Chapter 92

The once quiet and sparsely populated Anbu base was now bustling with activity. Many Anbu ninjas were moving about, busy with various tasks. Although the Cold War had ended, it didn't mean that the Anbu could now relax completely. 

There was still much work to be done, though none of it was as dangerous as before. Most of these tasks involved relaying information, patrolling, and protecting important figures.

Mochizuki Hui had returned to the Anbu as well, and this was his fourth day back in Konoha. He had rested for the first three days, and now it was time for him to resume his duties. 

As a division captain, he was responsible for ten squads, all awaiting his task assignments. Unlike others, Hui was in a position to issue such orders himself; typically, the Second Hokage directly assigned tasks to the Anbu.

"Anbu, assemble."

Suddenly, a command rang out, halting the Anbu in their tracks. They quickly gathered in the base's hall. Unlike the previous full assembly, this time, only about a hundred Anbu remained.

Once everyone was in position, the Anbu Commander appeared on the platform, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before he began to speak.

"Today, I have two announcements to make. First, due to a directive from the Hokage, the Anbu's personnel will be reduced. The Anbu will revert to a size of seventy members. This means that half of the current members will be leaving the Anbu.

"Second, Captain Mochizuki Hui of the First Division, for his outstanding performance and significant contributions during the recent operations, has been promoted by the Second Hokage to the position of Deputy Commander of the Anbu, effective immediately."

His words sent a ripple of shock through the gathered Anbu, but no one voiced any objections. As members of the Anbu, their duty was simply to follow orders without question. 

The reasons behind orders, or whether they were right or wrong, were not theirs to consider. Their only task was to execute these orders.

Besides, the reasons for these two orders were clear to everyone. The first directive was a consequence of the end of the Cold War; Konoha no longer needed such a large Anbu force, and it was better to allow more members to return to the light. 

As for the second announcement, no one would challenge Hui's promotion despite his young age. His strength, mindset, and wisdom had earned the respect and approval of every Anbu member.

To them, Hui's promotion to Deputy Commander felt natural. Many felt joy and pride for him, celebrating his achievements in their hearts.

Hui himself had long anticipated this. He had known for some time that he would eventually become Deputy Commander, and one day, Commander. It was only a matter of time, and it seemed that time had come sooner than expected.

At just twelve years old, Mochizuki Hui was now Deputy Commander of Konoha's Anbu. He had officially entered the ranks of Konoha's upper leadership, gaining the right to have a say in the village's future development and decisions. 

At twelve, he had become a member of Konoha's high council.

As the sun set, the last golLightningrays illuminated the training grounds of Konoha, casting long shadows from the three figures standing there.

"So much has changed over the years... I almost don't recognize this place anymore," Lightning said, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a distant look, lost in nostalgia.

"Yeah, I remember six years ago when we first formed the Fourth Squad here. Back then, you and I had quite the 'friendly' introduction," Hui replied, a faint smile appearing on his face as old memories resurfaced.

"Ha, you brat, you'll never let me live it down, will you?" Lightning chuckled and shook his head, looking up at the setting sun. "I miss those days... back when Captain Bear and Wind were still around, and you were just an adorable little kid."

Hui rolled his eyes at that, responding, "Back then, you were full of energy—nothing like the moody single guy you've now become."

Lightning blinked, and then his face darkened as a vein twitched in his forehead.

"You brat! Don't call me a single dog!!!" he shouted at Hui, his rage growing when he noticed Sakumo Hatake holding back laughter nearby.

"Alright, alright, enough with the jokes," Hui said, calming down his laughter before his expression turned serious. He looked at Lightning earnestly.

"Lightning, it's time for you to leave the Anbu."

Hui's words made Sakumo raise his head in surprise, and he opened his mouth as if to say something, but when he saw Lightning's silent reaction, he began to understand.

No wonder Lightning had invited Hui to this place. It seemed Lightning had already decided to leave the Anbu.

"Lightning, you're not young anymore. You have family, and parents, and staying in the Anbu just isn't right for you anymore. Plus, staying in the darkness for too long isn't good for anyone. People should live in the light," Hui said, glancing at the fading sun on the horizon. Deep down, he too longed to return to the light.

Despite how much success he had found in the Anbu, being hailed as the "Konoha's Ghost" by other villages and promoted to Deputy Commander of Konoha's Anbu, Hui would gladly give it all up if he could.

The Anbu might sound glamorous, but in reality, once inside, you realize there's little warmth—only coldness and brutality. It was a unit that walked solely in darkness.

"Yeah, people should return to the light eventually," Lightning sighed, his feelings conflicted. On one hand, he wanted to return to a normal life in the light, but on the other, he wanted to stay by Hui's side to witness his continued growth.

"So, Lightning, go back," Hui said firmly, almost like an order.

"Alright, then I'll wait for you in there," Lightning replied with a smile. A weight seemed to lift from his heart, and though the sun had set, plunging the world into twilight, Lightning felt a sunrise within himself—one that brought warmth and hope.

"And you, Sakumo, what are your plans?" Hui asked with a smile, turning to Sakumo Hatake.

Sakumo hesitated for a moment before responding in a playful tone; 

"Well, since you've become the Deputy Commander, and Lightning's leaving, I guess that makes me the next Captain of the First Division's Fourth Squad, right? With you as Deputy Commander here, I'll have all the backing I need to do as I please!"

His words brought smiles to both Hui and Lightning.

"Ah, so you've been eyeing the Captain position all along! As expected, the Fourth Squad is full of sneaky brats!" Lightning teased, pretending to be angry as he raised his fist, only for Sakumo to quickly dodge behind Hui.

"Deputy Commander, help! Someone's trying to hit your subordinate!" Sakumo cried.

Hui, playing along, shouted, "Who? Who dares? I'll drag them to a hundred matchmaking sessions!"

"YOU BRAT!!!" Lightning yelled, his voice echoing across the training ground.

That night, Den, the former Captain of the First Division's Fourth Squad, known by the codename "Lightning," officially retired from the Anbu, leaving the darkness to return to the light.

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