Chapter 17: Life in the ANBU

After exchanging a few friendly blows with his new teammates, Mochizuki Hui officially began his life in the ANBU.

Inside the Hokage's office, Tobirama Senju lifted his gaze from a stack of documents and peered out the window. A small figure came into view—vigilantly patrolling the area. It was Mochizuki Hui, the youngest member of the ANBU.

Watching Hui's serious expression as he carried out his duties, Tobirama couldn't help but nod in approval.

Patrolling and standing guard were monotonous tasks, requiring patience and focus. But despite his tender age—just six years old—Hui had performed his duties with complete dedication for the past week, showing no signs of distraction or boredom. This level of discipline deeply impressed Tobirama.

"Light, come to the office," Tobirama called, using Hui's ANBU codename instead of his real name. This was a small mark of respect for his position within the ANBU.

Hearing the Hokage's voice, Hui swiftly leaped up to the window of the Hokage's office and gracefully entered the room, landing lightly on his feet.

"Lord Second, your orders?" Hui knelt down on one knee, his tone respectful and his posture perfect.

As an ANBU member, Hui knew when to shed his usual carefree demeanor. In this position, especially in front of the Hokage, he had to present himself as a true ninja of the shadows.

"Hui, it's been a week. How is that energy inside you coming along?" Tobirama asked, now switching back to his more familiar tone, as this was a private conversation between them.

"Grandfather Tobirama, the energy is still growing steadily, though the increase isn't too drastic. I'd say it's about one percent stronger compared to last week," Hui replied calmly, having long prepared his response.

An increase of one percent in a week was perfectly reasonable for his current stage. At this rate, the energy within him would double in about two years, which seemed like an appropriate and manageable growth curve for a child of his age.

Hui had no doubt that if he revealed the true extent of his power to Tobirama, his current relaxed life would come to an abrupt end.

Tobirama wouldn't subject him to any cruel experiments, of course, but he would definitely push Hui to develop as fast as possible. And the fastest way to grow stronger in this world? Real combat. Life-and-death battles that would force Hui to hone his skills through harsh experience.

That wasn't the life Hui wanted.

The allure of becoming a powerful figure, feared throughout the shinobi world, might seem appealing in theory. But the price for such a life? Constant danger, endless killing, and never knowing when death might come for you. No, Hui much preferred a life of peace, becoming invincible in his own time, and only stepping into the fray when it suited him.

"Hmm, not bad. At this rate, it won't be long before you reach the level of a Jonin," Tobirama nodded approvingly.

Though Hui was only six years old, his strength already matched that of a Chunin, despite some obvious shortcomings. Still, this kind of progress was more than enough to mark him as a genius.

If his growth continued like this, within four or five years, Hui could easily reach the level of a Jonin. He'd become a figure of significance in the shinobi world. The only question was whether this mysterious energy would continue to grow. How far could it go? What were its limits?

"Go back to your duties," Tobirama instructed, turning back to the documents on his desk.

"Yes, Lord Second!"

With a respectful bow, Hui left the office.

As soon as he was outside, he resumed his usual routine—first a patrol of the area, then standing guard at the entrance to the Hokage's office.

Standing guard was perhaps the most monotonous of all tasks. For hours at a time, you couldn't move, couldn't speak, and had to maintain constant vigilance. Most children wouldn't last a minute. Yet Hui took it all in stride, his posture unwavering, his senses sharp.

Beside him, his teammate, Wind, couldn't help but marvel at Hui's focus.

"Light, don't you find standing guard boring?" Wind asked as they made their way back to the ANBU base after their shift.

As Hui removed his ANBU uniform, he responded nonchalantly, "Boring? Maybe a little. But I find it meaningful."

"Meaningful?" Wind raised an eyebrow, curious about the young boy's mindset.

Hui paused for a moment, then spoke seriously, "Boredom comes from within. And the mind, Wind... the mind is the foundation of all strength."

Wind was taken aback by the depth of Hui's words.

"If your mind is weak, no matter how much power you possess, you're no better than a wild beast. Such a person will be ruled by their power, and eventually, they'll become its slave. But if your mind is strong, you can control your power and use it for something meaningful—like protecting the village, or the people you care about."

Hui's tone softened as he continued, "The irritation and restlessness that come from standing guard—they're just more enemies for me to conquer. Overcoming them is part of my growth."

After finishing his pre-prepared speech, Hui smiled faintly, then turned to leave, waving casually over his shoulder.

"Well, see you tomorrow."

Wind stood frozen for a moment, watching the small figure disappear into the distance. He felt a sense of awe, almost disbelief. How could someone so young speak with such maturity?

He couldn't help but mutter to himself, "This kid… how is he only six?"