"There's an important reason I've called you all here today."
"You all know Jiraiya, I assume."
"Hokage-sama's former classmate."
Sakumo stepped forward and gestured toward Jiraiya standing at his side.
Jiraiya gave a slight nod to those present.
"On Hokage-sama's orders, Jiraiya will be forming a new division."
"In the future, we will cooperate closely with his Intelligence Division. Today, we'll be selecting some talent from among you to join it."
"That's all I'll say."
"Follow Jiraiya's lead."
With that, Sakumo stepped back, handing over the stage to Jiraiya.
The Anbu already reported directly to the Hokage, so transferring personnel to the Intelligence Division was completely reasonable.
Regardless of future developments, they'd still be considered allied departments.
"Yes, Lord Sakumo."
Ten Anbu members replied in unison, their voices completely neutral.
Obedience was their sworn duty.
"I know you're all elite Anbu."
"What happens here today doesn't necessarily mean anything."
"Our new division has its own distinct purpose."
"I hope you understand."
Jiraiya started by being very clear—he didn't want any misunderstandings later on.
His voice rang loud and clear, also meant for those outside the arena to hear.
"Now, you'll spar in pairs."
"After five matches, I'll select people based on your performance."
"I'll state clearly, winning doesn't guarantee selection."
"And losing doesn't mean rejection either."
"It all depends on how you perform."
Jiraiya intentionally avoided telling them exactly what criteria he would use for evaluation.
He wanted to make his final selections based on how they naturally respond in battle.
"Lord Jiraiya, how many do you plan to choose out of us ten?"
One of the Anbu asked about his concern.
"If he takes nine out of ten, the one left behind would look weak."
"That depends entirely on your performance."
Jiraiya paused thoughtfully before slowly answering.
He hadn't decided yet—if all ten impressed him, he might just take them all into the Intelligence Division.
Then he added a few more words.
"Do any of you have other questions?"
"You may still withdraw if you wish."
Jiraiya gave these Anbu members full freedom to choose.
He kept smiling warmly, speaking in a kind tone.
The perfect image of a leader.
"We won't withdraw."
The ten exchanged glances and gave Jiraiya the answer he expected.
"Then let's begin. I'll handle the pairings."
Sakumo knew them well enough to decide suitable matchups.
This way they could better demonstrate their full abilities.
"Enough stalling—let's get this started."
Kawaki grew impatient with the delay—he wanted the action to start. Seeing Sakumo preparing to step forward, he didn't hesitate any longer.
[Wood Release: Forest Sea Genesis!]
With Kawaki's hands clapping together, a surge of chakra seeped into the ground.
As the earth beneath the training field cracked apart, everyone at the edges hastily backed away.
A vast sea of trees sprouted from the ground beneath the ten Anbu agents, instantly lifting them high into the air.
Five pairs of colossal trees rose facing each other. Kawaki had personally assigned the teams himself.
And completely at random.
The five groups exchanged confused glances—this had all happened too suddenly.
There wasn't even a hint beforehand!
By the time they realized what was happening, the massive trees had already erupted beneath them.
Now that things had unfolded this way, there was nothing they could do about it.
They weren't hurt, but still felt a lingering unease.
If Lord Kawaki had ill intentions, how many of them could actually escape?
"Could you at least give a heads-up next time?"
"You nearly scared me to death."
Sakumo and Jiraiya barely dodged in time—they nearly got lifted too.
"Haha, wasn't it great though?"
"Their reaction speed still needs improvement."
He didn't consider—what normal ninja would need such an overwhelming technique?
"This is Lord Kawaki's Wood Release?"
Most of the Anbu observing from the sidelines had never seen Wood Release before.
They were utterly awestruck by this Ninjutsu that instantly reshaped the battlefield.
"He's the man who crushed through Kirigakure."
"He's just too strong."
...
Hearing everyone praise Kawaki, Minato and the others felt as if they were basking in warm spring sunlight.
It felt almost as satisfying as being praised themselves.
"Alright, that's enough."
Scratching his head, Sakumo chose not to make further preparations.
Let Jiraiya figure it out for himself.
"Big Bro Jiraiya, allow me to lift you higher—you'll have a better view."
Nawaki walked toward Jiraiya, who hadn't yet figured out what he meant.
[Earth Release: Ultralight-Weight Rock Technique!]
Nawaki drastically lightened Jiraiya's body weight.
Even though he could see from the ground, the view from above would be much better.
"Progress is pretty good, huh?"
Only now did Jiraiya regain his composure, slowly rising into the air.
This was his first time experiencing the unique effects of the Light and Heavy Rock Jutsu.
"That's right."
Nawaki proudly accepted Jiraiya's compliment—it was well-earned after all.
After endless nights of trial and error, he'd finally developed this advanced variation.
Of course, his mentor Orochimaru also deserved much credit.
"We'll talk later."
Jiraiya accelerated upward, passing through obstructing branches until he hovered above the vast forest.
"You may begin whenever you're ready."
Finding a good mid-level spot, Jiraiya positioned himself where he could clearly observe the five battles.
He slowly savored this rare moment of flight.
This chapter isn't over yet—more thrilling moments ahead!
If you're enjoying Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade, please bookmark us: (m.
"Alright."
Upon hearing Kawaki's words, the ten Anbu members formed pairs and distanced themselves.
Battle was about to erupt at any moment!!
"Finally, time for some action."
"Wanted to see a fight—it sure took its time."
"Do you recognize all these people?"
Kawaki watched the figures atop the treetops with growing interest.
"I know a few."
Since there were so many Anbu around, Minato and the others didn't personally know every single one.
Since he and Nawaki kept relatively open profiles, and weren't secretive about their identities, together they probably knew about half the Anbu present.
"Wanna guess who'll win?"
"Loser buys dinner—a full round of barbecue."
Small bets spice things up; big ones lead to trouble. Kawaki understood this principle well.
"Brother-in-law, I'm not joining in."
As soon as Kawaki finished speaking, Nawaki, that cheapskate, quickly declined.
"Not happening. If you won't gamble, I'll just steal your wallet."
Kawaki glared at Nawaki fiercely.
Today, he was determined to break this kid of his bad habit.
"Fine, I'll participate."
If one could see Nawaki's expression, they'd see his spirit visibly deflate.
He looked extremely reluctant.
Someone like him, who never relies on luck, is a tough mark to scam.
"Hahaha~"
Minato and the others burst out laughing without restraint.
Even the Lion trio couldn't help but smile.
"I'm betting on the one with the cat mask."
"I bet..."
...
One by one, everyone chose the competitor they favored. Whether they'd end up footing the bill or getting treated depended entirely on the outcome of the battle.
No sooner had everyone placed their bets than the five pairs began fighting one after another.
Kenjutsu was a required skill for Anbu ninjas, so close-quarters combat kicked things off naturally.
Ten figures darted in and out, constantly crisscrossing each other.
Clashing blades sent sparks flying, accompanied by sharp clangs and metallic bangs, immediately intensifying the scene.
"You guys really don't have good taste."
Kawaki said smugly. The fighters he had bet on were clearly gaining the upper hand.
When it came to experience, an old pro still knew best.
"It's not over yet. Anything can happen."
Nawaki watched the battlefield like a hawk, not daring to blink.
Even if it was just a meal of grilled meat, he wasn't about to let himself lose.