The Hokage's office was quiet when the summons arrived.
Three shinobi stood before the desk of the Third Hokage inside the tower of Konohagakure.
Behind the desk, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat calmly, pipe resting in his hand.
The Hokage studied the three of them for a moment. Three prodigies.
Three shinobi who had already seen more war than most men twice their age. Then Hiruzen spoke.
"You're probably wondering why I called you here."
Shisui grinned. "I had a few guesses." Kakashi didn't say anything. Shinji remained silent.
Hiruzen exhaled a small cloud of smoke. "The war is over." "But peace does not mean danger disappears."
He leaned forward slightly. "There are still threats that require… discretion."
Shisui tilted his head. "ANBU work."
Hiruzen nodded. "Yes."
He gestured toward the door behind them. "And you won't be working alone."
The door opened. A tall shinobi stepped inside.
He wore the standard ANBU uniform, though the mask covering his face gave him a far more intimidating appearance than most.
Scars lined the visible parts of his jaw and neck. He walked forward slowly. Then stopped beside the three younger shinobi.
Hiruzen spoke calmly. "This is Ibiki Morino." "The captain of this unit."
Ibiki removed his ANBU mask.
Shisui gave a small whistle. "Well." "That's a welcoming face."
Shinji stepped forward slightly. "Captain."
Ibiki studied him for a moment. Then nodded back. "Hokage's disciple."
Hiruzen allowed himself a faint smile. "Yes."
He stood from his chair and walked around the desk.
"This squad exists for a reason." He looked at each of them in turn. "Shinji Uchiha." "Strategic thinker. Calm under pressure." "Shisui Uchiha." "Unmatched speed and genjutsu." "Kakashi Hatake." "Battlefield prodigy and tactical specialist."
Finally he gestured toward Ibiki. "And Captain Morino." "Interrogation specialist." "A shinobi who understands the enemy better than most."
He folded his hands behind his back. "Each of you excels in different areas." "But together". "You cover each other's weaknesses."
Shisui broke the silence. "So we're a squad now?"
Ibiki answered this time. "Yes." "And we start today."
The training fields of Konohagakure were mostly empty by the time the squad arrived. Ibiki stood at the center of the field with his arms crossed.
The three younger shinobi stood before him.
"First rule." "No egos."
Shisui raised a hand. "That might be difficult."
Ibiki ignored him. "You may all be prodigies."
"But a squad survives through coordination."
His eyes shifted toward Shinji. "You'll run point in most missions."
Shisui grinned. "Knew it."
Ibiki continued. "Kakashi handles tactical adjustments."
Ibiki looked at Shisui. "You handle speed operations and scouting."
Shisui saluted lazily. "Yes, captain."
Ibiki cracked his neck once. "Now we see how well you work together."
He pointed toward the forest surrounding the training field.
"Drill one." "Capture the captain."
Shisui blinked. "You?"
Ibiki nodded. "You have ten minutes." Then he disappeared.
The three shinobi stared at the empty space. Shisui laughed. "Oh this is going to be fun."
Kakashi was already analyzing the tree line. "Ten minutes."
Shinji's Sharingan activated quietly. "Let's move."
They moved through the forest quickly. Shisui vanished into the branches above. Kakashi moved along the ground. Shinji advanced through the center.
Minutes passed.
Shisui's voice suddenly echoed softly through the trees. "Found him."
A moment later the forest exploded with movement. Shisui struck first. A blur of speed. Ibiki blocked easily.
Kakashi followed immediately with a coordinated strike from the flank. Ibiki countered again.
Then Shinji arrived. The three attacks landed almost simultaneously.
Ibiki blocked two. The third forced him backward.
He landed lightly on a tree branch. His eyes showed the faintest hint of approval.
"Better than expected."
Shisui grinned. "Thanks."
Ibiki dropped back to the ground.
"Drill two."
"Sparring."
The next hour turned into controlled chaos. Kakashi and Shinji sparred first.
Their movements were precise and efficient. Steel clashed again and again as kunai struck with practiced accuracy.
Shisui watched from the sidelines. "Two strategy nerds fighting."
Ibiki glanced at him. "Your turn next."
Shisui grinned. "Finally."
He stepped into the field.
Moments later the spar became a blur. Shisui's speed forced both Kakashi and Shinji to adapt quickly. Even Ibiki watched closely.
The coordination between the three was rough at first. But slowly They began adjusting.
By the end of the session they were moving almost instinctively around each other.
Ibiki finally raised a hand. "Enough."
The three shinobi stopped.
"It will work."
Shisui stretched his arms. "High praise."
Ibiki looked toward Shinji. "You'll need to keep them focused."
Shinji smirked faintly. "I noticed."
Kakashi finally spoke. "What do we call this squad?"
Ibiki turned toward the forest. Then answered calmly. "You don't."
They looked at him.
Ibiki's voice remained steady. "Our missions won't officially exist." He glanced back at them. "And neither will we."
For a moment, none of them spoke.
Then Shisui grinned. "Well." "Sounds fun."