Chapter 110: Special Jonin
Hanzo declared his withdrawal from the war, ending Konoha’s Land of Rain war.
Konoha’s pressure suddenly eased.
In the Front Line Camp, some ninjas continued to participate in the Land of Grass war, scheming to attack the Land of Earth.
Including the Kiiroinu Battalion, some ninjas rotated off duty and returned to Konoha Village.
After returning to Konoha, Yoru entered a meeting room in the Anbu Base.
In the empty meeting room, only his seat had a spotlight.
Yoru sat under the spotlight, and the feeling of being illuminated made him uncomfortable.
Not long after, three jonin entered the meeting room.
The three sat on the presidium in front, three desk lamps lit up, illuminating their desks, but the three had only silhouettes, unknown who they were.
The Kiiroinu Captain’s voice rang out, making Yoru slightly relax.
“Fox, to become a Special Jonin requires joint recommendation from three jonin, and final approval by the Hokage.
Now the internal Anbu review will proceed; answer the questions well.”
Yoru nodded, looking at the three black shadows, waiting.
The shadow in the middle should be his Captain, the other two unknown who they were.
Each of the three had a scroll in front, which should be records about Yoru.
The person on the left spoke:
“Mission records show you killed a Hidden Sand Village jonin in the Land of Rain. Describe the battle in detail, without omitting anything.”
Yoru’s heartbeat slightly quickened.
When killing the Hidden Sand Village jonin, to resolve the battle quickly and avoid too many subordinate casualties, he used the Karma Seal of Retribution.
He also didn’t want subordinates to frequently replace due to death, so he used a trump card.
Could it be… Anbu discovered some intelligence?
Yoru recalled the mission report he wrote, strictly retelling according to the records:
“That Hidden Sand Village jonin was skilled in Earth Release, but my casting speed was faster.
Earth Spears kept clashing with his Flying Gravel, my ninjutsu was faster than his, his responses grew increasingly hasty and panicked.
Finally, I seized the opportunity and slashed his head with a knife, killing him.”
Just after Yoru finished speaking, he saw the jonin on the left move.
The ground under the presidium cracked, pebbles shooting out one by one toward Yoru.
Yoru formed hand seals, Earth Spears appearing on the ground in front of him.
Yoru kept rolling his eyes, pebbles intercepted by the Earth Spears one by one.
The left jonin’s strength was very strong, the collision points of pebbles and Earth Spears getting closer and closer to Yoru.
The pebbles came closer and closer, so close that after pebbles were shattered, fragments continued flying toward him, grazing his ears and flying to the back.
Too close, the closest one only half a meter away.
In the chaos, Yoru switched ninjutsu.
“Water Style: Water Wall Jutsu!”
A fierce water wall erupted from the ground, blocking the remaining pebbles.
The water wall fell, Yoru looked toward the presidium.
Slight sweat appeared on his forehead; this Anbu jonin’s ninjutsu was very strong.
Kiiroinu said: “Kurokame, I told you the Fox’s ninjutsu level is very high.”
Yoru breathed a sigh of relief; it was verifying his ninjutsu level, not discovering he used the Karma Seal of Retribution.
The jonin on the right stood up and said:
“Suppose I am a Land of Fire noble opposing Konoha, you must assassinate me, and to not expose Leaf Ninja identity, only taijutsu allowed, come on.”
Yoru picked up a kunai from his ninja tool bag, quickly blocking horizontally.
The jonin’s kunai clashed with his own.
The jonin said unexpectedly: “Right from the start, you can feel it, arms strong and powerful.”
Yoru thought to himself, I have Senju Clan bloodline limit physique, taijutsu is not lacking.
The two went back and forth, kunai clashing in the air repeatedly, sparking in the darkness.
Yoru had also learned Cloud Style Sword Technique, joints extremely flexible, able to thrust kunai from tricky angles.
The Anbu jonin sparred with Yoru while saying: “Kunai taijutsu carries a hint of sword technique shadow, sword technique insidious and vicious, ever-changing, good taijutsu strength.”
After trying for just one or two minutes, the Anbu jonin retreated back.
Kiiroinu said: “How about it, Kurokame, Hummingbird, you two willing to recommend Fox to become Special Jonin with me?”
“You have a pretty strong Captain.”
“Stronger than my Squad Leader.”
The three signed the recommendation scroll in turn.
Kiiroinu said: “Let’s go, Fox, come with me to see the Hokage.”
Yoru felt completely relaxed; the Anbu internal assessment passed smoothly.
Hokage Building.
The Kiiroinu Squad Leader went up first to report, after more than ten minutes, Kiiroinu came down and took Yoru upstairs.
Seeing the Fox at the entrance, Hiruzen Sarutobi said mildly: “Fox, come over.”
In the office, only the Hokage and Kiiroinu Captain were present, so anything could be said.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the documents and said:
“Fox, real name Yoru.
Born in Konoha Year 23 inside the village.
Konoha Year 28 unfortunately became an orphan, raised by Konoha Village.
Konoha Year 33 graduated from Ninja Academy.
Konoha Year 38, that is, last year, passed the Chunin Exam.
Squad members besides you sacrificed one after another in two missions, you were rescued by Anbu, then selected by Anbu.
Since entering Anbu, outstanding performance in multiple missions in Land of Waves, Land of Whirlpools, Land of Grass, Land of Rain, etc.
Received multiple praises from former Squad Leader Kurozaru, current Captain Kiiroinu.
Now, Kiiroinu recommends you to become Special Jonin.”
Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his eyes, looking at Yoru and saying:
“Fox, talk about your psychological changes after joining Anbu.
Anbu is my direct troops, the knife in my hand. However, at this moment, I want to hear your true thoughts.”
Yoru thought to himself, the Anbu internal assessment tests strength, the Hokage’s personal review tests loyalty.
After quickly organizing his words, Yoru said:
“Hokage, my parents, team teacher, teammates, all died in war or conflict.
Originally, I had death wish in my heart, entering Anbu was the most suitable end for me.
In these days in Anbu, my heart slowly came alive.
Anbu missions are cold, cruel, however, these cruel missions can make the village better.
I experience cruelty, so people in the village can enjoy warmth because of it.
Hokage, Konoha this great ship keeps advancing because of people like you, forging ahead with heavy burdens.
And I, am willing to be your aid in forging ahead with heavy burdens, loyal to you.”
Yoru thought to himself, with this little flattery hat on, who wouldn’t get dizzy?
Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned.
Forging ahead with heavy burdens?
Yes, forging ahead with heavy burdens.
At this moment, all of Hiruzen Sarutobi’s actions had an anchor, had meaning.
He had been forging ahead with heavy burdens for the village, aging quickly these past few years.
Clearly just middle-aged, yet much older than the retired Takashi Akimichi.
“Good, good!” Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly signed his name on the document and said:
“Yoru, I now approve you becoming Special Jonin!
Konoha Village can tide over crises one after another precisely because of outstanding young men like you.
Also because of energetic young men like you, Konoha becomes more prosperous.”
Hiruzen Sarutobi called him Yoru, not the code name Fox, seeming very warm.
Yoru was still a bit unaccustomed; he was used to being called Fox, he said:
“Hokage, I will definitely not fail Anbu’s training, not betray the Will of Fire, continue completing missions for the Hokage!”
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded repeatedly; this young man grew quickly, Anbu’s mainstay strength:
“Anbu Special Jonin reward is one A-rank ninjutsu.
Say it, what direction of ninjutsu do you want to learn now.”
Yoru thought and said: “Hokage, I want to learn Water Style offensive ninjutsu, I currently lack attack power.”
The Hokage nodded, gesturing for Kiiroinu to get a scroll from the side bookshelf.
Kiiroinu fetched a blue scroll and handed it to Yoru.
Yoru opened it and saw written on the scroll: Hiruzen Sarutobi Water Style Ninjutsu Summary, a catalog of Water Style Ninjutsu.
His first glance saw a Water Style name, Water Style: Water Severing Wave.
This jutsu was one of Second Hokage Tobirama Senju’s signature Water Styles, developing Water Style’s attack power to the extreme.
In the Fourth Ninja War, the Edo Tensei Second Hokage used this jutsu to cut open Divine Tree branches, extremely high intensity.
Yoru said: “Hokage, I hope to learn Water Style: Water Severing Wave.”
“Oh?” Hiruzen Sarutobi’s expression suddenly filled with nostalgia, he said:
“This is the Water Style developed by my teacher, very difficult, truly happy someone can inherit this Water Style.
Hope you can become famous with this ninjutsu in the future, tell the Ninja World, your inheritance comes from my teacher, from Second Hokage Lord Tobirama.”
“Please rest assured, Hokage, this jutsu will surely shine again in my hands.”
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded repeatedly, opened a scroll, and began silently writing the ninjutsu.
As Konoha’s Ninjutsu Professor, Hiruzen Sarutobi had studied all of Konoha’s ninjutsu.
Kiiroinu handed over the written scroll, Yoru carefully blew dry the ink, and put away the scroll.
Hiruzen Sarutobi said: “Fox, after returning to Anbu, practice the ninjutsu slowly. Next, stand on my other side, together receive a person.”
Yoru quickly stood on the Hokage’s other side, with Kiiroinu one left one right.
This represented the Hokage’s trust and nurturing.
Just didn’t know who was to be seen, actually requiring two Anbu to stand by, seeming a big fanfare.
Not long after, a white-haired ninja carrying a short sword entered the Hokage’s Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a pleased tone: “Sakumo, sit quickly.”
“Hello, Hokage.”
Sakumo Hatake sat on a sofa on one side.
He first glanced at the two Anbu.
The Anbu on the right was Kiiroinu, Sakumo Hatake had seen him a few times, strong in Fire Release and taijutsu.
The Anbu on the left was a newcomer, wearing a Fox Mask.
Missions arranged by the Hokage, none simple, Anbu casualty rate much higher than normal ninjas, newcomers appearing normal.
Sakumo Hatake glanced at the Fox Anbu’s stance, and from the Fox Anbu’s muscle state could tell this Fox Anbu’s strength was also good.
Moreover, extremely high talent, far from talent’s limit.
Yoru was shocked, unexpectedly meeting Konoha’s White Fang.
At this time, Sakumo Hatake hadn’t yet killed Chiyo’s son and daughter-in-law, hadn’t yet earned the White Fang title.
Sakumo Hatake spoke: “Hokage, what matter did you summon me for?”
Hiruzen Sarutobi gestured for the Fox to hand a scroll to Sakumo Hatake.
Yoru picked up the scroll on the table and delivered it to Sakumo Hatake’s hand.
While waiting for Sakumo Hatake to read the scroll, Hiruzen Sarutobi said:
“The war with Hidden Rain Village just ended, Hidden Sand Village declared war on us again.
Kiiroinu Battalion sabotaged Hidden Sand Village’s one scheme, they actually wanted to divert Land of Rain’s water into Land of Wind.
One plan failed, both Hidden Rain Village and our Konoha are on guard.
Hidden Sand Village thinks we suffered heavy casualties on three battlefields: Land of Hot Water, Land of Grass, Land of Rain, seeing opportunity in our weakness.
Unavoidable, Konoha will meet Hidden Sand Village in battle in Land of Rivers.
Sakumo, I hope you can serve as Deputy Commander of the Land of Rivers Battlefield.
Jonin Squad Leader Nara Shikaku will serve as Commander-in-Chief, you will become the front line’s sharp blade.”
Sakumo Hatake fell silent.
Yoru was somewhat surprised, Sakumo Hatake unexpectedly didn’t agree immediately.
In the original, he valued companions above all, how could he refuse commanding the village’s war?
Hiruzen Sarutobi continued:
“Orochimaru stayed in Land of Grass, Commander-in-Chief Mito Mon’en wants to launch the next wave of offensive, attack into Land of Earth.
Jiraiya encountered some personal matters, had to honor agreement with Mount Myōboku, complete Mount Myōboku’s entrustment.
Sakumo, among the young men, only you can serve as Deputy Commander.”
Sakumo Hatake said: “Hokage, I have absolutely no intention of retreating, but I have one request.”
“Speak.”
Hiruzen Sarutobi’s tone was no longer as enthusiastic as before.
Sakumo Hatake as if not hearing the change in the Hokage’s tone, continued:
“Hokage, I hope in the Land of Rivers war to implement examination system for Special Jonin and jonin, not recommendation system.
In the village, Special Jonin and jonin promotions are by recommendation from jonin and high-ranking officials, reviewed by you, Hokage.
Your review has no issues, however, still many chunin pearls covered in dust, unable to gain positions matching their strength.
I believe during war, examination system should be implemented.
Complete specified number of A-rank missions, automatically promote to Special Jonin.
Complete specified number of S-rank missions, automatically promote to jonin.
This way, the numerous chunin will have more motivation, ninja strength and ninja positions more reasonable.
Besides ninja positions, ninjutsu can also implement examination system.
After completing specified missions, gain high-rank ninjutsu.
As for the number of examination missions, completely decided by you, Hokage.”
Yoru was extremely surprised in his heart, what was Sakumo Hatake doing?
Recommendation system guaranteed the Hokage’s absolute power, also important means for Hokage to allocate cake.
If changed to examination system, wouldn’t that mean the capable become jonin?
Isn’t that rebelling against heaven?
Unexpectedly Sakumo Hatake had such political demands.
Yoru suddenly felt a pang of heartache; he fought tooth and nail in Anbu, ultimately only getting two ninjutsu from Anbu, one Earth Spear, one Water Severing Wave.
If changed to the examination system Sakumo Hatake described, at least know the progress bar: Hokage Building warm reminder, 100 more S-rank missions to your S-rank forbidden jutsu.
Not saying if I can complete, at least the goal is clear.
Yoru thought, if he weren’t Anbu, he would definitely support Sakumo Hatake.
Wait, Yoru suddenly thought, does being Anbu mean he can’t support Sakumo Hatake?
Hiruzen Sarutobi’s gaze lowered, saying:
“Sakumo, recommendation system is the system established by Second Hokage, impossible to change in short time.
I will seriously consider this matter, now more urgent is responding to Hidden Sand Village’s provocation.”
Sakumo Hatake said: “I agree to serve as Deputy Commander of Land of Rivers Battlefield, my request, please also consider it, Hokage.”
After Sakumo Hatake left, Hiruzen Sarutobi said to Kiiroinu:
“Kiiroinu, a batch of followers appeared around Sakumo Hatake, agitating some fair examination system.
Add one item to your long-term missions: investigate Sakumo Hatake’s followers, gather information, see what they really want to do.”
“Understood!”
