Mizuhara Aran slowly closed his eyes…
The air in the room grew still, heavy with tension.
It was only after quite some time that Ibiki finally opened his eyes, signaling that his search was complete. His face, however, was shadowed with deep confusion.
Just moments ago, he had used one of the ANBU's exclusive techniques — a soul-searching method that allowed him to pull fragments of memory directly from a subject's mind, bypassing lies and deception. With it, he could obtain precise intel in an instant.
Yet what puzzled him was that no matter how deeply he searched, he couldn't find a single piece of useful information in the boy's mind.
The only clear memory was from just two hours ago, when ANBU had captured him on the outskirts of the village. Beyond that? Nothing of value at all.
Ibiki's gaze lingered on the young man who called himself Aran.
Could it be… this kid has lost his memory? Or maybe he really is a war orphan who's forcibly forgotten everything before now?
The thought wasn't unfounded — he could sense that Aran hadn't resisted his jutsu in the slightest. On the contrary, the boy had cooperated completely.
Aran opened his eyes as well, meeting Ibiki's stare without flinching.
Looking into those clear, unguarded eyes, Ibiki let out a quiet sigh."...Seems I really did wrong you."
…
Aran rolled his eyes. "Then why don't you hurry up and let me go?"
At that, a flicker of embarrassment crossed Ibiki's face. Bringing his hands together in a quick seal, the restraints vanished instantly. The oppressive metal cage dissolved, and the scene shifted back to the small, dark interrogation room Aran had first entered.
Aran stretched lazily in his chair before turning to ask, "So… I can leave now, right?"
"Of course," Ibiki replied evenly. "You're free to go whenever you like."
"Oh!"
Aran answered loudly and purposefully, then strode toward the door in long, eager steps. Staying in that stifling little room a second longer was the last thing he wanted.
"Kid, wait a moment."
Ibiki's voice called out from behind.
With visible annoyance, Aran turned back. "What now, Ibiki-aniki?"
"…Huh?" Ibiki blinked. "How do you know my name?"
Aran cursed inwardly for letting that slip. He forced a casual reply."Oh, that? I overheard a few ANBU guys mentioning it when I was on the way here."
"…Mm."
Ibiki didn't press the matter. Instead, he said, "The reason I stopped you is to tell you this — from now on, you're part of Konohagakure. I'll be informing the Third Hokage about you. Rest assured, he'll arrange a place for you to live. And if you ever run into trouble, just give my name. The ANBU Interrogation Division will always welcome you."
Ding!
[System Notification: Congratulations, Host — you have completed a hidden task! Reward unlocked: Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet.]
Aran froze for a second.
"…So he's officially acknowledging me now?"
He hadn't expected Ibiki's attitude to change so drastically in just a short time — to go from a suspicious interrogator to someone openly welcoming him to the ANBU's ranks.
Truth be told, Aran had never harbored any ill will toward Ibiki. On the contrary, he had a certain respect for the man's sense of justice and straightforward, no-nonsense nature.
"Thanks, Ibiki-aniki. I'll seriously consider it," Aran said, smiling for the first time.
Ibiki remained where he was, watching Aran's back as he walked away. He had no real intention of forcing the boy to join the ANBU — he simply saw him as someone with great potential.
After all, that calm, unshakable composure wasn't something just anyone could possess.