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While Taiichi enjoyed his rare stretch of downtime back in the village, the war outside never paused for a single moment.
In the Land of Earth, a rugged stretch of land was covered in endless ridges and peaks. Mountains stacked against mountains, one after another, as far as the eye could see. Most of them were steep and rocky, none towering much higher than five hundred meters. Just like most of the Land of Earth, these peaks were bare stone. The only signs of life were the occasional stubborn tufts of yellowed grass pushing through cracks in the rock.
In one of the narrow valleys nestled between those ridges, a Leaf squad sat chewing on dry, tasteless rations.
" Kakashi, why don't you just request to lead missions yourself next time?" Obito grumbled around a mouthful of hardtack. He took another bite, washed it down with water, and forced himself to swallow. "Every time we go out with Minato-sensei, it's the same thing. Boring as hell."
Kakashi didn't even look up. He was methodically eating his own rations—one small bite at a time—chewing thoroughly before swallowing. Between bites, he carefully wiped down his short blade, polishing it until the steel gleamed. A three-pronged kunai was stabbed into the rock beside his boot, the handle engraved with the words "Sword of Love." Minato's Flying Thunder God kunai.
Rin watched Obito start complaining again and sighed inwardly. This wasn't the first time he'd tried to push Kakashi into taking solo missions. She understood the frustration—Minato's speed made him a one-man army on most assignments. The three of them often ended up stuck with minor tasks or just waiting around because they couldn't keep up.
" We haven't heard from Taiichi in a while," Rin said, deliberately changing the subject. "I wonder how he's doing."
Obito immediately perked up at the new topic. "That guy's probably out there carving through enemies like always. Man, if I had even half his strength—" He broke off into a stupid grin, eyes flicking toward Kakashi.
Rin rolled her eyes. "If you put in half the effort Taiichi does, you'd be way stronger than you are now. I bet he's got at least one shadow clone training ninjutsu right this second."
Obito went quiet, focusing hard on his ration. He couldn't argue with Rin.
Kakashi suddenly slammed his short blade into the rock beside him, lightning chakra crackling along the edge until only the hilt was visible. Obito and Rin both stared.
" After this mission," Kakashi said flatly, "I'm asking Minato-sensei for permission to take solo assignments."
Obito shot to his feet. "Seriously? Finally!"
Rin looked worried. "Are you sure, Kakashi? That sounds dangerous."
Kakashi pulled the blade free and sheathed it in one smooth motion. "We still have the special Flying Thunder God kunai Taiichi gave us. If things get bad, we can call him straight here. We won't die."
Rin touched the kunai in her pouch and felt a little steadier.
" …All right," she said. "I'm in."
Time slipped by the way it always did in war—fast when you weren't paying attention.
A week after Taiichi returned to the village for some actual rest, the Hokage summoned him.
Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen sat behind his desk, pipe in hand.
" You wanted to see me, Hokage-sama?"
Taiichi stepped inside, glancing around like he was checking for hidden people.
" Quit acting like a damn spy and get in here," Hiruzen said with a half-smile.
They chatted for a while—Hiruzen asking how Taiichi was adjusting to village life after the front lines. Taiichi answered easily, saying he was enjoying the break. Eventually the small talk faded.
" So," Hiruzen said, watching him carefully through the smoke, "have you thought about what you want to do next?"
Taiichi scratched the back of his head. "Not really. Maybe help out at the hospital? Or the Barrier Team?"
Hiruzen shook his head. "Those spots are filled. The hospital could use your medical skills on a part-time basis, though. They're short on people."
Taiichi made a face but didn't argue.
" You'll still need a real assignment," Hiruzen continued. "I want you in ANBU. It'll be good experience, and it keeps you close while we figure out the bigger picture."
Taiichi blinked, genuinely surprised. ANBU wasn't exactly what he'd expected.
Hiruzen smiled faintly. "You'll answer directly to me. No regular squad duties. Start today."
A figure in an eagle mask stepped out of the shadows—ANBU Captain Eagle.
" He'll show you the ropes and get you geared up," Hiruzen said.
Taiichi followed Eagle out of the office. As they walked, his expression turned serious. Joining ANBU meant stepping out of the spotlight. Matsushita Taiichi, the rising star, was about to disappear for a while.
Down in the hidden ANBU facility beneath the Hokage Tower, Eagle handed him the standard black cloak, a regulation short blade, and ten kunai.
" Pick a mask," Eagle said, opening a cabinet full of animal-faced masks. "And choose a codename. From now on, that's all anyone here will call you."
Taiichi grabbed a monkey mask without overthinking it.
" Call me Monkey."
Eagle gave a short nod. "Follow me. I'll walk you through the rules."
As they moved deeper into the facility, Taiichi felt the weight of the decision settle in. This was a turning point. The village was pulling him into the shadows, and he had a feeling things were about to get a lot more complicated.