Naruto and Sasuke stepped forward without hesitation as Yamato unfurled two pristine ANBU registration scrolls on his desk.
His pen glided across the parchment, as he recorded their names, chakra signatures, and temporary identification numbers. A sharp crack echoed as he stamped the final seal.
"That's it," Yamato said. "You're now officially part of this operation."
A pair of ANBU operatives entered, each of them carrying black uniforms, lightweight vests, and freshly carved animal-themed masks. One handed a fox-like mask to Naruto, the other passed a hawk-shaped one to Sasuke.
Naruto reached out and took the uniform, holding the mask with a curious look on his face.
"Whoa… this is real ANBU gear?" he asked in a low voice.
"Welcome to the black ops," Kakashi said, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall, watching the two admire the gear.
"It's not just gear. It's a mindset." Kakashi continued.
Naruto slipped into the dark, sleeveless undershirt and light chest armor. The fabric felt snug and secure, but foreign, less like a uniform and more like a skin he hadn't grown into yet. He stared at the fox mask a moment, then held it up to his face.
"I look pretty cool, huh?" he joked, but his voice was quieter than usual. There was a hint of awe beneath the usual smile.
Sasuke, already adjusting his gloves and strapping the shoulder plates, didn't say much. His movements were precise and silent, almost like this was the role he was born to play. When he finally slid on the hawk mask, only his coal-black eyes remained visible, cold and focused.
Kakashi watched both of them closely.
'They've grown so much,' he thought. But this isn't a test. It's a lesson. One that'll stay with them forever.
Tenzo came around the desk and gave each of them a once-over.
"They'll pass for rookies," he said. "But keep them out of direct conflict."
"They're observing more than engaging, unless absolutely necessary." Kakashi nodded.
"I hope they're ready. Because this mission isn't exactly… normal."
"That's putting it mildly," Kakashi smirked.
….
Mission Briefing Room
The lights were dim. A long scroll-covered table stood at the center with a map spread across its surface. Red markings traced through the Land of Sound and into the border region, deep into the domain Orochimaru ruled in secret.
Tenzo pointed at one circle. "This is our first target. A subterranean lab about three levels deep, built into the roots of a dead forest. According to what we know through the Orochimaru clone, no known guards, but we believe the lab may be protected by sentient traps, automated systems that respond to chakra and blood."
"Sounds friendly," Naruto muttered.
"We'll approach from the southeast ridge using cloaking genjutsu," Tenzo continued. "Then enter from the ventilation tunnel, drop through the upper chamber, and secure any scrolls, research notes, and biological samples. Priority is genetic research, anything marked with the Kanji for 'Soul' or 'Serpent.'"
A side door opened, and four ANBU operatives entered, each wearing sleek armor and emotionless masks.
Tenzo introduced them briskly:
"Mantis," a tall, wiry man with spiked silver hair. Known for silent takedowns and insect-like agility.
"Crane," a graceful kunoichi with flawless posture and a wind affinity. She never speaks on missions.
"Ghost," the team's sensor-nin, dressed in darker hues. Known for tracking chakra signatures through stone.
"And finally, Ox," a muscular juggernaut with a bullhorn mask and explosive strength. If stealth fails, he's the hammer.
Sasuke examined each of them silently. Naruto gave a short nod to Ghost, impressed by the silent intensity of the group.
"And I assume… he's coming too?" Tenzo glanced at Kakashi.
"Of course." Kakashi gave a small nod.
From the hallway behind him, soft footsteps echoed. Entering with deliberate grace came a figure in regal black robes and pale skin—eyes golden like sunlight cutting through venom.
The second Orochimaru.
Unlike the original, this version moved like a sage. His hair was tied into a high knot, and his robes were embroidered with subtle serpent scales in silver thread. He gave a polite bow to the group.
"A pleasure, Captain Tenzo. I am honored to assist," he said in a silky tone.
"You… really created him?" Tenzo visibly tensed. Although Kakashi informed him in advance, he still felt nervous facing the clone of the man who experimented on him.
"I did," Kakashi answered calmly. "A fragment of the original's soul captured and purified with a Soul Binding Seal made by me. He's loyal to me. He can't disobey or betray us."
Naruto and Sasuke didn't flinch, having already met this Orochimaru before. They regarded him more like a living library than a person.
"He 'built' these labs," Kakashi added. "He's the best guide we've got."
The elegant Orochimaru gave a small smile. "And I know where my other self keeps his most dangerous secrets. I would not recommend setting off any traps related to 'Subject V.' As far as i remember… well. Let's just say there was a melting incident."
"…Melting?" Naruto whispered.
"We'll be careful." Kakashi cleared his throat.
….
The team gathered at the edge of the forest just outside the village wall. The wind rustled the trees gently, and the morning sun peeked over the mountains.
Their dark armor made them look like shadows with eyes, only the animal masks breaking the human outline.
Kakashi adjusted his gloves, his voice low and steady. "Final check. Chakra suppression seals are active. No leaks. We move silently, we move fast. If anything seems off, trap, jutsu, scent, you say something immediately. We don't underestimate the Sannin. Even the one we're robbing."
Ox gave a thumbs-up. Ghost simply nodded. Crane vanished into a flicker of wind, scouting ahead.
"What's 'Subject V?'" Sasuke whispered to Kakashi,
Kakashi replied without looking at him. "One of Orochimaru's early experiments. He considered it a failure. That's all you need to know, just don't open any canisters with that marking."
Sasuke nodded once.
"You sure we're ready for this?" Naruto stepped beside Kakashi, adjusting his fox mask.
Kakashi looked at him for a moment. "No one's ever truly ready for the ANBU life. You endure it. And you grow from it."
"Got it." Naruto took a deep breath.
Tenzo gave the signal.
The ANBU squad vanished in a flurry of sunshine flickers, disappearing into the trees one by one. The second Orochimaru, despite his flowing robes, moved as effortlessly as a shadow. Kakashi followed, with Naruto and Sasuke close behind.
As they raced through the forest, the world seemed to quiet.