The ANBU headquarters suddenly fell silent.
In the middle of the sparring field, all the ninjas instinctively stepped aside. Whether they were trainee members or full-fledged operatives, they rose to their feet in unison and bowed respectfully toward Hatake Sakumo, their ANBU Captain.
Sakumo nodded lightly and gestured for everyone to dispense with formalities. Without another word, he walked straight through the gathered ANBU and stopped in front of Leo.
This was their first official meeting. Though Sakumo had already heard Leo's name several times, it was Leo's first time seeing the famed White Fang of Konoha in person.
Even in his youth, Sakumo's striking white hair made him stand out wherever he went in Konoha. His face bore a strong resemblance to Hatake Kakashi—indeed, like father, like son.
"Captain!" Leo greeted softly, his tone respectful.
Sakumo didn't wear a mask like the other ANBU. With his strength, he had no need to hide his identity.
Though the original timeline of Naruto mentioned Sakumo only briefly, it was clear that he was a noble and formidable shinobi—one who chose his comrades over missions, even when it cost him everything.
He was ultimately condemned by the very comrades he saved, slandered by the village, and driven to take his own life—a tragic hero whose brilliance was extinguished far too soon.
Of course, there were other theories—ones that leaned toward conspiracy. Some said Sakumo's "suicide" wasn't entirely voluntary.
As the Third Hokage's right-hand man, with both power and prestige that even the Legendary Sannin couldn't match, Sakumo was a likely successor for the Fourth Hokage's mantle. Such a man… naturally had enemies who would never allow him to rise too high.
Whatever the truth, Leo didn't dwell on it. He himself didn't yet have the power to even protect his own life in this world.
"No need to be so formal," Sakumo said with a gentle smile. His voice was calm and kind—not the cold sharpness one might expect from a man called the "White Fang." Yet his eyes moved subtly, studying Leo from head to toe, and he nodded to himself in quiet approval.
Looking at him now, no one would guess this man's blade techniques were said to reign supreme across the entire shinobi world.
"You've certainly made quite a name for yourself," Sakumo said, smiling faintly. "How many matches have you won so far?"
"Captain, the ANBU is full of talented elites, each with unique skills," Leo replied modestly. "I couldn't resist testing myself a little. I've won thirteen matches so far, but that's only because my brothers were merciful."
He kept his tone humble. No matter how strong or gifted he was, arrogance would only breed resentment. Especially in the ANBU, where trust between comrades was everything—he had no intention of giving anyone a reason to stab him in the back.
Sure enough, after hearing his words, the tension among the ANBU eased. Though their expressions were hidden behind masks, many now regarded Leo more favorably.
After all, no one likes losing. Even if you acknowledge someone's strength, it still stings to be defeated.
Sakumo's lips twitched slightly. This kid's got a good head on his shoulders.
He was probably the youngest one in the entire ANBU, yet his demeanor was composed and his words carefully measured. His maturity almost made people forget his age.
And this was good—very good.
The ANBU trainees were the organization's fresh blood, its future shadow operatives who could be dispatched at any moment.
"Don't hold anything back," Sakumo said at last. "I need to see your true potential for myself—so I can decide where you'll best serve in the ANBU."
Sakumo's keen gaze wasn't just for show—he possessed an extraordinary perception, able to see things others could not. His instincts told him Leo had tremendous potential… but instinct alone wasn't enough. He had to confirm it with his own eyes.
"...?"
Leo blinked, then realized what Sakumo meant—he was going to test him.
And not just any test—the ANBU Captain himself was going to spar with him?
A shiver ran through Leo's spine. Sure, fighting other ANBU had been exhilarating—but this was Hatake Sakumo, a Kage-level powerhouse! His strength was on a completely different plane.
Especially since Sakumo's mastery of kenjutsu was legendary—his White Fang Blade was said to flash like lightning, slicing through the darkness itself and obliterating all evils in its path.
Was he trying to avenge his subordinates' losses? Or did he just enjoy putting cocky geniuses in their place?
…No.
It was more likely that Sakumo wanted to give him guidance.
A chance to be personally tested—and possibly instructed—by a Kage-level shinobi? That was something you couldn't buy even with a mountain of gold.
After a short rest, Leo followed Sakumo into the sparring arena once again. Around them, the other ANBU gathered quietly to observe. Opportunities to see their captain in action were rare indeed.
During the break, an Earth Release user had already repaired the battlefield, leaving no trace of the previous damage—flat and smooth as if untouched.
"Come," Sakumo said, standing calmly in the center of the arena. "Attack me with everything you've got. Use whatever technique you think can defeat me."
Before such a man, flashy tricks were useless. Only true power mattered.
Leo knew full well that his current strength couldn't possibly wound Hatake Sakumo.
Even if he used his Flame-Flame Fruit abilities, it would still be futile.
If this were a real battle, Sakumo could probably kill him in a single instant.
But this was a rare opportunity—to measure the distance between himself and the very top of the shinobi world.
Without hesitation, Leo unleashed his full power.
"Shave!"
With a deafening boom, the air itself burst apart, and the ground beneath him cratered several inches deep.
In the blink of an eye, Leo's afterimage vanished—he reappeared at Sakumo's right side, fist already arcing downward.
BOOM!
Sakumo's lips curved slightly in admiration. That speed…
Among Chūnin, few could match it.
But to him—it was still far too slow.
He tilted his body slightly, effortlessly dodging the strike.
His fist hitting only air, Leo didn't pause for a heartbeat. He immediately coated his hands in Armament Haki, the black sheen crawling up his knuckles.
Still, Sakumo didn't counterattack—he merely stepped aside each time, evading with fluid, almost lazy grace.
For the first time, Leo felt frustration claw at his chest. It was like punching into cotton—no resistance, no impact, no satisfaction.
Of course, that was the difference in level—Kage versus Chūnin.
Refusing to stay on the defensive, Leo gritted his teeth. Fine. If you can dodge my attacks, then I'll make sure you have nowhere left to stand!
Instead of striking at Sakumo, he suddenly slammed his fist into the ground.
This was a full-power blow—enhanced by Armament Haki (Level 3) and the Compressed Spiral Force, his signature monstrous strength!
"Explode!"
BOOM!!!
The entire arena shook violently, trembling like an earthquake had struck.
Cracks spiderwebbed outward from Leo's feet as waves of white energy rippled through the air!
Even Sakumo had to raise an eyebrow. The ground beneath him shattered, chunks of rock flying everywhere, forcing him to leap lightly aside.
Still, he couldn't help but think—
Such raw power… it really does remind me of a certain someone.
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