Dawn crept across Konoha when Tobika arrived at Kakashi's door with two steaming bowls of ramen from Ichiraku.He knocked twice.
The door opened to reveal a half-dead Kakashi, hair even more gravity-defying than usual, wearing the tired look of a man who had slept for exactly one hour.
Tobika shoved a bowl into his hands and pointed toward the pink horizon."Catching you at home is harder than catching a ninken in heat."
"…Catching me for what?" Kakashi mumbled, ramen aroma finally dragging his soul back into his body.
"Eat first. Then we talk."
Moments later, the two of them sat on the Hatake rooftop, facing the sunrise, slurping together like two exhausted old men.
Tobika broke the silence."Kakashi, you're running missions so high-level that even I can't dig up intel. Impressive."
Kakashi yawned. "ANBU missions are classified."
Tobika sipped broth. "How about a spar after breakfast?"
Kakashi sprayed ramen broth across the roof tiles.
Called it, Tobika thought smugly. No one serves ramen for free.
Kakashi rubbed his head."…I can't. I'm on a long-term assignment. Chakra conservation matters."
Tobika nodded thoughtfully."You always were responsible. Kind. Polite. The type who takes real care of the people around you. A role model."
Kakashi squinted suspiciously.
Tobika set down his empty bowl.
"Which is why you won't say no if I ask again."
"Actually—"
PAK.
A magazine landed in Kakashi's lap.
"Tobika… no."
PAK.
Second magazine.
"…Stop."
PAK.
Third.
The Hatake prodigy froze like a rabbit cornered by a wolf. His ears reddened beneath the mask.
"These three enlightenment books are yours," Tobika said proudly. "Tonight. Forest behind Training Ground Three. Don't be late."
Before Kakashi could protest, Tobika grabbed the bowls and sprinted off.
Those magazines were one-of-a-kind. Hand-drawn. Artisan-level filth.A treasure of culture.Not to be confused with the infamous "Three Ninja Taboos."No—these were far more educational.
By the time Tobika returned Ichiraku's bowls and strolled toward the Hokage Building, the village was already stirring awake. Merchants opened stalls. Shinobi hurried between assignments. Konoha breathed again.
Tobika stopped a passing chunin.
"Where do ANBU report in? Hokage-sama told me today was sign-in day—but I walked past his house just now and heard… screaming. From the lady. Probably means Fourth Hokage will be late."
The shinobi winced in sympathy."Register in that room. Then get the Hokage's signature."
"Thanks."
The chunin watched Tobika leave and whispered, half-impressed, half-bewildered:"…Uchiha really can be friendly."
Tobika knocked twice on the office door.
"Enter," an elderly voice called.
Inside sat a gray-haired registrar, surrounded by paperwork and quiet sunlight.
Tobika stood straight."I'm here to report for ANBU."
"Name."
"Uchiha Tobika."
The man hesitated. Uchiha weren't rare in ANBU, but they preferred Police Force positions. Today alone, he'd already processed three.
"Specialization?"
"Fire Release."
"Combat level?"
"Jōnin."
The old man flipped a page.
"Your dream."
"…My what?"
The registrar looked up expectantly.
Tobika considered saying:My dream is to survive adulthood.
He reconsidered.
Then inhaled deeply.And roared:
"TO BECOME THE FIFTH HOKAGE!"
His voice blasted out the windows and echoed down the street.
Pedestrians stopped mid-step.
Someone whispered: "Another young man with the Will of Fire… inspirational."
Meanwhile, inside the office…
The old man massaged his ringing ears.
"That was unnecessary," he muttered, scribbling notes.
He continued:"In ANBU, do you have goals? Mission quotas? A planned retirement point?"
"No. Just give me missions."
The registrar raised a brow. A workhorse.
He wrote again, then smiled kindly.
"Welcome to ANBU. After Hokage-sama approves you, you'll join Squad Three. Many ANBU are hidden masters—top fifteen are all jōnin level. Even without Sharingan, they're strong. As for unit captains and sub-captains: their mission record and ability far surpass ordinary jōnin."
Tobika leaned forward.
"So the captains are…?"
"Extremely capable. Balanced in all skills. The difference between sub-captain and captain is vast. Just as the difference between you and a sub-captain is… vast."
"…Right."
"Any high-ranking ANBU whose identity can be revealed?" Tobika probed casually.
"One. The Third Hokage's left and right hand. They hold critical positions. Their strength is exceptional."
Tobika blinked.
"…That's it?"
He already knew who they were.Sarutobi Hiruzen's "left and right arms" were literally his son and daughter-in-law.
Meaning:No immortal shadow assassins.No legendary masked heroes.Just the Sarutobi family business.
He exhaled through his nose.
ANBU captains are probably elite jōnin. Sub-captains: tokubetsu jōnin.Massive skill gap even within ranks.Jōnin isn't a title—it's a food chain.