With Hanzo's declaration of withdrawal from the war, Konoha's conflict in the Land of Rain concluded.
The pressure on Konoha suddenly lessened.
At the frontline headquarters camp, one portion of ninja continued participating in the Land of Grass war, planning to invade the Land of Earth.
Another portion, including Battalion Yellow Dog, rotated out for rest and returned to Konoha Village.
After returning to Konoha, Yōkō entered a meeting room within the Anbu base.
The empty room was dark, with only a single spotlight illuminating his seat.
Yōkō sat under the spotlight; the feeling of being exposed in the light made him uncomfortable.
Before long, three Jōnin entered the room.
They sat at the front podium. Three desk lamps lit up, illuminating their table surfaces, but only their silhouettes were visible, making identification impossible.
Battalion Commander Yellow Dog's voice sounded, allowing Yōkō to relax slightly.
"Fox, to become a Tokubetsu Jōnin, you need recommendations from three Jōnin, with final audit and approval by the Hokage.
The internal Anbu review will now commence. Answer the questions well."
Yōkō nodded. He looked at the three silhouettes and waited.
The middle one was likely his Battalion Commander; the identities of the other two were unknown.
Each had a scroll in front of them, probably containing records about Yōkō.
The person on the left spoke:
"Mission records indicate you killed a Sunagakure Jōnin in the Land of Rain. Describe the combat process in detail. Do not omit anything."
Yōkō's heartbeat quickened slightly.
When he killed that Sunagakure Jōnin, to end the fight quickly and avoid heavy casualties among his subordinates, he had used the Self-Cursing Body Binding Seal.
He didn't want his squad to frequently rotate due to deaths, so he had used a trump card.
Could it be... the Anbu discovered something?
Yōkō recalled his mission report and strictly reiterated what was recorded there:
"That Sunagakure Jōnin was proficient in Earth Release, but my jutsu execution speed was faster.
Earth-Style Rising Spears constantly clashed with his Flying Rubble. My techniques were faster than his, and his responses became increasingly rushed and panicked.
Finally, I seized an opportunity and struck his head with my blade, killing him."
As soon as Yōkō finished speaking, he saw the left Jōnin move.
The ground below the podium cracked, and numerous chunks of rubble shot out towards Yōkō.
Yōkō formed hand seals, and Earth-Style Rising Spears erupted from the ground in front of him.
Yōkō's eyes darted constantly as piece after piece of rubble was intercepted by the spears.
The left Jōnin's skill was formidable. The impact points of the rubble and the earth spears crept closer and closer to Yōkō.
The rubble came nearer and nearer, so close that after being shattered, fragments continued flying towards him, grazing past his ears towards the back.
Too close. The nearest one was only half a meter away.
Amidst the chaos, Yōkō switched techniques.
"Water Release: Water Formation Wall!"
A violent wall of water erupted from the ground, blocking the remaining rubble.
As the water subsided, Yōkō looked towards the podium.
He was slightly sweating. This Anbu Jōnin's ninjutsu was powerful.
Yellow Dog said, "Alligator Snapper, I told you Fox's ninjutsu proficiency is high."
Yōkō breathed a sigh of relief. So it was just testing his ninjutsu level, not discovering his use of the sealing technique.
The Jōnin on the right stood up and said:
"Assume I am a noble of the Land of Fire opposing Konoha. Your mission is to assassinate me. To avoid exposing your identity as a Konoha ninja, you can only use taijutsu. Come."
Yōkō drew a kunai from his tool pouch and swiftly raised it to block.
The Jōnin's kunai clashed against his own.
The Jōnin said with surprise, "I can tell just from the initial contact; your arms are remarkably strong."
Yōkō thought, I have the Senju clan's bloodline physique; my taijutsu isn't bad.
They exchanged blows, kunai clashing repeatedly in the air, sparking in the darkness.
Yōkō had also learned Cloud-Style Sword Technique, making his joints extremely flexible, allowing him to thrust his kunai from bizarre angles.
The Anbu Jōnin commented while sparring, "The kunai taijutsu carries hints of sword technique. The sword style is insidious, venomous, and versatile. Good taijutsu skill."
After testing for a minute or two, the Anbu Jōnin retreated.
Yellow Dog said, "So, Alligator Snapper, Hummingbird, are you both willing to join me in recommending Fox for Tokubetsu Jōnin?"
"You have a capable squadron leader."
"Stronger than my squadron leaders."
The three signed the recommendation scroll in turn.
Yellow Dog said, "Come, Fox, follow me to see the Hokage."
Yōkō felt a weight lift. The internal Anbu assessment had passed smoothly.
Hokage Building.
Squadron Leader Yellow Dog went up first to report. After over ten minutes, Yellow Dog came downstairs and brought Yōkō up.
Seeing Fox at the door, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression was mild. "Fox, come here."
Only the Hokage and Battalion Commander Yellow Dog were in the office, so they could speak freely.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the documents and said:
"Fox, real name Yōkō.
Born in the village in Konoha Year 23.
Became an orphan unfortunately in Konoha Year 28, raised by Konoha Village.
Graduated from the Ninja Academy in Konoha Year 33.
Passed the Chūnin Exams in Konoha Year 38, last year.
Other than you, your team members sacrificed themselves successively in two missions. You were rescued by the Anbu and subsequently selected by them.
Since joining the Anbu, you have demonstrated outstanding performance in multiple missions across the Land of Waves, Land of Whirlpools, Land of Grass, and Land of Rain.
Received praise multiple times from former Squadron Leader Black Gorilla and current Battalion Commander Yellow Dog.
Now, Yellow Dog recommends you for Tokubetsu Jōnin."
Sarutobi Hiruzen raised his eyes, looking at Yōkō, and said:
"Fox, speak about the changes in your mindset since joining the Anbu.
The Anbu is my direct force, the blade in my hand. However, at this moment, I wish to hear your true thoughts."
Yōkō thought, The internal Anbu assessment tests strength; the Hokage's personal audit tests loyalty.
Quickly organizing his words, Yōkō said:
"Hokage-sama, my parents, team leader, and comrades all died in war or conflict.
Originally, I had a death wish; joining the Anbu seemed the most fitting end for me.
During my time in the Anbu, my heart has slowly come back to life.
Anbu missions are cold, brutal. Yet, these brutal tasks can make the village better.
I endure the cruelty so that others in the village may enjoy warmth because of it.
Hokage-sama, the reason Konoha, this great ship, continues forward is because people like you bear the heavy burden and march on.
And I am willing to be an aid in bearing that burden, pledging my loyalty to you."
Yōkō thought, Such flattery, who wouldn't be swayed?
Sarutobi Hiruzen was taken aback.
Bearing the heavy burden?
Yes, bearing the heavy burden.
At this moment, all his actions found an anchor, a meaning.
For the village, he had always been bearing the heavy burden, aging rapidly these past few years.
Clearly only middle-aged, yet he looked much older than the idle Akimichi Torifu.
"Good, good!" Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly signed the document and said:
"Yōkō, I now approve your promotion to Tokubetsu Jōnin!
It is precisely because of outstanding young people like you that Konoha Village can overcome crises time and again.
And because of vibrant young people like you, Konoha becomes more prosperous."
Sarutobi Hirzuen called him Yōkō, not his codename Fox, showing familiarity.
Yōkō felt somewhat unaccustomed, being used to being called Fox. He said:
"Hokage-sama, I will certainly live up to the Anbu's training, will not betray the Will of Fire, and will continue to complete missions for you!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded repeatedly. This young man's growth was rapid; he was a core strength of the Anbu.
"Anbu Tokubetsu Jōnin are rewarded with one A-Rank jutsu.
Tell me, what type of jutsu do you wish to learn now?"
Yōkō thought and said, "Hokage-sama, I wish to learn a Water Release offensive jutsu. I am currently lacking in offensive capability."
Hearing this, the Hokage gestured for Yellow Dog to fetch a scroll from the side bookshelf.
Yellow Dog brought a blue scroll and handed it to Yōkō.
Opening it, Yōkō saw it read: Sarutobi Hiruzen Water Release Jutsu Compendium – a catalog of Water Release techniques.
His eyes immediately fell on one name: Water Release: Water Cutting Wave.
This technique was one of the signature Water Release techniques of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, pushing the offensive power of Water Release to its extreme.
During the Fourth Great Ninja War, the reincarnated Second Hokage used this technique to slice through the God Tree's branches – its potency was extremely high.
Yōkō said, "Hokage-sama, I wish to learn the Water Release: Water Cutting Wave."
"Oh?" Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression suddenly filled with nostalgia. He said:
"This is a Water Release developed by my teacher. It has a very high difficulty. I am truly glad someone can inherit this technique.
I hope you can make a name for yourself with this jutsu in the future, telling the ninja world that your lineage comes from my teacher, from the Second Hokage, Lord Tobirama."
"Please rest assured, Hokage-sama. This technique will surely shine again in my hands."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded repeatedly, unsealing a scroll and beginning to transcribe the jutsu.
As Konoha's Professor, Sarutobi Hiruzen had learned all of Konoha's jutsu.
Yellow Dog handed over the completed scroll. Yōkō carefully blew the ink dry and stored the scroll.
Sarutobi Hiruzen said, "Fox, after returning to the Anbu, practice the jutsu gradually. Next, stand on my other side. We will receive someone together."
Yōkō quickly moved to stand on the Hokage's other side, flanking him with Yellow Dog on left and right.
This symbolized the Hokage's trust and mentorship.
He just wondered who they were receiving that required two Anbu standing guard, making such a formal display.
Before long, a white-haired ninja carrying a short sword entered the Hokage's office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen said cheerfully, "Sakumo, please sit."
"Greetings, Hokage-sama."
Hatake Sakumo sat on a sofa to the side.
He first glanced at the two Anbu.
The Anbu on the right was Yellow Dog, whom Hatake Sakumo had met a few times – formidable in Fire Release and taijutsu.
The Anbu on the left was new, wearing a fox mask.
Hokage-assigned missions are never simple. Anbu casualty rates are significantly higher than regular ninja, so new faces are normal.
Hatake Sakumo glanced at the Fox Anbu's posture and could tell from his muscle tone that this Fox Anbu was also quite skilled.
And his talent was extremely high, far from reaching its limit.
Yōkō's heart raced. He was actually meeting Konoha's White Fang.
At this time, Hatake Sakumo hadn't yet killed Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law and hadn't earned the title White Fang.
Hatake Sakumo asked, "Hokage-sama, for what reason have you summoned me?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen gestured for Fox to hand a scroll to Hatake Sakumo.
Yōkō picked up the scroll from the desk and delivered it to Hatake Sakumo.
While waiting for him to read it, Sarutobi Hiruzen said:
"Just as the war with Amegakure ended, Sunagakure has declared war on us.
Battalion Yellow Dog thwarted a covert plot by Sunagakure – they actually planned to divert the Land of Rain's water into the Land of Wind.
With that plan foiled, and both Amegakure and Konoha now alert,
Sunagakure believes we suffered heavy casualties on three fronts – Land of Hot Water, Land of Grass, Land of Rain – and sees an opportunity to attack us while we're weak.
It's unavoidable. Konoha will face Sunagakure in the Land of Rivers.
Sakumo, I want you to serve as Deputy Commander of the Land of Rivers battlefield.
The Jonin Commander, Nara Rokaku, will serve as overall Commander. You will be the vanguard spearhead at the front."
Hatake Sakumo fell silent.
Yōkō was slightly surprised that Hatake Sakumo didn't immediately agree.
In the original story, he valued comrades above all else. Why would he refuse commanding the village's war?
Sarutobi Hiruzen continued:
"Orochimaru remains in the Land of Grass. Commander Mitokado Homura wants to launch the next offensive, invading the Land of Earth.
Jiraiya encountered some personal matters and must honor an agreement with Mount Myōboku, fulfilling their request.
Sakumo, among the younger generation, only you are qualified for the Deputy Commander role."
Hatake Sakumo said, "Hokage-sama, I have no intention of shirking, but I have one request."
"Speak."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone was less warm than before.
As if not noticing the change, Hatake Sakumo continued:
"Hokage-sama, I hope to implement an assessment system for Tokubetsu Jōnin and Jōnin promotions in the Land of Rivers war, rather than the recommendation system.
Promotions to Tokubetsu Jōnin and Jōnin in the village are based on recommendations from Jōnin and elders, with your audit, Hokage-sama.
Your audits are flawless. However, many capable Chūnin still remain undiscovered, failing to obtain positions matching their strength.
I believe an assessment system should be implemented during wartime.
Completing a stipulated number of A-Rank missions should automatically grant Tokubetsu Jōnin promotion.
Completing a stipulated number of S-Rank missions should automatically grant Jōnin promotion.
This way, the numerous Chūnin would have more motivation, and ninja strength and rank would align more reasonably.
Besides rank, jutsu could also use an assessment system.
After completing stipulated missions, one could obtain high-rank jutsu.
The specific quota for assessment missions would be entirely decided by you, Hokage-sama."
Yōkō was very surprised internally. What is Hatake Sakumo trying to do?
The recommendation system ensured the Hokage's absolute authority and was a key means of distributing rewards.
If changed to an assessment system, wouldn't that mean anyone with strong ability could become a Jōnin?
Wouldn't that be chaos?
He never expected Hatake Sakumo to have such a political agenda.
Yōkō suddenly felt a pang of bitterness. He fought life-and-death battles in the Anbu and only obtained two jutsu from them in the end – Earth-Style Rising Spears and Water Cutting Wave.
If it became the assessment system Hatake Sakumo described, at least there would be a progress bar: *Hokage Building Reminder: You are 100 S-Rank missions away from obtaining an S-Rank Forbidden Jutsu.*
Forget whether he could complete it or not; at least the goal would be clear.
Yōkō thought, If I weren't in the Anbu, I would definitely support Hatake Sakumo.
Wait... Yōkō suddenly thought, Just because I'm in the Anbu, can I not support Hatake Sakumo?
Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes lowered. He said:
"Sakumo, the recommendation system was established by the Second Hokage. It cannot be changed in a short time.
I will consider this matter seriously. Right now, dealing with Sunagakure's provocation is more urgent."
Hatake Sakumo said, "I accept the position of Deputy Commander for the Land of Rivers battlefield. I also ask you to consider my request, Hokage-sama."
After Hatake Sakumo left, Sarutobi Hiruzen said to Yellow Dog:
"Yellow Dog, a group of follower
s has gathered around Hatake Sakumo, agitating for some 'fair assessment system'.
Add a long-term task: investigate Hatake Sakumo's followers, gather intelligence, and find out what they truly aim to achieve."
"Understood!"
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