Kakashi, You Are Wrong
After leaving the Hokage's office, Xu Fan was on his way to the Anbu headquarters to collect his uniform and mask when he encountered Kakashi Hatake.
Kakashi stood against a wall, arms crossed over his chest, exuding an air of quiet patience, as though he had been waiting for some time.
"So... welcome to Anbu." Kakashi gave Xu Fan a brief glance before straightening up and scratching the back of his head. "From today onward, I'll be your captain."
"You are wrong."
Xu Fan locked eyes with Kakashi, instantly grasping the situation.
Being appointed to Kakashi's Anbu team meant that Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, had personally arranged this. If his guess was correct, Kakashi had likely received secret instructions from the Hokage—to monitor him and report back regularly.
But there was something Kakashi needed to understand.
Although Xu Fan had agreed to join Anbu, he had no intention of taking orders. Instead, he planned to use this opportunity to subvert Sarutobi's Anbu forces and turn them into his own.
"I'm wrong?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow, surprised by Xu Fan's defiance.
In Konoha, direct orders from the Third Hokage were absolute. Could this newcomer be rejecting them outright?
"Starting today, you are my subordinate, Kakashi." Xu Fan's voice was low but resolute.
"What?!"
Kakashi's eyes widened in disbelief. This had to be a mistake. The Third Hokage had personally assigned Xu Fan to his squad, yet now Xu Fan was implying that he was in charge?
This didn't add up.
Xu Fan had never even graduated from the Ninja Academy—he had only attended for a single day. Though his strength was undeniable, his knowledge of proper shinobi protocol was questionable at best. Did he even understand the laws of the shinobi world?
Could Hiruzen Sarutobi really have granted him command of an Anbu unit?
Kakashi swallowed hard, shaken by this unexpected turn of events.
"Also, I believe you've made a mistake," Xu Fan continued, stepping forward. "I didn't join Anbu because of the Third Hokage's orders."
"Huh?" Kakashi frowned. "Then why?"
"Because you interest me." Xu Fan's serious expression melted into a smirk. "Alright then, take me to meet my subordinates."
Kakashi remained silent for a long moment before accepting the situation. Regardless of how arrogant Xu Fan appeared, there was no way he could be bluffing—not when the truth could be exposed the moment he met the Hokage.
"Understood," Kakashi finally said, suppressing his emotions. He turned on his heel and began leading the way.
Meanwhile, his mind raced.
Xu Fan's words had been precise: he was interested in him.
That implied Xu Fan already knew the members of Kakashi's Anbu unit.
Had the Third Hokage briefed him in advance?
Was this some kind of test?
Nothing about this made sense. On one hand, Hiruzen Sarutobi had ordered him to monitor and report on Xu Fan. On the other hand, he had apparently entrusted him with command over an Anbu squad.
What exactly is the Third Hokage thinking?
Despite his mounting questions, Kakashi knew better than to confront Hiruzen directly.
For now, he could only follow orders.
---
Before long, they arrived at the Anbu quarters.
"Before meeting the others, let's visit Master Sibo first," Kakashi suddenly said.
"Who's that?" Xu Fan asked instinctively.
Despite his knowledge of Naruto's world, he had no recollection of anyone named Sibo.
"The standard Anbu uniform consists of a black bodysuit, white chest armor, and a black cloak," Kakashi explained. "Since Anbu missions are high-risk, spare uniforms are kept in stock. However, the captain's trench coat is beige. Those need to be custom-made."
"I see," Xu Fan nodded. The uniform would have been tailored to Kakashi's size, but given their height difference, a new one would be necessary.
Soon, they arrived at the tailoring station, where an older shinobi, Sibo, was waiting.
"Another new recruit?" Sibo said knowingly as he spotted them.
Since Anbu often suffered casualties, replacements were common, and he had long grown accustomed to fitting new members.
"You're not a familiar face," Sibo remarked as he began taking Xu Fan's measurements. Though not a shinobi himself, Sibo was well-versed in the usual shinobi progression—graduates of the Academy became Genin, then took the Chunin Exams to rise in rank. Only those with exceptional talent were admitted into Anbu.
Yet he had no recollection of Xu Fan ever participating in the exams.
As Sibo worked, another Anbu operative entered the room—a female ninja clad in standard-issue gear, with long black hair cascading down her back.
"Captain Kakashi!" she greeted warmly, immediately making her way over.
Unlike Root operatives, who were stripped of their emotions, the standard Anbu retained their personal lives outside of missions. Many female operatives still pursued relationships, marriages, and even had children.
With his aloof demeanor, undeniable strength, and striking looks, Kakashi was particularly popular among the women of Anbu.
"Meiko." Kakashi gave a casual nod in response.
Meiko turned her gaze toward Xu Fan. "A new recruit?"
"Name's Meiko. Welcome to Anbu." She grinned at Xu Fan. "Just a heads-up—Anbu life is tough."
"Alright," Sibo interjected, having finished his work. He put away his measuring tape. "I'll have your uniform ready soon."
"Oh, and make sure the trench coat is beige," Kakashi added.
The moment the words left his mouth, Sibo, Meiko, and the other Anbu operatives froze in shock.
Beige was the color reserved for Anbu captains.
Xu Fan... was the captain?