The atmosphere in the training ground was unusually lively.
After a long day of introductions, Kakashi stood before the assembled team members, his usual calm expression softening slightly as he gave a small nod.
"Alright," he said, his tone steady yet warm, "now that we all know each other, it's time to take the next step in building unity."
He turned his gaze toward one of the more spirited members. "Elephant, lead everyone in singing the team song."
The young Anbu operative—nicknamed Elephant because of his loud voice and boisterous personality—straightened immediately. "Yes, Captain!" he replied with energy, his excitement bubbling over.
For Elephant, this was the perfect opportunity. Not only was he one of the most lively personalities in Anbu, but he was also a proud member of the Anbu Voice Club. Singing, especially the team song, was something he took immense joy in. It wasn't just a pastime—it was a way to express the hidden pride and passion every Anbu carried in their hearts.
"Comrades!" Elephant raised his fist, grinning wide. "Let's show the newcomers what it means to be part of Anbu!"
Several members chuckled, the heaviness of their masks and cloaks momentarily forgotten. Their eyes shone with excitement, and one by one, the group gathered, their voices preparing to merge into one.
"Ready—sing!"
And then, their voices rang out.
---
"They say that to get rid of your madness is like wiping away dirt.
They say you have to climb step by step, and the price is lowering your head.
But let me, no, ride the wind instead.
You, proud and unyielding, show that kind of lonely courage."
The words flowed passionately, echoing through the night air of Konoha's First Training Ground.
"Who says those who play chess poorly cannot be heroes?
I love you for walking alone in the dark alley.
I love you for never kneeling, for facing despair yet refusing to cry.
I love you for rising from the wilderness, never borrowing anyone's light,
And building your own city-state upon the ruins."
The rhythm intensified, their voices overlapping in fiery unison.
"Go, go—with the humblest dream.
Fight, fight—with the loneliest dream.
To the sobs and roars hidden in darkness—
Who says only those standing in the light are heroes?"
---
Their song rose into the night, carrying the weight of unspoken sacrifices. Every note, every word seemed to resonate directly with the souls of those present.
Even the usually cool and reserved Aburame Ryoma, who rarely showed emotion, clenched his fists and sang loudly with the rest. Their eyes burned with pride, and the training ground seemed to vibrate with raw energy.
Yes. Who says only those standing in the light are heroes?
The Anbu were the shadows of Konoha, the unseen shield protecting the village and the Hokage. They wore masks not for glory but for necessity. On missions, they were often the first to step into danger, the first to spill blood, and sometimes the first to fall. Yet their deeds were rarely known. Their sacrifices were written into reports marked as "classified," tucked away in archives that the public would never see.
Even those who died on missions remained anonymous, their names fading quietly into silence, uncelebrated by the villagers they had died to protect.
But this song—this song was their truth. It was a reminder of why they fought, why they endured. It was a hymn of shadows, their anthem.
When Kakashi had first taught them the song, nearly every Anbu member had been moved to tears. It wasn't simply music—it was a mirror reflecting their daily lives, their pain, and their pride. Since then, many had sung it privately in secret, finding strength in its words whenever missions tested their resolve.
Now, as their voices thundered together, even those hardened by years of service felt their hearts surge.
---
On the sidelines, Guy stood watching. His eyes glistened as tears rolled freely down his cheeks, unstoppable. His hands shook with intensity as he pressed them to his chest.
"This… this passion!" he muttered, his voice breaking.
It was impossible for him to remain unmoved. Guy, who cherished hot-blooded youth above all else, felt as though the fire inside him had just exploded a hundredfold.
Nearby, Shisui was trembling, his fists clenched tightly. His body vibrated not with fear but with exhilaration. The song resonated with his very soul, and his Sharingan eyes glimmered faintly, responding to his swelling emotions.
Kurenai Yuhi, too, stood silently, her eyes rimmed red with unshed tears. She had been unsure of her place here, a newcomer trying to find her path. But as she listened, her heart surged with conviction.
"This… is this the Anbu my father once served in?" she thought, her chest tightening.
Her father's memory rose vividly before her eyes. For so long, she had known only fragments of his life, his sacrifice spoken of in hushed tones. But now, hearing this song, she understood him better than ever.
"Dad… you are my greatest pride," she whispered inwardly. "From today on, I will carry on your path. I will make sure you are proud of me too."
Her hand tightened over her chest, and in that moment, her resolve as a kunoichi of Konoha crystallized.
---
The final notes of the song faded into the night. For a long moment, silence hung in the air, broken only by the sound of heavy breathing and pounding hearts.
Then Kakashi cleared his throat lightly, breaking the spell. "Ahem. Today marks the official formation of your team," he said, his voice calm but tinged with warmth. "How about we celebrate with a meal after training?"
He knew well the effect the song had on people—he himself had been shaken by it when he first heard it. It was, as he described in his own mind, a "dimensionality reduction attack." Back in his old world, music had been just another daily presence, often ignored after repeated plays. But here in this world, a song like this hit like a kunai straight into the heart.
Guy immediately wiped his tears and thrust his fist into the air. "Yes! Let's make it a hot-blooded youth barbecue party!"
His enthusiasm was infectious. The thought of celebrating with meat and laughter lit up his already passionate spirit.
For Guy, barbecue wasn't just a meal—it was a rare treat. Growing up in poverty, he had barely been able to taste such luxuries except during class reunions. Only after his father, Might Duy, earned bounties from defeating five of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had life started to improve. The family moved from their cramped wooden home to a modest apartment, and for the first time, Guy could eat heartily every day. For a man dedicated to physical training, that nourishment had been priceless.
Of course, two of those bounties had technically belonged to Kakashi. At first, Duy had refused to accept them. But Kakashi had insisted, not wanting his own strength to draw attention for personal reasons. He had even told Duy that it was he who had saved Kakashi's life in the critical moment, making it impossible to refuse without insulting him.
In the end, Duy had accepted the bounties, but Guy never forgot the kindness.
So now, hearing the word "barbecue," his eyes burned with determination and gratitude.
---
"Since Captain Silver Fox suggested it, there should be no problem," Yamato added with a small smile. His loyalty to Kakashi was absolute—after all, Kakashi had given him not just guidance but even his name.
Kurenai raised her small pink fist. "I can join too! As long as I make it home before nine o'clock." Her strict upbringing meant curfews were non-negotiable, but her eagerness showed in her shining eyes.
For the first time in her life, she felt her world expanding. Before this, her days had been simple—practicing genjutsu, strolling with Asuma, shopping with friends. Even on dates, she and Asuma had done nothing more than hold hands. He had once asked for a kiss, but she refused—her father had forbidden kissing before sixteen, and besides, she couldn't stand the smell of cigarettes on his breath.
Her life had been warm but ordinary, lacking in excitement.
But joining Anbu… that was her boldest choice yet, her first real step into a wider world. And tonight, eating with her new teammates, she felt her future brimming with possibilities.
All eyes turned to Shisui.
"That's fine with me," he said at last, though his voice was still tinged with the excitement from the song.
"In that case," Kakashi said smoothly, "let's follow tradition. We'll go to the barbecue restaurant east of the village. The new captain, of course, will treat us."
Shisui blinked. His mind froze for a moment, and in silence, three question marks practically appeared over his head.
"…???"
"Captain, this is youth!" Guy cheered, clapping him on the shoulder.
"Then I'll be joining too, Captain," Yamato added with a grin, draping an arm over Shisui's shoulder.
Kurenai said nothing, but her bright, expectant gaze was enough.
Shisui sighed helplessly. "…Oh well."
As captain, how could he refuse?
His hand instinctively reached into his pocket, brushing against his fortune-cat wallet. It was already thin to begin with, and the thought of the coming expense made his heart ache.
Before I've even earned a single ryo, I'm already losing money…
But then, he straightened his back. He was captain now. If this was the price of leadership, then he would bear it proudly.
After all—who says those who fight with empty wallets are not heroes?
---