The early morning sun had just risen above the horizon when Natsuhiko got up right on time.
After a quick wash, he headed straight for the ANBU headquarters.
Having rested for quite some time—and with gains in both his sealing seed and the Flying Thunder God Technique—Natsuhiko had no complaints about returning to work.
In fact, he was somewhat looking forward to it.
Several days had passed since his conversation with Minato.
Although he hadn't received a concrete answer, he knew he had a chance.
Minato had shown caution regarding his proposal.
Even though Natsuhiko had made it clear that, with Kakashi's entry into the ANBU as precedent, promoting someone of his own within the ANBU wouldn't lead to an outright fallout with the Third Hokage—
Minato still preferred to follow the standard procedures.
Natsuhiko had nothing to say about that.
After all, he had confidence in himself.
The normal promotion process for an ANBU division commander required passing a series of evaluations.
Natsuhiko didn't believe such assessments would pose much difficulty for him.
It was simply more troublesome—and introduced more variables.
However, since Minato was unwilling to break the rules, Natsuhiko wasn't about to force his hand.
In truth, although their interactions often felt less like superior and subordinate—and more like collaborators, even mentor and student—
Natsuhiko understood their fundamental relationship very clearly.
And no matter how kind Minato's personality was, certain boundaries could not be crossed.
At this point, aside from a slight regret that he couldn't directly secure the commander position—and thus fully draw Hiruzen Sarutobi's attention—Natsuhiko had no other strong emotions about it.
There was one thing he hadn't lied to Minato about:
Even if Minato promoted him directly, it wouldn't lead to a complete rupture with Hiruzen.
Though Hiruzen would certainly respond with countermeasures, at that point the focus would shift onto Natsuhiko himself.
"Whatever. I'll take it one step at a time."
With that thought, Natsuhiko soon arrived at the ANBU headquarters.
The headquarters were located within the Hokage Building, in a concealed area near the Hokage Rock.
The area was strictly restricted—ordinary people weren't allowed near it.
Of course, ordinary people wouldn't even know where it was.
Unlike Root, which was built beneath Hokage Rock, the ANBU had no need for such symbolic gestures.
Natsuhiko felt that Root being established beneath Hokage Rock was not only to comfort Danzo—telling him he was just one ray of sunlight away from becoming Hokage—
But also a subtle reminder.
Roots are buried deep within Konoha.
They should remain buried beneath Hokage Rock—never entertaining improper ambitions.
...
Entering the ANBU headquarters swiftly, Natsuhiko scanned the area and quickly located the First Division, to which he belonged.
However, he also noticed that when he walked in, many ANBU members were glancing at him.
Clearly, news of his recent actions had fully spread through the ANBU, thanks to those he had rescued.
His personal strength.
His summoning partner, Lizardmaru.
And his assistance in helping the Third Division escape.
Those two accomplishments combined had caused his name to spread like wildfire throughout the ANBU.
Now, who in the ANBU didn't know the name of Nightingale—the captain of Squad Three, First Division?
It could be said that Natsuhiko had become widely known within Konoha's ANBU—and all the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
"Captain."
At that moment, Kakashi called out to him.
Natsuhiko turned his gaze and quickly located where he was standing.
Kakashi's personality had changed significantly.
He seemed to have stepped out from the shadows that once lingered over him.
...
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