CHAPTER 50

You can just start it up

"Sprout!"

Kakashi saw this and immediately took action.

Regardless of the situation, Xu Fan's appointment as captain of this Anbu unit came directly from the Third Hokage himself.

Even if Yazi and the others were dissatisfied with Xu Fan, they couldn't simply overthrow the decision.

More importantly, Xu Fan was no ordinary ninja.

His strength surpassed even Kakashi's.

"It's fine."

However, Xu Fan had no intention of letting Kakashi intervene on his behalf.

"Anyone else still unconvinced? Let's settle this now. I've got a nap to take."

He yawned lazily as he spoke.

His words sent a wave of unrest through the group.

"What did you just say?"

Yazi was momentarily stunned before her expression twisted in anger.

Among all the Anbu squads, theirs was considered the strongest.

Yet, Xu Fan had just suggested that they all attack him together—implying that his strength alone was enough to crush them.

"Hmph."

Yazi snorted. "Even if you truly have the strength of an Anbu captain, there's no way you can handle all of us at once."

"That's right," another Anbu operative added. "Every member of this unit is elite. If you underestimate us, you're asking for trouble."

"We simply believe Kakashi is more suited for the captain's role than you. Maybe in name, you outrank him, but on missions, you'd be better off following his lead."

Aside from Uchiha Itachi and Tenzo, the rest of the squad shared this sentiment.

In truth, many believed that the Hokage had assigned Xu Fan this role so he could gain experience under Kakashi.

Had Xu Fan acknowledged this, they wouldn't have taken such a stance against him.

However, whether facing them or Kakashi himself, Xu Fan remained indifferent—almost dismissive.

And now, he had outright invited them to attack.

"So..."

Xu Fan waved off their complaints, his voice carrying a note of impatience. "Are you going to come at me or not?"

His words were a blatant provocation.

"Fine, you asked for this!"

Yazi dropped into an offensive stance.

To Kakashi's surprise, even Tenzo—who was usually level-headed—stepped forward to stand beside her.

"Tenzo?"

Kakashi frowned. He understood why the others were distrustful of Xu Fan. They hadn't witnessed his strength firsthand.

But Tenzo was different.

He had seen Xu Fan's capabilities—his powerful Wood Release techniques. No one in the squad should have understood Xu Fan's strength better than him.

"Kakashi-senpai," Tenzo exhaled deeply, his expression firm. "I want to try."

Tenzo had no issue with Xu Fan being captain.

After all, Xu Fan was extraordinarily strong—far stronger than most gave him credit for.

His chakra reserves alone were more than a hundred times Kakashi's.

Moreover, they were all Anbu. They were comrades. He should respect and follow Xu Fan's command.

But...

Xu Fan was the only living shinobi in the village who could use Wood Release.

And that power was overwhelming.

If an opportunity like this presented itself, Tenzo didn't want to waste it. He had to challenge Xu Fan.

Seeing Tenzo's determination, Kakashi sighed in resignation.

If both sides were eager for a fight, stopping them would be difficult.

Not everyone, however, shared their enthusiasm.

Uchiha Itachi silently took a step back, making it clear he had no intention of joining in.

It wasn't unusual. Even after joining Anbu, Itachi often distanced himself from others, preferring to operate alone.

Aside from Kakashi, few had ever gotten close to him.

Noticing Itachi's retreat, no one tried to force him into the confrontation.

"Then, I'll..."

Yazi was about to launch her attack when Xu Fan suddenly stretched out his hand, signaling them to stop.

"Hmph."

Yazi scoffed, taking Xu Fan's gesture as hesitation.

Even though Itachi wasn't participating, she was confident Tenzo would be more than enough.

After all, he could use the First Hokage's legendary Wood Release.

In her mind, once Tenzo displayed his full power, Xu Fan would be left stunned.

"Are you regretting it now?"

She smirked. "Our team has completed hundreds of A-rank missions. Even Captain Kakashi would struggle against our combined strength."

"At least he realizes it now," another Anbu operative chimed in. "Maybe this guy actually has some self-awareness."

But before anyone could continue, Xu Fan casually pointed at Kakashi.

"Me?"

Kakashi blinked, confused.

Then, Xu Fan pointed at Yazi.

"Me? You want me to stand over there?"

Kakashi exchanged glances with Xu Fan before stepping forward to stand beside Yazi.

Then, as the rest of the Anbu members—except Itachi—gathered together, Xu Fan spoke again, his tone indifferent.

"I meant all of you."

"What?!"

The squad collectively inhaled sharply.

Even other Anbu members in the vicinity began to take notice.

"Why me too...?"

Kakashi sighed. He hadn't intended to fight at all.

It was his subordinates who had been dissatisfied with Xu Fan's appointment.

Kakashi had been a genius ninja since childhood, his talent leaving most peers in the dust.

By the time Uchiha Itachi had just entered the Academy, Kakashi had already become a ninja.

His Sharingan granted him the title of "Copy Ninja," further cementing his reputation.

Even Itachi, despite possessing both his Sharingan eyes, couldn't match Kakashi's ability to instantly replicate jutsu in battle.

And yet...

Xu Fan was including him in this challenge.

"You'll regret this decision."

Yazi glared at Xu Fan.

Yet he didn't even acknowledge her words.

Instead, his gaze shifted past her, landing on Uchiha Itachi.

His voice was as calm as ever.

"You're not joining, Itachi?"