Really, after finally taking some time to relax, is there another mission?
Could it be that some villagers somewhere are causing trouble with drinking again, and the Anbu needs to be sent for mediation?
Doing this all the time, Kakashi is starting to feel a bit fed up.
Being part of the Anbu, handling these trivial matters all the time feels like a waste of talent.
The Uchiha Clan being wiped out has led to the security system's weaknesses being exposed.
"Tenzo, what's going on?"
Kakashi walked over and asked.
Tenzo replied, "Captain Kakashi, you really know how to slack off. We're all terribly busy here."
"I just came out to buy some things, so what's happening, is there a problem somewhere again?"
Kakashi scratched his head helplessly.
"No, the Hokage wants to see you, apparently there's something they need to tell you."
Tenzo came over to deliver the order.
"The Hokage? Got it."
Kakashi put away his "Icha Icha Paradise" in his Ninja Tool Bag for safekeeping; since it's a command from the Hokage, there's no way to keep slacking off.
Immediately, Kakashi turned his head and said to Guy, "Well, Guy, I'm heading over first."
"No problem, Kakashi. Anbu work is important. If you want to spar, you can come find me anytime. Youth does not allow laziness!"
Guy gave Kakashi a thumbs-up, flashing teeth that sparkled, encouraging Kakashi to give his all at work.
"I already said it's not to spar... well, as long as you can see it that way, that's good."
Kakashi replied Guy perfunctorily, then left the forest with Tenzo.
Guy watched Kakashi's departing figure and murmured to himself, "See it that way?"
Then he pulled out a smile from the corner of his mouth.
The feeling of being cared for by a friend is quite nice.
"Great, let's complete today's training with this momentum! Next is running twenty laps around the village at full speed. If you can't finish, increase it to fifty laps!"
Guy slapped his own face, his eyes shining with enthusiastic and intense fighting spirit.
◎
"Anbu... Minister? You want me to take on the position?"
In the office, Kakashi reconfirmed Hiruzen's words, seemingly a bit incredulous.
He had joined the Anbu for about eight years, during the Fourth Hokage's leadership period, he was already a member of the Anbu.
And he quickly took on the role of Squad Leader.
Later, when the Third Hokage regained power, he was the first from the new generation of Anbu to become a Sub-Captain.
His promotion was second only to the previous defector, Uchiha Itachi.
However, Sub-Captain and Anbu Minister are two completely different concepts.
Because the Anbu Minister has significant power, capable of, to a certain extent, replacing the Hokage and completely controlling the Anbu organization.
The Anbu has more than seventy people; seventy are just responsible for actual operations. Counting trainers and those managing logistics, the number is even larger.
It can be said that the Anbu Minister position is comparable to that of Jonin Squad Leader.
Even more, it is closer to the privileged class.
Without a doubt, this is a position already at the core of Konoha.
That's precisely why, during the Third Hokage's leadership period, the position of Anbu Minister was always held by a ninja from the Sarutobi Clan, ensuring Anbu's absolute loyalty to the Third Hokage.
If Anbu encounters loyalty issues, the consequences could be dire.
That's why Kakashi felt incredulous.
"With Ryu and Linko's sacrifice, only you can shoulder the heavy responsibility of Anbu in its current state. Do not refuse this proposal, Kakashi."
If Sarutobi Ryu and Sarutobi Linko hadn't died on the battlefield in the Land of Wind, Hiruzen naturally wouldn't be replacing the Anbu Minister at this time.
But the reality is cruel, his eldest son and daughter-in-law have already perished on the battlefield, and Anbu cannot be left leaderless.
Plus, he's preparing to pass the position of the next Hokage to Tsunade, waiting for Jiraiya to be fully prepared for the Hokage transition.
In this way, the Anbu Minister can't be selected again from the Sarutobi Clan.
Kakashi would be the sharp blade he leaves for Tsunade.
Internally and externally, a force of deterrence.
When Tsunade comes to power, she can quickly grasp the Anbu's power and ensure no policy implementation error occurs.
Faced with Hiruzen's earnest request, Kakashi sighed, nodded, and said with a wry smile, "I understand, Hokage-sama, though my capabilities aren't comparable to Minister Ryu's, since you trust me so much, I will strive to fulfill my duties as Anbu Minister."
Rather than proactively accepting, Kakashi at this moment seems more like passively inheriting the role of Anbu Minister.
He didn't know what Hiruzen's motivation was for gifting him such a prestigious position, but if he could leverage this office to fully enter the core of Konoha, then his long-standing efforts would not be in vain.
"I won't say much about guidance; Kakashi, you've been in the Anbu for nearly ten years, and are already adept with Anbu's various affairs. Next, there's one more task for you to do; it's your first mission as Anbu Minister."
Hiruzen's expression turned serious.
"Please proceed, Hokage-sama."
Kakashi immediately switched into Anbu Minister mode.
The change in identity also meant he was drawing closer to his 'goal.'