Currently, Arata was still an ordinary Jonin in Konoha and had not officially joined the ANBU.
Being the Uchiha clan's Vice Leader, he acted formally, notifying the guards rather than walking straight into the office.
Soon, Arata was invited into the Hokage's office.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wore casual clothes, sitting at his desk with a large pipe in his mouth.
Seeing Arata, he smiled warmly and beckoned him over, looking every bit like a friendly old man.
But Arata wasn't deceived by this appearance.
Such a guise might fool civilians or naive children, but if the Third Hokage were truly only a kind old man, he couldn't have held Konoha's highest position for so long.
The ninja academy's stories of him as the strongest Hokage were not entirely exaggerated.
Arata greeted Hiruzen with proper respect....neither overly timid nor casual, maintaining a poised demeanor.
Hiruzen, observing the young man before him, felt a deep sense of admiration.
Here stood a boy barely over ten, yet already ranked among the top of the Uchiha clan.
Unlike the proud temperament of most Uchiha, Arata usually concealed his abilities.
His talents were hidden behind Shisui and Itachi, making him seem part of the second tier.
Hiruzen had recently reviewed information on Arata.
Normally, he only appeared to slack off in the Uchiha's guard division, giving the impression of an average Jonin with no outstanding talent.
If it weren't for Shisui's recent incident exposing Arata, neither Hiruzen nor Danzo.....Konoha's top leaders....would have realized that another Uchiha had secretly awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, developed Susanoo to its third stage, and reached the peak of ANBU-level power.
This also explained why Danzo had been unusually quiet lately.
Despite the Root's abundance of talent, finding someone capable of challenging peak ANBU-level power was no small feat.
Hiruzen, however, was in a better position. Although his favorite student Orochimaru had defected, other formidable shinobi like Jiraiya or Tsunade could match Arata if necessary.
As for Hiruzen himself, when at his prime, his mastery of various jutsu and combinations could hold Arata in check. Now, due to age, his reflexes and chakra reserves had declined significantly.
Maintaining his strength at ANBU-peak was already difficult, and in a fight with Arata, he could only hold out briefly.
If Arata unleashed his third-stage Susanoo, Hiruzen would primarily rely on evasion.
Observing the calm and mature young man before him, Hiruzen recognized that Arata had his own ideas and wasn't easily swayed like Shisui.
Hiruzen had brought Arata close because of his special position in the Uchiha clan.
Arata could potentially inherit the clan leadership. He was intelligent, composed, and thoughtful....qualities essential for handling delicate tasks.
Keeping Arata close also strengthened the Uchiha's connection to Konoha, especially since the clan was relocating.
As long as Arata remained, Hiruzen could trust that the Uchiha would not stray or align with other factions.
Hiruzen chuckled and asked, "Arata, how is your clan's relocation going?
Do you need any help from the village? Don't hesitate to ask.....Uchiha are still part of Konoha."
The tone suggested that the Uchiha were merely moving residence, not leaving the village entirely.
Arata responded politely, "Thank you for your concern, Third Hokage. The location is set, and the relocation is underway.
As you know, with so many clan members, moving isn't a one-day task."
After some pleasantries, Hiruzen got to the point. He took a deep puff from his pipe and exhaled heavily.
"Arata, your strength is impressive, but you've just joined the ANBU and are unfamiliar with its operations.
For now, follow the current ANBU captain in charge of Konoha's security.
Once you are familiar and capable of leading, I will grant you the position of ANBU captain, as promised. How does that sound?"
Arata had anticipated this arrangement. ANBU missions were dangerous.
Even with great strength, one could not be made captain immediately—it would risk lives and compromise operations.
He bowed slightly, placing a hand on his chest. "I will follow your instructions, Hokage. I have no objections.
Without experience, even if you appointed me captain directly, I wouldn't know how to manage the work."
Hiruzen nodded approvingly. Speaking to a sensible person was always easier than explaining to those who let their abilities go to their heads.
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