The Shadow Hokage [DISCONTINUED]

CHAPTER 5: BONDS OF THE MISUNDERSTOOD (EDITED)

Ever since Naruto became the commander, the atmosphere at the ANBU headquarters had transformed into a much more cheerful one. Previously, under the leadership of the previous commander (no offense intended), the headquarters had been quite serious and solemn. But with Naruto at the helm, everything changed. While Naruto had a reputation for being ruthless, there were moments when he revealed his cheerful side, which had a profound impact on the ANBU members. It motivated them to work harder, and they enjoyed interacting with the strongest shinobi among them. It was truly an honor to have Naruto as their commander.

Kakashi couldn't believe it. Naruto had become the embodiment of his late sensei, Minato Namikaze, in so many ways. He was a prodigy, a powerful shinobi, a great leader, and an exceptional individual. Although Kakashi had served in the ANBU for a long time, it was natural for him to feel a mixture of shock and jealousy that an eight-year-old ANBU member who had only been in the organization for two years had risen to the rank of commander. However, despite these conflicting emotions, Kakashi couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for Naruto's achievements.

Itachi, ever stoic as always, had become even more dedicated to his duties. He had once confided in his team that if he were to become Hokage, he would appoint Naruto as the ANBU commander. Ironically, Naruto had assumed the position before Itachi even became a captain. However, Itachi couldn't help but feel immense pride and happiness for his blond comrade. He had always treated Naruto like a younger brother, and seeing him achieve such a prestigious position brought him great joy.

Shisui, in short, was simply proud. How could he not be? His little brother had become the commander! Initially, Shisui had his doubts about Naruto due to his young age. An eight-year-old child should be spending their time playing with other kids, not leading the ANBU. But then he remembered Naruto's tragic past, the pain he had endured-torture, stabbing, poisoning-all inflicted by the very people he was supposed to protect. It was a painful reminder of the cruelty of the world. Shisui couldn't fathom how Naruto managed to maintain his sanity after enduring such atrocities, especially when they were inflicted by those he should have been able to trust. It only intensified the pain in Shisui's heart.

As for Hebi, well, she seemed to be following in her sensei's footsteps, becoming infatuated with an eight-year-old. It was quite disturbing to witness a grown adult being attracted to a child. Naruto had repeatedly informed her that he was asexual, but she persisted nonetheless. It was hard to imagine someone worse than her, but then there was Sakura Haruno, whom Hebi considered even more objectionable.

Moving on to Naruto's current situation, he was in a makeshift hideout he had created for meetings with his spy. He waited there patiently until his spy arrived-a red-haired individual with average height, bearing the kanji for 'Ai' on the left side of his forehead, with his hair parted to reveal it.

"Hello, Gaara!" Naruto greeted cheerfully.

"Naruto-sama," Gaara mumbled and bowed once again.

"I told you to drop the '-sama' thing!" Naruto protested.

"I apologize."

"Anyway, is there anything important you need to tell me?"

"Nothing of great importance," Gaara replied, proceeding to report his findings.

After Gaara left with his report, Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of regret for using someone like him as a spy. However, the red-haired individual seemed content and even happy with the role, which perplexed Naruto. Information was a shinobi's most potent weapon-it could turn the tide of a battle or even a war.