Chapter no.80 First Impressions

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Tenten moved swiftly through the trees. Naruto's gone to the ANBU. Hinata and Florence to the Hyuga Clan, she reflected.

"Yosh, Lee, let's do a warm-up of 10,000 Burpees!" Might Guy's voice boomed through the training ground.

"Yes, Guy-sensei!"

A small smile twitched at the corners of Tenten's lips.

At least something's never change, she thought, comforted by the familiar routine.

"Yosh, Young Tenten, join us in this youthful warm-up!"

Tenten glanced around, relieved to see that Neji wasn't there. His absence meant she could maintain her good spirits a bit longer. "Guy sensei, can we talk!"

Might Guy finished his burpee—an energetic leap from the ground followed by a swift clap above his head—and bounded over to his student.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"Sensei, do we have any missions away from the village?"

"Of course, I was going to inform you about this Youthful mission for a temple cleanup!" Guy exclaimed.

"Can I be excluded?"

"Is there something wrong?"

"My dad got into a coma, and I didn't want to leave him alone," Tenten admitted, her voice low.

Tenten and Lee watched as Might Guy's demeanor softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Maintain your youthful spirit, Tenten. Your father is a strong man, and he'll recover."

Tenten managed a grateful smile as Might Guy continued, "And of course you can be excluded from missions outside of the village."

"Thank you, sensei."

"No worries, now join us in this warm-up!"

Tenten shrugged, a light laugh escaping her. "Sure."

As she started her burpees, Lee chimed in, "Do you want me to sing a song for you, Tenten?"

Tenten snorted at the offer, her mood lightening further. "Sure."

As she counted each burpee, Tenten couldn't help but smile genuinely.

Her father was safely watched over by one of Naruto's clones, and her team had given her the space to focus on her personal projects.

Let's start with Project — Smithy.

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[ Hyuga Clan ]

As Hinata busily made a sandwich in the kitchen, she watched her younger sister, Hanabi, play with Florence. Hanabi was shouting gleefully, "Come here!" while trying to catch the energetic Florence, who was darting around the room.

It was refreshing for Hinata to see Hanabi acting her age, shedding the formal demeanor expected of a Hyuga and simply enjoying being a child.

Suddenly, the playful atmosphere shifted as Florence stopped in her tracks and Hanabi stiffened.

"F-father, what can I do for you?" Hanabi asked nervously.

Hiashi entered the room with a stern look. His gaze immediately fell on Hinata.

"You missed your lessons."

"My apologies, father, but a friend of mine needed me."

"What happened?"

"Tenten's father fell into a coma."

Hanabi gasped at the news, while Hiashi gave a slow, understanding nod. His attention then shifted to Florence, who was now acting adorably, tilting her head and wagging her tail playfully. Despite the cute display, Hiashi's was concerned; he sensed an unusual chakra from the puppy.

"Is this a ninken?"

Hinata shook her head, unsure how to explain that Florence was not just any ordinary dog, but a creature from a dungeon.

"I'll hire an Inuzuka trainer for her; she can be a great asset to you."

Just then, Florence leaped to Hiashi.

With quick reflexes, Hiashi caught her. Florence immediately started licking his face, trying to smother him with affection. Hiashi attempted to maintain his stoic expression, but both Hinata and Hanabi could see his facade almost cracking as he gently placed the puppy down.

Hinata handed her father a paper towel. "Thank you for the offer."

"Hn," Hiashi grunted as he cleaned up, his expression softening.

"Well, would you look at the time? I have a meeting with my team in a few minutes. Let's go, Florence."

"Florence?" Hiashi raised an eyebrow at the name.

"Am I right? Princess Sparkles would be better," Hanabi chimed in playfully, then blushed in embarrassment as her father turned to her.

What were you thinking, Hanabi?!

"That's a good name," Hiashi surprisingly agreed, causing Hanabi to look at him in shock.

Hiashi cleared his throat, realizing he needed to also be better for Hanabi.

"Do you... I am free if you want to train with me."

Hanabi's face lit up like the sun before she corrected her tone, "Ahem, father, I have some trouble with the seventh form. Would you mind correcting me?"

Hiashi smiled warmly.

"Show me!"

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[ Hokage Office ]

Shikaku Nara sat across from Hiruzen Sarutobi on the balcony of the Hokage's office, a chill breeze wafting through the space. Known as one of the greatest tacticians within the Nara clan and across the world, Shikaku found his peace disrupted the moment the Hokage had summoned him. Memories of the debilitating stress he'd endured during the 3rd Great Shinobi War rushed back, almost as palpable as the headache that now throbbed at his temples.

Hiruzen, seemingly absorbed in the game, placed a piece down with a deliberate thud, loud enough for Shikaku's trained ears. The pattern of its placement, a subtle Morse code: "The Walls have Ears."

Shikaku responded with a yawn, an ordinary gesture to any onlooker but a confirmation of receipt. He had already been briefed by Inoichi about the shadows stretching their fingers through the village.

"What do you think?"

"It corresponds to your profile," Shikaku replied. The statement was layered, a coded message discussing Danzo, not Hiruzen, alerting to the possibility of Danzo's involvement.

"The old man hasn't lost his touch," Hiruzen commented with a smile that would seem genuine to any observer.

Hiruzen's real message was clear: Danzo was still orchestrating from the shadows.

Shikaku's mind raced.

How?

How had Danzo moved from his imposed isolation?

Was it not as secure as they had hoped? What could his endgame possibly be?

"For the betterment of Konoha," Hiruzen answered, his voice carrying across the quiet balcony. He continued with a stream of words that held no real importance for Shikaku, a necessary drivel meant to throw off any unwanted listeners.

How could Danzo's men be hidden within the Hokage's office?

Even during Danzo's zenith, he had never managed to infiltrate this sacred space so thoroughly. The realization added a layer of cold unease that settled over Shikaku.

He picked up a Shogi piece—the Gin or Silver General—and placed it diagonally on the board, but with a deliberate turn as the silver general faced the shadows to signal his question to Hiruzen.

Was Danzo working for someone else?

"That's a great move," Hiruzen remarked, his eyes flicking briefly to Shikaku's face before returning to the board.

"I don't know what to do next."

The subtext was clear to Shikaku: Hiruzen was as uncertain about if Danzo was alone or working.

"I think this old man will give you a warning on the next move."

Shikaku snorted softly, catching the underlying message: Was the sabotage meant as a warning from Danzo, hinting that Konoha needed to strengthen its defenses? The very notion seemed laughable. Danzo's motivations, centered around his own rigid and self-serving vision for Konoha, hardly aimed for its genuine betterment.

"The warning is nothing more than a diversion."

"A diversion? But you wanted me to discover…" Hiruzen started, only to be cut off by Shikaku.

"Either I want you to think that for a bigger move, or you are wrong about the culprit…" Shikaku paused, letting his words hang in the air as he scrutinized the Hokage. His statement left much for Hiruzen to ponder: the possibility of another player framing Danzo, or a deeper scheme designed to mislead them into suspecting him.

"Well, I have done my move, so let's see what we can figure out," Hiruzen remarked as he moved a pawn with his thumb, a subtle indication that he had already made his move.

"Your skills are still sharp, so what help am I offering?"

"Just wanted to refresh my day with a little exercise for the brain. Can you pour me some tea?" Hiruzen asked, his request sounding casual but carrying an unspoken directive.

Shikaku obliged, pouring the tea. As he did so, a shock of electricity coursed through him—a subtle medium of chakra so faint that even a sensor might miss it. This was no ordinary jolt; it was a message, a directive carried in a split second Genjutsu. Silently, Shikaku now had a new location in mind to investigate.

"If you'll excuse me."

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Shikaku stepped into a small, cluttered bookstore managed by Kosuke — the eternal genin. The quaint shop was lined with shelves heavy with books, the scent of old paper permeating the air.

"Hello there, Shikaku-san. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Well, today has been a troublesome day, and I wanted to see if I can take a book to read myself to sleep."

Kosuke sweatdropped.

"Well, knock yourself out."

As Shikaku wandered through the aisles, his senses picked up the traces of Yin chakra on certain books. His heart rate quickened slightly as he realised that the traces were strategically placed, mirroring the final positions of his and Hiruzen's Shogi game earlier that day.

"You are something else, Hokage-sama," Shikaku muttered under his breath, a wry smile touching his lips as he moved toward the location of the king piece on their imaginary board. His hand reached for a book titled Icha Icha Mythical Harem Paradise. The title alone was enough to draw a disapproving look from Kosuke.

Ignoring the gaze, Shikaku opened the book and began reading the letters marked with Yin chakra. The words formed a clear, urgent message:

[ Dragon has been compromised. ]

"Shit."

[ Naruto is the target. ]

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Shikaku continued reading, each word sinking like a stone in his stomach.

[ Root; investigate ]

He clicked his tongue in irritation. He had personally seen to the dismantling of Danzo's Root organization, yet more of it lurked in the shadows.

[ Hospital ]

"Looks like I have my first clue."

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In the dimly lit security room of Konoha Hospital, a wall of screens cast a soft glow, illuminating the two guards seated comfortably behind the desk.

"Can you believe that last-second turnover?"

"The whole game was a mess, but that play was something else," the other replied, a smirk playing on his lips as he took another sip of his coffee.

Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door, cutting through their banter.

"It's open!"

The door creaked open slowly, revealing no one on the other side. The room fell silent as the guards exchanged puzzled looks, their smiles fading into frowns. "Must be some kids playing a prank," the first guard muttered, his brows furrowing in annoyance.

"Hey, check the cameras to see which bastard did this."

Before he could take a step toward the monitors, a thud resounded behind him. He spun around, his heart skipping a beat, only to see his friend collapsed on the floor, unconscious.

Panic gripped him as he scanned the room, the shadows seeming to creep closer from the corners of his vision. He opened his mouth to shout for help, but before a sound could escape, a silhouette emerged from the darkness. The figure was all but a blur of hands reaching for him.

He tried to step back, to defend himself, but his body wouldn't respond quickly enough. Fear choked him, his breath hitching in his throat as he felt the cold grasp of the intruder. Within moments, darkness swallowed his vision as he too was knocked out, the last thing he saw being the eerie glow of the security screens flickering silently above him.

Shikaku emerged from the shadows and moved quickly and silently to the bank of security monitors, his eyes scanning the multitude of screens with a practiced gaze. He paused at one, tapping the controls to rewind the footage.

Within minutes, he located the clip he needed. The footage showed Naruto entering the hospital with a girl and an unconscious man in tow. A few minutes later, Naruto returned with Hinata, the Hyuga clan heir, as they sat together, waiting for the doctors.

Shikaku leaned back slightly, processing the scenes unfolding on the screen. He understood then the severity of the situation and why the Hokage had sent him on this urgent task. Naruto, a target of Danzo, and now someone close to him targeted as well, he thought grimly. It was a classic blackmail tactic employed by Root.

"Naruto seems to be fine..." he murmured to himself, a hint of doubt clouding his usually sharp gaze. Root operatives were notoriously ruthless, and the fact that Naruto appeared unharmed raised more questions than it answered. If someone close to Naruto was targeted, and there had been a confrontation with Root—a confrontation that a newly appointed Genin like Naruto managed to win—why had there been no report or alarm raised throughout the village?

A troublesome headache began to form as Shikaku leaned back from the monitor, rubbing his temples. The shadows of Konoha seemed to be deepening, hiding secrets that even he was not privy to. He did not like it—not one bit.

I need Inoichi's help.

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[ Training Ground 10 ]

Sasuke entered the training ground only to find Asuma sensei engaged in the futile task of trying to feed sushi to a dog, which, to Sasuke's surprise, turned out to belong to Hinata.

Great, another mutt.

Just then, a gasp sliced through the air, and Sasuke turned to see Kiba staring wide-eyed at Hinata's new companion. "Where did you get her?!" Kiba's voice was tinged with an envy that grated on Sasuke's ears as the Inuzuka bolted towards them.

"Well, I got her from a friend."

Meanwhile, Akamaru had taken an instant liking to Hinata's dog, Florence, and jumped onto the ground, rolling around playfully. Florence, however, regarded Akamaru with the same disdain a noble might show towards a peasant, turning her nose up and away dismissively. Akamaru's tail drooped, his puppy crush visibly unrequited.

"No, you bitch!" Kiba's outcry was abrupt as he saw the snub.

"Language!"

Hinata gently poked Kiba's shoulder, sending him sprawling to the ground, paralyzed by her gentle touch.

"She is stronger than yesterday," Sasuke murmured, impressed yet wary as he stepped forward.

"Oh, Sasuke, do you want to meet Florence?" Hinata asked innocently, pushing the puppy in front of Sasuke, who was hardly prepared for what was to come.

"Fi..." Sasuke began, about to lay down a challenge but he was abruptly cut off as Florence bit his nose sharply. Sasuke's eyes widened in shock and pain as he took off running trying to remove the dog biting his nose.

"No, bad girl!" Hinata called out, chasing after the duo.

Asuma simply took out his cigarette, lit it, and leaned back.

"Good start to the day."

His thoughts drifted to how long it would be before his own team started complaining about wanting higher-ranked missions, especially since Kakashi's team was already gearing up for their first mission outside the village. It was only a matter of time before the competitive spirit kicked in.

"Wait, Sasuke, don't fireball the puppy?!"

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[ ANBU ]

As Naruto followed Bee through the ANBU headquarters, one thing was unmistakably clear to him: the place was both creepy and boring. To Naruto, the headquarters felt like a ghost town, and he had never been fond of ghosts.

He walked through the sterile hallways that had no windows, only door after door made of metal that blended so seamlessly into the walls that if he didn't pay close attention, he would assume they weren't even there. The lack of distinguishing features made the building feel like a labyrinth, each turn and corridor indistinguishable from the last.

As they walked, Bee handed Naruto some kind of jelly to eat.

[ Item: Nutritional Jelly ]

- [ Description: A special type of food product made specifically for ANBU operatives, formulated to quickly provide all the nutritional needs and calories required. This jelly has been tailor-made for Naruto Uzumaki after a lab examination of his stool, ensuring it meets his specific dietary needs. ]

- [ Passive Effects: ]

   - [ Satiety: Completely satisfies hunger. ]

- [ Active Effects: ]

   - [ HP Effect: Increases health points by 10 upon consumption. ]

Wait, is that why they needed me to shit in a cup?!

Naruto moved his ANBU mask to slurp it down. To his disappointment, the jelly tasted like literally nothing.

"Your lives must be really boring?" Naruto asked, his voice echoing slightly in the empty hallway as they stopped in front of what seemed to be just another wall.

Bee ignored the comment and knocked on a door which then slid aside smoothly, revealing the room beyond.

Naruto found himself in what looked like a bizarre clothing store. Instead of garments hanging on racks, there were walls lined with metal drawers, giving the room a cold, industrial feel. This place, known to ANBU members as the "gear vault," was where they stored all their specialized equipment.

As Naruto was taking in his surroundings, he suddenly felt something brush against his arm. He turned to see another ANBU member, already busy taking his measurements. Before Naruto could even react to the intrusion of his personal space, the ANBU had moved to one of the metal drawers, efficiently pulling it open.

From the drawer, the ANBU retrieved some equipment and handed it to Naruto. Slightly bewildered by the rapid sequence of events, Naruto glanced at Bee, seeking some clue on what to do next. Bee simply pointed to the side of the room.

"Change."

[ Item: ANBU Body Gear  ]

[ Stat Modifiers: ]

  - [ STR +25 ]

  - [ CON +26 ]

  - [ AC +30 ]

  - [ CON +14 ]

  - [ WIS +3 (Increases Perception and Environmental Awareness) ]

  - [ Elemental Chakra Resistance: +50% ]

[ Durability: 10K/10K. ]

[ Level Requirement: 12 ]

[ Description: Elite gear custom-tailored for the life of an ANBU. This is a set item consisting — Gambeson, Pants, Balaclava and Jacket. This body armor combines exceptional protection with mobility, featuring advanced materials such as Chakra Silk, High grade Chakra metal etc. ]

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[ Item: ANBU Tactical Gloves ]

[ Stat Modifiers: DEX +18 , AC +30. ]

[ Special Modifiers: ]

  - [ Jutsu Execution Speed: Increases speed of Jutsu casting by 50%. ]

  - [ Parry Efficiency: Enhances parry success rate by 40%. ]

[ Durability: 8000/8000. ]

[ Level Requirement: 12 ]

[ Description: Gloves designed for ANBU operatives. Fitted with pads of chakra metal that significantly improve dexterity and grip alongside increase of chakra flow that allows for rapid Jutsu execution. ]

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[ Item: ANBU Recon Shoes ]

[ Stat Modifiers: DEX +15, Movement Speed +30%. AC + 15 ]

[ Stealth Enhancement: Grants a +60% bonus to Stealth, making movements nearly undetectable. ]

[ Durability: 15K/15K. ]

[ Level Requirement: 12 ]

[ Description: These shoes are designed for reconnaissance missions. The spring seals release a burst of chakra for swift and silent movement. ]

....

Naruto's eyes widened in amazement as he scanned the stat boosts of the new equipment, but his excitement quickly faded when he glanced at his level.

[ Level: 10 ]

[ Exp: 64K ]

Looks like I am going to need 36K more to reach level 12, he thought glumly as he removed his jacket in the changing room.

[ Player Naruto has unequipped item: ]

- [ Armor: Bright Orange Sleeveless Jacket ]

A frown creased his forehead.

This is bad.

He knew all too well that in the ranks of the ANBU, every little advantage from equipment stats could be crucial.

Getting to level 12 would be a slow grind. As he stood there, pondering his predicament, a sudden spark of inspiration hit him.

With a grin, Naruto shoved his jacket into the inventory.

Hypothetically, if he placed an item in the inventory, he could equip it without actually wearing it since technically the inventory was connected to him.

[ Player Naruto has equipped item: ]

- [ Armor: Bright Orange Sleeveless Jacket ]

Naruto quickly stuffed his pants and gambeson into the inventory and then re-equipped them.

Naruto barely stopped himself from shouting in triumph.

Instead, he let out a suppressed giggle and began to dance.

He shuffled his feet in a quick, happy jig, swinging his arms and spinning around once.

Loophole baby.

Naruto quickly wore the standard ANBU uniform: a slate gray, sleeveless tactical vest over a dark, long-sleeved gambeson. The pants matched the shirt in color, complemented by armguards, and the ensemble was completed by a blank white mask.

Fully dressed, Naruto walked out of the changing room.

"Would be better in orange?"

"You'll be easily found by enemy ninjas," Bee pointed out.

"But couldn't I just hide using the Transformation Jutsu?"

"For a normal ninja, yes, but for an ANBU, no."

"Why not?"

"Simple, normal ninja aren't trained to sense chakra the way ANBU are," said Bee. He elaborated that while they might not be as powerful as natural sensor types, who were rare, enemy ninjas in the field often had the capabilities to detect even very subtle chakra outputs. "Wearing bright colors won't fly in the ANBU."

"But I look like an emo."

Bee's dry, sarcastic remark, "What a tragedy," floated through the air, eliciting a stink eye from Naruto.

"So, now what?"

"Now, you meet your team," Bee responded, turning towards the door with a motion for Naruto to follow.

"Any tips?"

"Think before you act."

Bee said while offering Naruto a weapon — the blade was straight and sleek, considerably shorter than a typical katana, which made it ideal for the swift, close-quarters combat preferred by ANBU operatives.

[ Item: ANBU Ninjato ]

- [ Description: A high-grade chakra metal weapon designed specifically for close quarters combat and assassination.]

- [ Passive Effects: ]

- [ Increases chakra flow by 60%. ]

- [ Increases elemental flow by 60%. ]

- [ Active Effects: ]

- [ Dexterity (DEX): +15 ]

- [ Armor Class (AC): +20 ]

- [ Parry Increase: Enhances parry ability by 10%. ]

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[ Squad 0's Meeting Room ]

"This is a bad idea," Cat murmured, her gaze locked on Dog who stood in front of the door, radiating impatience and barely concealed hostility.

"What? I'm just going to scare the pip-squeak."

The older members could tell that Dog wasn't pleased with Naruto's addition to the team and was eager to establish a pecking order.

"Let's allow it," Tiger said nonchalantly, causing Cat to sigh.

Despite her reservations about the plan, she was curious to see how Naruto would handle the situation and why the commander had chosen to recruit a freshly graduated Genin so personally.

As the door swung open, Naruto burst into the room, his energetic shout of "Reportin—" cut short when he caught sight of Dog lunging at him with claws bared.

Reacting instantly, Naruto twisted his body in a smooth, clockwise dodge that carried him clear of her trajectory.

Dog's momentum carried her forward, and as she landed clumsily on the floor, Naruto was already countering, driving a quick jab towards her.

Dog whirled around, her Inuzuka instincts screaming a warning.

That incoming fist seemed like a harbinger of Death.

But before the situation could escalate further, a giant wooden root shot up from the ground, intercepting Naruto's fist mid-strike.

The sheer force of Naruto's jab blasted a hole through the root, sending splinters flying.

In the blink of an eye, Naruto felt the cold edge of a ninjato against his neck.

"Stand down, Recruit," Cat commanded calmly.

[ Name: REDACTED ]

[ Alias: Cat ]

[ Role: Senior ANBU Operative ]

[ Level: 16 ]

[ First Class: Civilian Shinobi ]

[ Second Class: Sword Master ]

[ Race: Human ]

Naruto ignored most of the profile as it was either redacted or not important.

[ Allies: Konoha, Squad 0 ]

Not a Root ninja.

Naruto raised his hands in surrender.

Had his team been full of Root Ninjas? Naruto would have immediately used Teleport and ran out of Konoha.

"I told you this was a stupid idea," Tiger scolded Dog her bravado deflated at the sight of the hole in the wood jutsu.

"Yeah, yeah," Dog mumbled, swallowing hard as she eyed the damage caused by Naruto's counterattack.

"How does the academy dead last have this much power?"

Naruto clenched his fist, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

The trio immediately sensed the shift in Naruto's tone—his dislike for Dog's words was palpable.

"Don't like those words?"

Tiger's probing question hung in the air as Cat smoothly sheathed her blade.

"Dragon promised me that I'll get non-judgmental teachers, but I can see that was a lie," Naruto replied, his tone laced with disappointment.

Dog huffed as she walked back to her seat.

Cat, recalling Tiger's previous comments about Naruto's sabotage, pondered to herself.

Guess that Chunin, Iruka, was able to investigate, she thought, understanding Naruto's annoyance.

She empathized with him; she too would feel irked if she were underestimated by a system rigged against her.

"Well, Operative Dog here only has your academy profile to go off, but clearly, you are much more than that."

Tiger offered some cashews to Naruto.

[ Item: Poisoned Cashews ]

- [ Description: A seemingly innocuous bowl of cashews subtly laced with small traces of poison. This item is designed to gradually build up the eater's tolerance to toxins, serving as both a test and a training tool for endurance against poisons. ]

"They are... poisoned."

"Wow, never seen someone figure that out and not freak out."

Naruto shrugged in response.

"You were eating them, so these nuts are probably there to build some kind of poison tolerance."

"Perceptive," Tiger acknowledged with a nod. He, Cat, and Dog then settled into their seats, observing Naruto closely.

Naruto paused, remembering Bee's earlier advice: Think before you act.

Mindful of his status as the newest member of the team, he waited for a signal from the others before taking a seat, understanding that as the newbie, he had to earn his place.

"Thoughts?" Tiger asked glancing at the standing blonde.

"A very strong first impression," Cat responded.

"He is... different from what I have heard," Dog admitted reluctantly, her voice strained.

"Welcome to ANBU, Recruit. I am Captain Tiger."

The blond ninja didn't flinch at the anonymity his new title imposed; he merely nodded in acceptance. He had chosen this path, the path of the unseen, and was ready to embrace it fully.

"Understood, Captain," Naruto replied, his salute rough and unpracticed. It lacked the crisp precision typically seen in seasoned soldiers, but his gesture went uncommented by the team. They observed him quietly, recognizing the raw potential before them—an unpolished gem that required careful shaping.

"ANBU is a family. We are the guardians in the dark, ensuring Konoha greets another dawn. Like a family, we support our members. But there's one difference." Tiger paused.

"Can you guess what it is, Recruit?"

After a brief pause, filled with contemplative silence, Naruto responded. "I must earn my place."

"Correct, Recruit. In ANBU, each member has proven they belong. It's your turn now."

Naruto nodded as Tiger motioned toward an empty seat.

"Your name?"

Beneath the mask that hid his face, ensuring his anonymity, he was known simply as 'Recruit'.

"Apologies, Captain," Naruto replied respectfully. "But I am not allowed to reveal my identity."

The ANBU captain nodded in approval. "Quick learner, good. Well, let's begin with the mission briefing."

What? Naruto thought, his confusion prompting him to raise his hand.

"You have a question, recruit?"

"Yes, am I not going to be trained?" Naruto asked, his tone laced with concern. The training was now his primary reason to be in the ANBU. If he couldn't get stronger, how was he supposed to kill Danzo?

"You are."

"What about the mission?"

"You are going to be trained on the field."

"Will that work?"

"Do you know the shadow clones jutsu?" Tiger inquired, shifting the topic slightly.

"Yes?"

"Do you know its secret?"

"I gain some chakra back when they pop?"

Tiger paused, considering Naruto's response. "Not the full picture, but a good enough answer. The secret is that when a clone dispels, it sends back its experiences to the user along with any remaining chakra."

Understanding dawned on Naruto, and within that newfound understanding, a plan swiftly began to take shape.

I can abuse this. he thought, grateful that his mask concealed the grin that was undoubtedly spreading across his face. The idea of leveraging the shadow clones alongside the system to accelerate his strength growth sent a shiver through him.

"Good, now let's begin with the mission briefing," Tiger announced, bringing Naruto's focus back to the present.

"It will be a simple guarding mission."

"Who is the client?"

"A priestess," Tiger replied to Cat.

Naruto tilted his head, puzzled by the assignment.

"A priestess needing the protection of an ANBU Team?

"Well, the priestess in question is someone on the same level as the Daimyo."

The team collectively inhaled, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"Who?" Dog asked, her interest piqued.

"The Abbess of the Oni no Kuni; Miroku Maitreya."

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[ Author Note ]

Okay, so this entire chapter set up a lot of things moving forward.

....

Project Smithy, Tenten's actions for the future: Smithy is the place where blacksmiths work, so Tenten is going to be creating her own smithy and more. The smithy is going to be made where Naruto's old apartment is, so is Tenten going to be just making a smithy, or much more? Tell me what you think!

....

Florence as Hinata's ninken (ninja dog): This is also obvious, but Hinata is going to be getting a new class. What class might that be? Your ideas?

.....

Last chapter's movie question: I asked which movies should Naruto cover and in the last line, I revealed the name: Miroku Maitreya — many of you might not know this name, but this is the name of Shion's mother (the girl from the Naruto: Shippuden movie who can see the future).

Thoughts?

Some of you wanted me to go with the Land of Snow movie and, to everyone, we will also be covering the Land of Snow movie eventually.

I plan to cover alot of the movies not all, but alot of them.

....

Tenten's portion: It teased that Mr. Higurashi is being protected by Naruto's clone, and Shikaku and Inoichi are going to try to retrieve Mr. Higurashi's memories, leading to a confrontation between them and Naruto's clone which will escalate into something big as the storylines are going to be intermixing. Thoughts on this?

....

I know this wasn't the most action-packed chapter, but I hope you all liked the smart setups that have happened.

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Thank you for your continued support and engagement with my work. Have a blessed day, and I look forward to reading your thoughts in the comments!