Hearing Fox's respectful attitude, Lynx felt rather pleased.
After confirming that none of the other squad leaders objected, Lynx said, "Wildcat, come with me. We're heading to the Land of Grass."
Yako left Lynx's office together with the other two squad leaders.
Black Ant was a special case — normally he followed only the Hokage's orders — yet he had still been summoned back to listen to the Deputy Commander's lecture.
Golden Eagle bore the heaviest mission load; changing leadership now made things even harder.
Golden Eagle caught up to Black Ant and whispered, "Lynx is putting on quite the air, isn't he?"
Black Ant replied calmly, "Lynx is Danzo-sama's representative. A little arrogance is normal."
"Black Ant, do you think Fox can accept his new position? He's no longer second-in-command under Commander Yellow Dog."
Black Ant nodded slightly. "Let's hope he doesn't stir up trouble out of petty resentment. If he starts pretending obedience while dragging his feet, that would just show pettiness and poor judgment."
"From earlier, it seems Fox has accepted his fate."
Walking through the ANBU corridors, Yako calculated timelines in his mind.
The pursuit force led by Sarutobi Hikari and Lynx would likely catch up to the Land of Grass daimyo within fifteen days and begin their investigation.
He needed to manage his schedule carefully. After entering the Land of Rain, he would need to find an opportunity to visit the Land of Grass.
Yako returned to his squad.
White Ram and Blossom Deer were already waiting inside his office.
"Captain!" White Ram said excitedly. "For the investigation into Uchiha Madara in the Land of Rain — we're ready to stake everything alongside you!
"Uchiha Madara is far stronger than Sarutobi Kanosuke. If we complete this mission perfectly, we can definitely surpass Lynx!"
Blossom Deer nodded eagerly. "Captain, we're not afraid of death. Just give us a plan — we'll kill Uchiha Madara!"
Yako smiled faintly.
"Madara is obviously stronger than Sarutobi Konasuke. Which is precisely why we must not act recklessly. This is an investigation mission, not a suicide charge.
"And even if we killed Madara… would that automatically make me Deputy Commander?"
Looking at White Ram and Blossom Deer filled him with quiet satisfaction.
Though he had failed to become Deputy Commander, his most loyal subordinates had shown no wavering.
Ox and Hippo were different. They were probably already probing Yellow Dog for information.
Yellow Dog was now truly among the upper ranks, primarily stationed in the Hokage Tower.
From this day forward, Yellow Dog would officially appear before the village's shinobi.
Anyone entering the Hokage Tower would see a masked shinobi wearing a Yellow Dog mask — the new ANBU Commander.
Ordinary ninja didn't know his history, but anyone holding that position was undoubtedly among the strongest within ANBU.
Perhaps, one day, just like Advisor Danzo, the ANBU Commander might remove his mask and become another high-ranking councilor.
Inside the Hokage's office.
Orochimaru glanced at Yellow Dog standing beside the Third Hokage and felt a faint irritation.
That spot used to be his.
Heh.
It didn't matter anymore.
Once he obtained the Sealing Scroll, he would no longer need to pretend among these so-called leaders.
The village's political rot had nothing to do with him.
After mastering the techniques within the Scroll, he would disappear entirely and dedicate himself to forbidden research.
Orochimaru requested several of the Second Hokage's notes on anatomical research and body modification before leaving.
After he departed, Yellow Dog spoke.
"Hokage-sama, I promised that once I became Commander, Fox would become Deputy Commander. I've broken that promise… I want to compensate him somehow."
"Compensation?" The Third Hokage shook his head.
"Nothing you give him will erase his dissatisfaction.
"What we grant can be taken. What we refuse must be endured.
"This is not the time to reward Fox — it is the time to test him.
"If he understands his place, we will continue to cultivate him.
"If he does not, then give him more missions and extract his full value.
"This is a test. A test of obedience.
"Yellow Dog, remember this — never fully trust anyone.
"Limited trust. Endless work. Until subordinates accept their fate and truly submit.
"When I was young, I believed Danzo, Homura, Koharu, and I would always trust one another.
"And now? Everyone walks their own path.
"A man willing to die for you today may wish to kill you three years from now."
Yellow Dog nodded slowly, abandoning the idea of compensation.
Hopefully Fox would accept reality and emerge stronger.
As the Hokage said — this was a special obedience test.
The two were still discussing leadership when Danzo entered.
Yellow Dog immediately fell silent.
Is Father testing Danzo's obedience as well?
Removing him as ANBU Commander and appointing Lynx as Deputy — from any perspective, Danzo had taken a loss.
"Danzo, what is it?" the Third Hokage asked.
"I want the mission roster for the Uchiha heading to the Land of Rain."
Hiruzen quickly handed over a list.
"Four jonin, including Uchiha Kagen. Eight special jonin. You know we keep strict standards — even their special jonin possess jonin-level strength."
Uchiha Kagen's promotion recommendations were rejected nine times out of ten.
Only when a three-tomoe Uchiha achieved extraordinary wartime accomplishments would the village reluctantly grant jonin status.
As Danzo reviewed the scroll, the Third Hokage asked, "Are you planning to use this opportunity to weaken the Uchiha?"
Danzo snorted. "Sarutobi Hiruzen, that's not my responsibility anymore. The ANBU Commander stands beside you — why ask me?"
He left without another word.
After the door closed, Yellow Dog spoke again.
"Hokage-sama… Advisor Danzo seems—"
"He's angry. It's fine," Hiruzen said calmly. "He'll vent it somewhere. That's one of the things I appreciate about him.
"Still… if the Uchiha elite were to fall at Madara's hands, that would be ideal.
"A perfect opportunity — and they couldn't even complain.
"But we must also consider the risk of some three-tomoe Uchiha defecting to Madara.
"A troublesome matter…
"If only Danzo were willing to help. He's always precise with such arrangements."
The Third Hokage looked at Yellow Dog.
"As long as I remain Hokage, I can suppress the Uchiha.
"But if I die, and the village falls to you or other young leaders, I fear you won't be able to restrain them.
"The Uchiha's potential is terrifying. For years I have kept them confined to the Military Police.
"If released, their Sharingan will remind the world why they were once the second great clan of the Warring States era.
"Death only makes the Uchiha stronger."
Yellow Dog said quickly, "Let me handle it. I'll weaken them like Advisor Danzo used to.
"If Fox were Deputy Commander, this would be easier. One suggestion from me and he'd arrange everything perfectly."
"The position of ANBU Commander carries responsibility," the Third Hokage replied. "You've read many Root mission reports. Learn from Danzo's methods."
In a forest at the edge of Konoha.
A figure crouched low, eyes narrowed.
Scarlet three-tomoe Sharingan rotated slowly.
Uchiha Suigiku, son of Uchiha Kagami, waited silently.
In the next instant, another figure appeared atop the opposite tree trunk.
He looked up.
"Uncle Danzo. You've arrived."