Although it was a bit unbelievable, Jie Uchiha was certain that neither Joren nor Kenzaki were lying.
Given Hiruzen Sarutobi's personality, there was no way he would make a move during an Anbu exam. Even finding a random excuse to send Jie out of the village and ambushing him would be a smarter play than striking during an official test.
Having figured out the truth, Jie cast a rather sympathetic look at Joren. The unlucky guy couldn't even speak clearly and had almost lost his life because of it.
Since he was sure it was a misunderstanding, these two could actually be of use to him.
After a moment of silence, Jie removed his mask and spoke calmly. "Since it's a misunderstanding, I'll give you a choice."
"Either submit to me and keep my secret."
"Or... Root ninjas rebelled, and in the ensuing chaos, Anbu Squad Leader Joren died in the line of duty, and Team Leader Kenzaki fought to the death."
"Choose."
Seeing Jie's youthful face, Joren was startled. Although his file clearly stated that Jie was only six years old, seeing it with his own eyes still filled Joren with a profound sense of sorrow.
Sometimes, the gap between two people was wider than the gap between a human and a dog. Some six-year-olds could defeat Elite Jonin and utterly crush an Anbu Squad Leader, while others were still playing in the mud, unable to mold chakra, let alone use a Jutsu.
Hearing the cause of death Jie had casually fabricated for them, both Joren and Kenzaki fell silent.
Given Jie's status, neither of them doubted his threat. Even if they really died by his hands, between two dead Anbu operatives and the young master of the Uchiha clan, anyone with half a brain knew who the Third Hokage would side with.
Kenzaki and Joren exchanged a look. After a brief silence, they mentally apologized to the Hokage. Both men dropped to one knee before Jie and bowed their heads respectfully.
"Joren greets the Young Master!"
"Kenzaki greets the Young Master!"
Jie smiled and nodded. To take the Anbu exam and end up subduing an Anbu Squad Leader—as expected of him. Now that they had submitted, Jie began to gather information on his two new subordinates.
Kenzaki's real name was Ken Saizan. He was a genius ninja from an obscure, minor clan, possessing the strength of a Tokubetsu Jonin. After just three years in the Anbu, he had already risen to the position of Team Leader.
Joren's real name was Unkaku Gekko. By blood, he was Hayate Gekko's older cousin. He was a master of kenjutsu with Jonin-level strength, and having been in the Anbu for five years, he was an old subordinate of Kakashi's. Currently, Joren was a Squad Leader commanding seven smaller teams.
Hearing his background, Jie couldn't help but give Joren a second look. He hadn't expected the man to be from a prestigious family. The Gekko clan's kenjutsu was highly renowned throughout the Hidden Leaf.
And to think he was the cousin of that sickly Hayate Gekko. Jie just hoped Joren wouldn't end up like Hayate, looking terminally ill before even reaching middle age.
After processing their situations, Jie thought for a moment before speaking. "You will both remain in the Anbu. Whenever there are missions, I will have the Uchiha clan cooperate as much as possible to help you climb to higher positions within the ranks."
"From now on, any intelligence concerning the Uchiha clan or the Konoha higher-ups must be secretly intercepted. I need you to be the Uchiha's eyes inside the Anbu."
Joren and Kenzaki didn't speak. Since they had already decided to submit, following Jie's orders was only natural.
"As a benefit, Kenzaki, your Saizan clan can become a vassal of the Uchiha. You will be under our protection."
"What?" Kenzaki could hardly believe his ears and reflexively questioned the offer, but immense joy quickly washed over him.
The Saizan family claimed to be a ninja clan, but in reality, they only had a handful of actual shinobi. They were virtually indistinguishable from common civilians. Becoming a vassal to the mighty Uchiha clan was undoubtedly a tremendous honor and a massive opportunity.
"Thank you, Young Master! From now on, I will go all out to execute your orders!" Kenzaki said, his voice trembling with gratitude.
Jie had anticipated this reaction and waved his hand dismissively. "As for your Gekko clan, Joren, when I return, I will list them as official partners of the Uchiha."
"Thank you, Young Master," Joren said, his face reflecting the same deep gratitude.
"You work for me, so naturally, I won't treat you poorly," Jie said with a smile. But then his tone shifted, and a meaningful smirk appeared on his face. "But if you dare to betray me, I guarantee you will face consequences you absolutely do not want to see."
The carrot and the stick. It was the simplest and most effective management method passed down since ancient times.
Sure enough, upon hearing Jie's threat, a chill shot up from the base of their spines straight to the top of their skulls.
"Rest assured, Young Master! We will follow your lead and never dare to betray you!" Kenzaki and Joren declared in unison.
Jie remained noncommittal to their promises. Promises were just words; necessary insurance was still required. Only after watching the curse marks on Kenzaki's and Joren's tongues fade away into the skin did Jie finally relax.
He had to admit, Danzo wasn't entirely useless. At the very least, the Tongue Eradication Curse Seal he invented was incredibly convenient.
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