109

"Damn that Sarutobi Hiruzen, he's getting bolder by the day! Stuffing so many people into Anbu this time. What's he trying to do? Declare war on me?" Zashi slammed his fist on the table, fuming in front of his desk at Anbu headquarters.

"Hey, he is the Hokage after all. As the village leader, he has the right to make personnel decisions in Anbu," Yoru sighed from the side.

"Normal personnel decisions? Tell me, how many people has Sarutobi Hiruzen brought into Anbu this year alone? He's clearly trying to usurp my authority!" Zashi's voice rose several notches, his anger escalating.

"There's no other way, Zashi," Yoru said carefully, gauging his reaction before continuing, "Ever since the Second Shinobi War, Sarutobi has secretly been spreading word of his three students' achievements throughout the village, boosting his own reputation." He paused again, then added, "He's also been secretly broadcasting your defeat at the Battle of Red River, targeting you both overtly and covertly."

Zashi's hand clenched into a fist, his chakra flaring uncontrollably for a moment, causing the furniture in the room to crack.

"Sarutobi Hiruzen! What's the meaning of spreading those two pieces of news simultaneously? He wants to highlight his students' contributions in the war and trample on my reputation. Back then, besides that one defeat at Red River, how many battles did I win? He's just trying to tarnish my name. Sarutobi, you poisonous snake!" Zashi's face contorted with rage.

His eyes reddened, he asked in a chilling tone, "Can't we secretly spread our own contributions during the war? We can't let that bastard Sarutobi slander us!"

Yoru's expression flickered, and finally, he sighed helplessly, "While Sarutobi's intentions are indeed questionable, what he's saying is partly true. Especially that Hanzo. He's been praising Orochimaru and the others in public, attributing the war's success to them. Even our former enemies are saying this, so even if we try to tell the truth, who would believe us?"

The unfavorable turn of events this year weighed heavily on Yoru.

"Hanzo, that damned scoundrel, I should have wiped out the Hidden Rain Village and crushed him to pieces!" Zashi's expression twisted with murderous rage.

"However, there is good news," Yoru added. "With Sakumo's popularity skyrocketing over the past year, the support for him to become the Fourth Hokage is growing stronger. If nothing goes wrong, once Sarutobi steps down, our faction will surely have a Hokage of our own!"

"As long as Sakumo becomes Hokage, all our problems will be solved!" Moonlight Yoru reassured Zashi, seeing his foul mood.

Zashi's face softened, a smile gracing the corner of his mouth. "Indeed, imagine having the privilege to abandon missions without consequence, something even the Second Hokage never enjoyed! Sarutobi Hiruzen's schemes mean nothing in the face of such an honor."

Zashi felt a surge of joy. At his current age and standing, becoming Hokage was impossible. But Hatake Sakumo was only nearing thirty; even if he held the position for another decade, it wouldn't be an issue.

As for the Sannin? Zashi didn't underestimate them, but compared to Sakumo, they simply didn't measure up.

"Besides, Zashi," Yoru continued, his eyes glinting, "As long as Sarutobi Hiruzen doesn't touch our core interests, those Anbu ninjas who are completely loyal to us, we can turn a blind eye to his actions. In fact, we can even use those newcomers to our advantage. Isn't that troublesome mission we've been dealing with perfect for them?"

Zashi's eyes lit up, intrigued by Yoru's suggestion.

Meanwhile, Aizen and Minato were getting acquainted with their teams.

"I look forward to working with you, Captain Aizen," Hyuga Hiashi said politely, embodying the demeanor of a future clan leader.

"The pleasure is mine," Aizen replied, his tone as friendly and gentle as ever. "I've heard much about the Hyuga clan. I'll need your support as a squad leader."

Both Hiashi and Hizashi seemed to have a positive first impression of Aizen's amicable nature. Aizen extended the same courtesy to every member of his team, ensuring everyone felt comfortable with their new squad leader.

While mingling, Aizen observed Minato, who was also chatting with his team members with his usual sunny disposition. Two of Minato's squad leaders caught Aizen's attention: Shibi Aburame and Choza Akimichi. It wasn't their identities or strengths that intrigued Aizen, but rather the fact that they reminded him of a crucial event in the Naruto timeline: the story of the Lost Tower.

This event was significant, involving the immense energy of the dragon veins and a time-traveling Naruto Uzumaki. It played a crucial role in Aizen's future plans. However, with Kakashi Hatake not even having graduated from the Ninja Academy yet, Aizen wasn't in a hurry.

After the introductions, Aizen and Minato received their Anbu uniforms and were soon assigned their first mission. Upon reading the mission details, both of them were stunned.