The Strange Anbu

Afterwards, Natsuhiko explained the specific regulations of the tutoring class to Might Duy and advised him to prepare his lessons during this period.

The two then resumed sparring, fighting intensely until the tavern opened in the evening.

Recently, with the spread of its reputation, the Shinobi Tavern business had become increasingly prosperous.

The tavern was packed every night, and the sales of Shinobi Card Packs had increased exponentially, demonstrating their true potential as a money-making machine.

Because of his identity as the Duel King, Natsuhiko was often surrounded by onlookers at the tavern. Feeling overwhelmed, he left early, rubbing his slightly sore shoulders as he leisurely walked home.

After a long walk, he finally arrived at the front door of his secluded home.

However, he did not enter immediately but suddenly stopped.

"Speaking of which, I've already arrived home. Are you not planning to show yourself?"

Natsuhiko's voice echoed on the deserted street.

With a swoosh, a shadowy figure appeared on a nearby utility pole, perfectly framed by the bright moon behind him.

The figure was dressed in a sleeveless black ninja outfit, covered by a grey vest, and wore a rat-shaped mask.

Natsuhiko narrowed his eyes slightly.

It was an Anbu.

But he needed to find out if it was a regular Anbu or a member of the Root division.

"You managed to detect my presence. As expected of the 'White Demon' frequently mentioned recently."

The Anbu's voice was indifferent.

Although praised by the Anbu elite, Natsuhiko's expression was somewhat speechless.

White Demon?

Even if you compliment me using my dueling nickname, it won't make me happy!

And where did you even hear that name? Are you sure they weren't talking about card games?

Shaking his head slightly to dispel these thoughts, Natsuhiko asked, "So, what does this Anbu officer want from me?"

The Anbu didn't answer immediately but turned to gaze at the moon, speaking leisurely:

"Natsuhiko Amou graduated from the Ninja Academy in Konoha Year 36 with average grades but dreamt of becoming the Fifth Hokage."

"After graduation, he joined the Sealing Corps, gradually showcasing his excellent sealing Jutsu talent."

"Promoted to Chunin in Konoha Year 39, and to Tokubetsu Jonin in Konoha Year 42."

"To date, you have completed 33 D-rank missions, 140 C-rank missions, 57 B-rank missions, 18 A-rank missions, and 3 S-rank missions."

"..."

After recounting Natsuhiko's history, the Anbu praised him again:

"For a ninja from a civilian family, this record is something to be proud of."

"But as a smart person, you should have sensed the invisible ceiling above your head."

"Returning to the school to teach and starting a business, have you given up?"

"Do you remember your dream, or do you plan to live a mundane life?"

Natsuhiko grew increasingly impatient as he listened, finally interjecting, "So, what are you implying?"

The Anbu, eyes fixed on Natsuhiko through his mask, calmly said, "Natsuhiko Amou, have you heard of the Root division?"

"..."

Natsuhiko was momentarily stunned, feeling a mix of emotions.

It had come.

The man who had tried to recruit countless protagonists across numerous parallel worlds and was rejected every time had finally approached him.

Yes, it was the man with the cross-shaped scar on his face—Shimura Danzo!

Seeing Natsuhiko's silence, the Anbu nodded slightly.

"You've even heard of the Root division. Very good, I knew you were different from those complacent teachers."

"Indeed, I'm here to invite you to join our organization."

"..."

Natsuhiko finally came to his senses, feeling increasingly speechless.

Why did the Root ninja's demeanor seem different from what he imagined?

Aren't they supposed to be emotionless killing machines?

Or was it some dark period in Root's history?

But Natsuhiko had already firmly aligned himself with Lady Biwako and Kushina and had no intention of getting involved with the Root, so he didn't plan to delve deeper.

"Sorry..."

As Natsuhiko was about to refuse, he was interrupted by the Anbu.

"Don't rush to decline. You might have heard of Root and formed a bad impression, but do you really understand Root?"

"Do you know its organizational culture? Do you know what development opportunities it offers?"

"Do you understand why it evolved from an Anbu training institution to become a pillar supporting Konoha from the shadows? Have you seriously considered these questions?"

"Do you know it's a project supported by the village in secret? Do you know the relationship between its leader, Danzo-sama, and the Third Hokage?"

"Yes, you could live your life without ever dealing with Root, continuing as an ordinary ninja. But I hope you'll first understand what kind of organization this is."

"Aren't you looking for an opportunity to prove yourself? Come to Root. It might be the chance you're seeking. Opportunities always favor those with dreams and preparation. Are you ready?"

Seeing Natsuhiko's dumbfounded look, the Anbu felt a surge of satisfaction and continued:

"First, let me introduce Root's organizational culture..."

An hour passed quickly...

"...So, start by understanding. The knowledge, power, and wealth you seek are all within Root. It's up to you whether you have the courage to seize it!"

After finishing his speech with a slightly hoarse voice, the Anbu gazed calmly at Natsuhiko, whose face was blank and shocked.

Even through the rat mask, his confidence was palpable.

As Root's top recruiter, no one could refuse after hearing his pitch.

But he did feel a bit nostalgic. It used to be much simpler, without these long speeches.

It was tough for ninja clans, but for civilian ninjas like Natsuhiko Amou, just mentioning Elder Danzo's name would make them fall in line.

Then, they'd be branded with the curse seal in Root, creating a fait accompli.

Finally, Elder Danzo would drink three cups of punishment sake at the Hokage's office, and it was done.

Unfortunately, the White Fang incident backfired. The Third Hokage had to appease the disgruntled ninjas, so he cut down many Root members.

Even the Wandering Miko left Root, whereabouts unknown.

And many ninjas learned about a notorious secret organization in the village, diminishing Danzo-sama's influence.

Plus, Root was lying low to avoid trouble, making it hard to act openly. Now, recruiting involved changing people's prejudices about Root through speeches.

But once recruits were in Root, the old methods could resume.

This is especially true with someone like Natsuhiko-Amou, who is personally designated by Danzo-sama. He used every trick, even straining his voice.

Of course, speech alone wasn't enough. He also used another trick.

Genjutsu!

Yes, he was also casting a sound-based genjutsu.

Unlike regular genjutsu, it subtly affected the target's emotions with minimal chakra disturbance, making it nearly undetectable.

The downside was its weak effect, only slightly influencing emotions.

But combined with his well-honed speech, it was enough to win over Natsuhiko Amou.

Just as expected.

From initial impatience, Nastsuhiko Amou grew focused and then displayed longing for Root.

Surely, he'd now beg to join Root.

Indeed, Natsuhiko soon spoke:

"Sorry, I missed a lot of what you said. Can you repeat it from the beginning?"

Anbu: "..."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 106 is up on Patreon.

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