How did Kakashi figure it out?
The answer lies in the codename.
The codenames for the Anbu under the Hokage lineage are typically named after some characteristic or symbolic aspect of the member.
For example, "Elephant," "Antelope," and "Tenzo."
(Note: The commentator during the Third Hokage vs. Orochimaru fight; the female Anbu who resembles Yūgao Uzuki during Pain's confrontation with Tsunade; and the architect Yamato.)
At the very least, the codename "Jiu" clearly isn't in the style of the Hokage lineage.
"You're right, senior."
Amane openly admitted this, showing no embarrassment at being exposed.
"..."
Kakashi felt momentarily at a loss for words.
He had dealt with many Root members before, but this was the first time he had encountered someone like Amane. Did she not know how... infamous Danzo was in Konoha?
But wait. After the Uchiha clan massacre, wasn't Root disbanded by the Third Hokage?
Could Danzo be secretly up to something?
Kakashi had many questions, and Amane's appearance made him feel that things had become more complicated.
"Anyway, thank you for your help. Even if you really are that man's subordinate, you're still a member of Konoha."
Amane nodded, accepting the gratitude.
"I just happened to be passing by. And among these three, at least... I think even if that man himself were here, he would have chosen to intervene."
[If he really came, he'd probably secretly protect Naruto and Sasuke, and eliminate everyone else.]
Kakashi thought to himself. But Amane's hint that she knew Naruto was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and couldn't be harmed further confirmed her identity as a Root member.
And her rank might not be low.
So now, should this mission continue?
Kakashi glanced at Naruto, who had just learned what Anbu was and was discussing the role with Sasuke and Sakura inside the Barrier, and at the client, who had stood up but seemed dejected. He sighed softly.
They would absolutely refuse to give up.
His three subordinates.
And that included himself, of course.
However, Kakashi's reason wasn't just about sticking to a mission even if it was a trap. It was that this mission was an excellent "whetstone."
Not just for combat will, but also for Ninja ethics.
But if Zabuza attacked again, excluding this interfering Root member, their combat strength would be quite insufficient.
The harsh education from childhood in the Hidden Mist Village meant Naruto and the other two were currently at a disadvantage.
And even if they sent for reinforcements now, there was no guarantee they would arrive in time.
So, for the greater good and to prevent significant losses to the Village, he should indeed abandon this mission with a firm stance.
"Senior Kakashi, I think I know what you're considering. What I can say is, I'm in a state where my mission is already complete."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. He understood the implication perfectly. If Amane weren't from Root but from the Hokage's Anbu lineage, he would have agreed immediately.
"Give me a reason to trust you."
Kakashi said.
"Of course. You're wondering if this mission has been a setup from the start, right?"
Kakashi remained silent, waiting for Amane to provide an explanation.
It was a consensus among Konoha Ninja.
Once something involved Danzo and his Root, it was more dangerous than being surrounded by enemy Ninja.
"Don't pretend. You already trust me to some extent, don't you? What do you think would have happened if I had chosen to only save Naruto and Sasuke earlier?"
This echoed exactly what Kakashi had thought earlier about what Danzo would do.
Thus, Kakashi was convinced.
Danzo was indeed scum, but his Root subordinates weren't necessarily all birds of a feather, just like Yamato, whom he knew.
And... Kakashi pretended to glance inside the Barrier again, actually observing the Barrier itself.
This Root member seemed to know too many things, all at an expert level. Her arrival likely wasn't a coincidence.
[Needs further confirmation.]
Kakashi thought to himself.
"R-Really?! You're still willing to continue the mission?"
Tazuna's expression was one of disbelief. If these Ninja had helped after he explained the situation when they were attacked earlier, it was out of kindness.
But after nearly dying, why would they still choose to see this mission through?
"Because we have unexpected reinforcements."
Amane, wearing a black robe, waved at Tazuna.
"You don't have any objections, do you?"
Kakashi looked at the three youngsters, phrasing it as a question but with a tone of certainty.
"Of course not! Since I promised Grandpa Tazuna, I'll see it through to the end. Keeping my word is my Ninja way, dattebayo!"
Naruto replied energetically.
Sasuke flashed a confident, handsome smile.
Sakura looked somewhat flustered, instinctively covering her abdomen. But seeing her teammates agree and probably considering that the team now had another Jonin-level member, she nodded in affirmation.
Sakura's character was quite ordinary, and she was the only one who had truly almost died earlier, so her reaction was normal.
"You..."
Tears welled in Tazuna's eyes. He genuinely felt he had met good people.
And so, the mission continued with one additional member joining midway.
Under her mask, Amane wore a "mission accomplished" expression.
[An unexpected event led to unforeseen good luck. I was originally thinking of finding a chance to contact Kakashi secretly, but I never imagined I could directly join Team 7 on a mission as a Root member.]
Amane thought happily to herself.
Why had she come to find Kakashi at this time?
It certainly wasn't because Amane couldn't hold back anymore and wanted to reunite with Naruto and have Kakashi take her back to Konoha.
That would bring too many consequences and risks!
What Amane really wanted to do was, first, to assess what kind of person Kakashi was.
After confirming this, Amane would adjust the other purpose of her trip based on the outcome.
If things went smoothly... "Hey, Jiu."
A lively voice interrupted Amane's thoughts, and it was obvious who it belonged to.
Seeing Amane turn her masked face toward him, Naruto continued happily:
"Earlier, you just waved your hand and created such a powerful storm. How did you do that?"
So he was asking about Ninjutsu.
Amane thought for a moment, then showed her fair hand and said, "By converting Chakra into the wind nature and then releasing it."
As she spoke, she gently placed a leaf she had casually plucked in her hand, and with just a touch, it shattered!
Naruto exclaimed how amazing it was several times, then asked if he could learn it.
Well, it had to be said.
Naruto did have the potential to master this technique.
Amane had Hashirama cells for rapid recovery, and Naruto had the Nine-Tails inside him!
So Amane nodded.
Then Naruto got excited and started asking if she could teach him. Amane nodded again, and Naruto immediately shouted "Great!" before giving Sasuke a challenging look.
Sasuke just snorted, ignoring Naruto.
He had received a proper education and excelled in school. He knew perfectly well how dangerous it was, even though Amane made her technique sound simple.
But because of this, Sasuke occasionally looked at Amane with a hint of admiration.
"You can learn it, but you need to complete some preparatory work first. You can't do it as you are now."
Amane's words poured cold water on Naruto's enthusiasm.
"What kind of conditions?"
"Complete two basic Chakra control exercises, master wind Nature Transformation of Chakra, and then you can learn my technique."
Amane explained the preparatory work in detail, and Naruto, her blond older brother, didn't know any of these three points.
The basic Chakra exercises were one thing.
Amane noticed that when she mentioned Nature Transformation, neither Sakura nor Sasuke looked surprised.
Sasuke was understandable, but Sakura was truly a civilian, so the only possibility was that Naruto didn't know.
Amane couldn't help but subconsciously remark, "Didn't the Ninja Academy teach this?"
Naruto's eyes darted around, making Sakura giggle beside him.
So Amane sighed and explained the five basic Chakra natures and the yin-yang natures to Naruto.
"Why can wind counter lightning?" Naruto asked.
"Because lightning is characterized by fast, precise, and penetrating strikes, while wind involves wide-range cutting. Their compatibility in a clash is poor."
Amane answered.
"Then why can lightning counter earth?" Naruto continued.
"Fast, precise thrusts can naturally penetrate soil, whereas slashing effects are much less effective in comparison."
Amane continued answering.
"Then..."
Naruto practically turned into a "hundred thousand whys," quickly exhausting Amane.
[When Kakashi tutored him later, he didn't have this much trouble understanding...]
Amane was somewhat puzzled.
Kakashi, who had been paying attention to the commotion behind him, sensed something unusual.
Both Naruto and Jiu seemed a bit off.
Naruto might not have high emotional intelligence, but he wasn't so slow as to not realize he was being annoying.
Even with her voice disguised, Kakashi could sense this Root member's exasperation.
But strangely, he didn't perceive any genuine annoyance from her?
[It seems I can't draw a conclusion yet.]
Kakashi pondered.
By the time they reached client Tazuna's doorstep, Naruto was still pestering Amane with questions. The latter was finally fed up.
Although Amane guessed that Naruto probably just wanted to chat with her more, it was still annoying.
So, under the pretext of sparring, Amane established the pecking order in front of Kakashi and the other two teammates.
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