Temporary Anbu

Sen's POV

Today is Sunday, my day off. This time, I'm dedicating it to staying home, lazing around, and catching up on all the house chores. First things first, a hearty breakfast. I'm making an omelet and tea. For lunch, I plan to prepare something heavier.

As I stood by the stove, flipping the omelet, I heard a commotion outside.

"Kakashi... you should be ashamed of yourself!"

Huh. Someone sounds really angry with Kakashi. Not my business-I'm not meddling in his affairs.

"You should feed us if you're going to summon us, you know!" the voice said grumpily.

That must be one of his ninken, I thought. I couldn't just let the poor dog be starving and yelling while Kakashi was off doing who-knows-what. Curiosity got the better of me, so I opened the door. Standing there was a small, grumpy-looking pug. He looked up at me, sighed, and apologized for disturbing my peace so early in the morning.

"I'm making breakfast. Want to come in?" I offered.

"I smell omelet... yes, yes!" he replied eagerly, trotting inside my apartment.

I smiled, closed the door, and plated half of the omelet for him. I placed the dish on the mat near the sofa, where he began eating with slow, deliberate bites, clearly savoring the food.

"My name is Pakkun. I'm Kakashi's ninken," he said between bites.

He looked so adorable-small, wearing a Konoha headband, and talking like a human. What could be more charming?

"I'm Sen," I introduced myself. "I think you were part of the search party for Satsuki, weren't you?"

"Yes, along with Bull. You weren't exactly easy to find," he said, pausing for a moment. "We helped, but most of the work was done by the Toad Sannin."

"Thanks anyway, Pakkun. You're welcome here anytime-Bull too," I said, smiling warmly.

We ended up talking for a while, and I learned that Kakashi had even more ninken than I remembered from the canon.

"It's different, talking to a dog, you know," I said, sipping my tea. "You don't have the same experiences as humans, but you still talk like us."

"It's weird for humans, I know. Kakashi was shocked when he found out I could talk. Not all of us can-Bull, for instance, doesn't speak human."

The conversation flowed easily, and before he left, he promised to visit again. I enjoyed his company-no fuss, no drama. Though Kakashi doesn't need to know I'm "stealing" his pups.

After lunch, I decided to go grocery shopping for the week. I was craving savory eggs, so I added those to my list too. Later tonight, I'd be meeting Hikari and Mei for dinner-it's been a long time since the three of us spent time together. But first, the shopping.

The market was bustling, as expected on a Sunday. Everyone seemed to be taking advantage of the day off. While standing in the long checkout line, I overheard two women talking excitedly.

"Jiraiya's new book is amazing! It launched last week, and it's so popular!" one of them gushed.

"I know! Even the illustrations are... so captivating. And the female protagonist's perspective is just so real," the other added with a giggle.

I couldn't help but smile. The book I'd contributed to was gaining an even broader audience than before. It seemed civilian women were now as invested as shinobi, which was great news for my little side hustle.

After sealing my shopping supplies, I decided to stop by a nearby café for a light snack. I was too tired to make the lavish lunch I'd planned earlier. I might as well eat here and relax a bit.

The café was a bit crowded, but I found a cozy little table by the window. I ordered soba noodles and pulled out a book to read while I waited.

Nearby, a group of shinobi were talking loudly, as usual on Sundays.

"You know, I like this one better than the last book. The illustrations Jiraiya-sama added gave it an extra... spice," one of them said.

"Not over-the-top either," the woman next to him replied. "They're elegant, yet sensual. Definitely worth the price."

I smiled inwardly as I listened to their conversation. Constructive criticism about a book I'd worked on was always welcome. It felt rewarding to know it was appreciated.

Satisfied, I enjoyed my lunch without any distractions and left the café feeling content.

As I stepped out of the restaurant, the cool evening air hit my face. It was refreshing after the warmth inside. That's when I noticed him-Genma. He was leaning casually against the wall, his senbon perched between his lips, hands shoved deep into his pockets. His gaze was as unreadable as ever, but there was a certain sharpness in his posture, like he was waiting for someone.

I glanced at him briefly, then decided to walk past without acknowledging him. His presence, as usual, was magnetic, and I didn't want to give away how aware I was of him.

"Sen, wait," he called out, his voice calm but firm.

I stopped mid-step and turned to face him. He was already walking toward me, his relaxed demeanor making it impossible to guess his thoughts.

"Genma, were you waiting for me here?" I asked, narrowing my eyes slightly.

"Yes," he said simply, his tone straightforward, yet there was something in the way he said it that made my heartbeat quicken. "We need your help. I can't say much here-can you follow me to my place?"

For a moment, I studied him, trying to read his expression. As usual, it was like staring at a locked door. He had this quiet, aloof energy about him that drew people in without them realizing it. Finally, I nodded. "Alright."

He didn't waste any time, leaping onto the nearest rooftop with ease. I followed, and we moved silently through the village, hopping from house to house until we landed on the small balcony of my apartment.

"I'll just drop off my shopping scrolls," I told him as I slid open the door to my kitchen.

He nodded but stayed outside, leaning against the railing. His eyes, however, followed me inside. I could feel his gaze even as I moved about, unpacking groceries and placing drinks in the fridge. I tried to act casual, but it was impossible to ignore the quiet intensity with which he watched me.

Finally done, I turned back to him. "Okay, we can go now."

Before jumping off the balcony, he stopped me. "Just so you know," he said, his voice low, "all the guys are there. Including Shizune."

I blinked at him, surprised by the warning. He didn't owe me that, and the fact that he'd thought to mention it caught me off guard. "Thanks for letting me know, Genma. That means a lot," I said, smiling slightly.

He returned the smile, a faint curve of his lips, the senbon shifting lazily between his teeth. It was such a small gesture, yet it somehow made the air feel heavier.

We arrived at his apartment shortly after. He unlocked the door and stepped aside, letting me enter first. His place was nearly identical to mine in structure, but the decor was distinctly his. Darker tones, simple furniture, and little personal clutter-it reflected his personality perfectly.

"Hey," I greeted the group collectively, glancing at the familiar faces seated around the room. They all nodded in acknowledgment, except for Shizune, who immediately got up and hugged me.

"It's been a while," she said warmly, her presence a welcome comfort in the otherwise serious atmosphere.

I sat beside her, taking in the others: Shisui, Raido, Junpei, Kakashi, Obito, and Tenzo, Itama , Kawarama . All eyes eventually shifted to Genma as he cleared his throat and stepped into the center of the room.

"The privacy seal is activated," he began, his voice calm but commanding. "No one outside will hear a word of this."

The air in the room grew tense, everyone straightening slightly.

"Sen," Genma continued, his gaze locking onto mine. "As you know, Teams One and Two have been tracking Root for the past week. We've discovered one of their hidden bases, but the entrance is heavily protected with fuinjutsu seals. The problem is, we don't know if dismantling them will deactivate the defense system or trigger something destructive. That's where we need your help."

"You need me to dismantle the seal," I said, piecing it together. "Does that mean I'll have to come with you to the base?"

"Yes," he replied, his tone leaving no room for debate.

I thought for a moment. "I can't promise I'll be able to dismantle it," I admitted. "I'd need to see it first before I can say anything for certain."

Junpei spoke up then, his voice cutting through the quiet. "Is there only one entrance to the base? Or have you found others?"

Kakashi answered, leaning back lazily in his chair. "So far, only one-the western entrance. But there's no way that's the only one. Root wouldn't rely on a single access point."

"What exactly will I have to do?" I asked Genma, my voice steady but my mind racing. "I've never worked with ANBU teams before, and the last time we teamed up, we were just genins. I'm only fluent in fuinjutsu, which is fine for dismantling seals, but if it comes to a fight..." I hesitated, glancing around the room. "My taijutsu isn't on par with any of you. That's going to be a problem."

Genma looked at me, his expression unreadable as usual, but it was Kakashi who spoke first. "How about you practice taijutsu with Team One for a couple of days? Hopefully, it won't come to that, but we should be familiar with each other's styles in case it does."

I considered his suggestion, feeling the weight of their expectant gazes. "I'm free in the evenings after office shift," I replied cautiously. "But where would we practice? People are bound to notice."

"We can practice at the Hatake estate," Kakashi said without hesitation. "We've been using it for training sessions lately. It's private and secure. You're welcome to join us there. Can you start today?"

I nodded reluctantly. "Alright."

The reality of the situation was beginning to sink in. This wasn't just some routine mission. ANBU work was dangerous enough, but dealing with Root was a completely different level of risk. They were ruthless, and I knew they wouldn't hesitate to torture their own citizens if it served their purpose.

Kakashi stood and stretched. "Let's start now. It's Sunday, so we have time to get in an hour or two of practice."

I followed him out of Genma's apartment, the others trailing behind us. The Hatake estate wasn't far, located near the Nara compound but tucked away from the main road. As we approached, I noticed how quiet and serene the area was. The estate had an understated beauty, with a garden that stretched out into the surrounding forest.

Kakashi led us through the garden to the backyard, which opened up to the edges of the Nara forest. The air here felt different-peaceful yet charged, like a hidden sanctuary. "The compound's heavily warded with seals," Kakashi explained. "No one will hear or see us training here."

I nodded, impressed by the level of security. "Why don't you live here instead of your apartment?" I asked, curious.

He shrugged, his expression distant. "I prefer my own space. My father lives here alone now, and it's better this way."

He didn't elaborate, and I didn't press him. Kakashi gestured for the others to start practicing nearby while he stayed with me. "For now, let's work one-on-one," he said, his tone professional. "I've never seen you fight. How do you typically approach combat?"

I shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny but answered honestly. "I'm primarily a close-range fighter. I incorporate medical ninjutsu with my taijutsu, using chakra to enhance my strikes and defend myself. If I need to fight at a distance, I use chakra wires created with medical ninjutsu to subdue my opponents."

He nodded thoughtfully, chewing over my words. "Alright. Let's spar. I need to see how you fight so we can adjust to each other's styles."

We took our positions, facing each other under the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. I activated my medical ninjutsu, my hands glowing faintly with chakra. He studied me for a moment, his posture relaxed but poised to strike. Then, without warning, he lunged.

His speed was incredible, but I managed to block his initial strikes, channeling chakra into my arms to deflect his attacks. The force of each blow sent vibrations up my arms, but I held my ground, countering when I could. Every time we made contact, I subtly released bursts of chakra, targeting his tenketsu points.

Kakashi suddenly stepped back, examining his hands. "Sen..." he said, his voice laced with curiosity. "I can't feel my hands properly. They're going numb."

I straightened, catching my breath. "That's what happens when you fight me," I explained. "I channel chakra to block your tenketsu points during contact. It disrupts the flow of chakra in your arms, causing numbness."

He flexed his fingers experimentally, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "That's... effective," he admitted. "And dangerous. You're more capable than you let on."

I felt a flicker of pride at his words, but I didn't let it show. "It's useful against close-range opponents," I said simply. "But it has its limits."

He tilted his head, his gaze sharp and calculating. "Then we'll work on pushing those limits. Let's go again."

As we reset our stances, I couldn't help but notice the faint gleam of respect in his eyes. It was subtle, but it was there-a recognition of my skill. For the first time, I felt like I might actually be able to hold my own among them.

Kakashi looked genuinely shocked, his brows furrowing as he flexed his fingers. It was almost comical to see such a composed shinobi caught off guard. "I thought you knew how I fight," I said, crossing my arms. "My taijutsu is just the standard Konoha Academy style. I've adapted it by using medical chakra to disarm opponents-sometimes literally."

He nodded slowly, still testing the sensation in his hands. His lips curved into a faint, impressed smile. "Your style may be based on the Academy's, but the way you incorporate chakra into every block or strike makes it far more dangerous. If I were sparring with one of my teammates, the fight would still be going. What you did was efficient." He paused, tilting his head. "But doesn't this method drain your chakra quickly?"

I shrugged. "It's the same either way. If I don't use chakra, I'll lose the fight anyway. It's better to use it and finish early than to drag things out."

His expression shifted, his respect for me evident. "That's a smart strategy, Sen," he said, and I could hear the genuine admiration in his voice.

Before I could respond, Junpei and Genma walked over, both drenched in sweat and breathing heavily from their sparring.

I tried to focus on their faces, but the way their training gear clung to their bodies was... distracting. That's a very good sight.

A wicked thought crossed my mind: Maybe I can create some illustrations of hot shinobi for the next "Icha Icha" book.

"You should practice with us, Sen," Junpei said, sitting down in front of me. His gaze was direct, almost curious, as he added, "You have a distinct fighting style. I've never fought anyone like you."

I laughed lightly, trying to dismiss the compliment. "I don't have stamina like you guys. All I do is mix chakra with taijutsu. You're all elite shinobi... it's not even funny," I replied, smiling.

Genma chuckled, the senbon shifting slightly in his mouth. "How would you know until you fight us? You have already bested Kakashi." He smirked, his brown eyes glinting with mischief. "I'm curious about your skills too."

Heat crept up my face, and I knew I was blushing. This is getting hot-literally and figuratively. My fingers instinctively went to the seal on my left arm as I retrieved a scroll and summoned a water bottle. I drank deeply, trying to cool off.

Junpei's eyes widened slightly. "That's some impressive chakra control. You must have perfected it to have tattooed seals on your arms," he said, leaning closer.

"Oh, yeah," I said, rolling my shoulders to ease the tension. "I'm a little paranoid when it comes to emergencies. These seals are the reason Satsuki and I survived in the cave for so long. We had enough supplies stored for two weeks."

Junpei let out a low whistle, clearly impressed. "Can I take a closer look?" he asked.

I hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure."

He shifted closer, his presence suddenly overwhelming. His fingers brushed against my skin as he examined the intricate seal on my arm, and I felt goosebumps rise with every touch. I prayed no one else noticed. "Can anyone else access the supplies you've stored?" he asked, his voice soft.

"No," I said, my voice steady despite the electricity running through me. "The seal responds only to my chakra. It's a safety precaution."

Junpei nodded thoughtfully. "That's brilliant," he said, his eyes meeting mine briefly before he pulled back. Kakashi and Genma leaned in to examine the seal too, their interest piqued.

After a moment, the rest of the group joined us, sitting under the tree. Kakashi stood, brushing dirt off his pants. "That's enough for today," he said. "From tomorrow, you'll be practicing with just me, Obito, and Genma. We'll work on syncing our styles for the mission."

I nodded, standing up as well. "Understood. I'll see you tomorrow evening."

The guys all murmured their goodbyes as I turned to leave. My steps were quick, but my mind was racing. The day had been... eventful, to say the least. As I walked home, I couldn't help but glance down at my arm, my skin still tingling where Junpei's fingers had been.

This mission is going to be dangerous, but it might also turn out to be... interesting.

Kakashi's POV

The sparring session with Sen had left me intrigued. Her fighting style was unlike anything I'd encountered before. Most shinobi adhere to their clan's techniques or refine inherited skills, but Sen? She had developed something entirely her own-a calculated blend of taijutsu infused with medical chakra that could immobilize an opponent within seconds. It wasn't just effective; it was ingenious.

After she left, the rest of us gathered under the large tree, catching our breath. The cool evening breeze rustled the leaves, a stark contrast to the heat of the training. My gaze lingered on the direction Sen had walked off. I couldn't help but replay the sparring session in my mind-her precision, her fluid movements, and the way her hair seemed to catch the light, golden with hints of pink. It framed her face beautifully, cascading in soft waves down her back.

She wasn't just skilled; she was captivating. Her curves were evident even in her shinobi attire, the snug fabric accentuating her figure-a lean waist, strong hips, and a graceful posture that exuded both strength and femininity. For a moment, I found myself wondering how someone like her could be so understated.

"She's resourceful and has a knack for perfection. A little bit of OCD, too. It's... cute," Genma remarked, his senbon rolling lazily between his lips.

"Ha! Genma, I didn't know you fancied her," Raido teased, smirking.

Genma chuckled, shrugging nonchalantly. "I can fancy anyone I want, Raido. But I'm genuinely impressed with her. After all she's been through during the Academy, she still managed to come out stronger. And don't forget, she's a civilian-just like me. Not many civilians achieve what she has. If she wanted, she'd be a jōnin by now."

Genma's words hung in the air, a reminder of just how far Sen had come. He was right-she wasn't born into the shinobi lifestyle, yet she had carved a place for herself through sheer determination. Kushina Uzumaki's mentorship had refined her skills, but the foundation had been her own relentless drive.

"And on the fancy thing," Genma added with a sly grin, "she's already taken by Nara Ensui. They've been dating for a couple of weeks, from what I hear."

I blinked, caught off guard. Sen is with someone? It wasn't that I had a particular interest in her-at least not consciously-but the revelation stirred something in me. I hadn't seen her with anyone before, though I barely knew her on a personal level.

I leaned back against the tree trunk, folding my arms as I let my thoughts wander. She's sixteen and can date whoever she wants, I reminded myself. But the way her form had filled out recently, paired with that striking hair and those sharp eyes, made it clear why someone would be drawn to her.

Then, there was the way she looked at Junpei during training. It was subtle, but I noticed-the lingering glances, the way her posture shifted when he was near. She definitely had a crush on him. And honestly, who wouldn't? Junpei Uchiha was everything someone would idolize: strong, enigmatic, and undeniably attractive.

I sighed inwardly. I knew that feeling all too well. When I first joined ANBU, Junpei had been a source of fascination for me as well. He had this magnetic presence, the kind that made you feel small yet eager to prove yourself in his orbit. My crush had been inevitable, but it didn't stop there. A few months ago, we'd crossed a line-more than a line, really. I'd ended up in his bed, and while I'd like to blame sake or the heat of the moment, I knew better. It had been deliberate, and it had been good. Too good.

Why am I thinking about this now? I shook the thought away, focusing instead on the mission at hand.

"You know," Kawarama said, breaking my reverie, "it'd be a lot easier if she were in ANBU. We could use someone like her full-time."

"Just don't put Sen in any critical situations," Junpei interjected, his tone firm. "She's only here for fuinjutsu advice. This isn't a typical mission for her, and she's never been on a planned S-rank op. If anything happens to her, Kushina-san will have our heads-and by extension, Hokage-sama and Hiro Nara too."

I nodded, agreeing silently. Junpei was right. Sen was valuable, but she wasn't trained for missions like this. I wouldn't risk her safety for anything. "I won't put her in harm's way," I assured him.

Junpei gave me a look, one I couldn't quite decipher. It wasn't distrust, but it wasn't entirely confidence either. That was Junpei for you-always enigmatic, always keeping people guessing.

"Look, Kakashi," Kawarama said, pulling my attention back to him. "You'll work directly with Sen. I'll handle my team, and Junpei will oversee both teams and work with her as well. It's the best setup."

I nodded again, grateful for the structure. "Got it."

With that, the group began dispersing, each of us heading back to our respective apartments. As I walked, my thoughts returned to Sen and the dynamic she'd brought into the team.

She was smart, resourceful, and disarmingly charming without even trying. But more than that, there was an undeniable allure to her-a subtle sensuality that caught you off guard. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about how she'd handle the complexities of the mission-and the personalities within it.

And as much as I hated to admit it, part of me was looking forward to working more closely with her.

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Sen's POV

The midnight air was cool and gentle, slipping through the partially open window and carrying the faint scent of night blossoms. Ensui and I lay tangled together under the soft sheets, our bodies close, the warmth between us chasing away the chill of the night. My head rested on his bare chest, rising and falling with his steady breaths, while his fingers traced slow, soothing patterns through my hair. His touch was light but deliberate, as if savoring every moment of this closeness.

Tonight had been our first time together, and it had been everything I hadn't known I was missing. It wasn't just about the physicality-it was the quiet intimacy, the unspoken understanding, the way he looked at me as if I were the only person in the world. I felt a sense of freedom, like I'd shed an invisible weight I didn't realize I had been carrying. After all the chaos and danger of recent weeks, I had needed this-needed him.

I tilted my face up to look at him, catching the faintest smile on his lips as his eyes met mine. His dark, piercing gaze held a softness that was rare for him, and it made my chest tighten in ways I couldn't quite put into words. He leaned down, brushing a kiss against my forehead before pulling me closer, his arms a protective shield around me.

The thought of him leaving in the early morning briefly crossed my mind, but I pushed it away. For now, I wanted to live in this moment, to let myself feel content and safe in his embrace. The events of the past few months had taught me just how fleeting life could be, and I didn't want to miss out on experiences that mattered.

Even as I felt the slow pull of sleep, my mind wandered to the future. The last scroll I had sent to Minato contained important information-clues that might help him dismantle Root. But I had yet to send anything about the Akatsuki. How much of a threat were they in this timeline? So much had changed.

Obito was alive and seemingly free from the darkness that had consumed him in the canon. Hidan was dead, and Madara had never enacted his grand plans. The legendary Uchiha had died of old age two decades ago, leaving behind a village that, while imperfect, wasn't engulfed in war. If Madara's machinations had never come to fruition, then Zetsu likely didn't exist in this world.

But what did Zetsu's absence mean for the larger picture? How much had his nonexistence altered the threads of fate?

For now, those questions could wait. Danzo and Root posed the most immediate danger, their shadowy actions threatening everything I held dear. The fight against them would require all the strength and strategy I could muster.

But not tonight. Tonight, I let myself rest, tucked against Ensui, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat under my cheek and the comforting weight of his arms around me. The world outside could wait.

-----

For the past week, I had been practicing with Team 1 - Kakashi, Obito , Itama , and Genma every evening after office hours. Training with them had given me a firsthand view of their synergy as a team, and I couldn't help but admire how seamless their coordination was. Kakashi and Obito were the heart of their unit-a two-man team sent on the majority of missions together. Genma and Itama often joined them for specialized assignments, and their presence added an undeniable charm to their already formidable dynamic.

Their reputation in the field preceded them. Kakashi's precision, Obito's unwavering determination, and Genma's adaptability were what made them stand out and Itama's Mokuton . They were unyielding, unafraid of violence, and undeniably competent-qualities I deeply respected.

But I wasn't immune to noticing their physical appeal either. Sparring with these wasn't just educational; it was undeniably entertaining in other ways. Their toned bodies glistened with sweat after every practice, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't spark ideas for my illustrations. It seemed I was becoming more perverted than I realized, but who could blame me? A little harmless admiration never hurt anyone.

As I wiped the sweat from my face with a washcloth from my scroll, Genma plopped down beside me, his ever-present senbon clamped lazily between his teeth. Kakashi, Itama and Obito were still sparring a few feet away, their movements precise and relentless.

"Sen," Genma began, his tone casual yet curious. "Can I ask you something?"

I glanced at him, intrigued, and nodded. "Go ahead."

He shifted slightly, leaning back on his elbows, and asked, "You don't seem interested in becoming a jonin. So, do you plan to stay a chunin forever? I mean, won't a chunin's pay be too modest for the rest of your life?" His golden-brown eyes fixed on me with genuine curiosity.

I smiled, dabbing at the back of my neck with the cloth. "You're forgetting something," I replied smoothly. "My family owns a tea shop right in the heart of the bustling market district. It's always busy, and not only that-my grandmother owns the entire building the tea shop is in. When the time comes, I'll inherit it from my mother.I don't have to worry about the money. I am working in the office because i like it ."

What I didn't tell him was about my growing side hustle as an artist, which had been bringing in more income than I had expected. Between that and the tea shop, I wouldn't have to worry about financial stability.

In a few years, I might even buy my own house instead of renting. Of course, my mother and grandmother keep insisting I'll inherit the family home, but it's nice to have my own plans.

Genma raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Well, that's solid. You've thought everything out, haven't you?" he said, his tone warm with admiration. "I have to say, I respect your dedication. Not many people choose to stay in the office or opt for a quieter life, especially in our line of work."

"I've always been like that," I admitted with a small laugh. "I prefer peace over chaos. All this violence-it's not for me. And hey," I added teasingly, "if it comes to it, I can always marry some hot jonin and live comfortably."

Genma chuckled, the corner of his lips quirking up as he twirled the senbon between his fingers. "That's one way to do it," he said with a grin.

We both laughed together, the sound light and easy, cutting through the tension of the day's training.

Moments later, Kakashi and Obito finally joined us, their breath slightly uneven from the intensity of their sparring. Kakashi sat down beside me, pushing his silver hair back as he gave me a rare, approving glance.

"You've been doing well, Sen," he remarked in his calm, steady tone. "We've been sparring for a week now, and I can see a lot of improvement in your stances and technique. You're adapting fast."

His words sent a wave of pride through me. Kakashi wasn't one to hand out compliments lightly, so hearing this felt like an accomplishment.

"Thanks," I replied, my tone sincere.

Kakashi leaned forward, his tone shifting to a more serious note. "Tomorrow, we're heading to the base. Be prepared tonight-all of you."

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle in. Tomorrow wasn't just another sparring session-it was the real thing.

As the group fell into a comfortable silence, I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with them. These training sessions had taught me more than just fighting techniques; they'd given me a glimpse into the bonds and trust that made a team truly strong.

-----

We all gathered at the Hatake estate, fully prepared for the mission ahead. I had been handed a temporary ANBU mask-a bunny, of all things.

Genma immediately noticed, his lips curling into a mischievous grin. "Bunny mask suits you," he teased, his chuckle low but deliberate.

I groaned, adjusting the mask on my face. "Couldn't I have gotten something... less ridiculous?" I muttered, glaring at him.

Genma leaned casually against a nearby tree, spinning the senbon between his fingers with an air of smug satisfaction. "Oh, you could have. But I may or may not have 'suggested' Kakashi pick this one specifically," he confessed with a wink.

My glare deepened. "I knew it! You're insufferable, Genma."

"Now, now," Kakashi interrupted, his voice calm but commanding. "Let's not start bickering before we've even begun the mission." His one visible eye glanced between us, half-amused, half-exasperated. "Save the scuffle for the enemy, not each other."

Genma snickered, but raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. No fun allowed, I get it."

I muttered under my breath, pulling the mask down to hide my face. He's lucky we're on a mission, or I'd be tempted to show him just how insufferable I can be.

Kakashi, ever the professional, shifted his tone to a more serious one as he addressed us. "Listen carefully. I'm the mission captain, so my word is final. However, when it comes to fuinjutsu decisions, Sen has the last say. Is that understood?"

I nodded, appreciating his clarity and trust in my abilities.

With that, we set off, making our way through the dense Nara forest. The moonlight barely filtered through the canopy, and we masked our chakra perfectly, moving like shadows through the night. After about twenty minutes, we reached what appeared to be an entrance to the Root base.

We stayed a safe distance away, hiding within the shadows of the trees. I placed a genjutsu-laden fuinjutsu seal around us, ensuring no one would sense our presence or hear our voices. From our vantage point, we began observing the area, looking for any signs of movement.

I closed my eyes briefly, extending my chakra senses outward. After a few moments, I opened them again and spoke. "There aren't many operatives coming or going from this entrance. That likely means it's not their main entrance. But the seals guarding it are... formidable."

Kakashi nodded thoughtfully. "If this isn't their main entrance, it works in our favor. Less traffic means we're less likely to be detected. Sen and I will move closer to examine the seals. Genma, Obito-you two stay here and keep watch. Alert us immediately if anyone approaches."

Genma gave a mock salute. "Got it, Captain."

Kakashi ignored his sarcasm and gestured for me to follow.

The two of us approached the entrance cautiously, staying silent as we moved. I examined the intricate seals guarding the entrance, using my chakra strings to probe their structure. They were incredibly delicate, almost microscopic-so faint they could be mistaken for the chakra signature of insects.

Kakashi watched me intently, his curiosity evident but his focus unwavering. I spoke in a hushed tone. "It's a double-matrix seal. If someone with unregistered chakra tries to enter, the seal will trigger two effects simultaneously. First, it will alert the master seal's owner. Then, it will detonate."

Kakashi's brow furrowed under his mask. "Can you dismantle it?"

"Not here," I replied, shaking my head. "It's too complex to solve on the spot. But I can copy the matrix using a replication seal and study it later. That's the safest option right now."

Without wasting any time, I activated my replication seal, copying the intricate design. Once I was done, I turned to Kakashi. "We should go. I have what we need, but I'll need Kushina-shishu's help to dismantle it safely."

Kakashi nodded, and we quickly rejoined Genma and Obito. With the seal design in hand, we retreated from the area and made our way back to the Hatake estate.

Once we arrived, Kakashi led us into a spacious room in the main house. We sat down, and he summoned Pakkun to deliver a message to Minato-sama, informing him of the situation and requesting his presence.

The room was quiet as we waited, tension thick in the air. When Minato finally appeared in a flash of golden light, the atmosphere shifted. His presence was calming yet commanding, a testament to his role as Hokage.

"Good evening, everyone," Minato greeted, his voice warm but laced with concern. His blue eyes scanned the room, pausing briefly on me. "Kakashi, I trust the first stage of the mission went well?"

Kakashi gestured toward me. "It was Sen who did the heavy lifting, Sensei. She'll explain."

I swallowed the nervous lump in my throat and began, keeping my tone steady. "When I analyzed the seal, I discovered it operates on a dual-matrix model. If anyone with unregistered chakra attempts to enter, it triggers an alert and then detonates. I couldn't dismantle it on-site without risking detection, so I copied the matrix for further study." I handed the replicated seal to Minato.

Minato examined the seal carefully, his expression shifting between admiration and thoughtfulness. "You made the right call, Sen," he said, his voice filled with genuine praise. "I'm impressed by your quick thinking and precision. Please take this to Kushina and work with her to decode it. I'll join you later tonight."

I nodded, feeling a surge of pride at his words.

Minato turned to the rest of the team, his tone becoming more authoritative. "Team 1, continue observing the Root operatives and gather information on their movements. Try to determine if they're affiliated with any clans. Once Sen and Kushina dismantle the seal, we'll proceed to the base together."

With a final glance at each of us, he concluded, "You're all dismissed for now. Stay sharp."

As Minato disappeared in another flash of light, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination. Seeing him exude such calm confidence despite the danger reminded me of why I admired him so much. His trust in me, however, carried its own weight, and I was determined not to let him-or the team-down.

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Happy New Year 2025 Everyone .

I know i just posted the latest chapter yesterday . This is a new year gift for all of you ;)

By now , hou must have realize how much i am invested in Anbu romance . I also have thought of another story and there will also be Anbu ;) even the next generation including Itachi and Shisui . i love Itachi and shisui romance fics along with kakashi . so buckle up for the future hot Anbu romances . of course it will be slow burne like this one .

i dont know about any of you but if i found myself between guys like these i might also be drooling like sen 😜😜

Do uou have any favourite Anbu from this fic ?

Hope you enjoy it .

Don't forget to vote ☆ 👇