Clang! The Zanpakutō plunged into the ground.
The gourd at his waist was lifted high as he took a deep, unrestrained drink. In that moment, the boy's boldness drew quiet admiration from the gathered ninjas. That kind of carefree confidence was something they all envied but rarely managed to embody.
"Haah."
Lowering the gourd, Hakken glanced around. It was clear—the ANBU members were stunned into silence. And that was exactly what he wanted.
"Allow me to introduce myself."
Leaning casually against his blade, Hakken's youthful voice carried across the field with unexpected strength.
"Hakken Yoru."
"Codename: Owl. Member of the Night Owls. From today onward, I am also your direct superior."
"The sole ANBU Commander of Konoha!"
ANBU Commander!
When those words left the young man's mouth, the entire training ground fell silent. Through the countless masks, Hakken could almost see the turbulence in their hearts—shock, doubt, and confusion swirling together.
News of his appointment hadn't yet spread through the entire ANBU, so a few being unaware was understandable. But now, not one dared to question his identity. His brutal training alone was enough to silence any whisper of doubt.
Still, Hakken knew intimidation alone wasn't true control. To truly command the ANBU, he needed more than power—he had to show them real change in their standing.
"Today, I've gathered you all to discuss three matters."
"First, the ANBU restructuring. The detailed plan and measures will be distributed later by Tenzō, but I can share a bit in advance."
Still leaning against his Zanpakutō, Hakken drew a folded document from his chest.
"For example, starting today, any ninja injured during a mission will have all post-mission living expenses covered by Konoha. Those who fall in battle will have their families receive triple the former compensation, and their names will be engraved on the Wall of Honor currently being built in the village center."
"Furthermore, those who make outstanding contributions will also have their names carved onto that wall. In short…"
Hakken raised his hand and pointed toward the sky.
"You will no longer be nameless shadows. From now on, you will be heroes admired by the village!"
His ears twitched slightly as a faint smile touched his lips—he could already hear the quickened breaths among the masked crowd. But this was only the beginning.
"Second, from this moment on, the entire department answers directly to me. Aside from me and the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, you are to follow no one else's orders. This time, I mean absolutely no one."
His firm, unwavering words made the ANBU widen their eyes.
Everyone who had served in the ANBU understood the truth—though officially the Hokage's direct unit, their actual status was often lower than that of ordinary ninjas from powerful clans. Some were even ordered by high-ranking officials to serve as personal guards outside their mansions.
A simple example: Hakken had seen those two Hokage advisors barking orders at ANBU operatives, even assigning unpaid missions.
He would never allow that to happen again!
"On this point, you need not harbor any doubts."
"From now on, if anyone dares to interfere, report it directly to me! The ANBU are Konoha's ANBU, the Hokage's ANBU, my ANBU. There's no room for others to lord it over us. Heroes who sacrifice their lives for the village have no reason to be anyone's lapdogs."
"Second, to elevate the status of ANBU ninja! This is precisely what these individuals truly need—recognition, a sense of belonging!"
Sure enough, after Hakken finished speaking, many ANBU ninja's eyes turned red. They had waited far too long for this recognition.
"Third, the ANBU keeps no idle hands and tolerates no useless members. Starting today, we implement an elimination system with quarterly evaluations."
"The criteria will be: mission completion rate, mission difficulty level, attitude as an ANBU ninja, and most crucially, combat prowess. However, regarding combat strength—since everyone's natural talent varies—the ANBU will establish specialized internal divisions. If you prove sufficiently exceptional, you needn't fear elimination."
"This matter will be entrusted to Senior Shinku Yūhi."
Hakken's gaze toward Shinku Yūhi carried a clear implication. As a senior member of the ANBU, Shinku Yūhi commanded considerable respect. Hakken had no reason to let him go. Moreover, this third point required someone to implement the specific policies.
As he stated, the ANBU had no need for useless or complacent individuals. From now on, they would forge a true elite assassination unit—a force worthy of the name. The title of ANBU ninja would no longer be a commonplace badge anyone could earn through mere experience.
Assessments were an absolutely essential step, instilling a tangible sense of urgency in these individuals. Glory was something to be earned through hard work, not something to coast by on.
"Understood, sir."
Shinku Yūhi nodded, the word "sir" spoken without the slightest hesitation. For these three points alone were enough to inspire utter admiration. The youth before him had perfectly grasped what the ANBU ninja truly desired. He uttered that word "subordinate" willingly.
"Oh, right. I recall there are three hundred and seventy-six ANBU ninja officially registered. Just now, I counted only three hundred and fifty present."
As if remembering something, Hakken tilted his head and looked at Yamato.
"Tenzō, go inform those men. Starting tomorrow, they need not report for duty at the ANBU."
Yamato nodded awkwardly. He understood the mindset of those who hadn't shown up—most likely, they simply looked down on this newly appointed ANBU Commander.
But regardless, ANBU ninjas were still ninjas. As ninjas, the mere act of ignoring a roll call order was enough to get them dismissed outright. Merely relieving them of their posts was already lenient.
"Additionally, regarding decision-making during missions."
Shouldering his Zanpakutō, Hakken yawned.
"As ANBU Commander, I will not tolerate anyone in my team abandoning comrades for the sake of a mission, or deliberately framing them for the mission."
"Should I discover such conduct, I will personally chop their body to pieces."
Hum!
A terrifying spiritual pressure and a sky-filling killing intent swept across the entire training ground. In the blink of an eye, the back of every ANBU ninja was drenched in cold sweat.
Where did a mere youth get such terrifying presence? Simply raising his sword allowed them to hear the wails of tormented souls!
Normal Slash trait—Souls Under the Blade activated successfully!
This move was truly effective. Hakken understood well that appropriate intimidation bolstered his authority.
But scaring them just by letting them watch his training? Forget it. This wasn't some child's play.
"Assemble at the same time tomorrow for the first round of assessment tests. Those who pass will receive personal sword training from me. Go back and prepare thoroughly."
"A month from now, we'll undertake a group mission. This mission gives you the chance to carve your names onto the Wall of Honor!"
"Dismissed!"
...
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