After leaving Shisui's house, Kakashi Hatake walked calmly through the familiar streets of Konoha. His mind remained sharp, but his expression was composed, betraying none of the responsibilities weighing on him. By his side trailed two new recruits—Uchiha Shisui and Yūhi Kurenai.
Their first stop was the hospital. Kakashi made sure Rin was escorted back to her post safely. She offered him a gentle smile and a word of thanks before disappearing into the corridors of the Konoha Hospital. With that responsibility complete, Kakashi led his two new charges toward the heart of the village: the Anbu headquarters.
---
The Walk of Respect
The long corridor leading to the Anbu lounge was quiet, its walls lined with masked shinobi who kept to the shadows. Yet as Kakashi passed, the silence broke.
"The captain is here!"
"Hello, Captain!"
Every Anbu operative they encountered offered a crisp, respectful greeting. Some bowed their heads slightly, others saluted with disciplined precision. Kakashi responded in kind with small nods, his visible eye betraying neither arrogance nor detachment—only steady acknowledgment.
Walking a few paces behind, Kurenai's ruby-colored eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected this level of reverence. The sheer gravity of Kakashi's presence in Anbu was overwhelming.
So much respect… It's like every operative here owes him something. I knew he was powerful, but this is another level.
Shisui, however, wasn't fazed. His dark eyes gleamed with admiration. To him, this scene was only natural.
Of course they revere him. This is Kakashi-senpai—the man who defeated the Third Hokage himself. Cool doesn't even begin to cover it.
---
Gathering the Wolves
The Anbu lounge buzzed with quiet chatter when they entered. Several masked figures lounged around, cleaning weapons, sharpening kunai, or exchanging low-voiced stories.
"Pah, pah, pah!"
Kakashi clapped his hands sharply, cutting through the noise like a blade. His tone was crisp and commanding.
"Assemble!"
"Yes, Captain!"
The response was immediate, a unified chorus that rattled the walls. In an instant, the relaxed atmosphere evaporated. The Anbu operatives moved with blinding speed, forming straight lines according to height. Within seconds, their ranks were perfect.
"Stand at attention!" Kakashi barked.
Every operative straightened, their masks facing forward.
"Look to the right!"
Their heads snapped in unison.
"Look forward!"
Eyes returned to the front.
"At ease!"
The operatives shifted subtly, discipline still razor-sharp.
"Hello, companions!" Kakashi called out.
"Hello, Captain!" the squad responded in flawless unison.
"Thank you for your hard work, comrades!"
"Serving the Fourth Generation!"
The room seemed to vibrate with their collective spirit. Kakashi's visible eye softened slightly in satisfaction. Half a year of relentless drilling and discipline had paid off. His Anbu were sharp, loyal, and battle-ready.
---
The Introduction
"Let me introduce two new members," Kakashi began, gesturing to the figures behind him. "The first is Uchiha Shisui, known as 'Shisui of the Body Flicker.' I'm sure his reputation from the Third Great Ninja War precedes him."
The name alone drew murmurs from the masked operatives, though none dared speak aloud. Shisui, still only a boy, had already left an indelible mark on the battlefield.
"From today onward," Kakashi continued, "he will serve as captain of Anbu Team One. His codename is Shun. Team numbers will be pushed back accordingly. Is that clear?"
"Clear!" the room thundered back.
Among them, no one openly questioned the decision. Normally, Shisui's youth would have drawn skepticism, even resentment. But this was Kakashi's decree, and in Anbu, Kakashi's word was law. His prestige was absolute.
Kakashi turned slightly. "The second is the illusionist genius of the Yūhi clan, Yūhi Kurenai. Her codename will be Illusion. From today, she officially joins Anbu and will serve under Shun in Team One."
Kurenai stepped forward, bowing slightly. Though her expression was calm, her heart pounded. Joining Anbu was no small responsibility.
---
Testing Authority
Kakashi's gaze swept across the gathered operatives. "I know some of you may harbor doubts about Shun's ability," he said bluntly. "Therefore, for clarity—and to avoid future disputes—all Anbu squad leaders will attack him together."
A tense silence followed.
"As long as you can defeat him," Kakashi continued evenly, "I will cancel his appointment."
The words struck like a thrown kunai. The squad leaders shifted uncomfortably.
"Captain…" one began, hesitant.
They trusted Kakashi's judgment without question. Yet ordering several experienced jōnin to fight a boy barely ten years old seemed… dishonorable. Even if they won, what pride could they take in such a victory?
But Kakashi's voice cut through their hesitation like a whip. "What's wrong? You don't even dare? Don't disappoint me."
The provocation landed perfectly. One by one, the squad leaders stepped forward. To lose Kakashi's respect was worse than any injury.
Kakashi gave a small nod. "Good. We'll take this outside. Training Ground One."
---
First Impressions
The crisp evening air greeted them as they arrived at the wide-open field of Training Ground One. The earth bore scars of countless battles past—craters, scorched soil, and broken posts.
Kakashi folded his arms and turned to Shisui with a faint chuckle. "Shun, it's your time to perform."
"Yes, Captain!" Shisui replied, bowing his head slightly. His voice carried youthful earnestness, but his eyes glimmered with focus.
He stepped forward, scratching the back of his neck bashfully. "Uh, hello everyone. I'm Shun, captain of Anbu Team One. Please take care of me."
Despite his humility, the atmosphere remained taut.
A broad-shouldered operative stepped forward with a laugh. "I'm the former captain of Team One, now captain of Team Two. Codename: Elephant. Welcome aboard!" He extended a hand warmly.
Shisui smiled back. Elephant was well-known in Anbu, not just for his combat skills but for his ability to lighten tense situations. He was the same shinobi who once commented during Orochimaru's assault on the Third Hokage, and later helped restrain Pain's massive Cerberus. Not the flashiest record, but reliable nonetheless.
Another figure spoke curtly. "Former captain of Team Two, now captain of Team Three. Codename: Fly." It was Aburame Ryoma—once a loyal subordinate of Danzō, now stripped of those memories thanks to Shisui's intervention. His tone remained clipped and businesslike.
Several other captains followed, each offering words of welcome, their professionalism outweighing any lingering doubt.
---
The Battle
Kakashi raised a hand. "Now that introductions are done, let's begin."
The squad leaders formed a loose semicircle around Shisui. The boy's hand drifted toward the hilt of his tanto, but then he paused, bowing slightly.
"Apologies in advance," he said softly.
Then his eyes snapped open.
Three crimson tomoe spun to life in each iris, glowing like scarlet stars. An invisible wave of killing intent surged outward, crashing over the field.
The squad leaders stiffened, muscles tightening as their world twisted. In the blink of an eye, their reality collapsed.
Chains of illusion wrapped around them. A whisper in their ears told them they were bound, helpless. Their bodies refused to respond.
When they blinked, the illusion shattered.
And in that instant, they realized their ninja tool pouches were gone—confiscated.
Gasps erupted.
Impossible!
Their hands reached for empty belts. The boy had plucked away their weapons without them even realizing it. If he had chosen to, he could have slit their throats in that moment.
"This… this illusion…!"
None of them had ever witnessed such terrifying genjutsu, not even from the proudest of the Uchiha. A shiver of fear coiled in their stomachs. Shisui wasn't simply strong. His illusions were a nightmare made real.
No wonder Kakashi-sama chose him.
Even Kurenai, watching from the side, trembled. Her heart pounded violently.
Those were all Elite Jōnin. And yet… they couldn't even resist. If I fought him, I wouldn't last seconds. Did he go easy on me during the test?
Her confidence in her own illusions wavered. Compared to Shisui's, hers felt fragile—like a candle against a storm.
Kakashi, observing with his arms folded, sighed inwardly. So this is Shisui with only three tomoe. He immobilized multiple elites at once. If he awakened Mangekyō… the power would be beyond comprehension.
He allowed a small smile. "Well done, Shun."
Shisui rubbed his nose, cheeks pink. "Hehe. Thank you, Captain." Every word of praise from Kakashi was precious to him.
---
Reinforcements
Kakashi's voice rang out once more. "Tenzō. Hu. Step forward."
Two figures emerged from the line.
"From this day forward," Kakashi declared, "you will join Team One under Shun's command."
"Yes, Captain!" they answered crisply.
The first was Yamato—codenamed Tenzō—recruited personally by Kakashi, his body infused with the secrets of Wood Release. The second, Hu, had practically begged Kakashi to join Anbu, hounding him daily until the silver-haired captain relented.
Both men stepped up to Shisui, bowing in acknowledgment.
The boy captain smiled brightly, his crimson eyes now calm again. In that moment, the authority of Uchiha Shisui was established, not by words, but by sheer, undeniable strength.