Chapter 10

At dusk, after a busy afternoon, Uzumaki Hanabi walked out of the shop.

Under the glow of the setting sun, he walked unhurriedly towards the Fourth's house, dragging his long shadow. He planned to visit his sister Kushina and the little blond.

Since returning to Konoha, Uzumaki Hanabi almost visited his sister and the little blond every one or two days.

In this ninja world, he had already lost his parents, and now his closest relative was his sister Kushina. If he had to choose between Kushina and Konoha, he would unhesitatingly abandon Konoha.

Sometimes, emotions are selfish and not for weighing pros and cons.

Upon arriving at his sister's house, Uzumaki Hanabi was somewhat surprised to find a guest, but it was someone he knew well—Uchiha Mikoto.

Uchiha Mikoto was carrying a baby—Uchiha Sasuke.

Compared to the little blond, Uchiha Sasuke seemed to have a cold demeanor from a young age.

The two babies stared at each other with big eyes, which was quite adorable.

In Uzumaki Hanabi's mind, the images of these two main characters from the anime Naruto popped up. Compared to the current babies, there was a stark contrast, making them even cuter.

Perhaps, bonds were their destiny!

After exchanging pleasantries with the two beautiful mothers, Uzumaki Hanabi said, "Sister Kushina, I'll cook dinner tonight, you all chat."

Kushina agreed happily.

Uzumaki Hanabi prepared a rather sumptuous dinner using the ingredients from his sister's house.

The Fourth also returned.

The group enjoyed a delicious dinner together.

Not long after dinner, Uzumaki Hanabi left his sister's house and returned to his own home.

Uzumaki Hanabi sat on a comfortable recliner and took out a scroll.

The scroll contained the list of candidates for the ANBU selection, which he had received from the Fourth that morning.

Opening the scroll, he read it carefully.

The list of candidates was quite long, with dozens of names.

Among the dozens of candidates, there were a few dozen Chunin, and the rest were Jonin.

After the Third Great Ninja War and the Nine-Tails' attack, the number of Konoha ninjas was somewhat strained.

Additionally, Uzumaki Hanabi noticed some complexities in the backgrounds of several candidates, involving factions within Konoha's upper echelons.

After a thorough review, Uzumaki Hanabi had a few candidates in mind.

According to the basic structure of the ANBU, the First Squad needed seventeen members, including one captain and four teams. Currently, with Kakashi's team of three, they were still short of four members to complete the squad. If Uchiha Shisui was included, they needed three more positions.

However, according to the Fourth's introduction, the candidates he had in mind might not necessarily be assigned to the First Squad, as other squads would also make selections, and a coordination process would be needed.

For now, this was just the initial selection.

The next morning, Uzumaki Hanabi informed Minato about the few candidates he had in mind.

Minato glanced at the list and praised, "The few you've chosen may not be the top-tier in strength, but their backgrounds are quite clean."

Uzumaki Hanabi nodded, "Yes."

Minato suddenly changed the subject, "Before you came, the Third visited me."

"The Third?"

Uzumaki Hanabi was curious.

Minato didn't beat around the bush and continued, "There is someone who wants to recommend themselves to join the First Squad of the ANBU."

Uzumaki Hanabi thought for a moment, "Is this the Third's arrangement?"

Minato replied, "I'm not sure, but this person has a special relationship with the Third."

Uzumaki Hanabi's expression changed slightly, "Could it be Asuma Sarutobi?"

Minato showed a hint of surprise, "You guessed it quite accurately."

The reason Uzumaki Hanabi directly guessed Asuma Sarutobi was simple. In the anime Naruto, Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi were a couple. Kurenai Yuhi had already joined the First Squad of the ANBU, and she had a special relationship with the Third. He immediately thought of Asuma Sarutobi.

Before this, he had actually met Asuma Sarutobi. As the son of the Third Hokage, Asuma Sarutobi could be described as a thoroughbred official's son and a rebellious youth.

To be honest, he didn't have a good impression of the young Asuma Sarutobi.

However, thinking about Asuma Sarutobi's fate in the anime, Uzumaki Hanabi couldn't help but feel a bit sympathetic. At least he was a man with a sense of responsibility.

Uzumaki Hanabi hesitated for a moment and then said, "I don't seem to see Asuma Sarutobi's name on the list of ANBU candidates."

Minato nodded, "He is indeed not on the list, but this time he seems to be trying to pull some strings, even getting the Third to come and speak on his behalf."

Uzumaki Hanabi looked at Minato, "Did you agree to the Third's request?"

Minato replied, "Not yet, I wanted to hear your thoughts."

Uzumaki Hanabi stroked his chin, "Since Asuma Sarutobi has recommended himself to join the First Squad of the ANBU, we welcome him to the First Squad."

Minato showed a hint of surprise, "Aren't you worried about his background?"

Uzumaki Hanabi said, "Maybe his intentions are simple?"

Minato was a bit puzzled, "Simple?"

Uzumaki Hanabi didn't elaborate much, just said a few words, "The restlessness of youth!"

He guessed that Asuma Sarutobi's reason for recommending himself to join the First Squad of the ANBU was to flirt with Kurenai Yuhi. This official's son probably already had a crush on Kurenai Yuhi.

Minato pondered Uzumaki Hanabi's words and smiled, "Alright, since you agree to Asuma Sarutobi joining the First Squad of the ANBU, I'll directly agree to the Third's request. In a few days, Asuma Sarutobi should officially join the First Squad of the ANBU."

Uzumaki Hanabi nodded. Although the young Asuma Sarutobi was relatively rebellious, he was still one of Konoha's future talents, and his strength was undeniable. If possible, he hoped to help Asuma Sarutobi avoid a tragic fate.

Two days later, Uzumaki Hanabi met Asuma Sarutobi in the Hokage's office.

Asuma Sarutobi looked a bit mature, but he was actually around the same age as Kakashi and Might Guy, just a year or two older.

Uzumaki Hanabi led Asuma Sarutobi out of the Hokage's office and headed towards the ANBU base.

Asuma Sarutobi had a carefree attitude, with a blade of grass in his mouth and his hands behind his head, walking leisurely behind Uzumaki Hanabi.

Uzumaki Hanabi glanced at Asuma Sarutobi, "Asuma, I have a question for you."

Asuma Sarutobi immediately asked, "What question?"

Uzumaki Hanabi, "Why did you recommend yourself to join the First Squad of the ANBU?"

Asuma Sarutobi looked at Uzumaki Hanabi and replied, "It's a secret."

Uzumaki Hanabi shook his head and directly stated his guess, "Is it because of Kurenai Yuhi?"

Asuma Sarutobi's steps paused, and his face showed a look of disbelief, his voice filled with surprise, "Wolf... Wolf Fang Captain, how did you know?"

Uzumaki Hanabi smiled faintly, "That's also a secret!"