"Captain, you're really going to participate…?"
"Mm. No need to be surprised."
Inside the ANBU headquarters, Natsuhiko smiled and spoke quietly to Kakashi.
Kakashi's surprise was completely understandable. After being here for a month or two, he had already become familiar with how the ANBU operated.
The position Natsuhiko wanted was one of the most powerful roles in the entire ANBU—second only to the overall ANBU Commander and the Deputy Commander.
Although the ANBU contained many departments, no matter how many there were, they all ultimately answered to the operational forces. In other words, those departments existed purely to support the combat units.
For a position with such authority, Kakashi had never even dared to imagine it. Yet he hadn't expected his own captain to set his sights on it.
But soon, beneath his mask, Kakashi's expression shifted slightly.
He suddenly realized that his captain truly did have the qualifications.
Whether judging by his record or his strength, Natsuhiko completely met the requirements.
If he qualified, then why shouldn't he try?
Taking a deep breath, Kakashi nodded seriously.
"I understand. Captain, do your best."
"Of course." Natsuhiko smiled at him. "If I succeed, would you be willing to come with me?"
"Of course I'd follow you, Captain," Kakashi replied firmly.
Among everyone in the ANBU, the person he was most familiar with was Natsuhiko. Moreover, Natsuhiko had helped him tremendously.
If Natsuhiko left, Kakashi would likely be reassigned to another squad. While he didn't fear unfamiliar environments, he didn't particularly enjoy them either.
If he could follow someone he knew, why would he work under strangers?
Besides, Natsuhiko also had a special relationship with Kakashi's teacher. Kakashi had long regarded Natsuhiko as one of his own people.
Just as the two were chatting, the entire ANBU headquarters suddenly fell silent.
At the same time, the gates of the plaza opened.
Natsuhiko and Kakashi immediately stopped talking, because they noticed several figures walking inside.
Looking closely, it was Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Following closely behind them was a middle-aged man wearing an ANBU uniform but no mask.
"Takumi Murashima."
Natsuhiko quickly locked his gaze onto the man. Of course, he knew exactly who this person was.
He was one of the leaders of Konoha's most formidable organizations—and also one of the most powerful figures in the village.
Of course, that level of influence applied only among department heads.
The commander of the ANBU held far more authority than leaders of other departments.
However, Natsuhiko also knew that this commander essentially served as Hiruzen Sarutobi's mouthpiece.
There was no doubt about his strength, but what truly distinguished him wasn't his power—it was his unwavering loyalty to the Third Hokage.
The fact that Hiruzen could maintain such a firm grip on the ANBU—even after stepping down as Hokage—was proof of just how loyal this man was.
Natsuhiko didn't know what kind of relationship existed between them, but he did know one thing:
As long as Takumi Murashima remained in the ANBU, the entire organization would remain Hiruzen Sarutobi's one-man stage.
"Everyone," Hiruzen Sarutobi said after stepping forward into the center of the plaza, exchanging a glance with Minato, "I believe you all know why we've gathered here today."
His movements looked completely natural, and everyone present acted as if it were perfectly normal. However, Natsuhiko couldn't help but shake his head inwardly.
Who exactly was the real Hokage here? And who should the ANBU actually be listening to?
Minato's lack of authority was becoming painfully visible.
"Very good." Hiruzen Sarutobi swept his gaze across everyone present and finally nodded.
"It seems everyone understands, so I won't waste words.
Today you are all gathered here not only to witness the examination, but also to serve as its supervisors.
The position of division commander is extremely important—I believe all of you understand this clearly. Therefore, we cannot afford even the slightest carelessness or negligence.
We must choose someone with experience, with strength, someone capable of leading all of you to complete missions and protect our home."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" All the ANBU answered loudly.
However, while responding, many of them couldn't help but glance toward Natsuhiko, and Minato Namikaze's brows slightly furrowed.
Natsuhiko was also one of the candidates participating in the selection, but his age was simply too young. Although the recent publicity had earned him a certain level of prestige within the ANBU, it still wasn't enough—far from enough—for the members to truly see him as a suitable division commander.
With just a few sentences, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already placed Natsuhiko at a disadvantage.
Even though he hadn't said a single word directly opposing Natsuhiko, the effect had already been achieved.
Everyone in the ANBU knew that Natsuhiko had been personally selected by Minato Namikaze.
Even though Minato was the Hokage, he didn't yet possess enough authority within the ANBU, so his actions naturally invited criticism.
ANBU members were still human. Even if they weren't afraid of death, that didn't mean they were willing to die.
An unqualified commander making the wrong decision at the wrong time could very well cost them their lives.
"Since that's the case, let's begin the examination."
Hiruzen seemed not to notice the subtle reactions of the ANBU members as he continued speaking.
"However, we will start directly with the combat examination. I believe the candidates will have no issues with the theoretical part.
After all, everyone here is an elite. Regardless of age, theoretical ability shouldn't be a problem, right?
Lastly, this examination will not restrict your combat methods. You may use summoning beasts if you wish—after all, they are your partners."
When Minato heard this, his expression changed slightly, though he quickly forced himself to calm down.
As for Natsuhiko, he simply shook his head slightly.
He had to admit—Hiruzen Sarutobi was truly formidable.
Through just a few carefully chosen words, like a gentle rain that silently seeps into the ground, he had quietly placed Natsuhiko in an even more delicate and unfavorable position.
Skipping the theoretical exam and going straight to combat?
Especially that final sentence—it made Natsuhiko sigh inwardly.
Right now, everyone in the ANBU knew that Natsuhiko might be quite strong. Even if his chakra reserves were weak, he still had a summoning beast as his partner.
And although Natsuhiko himself wasn't afraid of the theoretical exam, his age meant his experience would definitely be a disadvantage.
Now that Hiruzen had announced skipping it, it made the situation look like he was helping Natsuhiko cheat.
But the person backing Natsuhiko wasn't Hiruzen.
This move would only make the ANBU members instinctively connect it with Minato Namikaze.
That old man was clearly trying to further drive a wedge between Minato and the ANBU.
By deliberately allowing summoning beasts, he had struck directly at Natsuhiko's weak point.
If Natsuhiko actually used one, he would fall straight into Hiruzen's trap.
Not only would he gain a reputation of "relying only on his summoning beast instead of his own strength," but it would also make the ANBU dissatisfied with Minato's decision.
Not to mention that if he won after skipping the theory test and relying on a summoning beast, it would further reinforce the idea that "the Fourth Hokage is determined to make Natsuhiko win," gradually distancing the ANBU from Minato.
That old man really knows how to cause trouble… Looks like this selection won't be easy.
...
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