Early morning. The sky had only just begun to brighten.
Right on schedule, Uchiha Tobirama lifted Konan out from under her blankets.
"Mmm… Master… five more minutes…"
Konan rubbed her sleepy eyes, her short blue-purple hair sticking up messily like a ruffled kitten. After finally finding a place to belong, she had slept far too deeply.
"There's no sleeping in for a shinobi," Tobirama said flatly.
He pressed a warm towel straight onto her face.
"Wash up, eat, and be ready for special training in ten minutes."
---
Ten minutes later.
Konan sat obediently cross-legged on the carpet. She was still yawning, but her expression had already turned serious.
"Listen carefully," Tobirama said. "Chakra is the fusion of physical energy and spiritual energy."
He stepped behind her and placed one hand against her slender back.
"Close your eyes and follow my guidance."
A gentle stream of chakra flowed from his palm, slowly entering Konan's meridians. It felt warm, faintly tingling.
She instinctively shrank her shoulders, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Master's hand… it's so warm…
"Focus," Tobirama said sharply. "Grasp that sensation and refine it yourself."
Startled, Konan immediately calmed her thoughts.
As expected of the future "Angel," her talent was exceptional.
Only five minutes passed.
Buzz.
A pale blue ripple of chakra surged out from Konan's body on its own. It was weak, but astonishingly pure.
"I did it!"
Konan sprang to her feet, eyes shining as she looked at Tobirama like she was offering a priceless treasure.
"Master! I did it! I have chakra!"
Tobirama withdrew his hand, genuine approval flashing through his eyes.
Ordinary people took days to refine chakra for the first time. She had done it in minutes.
"Well done."
He smiled and rubbed her head, smoothing her messy hair.
"As expected of the disciple I chose. You didn't embarrass me."
Praised by him—and treated so gently—Konan's face turned red as an apple. Her heart felt warm and light.
"Master… what do I learn next?"
Her orange eyes sparkled with eagerness.
"No rush. Start with the Three Basic Techniques."
Tobirama pulled a beginner scroll from the shelf and tossed it to her.
"Practice on your own. I have official business to handle."
"And if you haven't learned the Transformation Technique by the time I get back—tonight's good food is canceled."
"Eh?!"
At the mention of losing dinner, Konan's expression collapsed. Hugging the scroll tightly, she scurried to a corner and began studying with desperate intensity.
---
Hidden Rain Village — Temporary Command Center.
"Tobirama."
A man with pineapple-shaped hair and several scars approached.
Nara Shikaku, Konoha's chief strategist and acting front-line commander.
"The Hokage's latest orders have arrived."
He handed over a scroll, his expression subtly strained.
"By unanimous decision of the high council, in recognition of your outstanding military achievements, you are hereby promoted to Anbu Squad Leader."
"Choose a codename and return to the village immediately to report and receive further deployment."
Tobirama skimmed the scroll. A cold smile tugged at his lips.
Anbu.
A promotion in name—demotion in reality.
Masks. No identity. No presence in the light. And "return immediately"?
They feared his influence on the front lines was too great.
"Old Monkey… you really did the math," Tobirama murmured.
With Hanzo dead, did the Land of Lightning or the Land of Earth really intend to leave the Land of Rain alone?
War was inevitable. When the front lines collapsed, Hiruzen Sarutobi would have no choice but to call him back.
"Senior Shikaku," Tobirama said lightly, tossing the scroll aside, "I've received the order."
"But I still have some personal matters to take care of here."
"As for returning to the village—I'll speak to the Hokage myself."
Shikaku froze. "Personally? But the distance—"
"No need to worry," Tobirama interrupted calmly. "Just focus on your work."
Shikaku sighed inwardly.
Uchiha geniuses were never easy to manage.
---
Moments later, Tsunade stormed in.
"I heard the old man wants you back in the village to join the Anbu."
She frowned. "That place isn't for you. If you want to refuse, I'll talk to him myself."
"No need."
Tobirama stepped closer and casually adjusted her slightly crooked forehead protector, the gesture natural—almost intimate.
"Going back is fine. I could use a short break anyway."
"And joining the Anbu isn't necessarily bad… as long as the price is right."
Tsunade met his gaze, her face warming, yet she didn't move away.
"As long as you know what you're doing."
Tobirama leaned in, lowering his voice.
"To celebrate my promotion… how about a drink tonight?"
Tsunade's heart skipped.
"You—!"
She bit her lip, then turned away sharply.
"Hmph. Depends on my mood!"
She walked out quickly, her steps just a little too hurried.
"Don't forget the sake!" she added over her shoulder.
Tobirama's laughter echoed behind her.
---
After settling matters, Tobirama found a quiet corner.
He drew out a specially marked Flying Thunder God kunai.
Since mastering the technique, he had already placed marks throughout the shinobi world. The Land of Fire, naturally, was fully covered.
"Flying Thunder God Technique."
Flash.
His figure vanished.
---
Konoha Village — Hokage Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was reviewing documents when space rippled without warning.
A figure appeared instantly, sitting atop the pile of paperwork.
"Yo, Hokage-sama. What's got your full attention?"
"Tobirama?!"
Hiruzen's pupils contracted.
The front lines were days away—and yet—
"So fast…" he muttered.
Suppressing his shock, he put on his usual benevolent expression.
"It's good that you're back. Your achievements in the Land of Rain greatly enhanced Konoha's prestige."
"Entering the Anbu is also for your growth. You're still young, after all…"
Tobirama cut him off.
"That's enough, Third-sama."
He casually picked up the pipe on the desk.
"Let's skip the speeches."
"You want me in the Anbu? Fine."
"You want to suppress my influence? Fine."
"But—"
His eyes turned into the three-tomoe Sharingan as he leaned forward.
"This isn't enough to make me obedient."
The room went silent.
Hiruzen waved off the hidden Anbu and stared at the boy before him.
Too sharp.
Too dangerous.
"…Then what do you want?" he asked cautiously.
Tobirama smiled and raised three fingers.
"First. Absolute autonomy over my Anbu unit—my people, my rules."
"Second. Absolute freedom. No one in the village may command or restrict me."
"Third."
His gaze sharpened.
"The village must officially recognize me as Head of the Military Police Force. The Uchiha Police are to act first and report later."
"If you agree."
"I'll be the sharpest blade in your hand."
"Otherwise…"
He stood and patted the documents beneath him.
"I refuse all Hokage orders—and what happens after that isn't guaranteed."
A naked threat.
Hiruzen clenched his pipe.
Every condition crossed his bottom line—especially the expansion of Uchiha authority.
But could he refuse?
After a long silence, he exhaled heavily, seeming to age years in an instant.
"…Fine," Hiruzen said at last.
"I agree."