Chapter 51: Joining Anbu

"I didn't expect it, I didn't expect Orochimaru actually possesses the strength of a Jōnin. I have no doubt about losing!" Nara Yasuo sighed as he exhaled a puff of smoke, wondering who he secretly learned smoking from at such a young age.

"Then did he win?" Yamanaka Inosuke asked.

"No, if they continued the fight, he would still lose. I remember that the Earth Release ninja should be next to Hokage-sama. Maybe he's a high-ranking Anbu. By analogy, Orochimaru may be recruited by Anbu."

Nara Yasuo was about to take another puff of his cigarette when he suddenly found that the lit end had disappeared, and instead, there were a thousand coldly gleaming snakes on the ground in front of him!

The remaining half of the cigarette fell to the ground with a "click." With a cold heart, he saw Orochimaru looking at them playfully from behind.

"What are you doing?"

Nara Yasuo and the others broke out in cold sweat and were taken aback. They hadn't realized that there was another person behind them!

...........

"Orochimaru, your talent is absolutely unprecedented, even... ahem! Lord Hokage has great expectations for you!"

He couldn't suppress Orochimaru with his techniques and even lost a move. Tsushima felt quite depressed, but Orochimaru remained low-key and even let Tsunade win the competition. It could be said that he gained a lot of favor. Tsushima still admired Orochimaru.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama, for your guidance."

"You are already a Chunin and meet the minimum requirements for joining Anbu. However, despite your strength, you are still young and lack experience, so you will start as a reserve and study as a substitute for about two years."

Daichi pondered for a moment and then continued, "Master Tobirama has promised you to be the Captain of a team, so you will have three other ninjas who are also substitutes to study with you. They will be your subordinates in two years."

Orochimaru understood and realized that becoming a Jōnin at the age of ten was still possible, as Hatake Sakumo had demonstrated such an achievement. However, becoming a captain in the dark part at the age of ten was truly astonishing, something that even talented Itachi achieved at the age of thirteen.

Next, Daichi provided Orochimaru with a detailed introduction to Anbu.

Anbu was established during the second-generation Hokage's rule over Konoha. Its full name is "Assassination Tactics Special Forces." It is similar to a special forces unit, with its members being the best and most loyal ninjas in the village. Their main responsibilities are to protect Hokage, defend against foreign invasions, and sometimes handle tasks related to investigation and assassination. The nature of their work is often quite dangerous, but Danzo's Root will become ten times worse in the future. They often handle covert operations, eliminating villagers with reactionary tendencies, enemy spies, and even secretly trading with hostile forces or infiltrating as undercover agents. Their missions outside the village come with a very high mortality rate, and their dark history, if exposed, could even lead to turmoil in Konoha.

Originally, Tobirama was only willing to entrust this kind of work only to Senju clan, but as Senju clan's talents dwindled and even Tsunade's parents were sacrificed on a mission, Tobirama had to make compromises and promoted a large number of ninjas from other families to fill the gaps.

It must be said that this was a wise move. The ninjas who joined were essentially brainwashed and remained loyal to Hokage and Konoha throughout their lives. Many of them disregarded their family's interests. This action weakened and divided the strength of the families, while the unique ninjutsu of each family also strengthened Anbu.

Orochimaru originally belonged to the Hokage faction, and the six disciples of Tobirama had some involvement in Anbu's work. Orochimaru was deeply rooted in the village. As long as he had the strength, his status would continue to rise.

"Here is your token. Go to the designated place to report in three days. That's where we'll receive you." Tsushima looked at Orochimaru and said, "Boy, being an Anbu is a top-secret identity. You should keep a low profile in the future. Your snake-type ninjutsu is already known to everyone, so it's best not to use it when performing tasks. However, your weapon should remain undisclosed."

"Don't think that joining Anbu at a young age is something amazing. Many geniuses have fallen midway." Tsushima seemed to recall something, and his expression turned somewhat melancholic. "Alright, you may go now."

Orochimaru left the unrecognizable Chunin arena, thinking to himself that he also needed to keep a low profile.

"Why, have you been talking to our new colleague?" Uchiha Kagami appeared silently behind Tsushima , and it was only when he spoke that it seemed like he suddenly materialized.

Tsushima did not embarrass Nara Yasuo and his group. After warning them not to speak nonsense and intimidating them, he let the three frightened youngsters go.

"Indeed..."

At the same time, in another corner, the three disciples of Danzo were also celebrating Kato Dan's promotion, but the atmosphere was clearly subdued.

Danzo wasn't present, and a Shimura clan ninja took his place, stating that Danzo had other important matters to attend to.

In reality, Danzo couldn't bear to see Sarutobi's smug face, even if he didn't show it openly.

"Dan, if you lose, you lose. I know Orochimaru, he's too strong, and you wouldn't have been promoted anyway!" Hiruko consoled his partner with a gloomy expression.

"Orochimaru has become even stronger." Hatake Sakumo glanced at Orochimaru from a distance, drank the sake from his cup in one gulp, and remained silent.

"But his aura is very sinister. When fighting him, he seems more like a cold-blooded killer." Kato Dan looked sorrowful, and his delicate features attracted the attention of many girls.

"My dream is to become a Hokage, and I've been working hard for it." Kato Dan's words carried conviction, "One day, I'll change Orochimaru's dark nature and make him truly willing to serve the village and give everything for it!"

Kato Dan's tone was gentle yet firm. At the same time, he looked at Tsunade, who was surrounded by others, and a warm feeling rippled in his heart.

...........

Three days later, Orochimaru went to the Anbu reporting office.

He and Tsunade had already been promoted to Chunin, and they were now ready to leave Teacher Sarutobi and start their own ninja careers. In the coming years, Anbu would be the place for his personal growth.

"Hello, I'm Orochimaru. I've come to report in!"