Though the two men are not well-known and mostly operate in the shadows protecting Konoha, their abilities surpass most of the Jonin in Konoha. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

It is said that if they join forces, even the Sannin would find it hard to handle them.

In fact, to reach such a position as a ninja, one must not be weak.

After they announced the meeting's adjournment, the Anbu members present made their way out of the conference room.

"Kakashi, stay behind."

As a shorter Anbu was about to exit the conference room, a steady male voice called him back.

Kakashi's expression under the mask showed slight surprise, but he didn't reveal anything unusual. He paused at the door and then turned back into the room.

"Minister, Deputy Minister, do you have further instructions?"

The work of the Anbu is indeed very busy, that's one thing for sure.

For Kakashi, whether it was working under his teacher the Fourth Hokage or under the Third Hokage, there wasn't much difference.

However, compared to the days under Minato, he now actually had regular days off.

After all, back under Minato, Anbu members had to gather on their own, and many things depended on Kakashi to handle.

But under the Third Hokage, there was no need for that. Here, there were ninjas with equal or even superior strength to him, and each team had its own missions. Once completed, they could rest before executing the next task.

Kakashi was very curious about the purpose of these two calling him back. If something needed addressing, it could have been brought up at the meeting table earlier; there was no need for private discussion.

"In fact, there is a secret mission we would like you to lead your team to investigate."

"A secret mission?"

Kakashi blinked.

"Are you aware of the recent string of disappearances in the village?"

"I've heard about it… wasn't it going very smoothly?"

Kakashi asked curiously.

He was aware of the matter.

Back in February this year, there were a series of disappearances within Konoha.

The missing ranged from ordinary people to ninjas.

"Actually, the progress has not been smooth, it's just that because of the external discourse, it had to be said that way. Prior to you, three teams had already conducted investigations, but there wasn't much progress. I hope your team can join in as well. Because within the Anbu, I suspect a mole was planted. That's why the person can always evade the Anbu's tracking."

"If that's the case, it isn't hard to deduce."

Kakashi thought, those capable of such feats are few in Konoha.

First, they'd need the strength, then an understanding of the Anbu and the ability to infiltrate it, making targets easy to pinpoint.

Senior elders, high-ranking advisors, the Sannin, other than those, there's no one else.

But Kakashi found it odd, if Orochimaru and Danzo were behind it, why was he completely unaware?

Evidently, those two didn't completely trust him either. This was the only explanation Kakashi could come up with.

"This is how it must be, constrained by certain rules; we need definite evidence to act."

One of the ministers spoke earnestly to Kakashi.

They had clearly identified some individuals, but when involving high-level ninjas, a verdict could not be reached with just a few words.

The Anbu must secure evidence to proceed with arrests; otherwise, it would overstep the rules.

Because it is the Anbu, every word and action must adhere to protocols.

"Yes, I understand."

Kakashi nodded, assuring the ministers he would seriously investigate the matter.

"Kakashi… is he trustworthy?"

The question came from a woman.

The man beside her in a mask replied, "There is no more trustworthy ninja in the Anbu than him. He's the one who saved Jiraiya's life; if he can't be trusted, then who can?"

The man seemed to hold Kakashi in high regard.

The woman nodded, finding her husband's words reasonable.

If even Kakashi isn't trustworthy, then there are no trustworthy members left in the Anbu.