharingan isn't a threat to our plan. Our priority is still finding the person who took Shisui's right eye."
With that, Zetsu retreated into the wall, vanishing without a trace.
However, as they disappeared, Kirito re-emerged from the shadows, muttering, "Looks like I've piqued their interest. I barely sensed Zetsu spying on me. I'll have to stay on my guard."
(End of chapter).
Read 12 Chapters ahead.
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