It had been a week since the last grand celebration.
The people's excitement had gradually settled, and the bustling Konoha returned to its usual state of peace and prosperity.
Mochizuki Hui sat in the office of the ANBU Commander. Before him stood Hatake Sakumo, delivering his report.
Though the war had ended, there were still plenty of tasks to address in its aftermath, and many of them required Hui's attention. Over the past week, however, most matters had been dealt with.
"That's the summary of the tasks completed during this period, Commander. Is there anything else that needs addressing?" Sakumo asked respectfully.
Hui leaned back and gave a slight smile. "It seems most matters are settled. However… there's still one last important thing to handle."
Hearing this, Sakumo's expression turned serious. Mochizuki Hui rarely described matters as "important," which made him curious and cautious.
The war was over, and the compensation from the other major ninja villages was already being delivered. What could still be deemed important?
"It's time," Hui said cryptically.
Before Sakumo could ask, an ANBU operative appeared, bowing respectfully to both men. "Commander, Vice-Commander, the Second Hokage has summoned all ANBU members to assemble at the base gates."
"Let's go," Hui said, leading the way.
…
When they arrived at the gates, many ANBU operatives were already present, standing in orderly silence. As soon as Hui and Sakumo approached, the crowd's eyes lit up with respect and admiration.
Hui was an icon among the ANBU, and Sakumo's fame had grown substantially after leading operations that disrupted the Hidden Cloud's supply lines. Together, they had brought immense prestige to the ANBU during the war.
Within ten minutes, nearly all ANBU members stationed in Konoha had arrived.
Because of wartime expansions, the ANBU now numbered over a hundred—a far cry from their peacetime roster. Sakumo could already guess what was coming.
When the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, appeared out of thin air, the gathered ANBU bowed deeply.
"There are two main announcements today," Tobirama began. "First, the ANBU will be reduced to a roster of seventy operatives. Second…" He paused for effect, "Commander 'Light' will step down. The role of Commander will be handed over to Vice-Commander 'White Fang.'"
The assembled ANBU were stunned. Even Sakumo turned to Hui in disbelief. Though Hui's masked face revealed nothing, his calm and joyful eyes told Sakumo all he needed to know.
The transfer of leadership was real.
"Managing the reduction in personnel will be your first task, White Fang," Tobirama said as he placed a hand on Sakumo's shoulder. Without further ado, he disappeared in a flash of light.
Sakumo looked at Hui, who chuckled and raised his hands in mock surrender. "Don't call me 'Commander' anymore. I've finally earned some peace and quiet!"
Removing his mask, Hui addressed the gathered ANBU. "Though I am stepping down, I still want to say a few words to all of you.
"I've always asked just one thing of you: stay true to the light in your hearts. Let it be your guide, your faith. As ANBU, we fight in the shadows, but our mission is to bring light to the village and protect its peace.
"You've all done that beautifully. You are the guardians of Konoha's light.
"Even now, I hope that every ANBU, present and future, will carry these ethics—living in darkness yet holding onto the light within. With that, I leave the village's safety in your capable hands."
Bowing deeply, Hui stepped down from the podium and walked away from the base, his era as ANBU Commander coming to a close.
As Sakumo watched Hui's figure fade into the distance, he felt a mix of emotions. He had joined the ANBU to follow in Hui's steps. Now, the torch had been passed to him.
Taking a deep breath, Sakumo turned to the remaining ANBU and said, "Those who wish to leave the shadows and return to the light, let me know. I will consider your requests carefully."
As Hui emerged from the ANBU base, the sunlight streaming through the trees filled him with a rare sense of ease. He spread his arms wide as if to embrace the light, inhaling deeply.
The serene moment was interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Don't act so dramatic. You handled the ANBU like a breeze more relaxed than Sarutobi leading a genin team. Stop pretending like you've been through some dramatic breakup."
It was Tobirama, waiting for him outside.
Hui chuckled sheepishly. "Tobirama-Grandpa, you just don't get it. This is what we call style. It's a cleansing of the soul!"
Tobirama smirked. "All right, enough theatrics. Let's talk about your next position."
Hui's smile froze. "Wait, what? The war's over! Surely, I can finally enjoy some peace?"
Tobirama raised an eyebrow. "Peace is precisely why we need to focus on rebuilding and innovation. You promised at age eleven to revolutionize Konoha. Now's your chance to fulfill that promise."
Hui's mind flashed back to his younger self, bragging thoughtlessly about changing the world.
"I didn't mean it!" he muttered.
But it was too late—Hui's new chapter had already begun.
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