"You have been summoned today for an important matter," Sakumo announced firmly.
"Jiraiya, you should all know him—a fellow student of Lady Hokage." He walked to the front, gesturing toward Jiraiya standing beside him.
Jiraiya gave a slight nod to the group.
"By order of Lady Hokage, Jiraiya is to establish a new department," Sakumo continued. "It will work with our Anbu in the future, and some of you will be selected to join it. I won't go into too many details. You will do as Jiraiya commands."
After explaining the situation briefly, Sakumo stepped back, ceding the stage to Jiraiya.
Since the Anbu reported directly to the Hokage, the transfer of personnel to the Intelligence Division made perfect sense. In future discussions, the division would likely be considered a sibling department.
"Yes, Lord Sakumo," the ten Anbu members replied in unison, their unwavering tone reflecting their dedication to obedience.
Jiraiya addressed them with a confident voice. "I know you are all elites of the Anbu. No matter the outcome today, it doesn't define your worth. Our new department has its own unique requirements, and I hope you can understand that."
His words were clear and deliberate, ensuring there were no misunderstandings. His voice carried, not only to those present but also to the others observing from a distance.
"Next, you will spar with each other. After five bouts, I will make my selections based on your performance," he explained. "However, I must clarify that the winner will not necessarily be chosen, and losing doesn't mean you'll be eliminated. It all depends on how you perform during these matches."
Jiraiya intentionally withheld the specific criteria for evaluation, aiming to observe their unguarded reactions and natural responses in combat.
"Lord Jiraiya, how many do you plan to take?" one of the Anbu asked, voicing his concern. If nine out of ten were chosen, wouldn't it be too humiliating to be the one eliminated?
"That also depends on your performance," Jiraiya replied after a moment of thought. He hadn't decided yet—if all ten performed exceptionally, it wasn't out of the question for all of them to be accepted into the Intelligence Division.
He added, "Do you have any other questions? Even if you want to withdraw now, that's also fine." Jiraiya's tone remained kind, and a smile lingered on his face, making him seem approachable and supportive as a leader.
"No, we won't quit," the ten replied in unison after exchanging glances, their response leaving Jiraiya satisfied.
"Then let's get started. I'll divide you into groups," Sakumo, familiar with these individuals, took the lead in pairing them with opponents who would bring out their strengths, ensuring their abilities would be thoroughly displayed.
"Quit stalling. If you want them to fight, just let them fight already," Kawakaze snapped, clearly irritated by the delay spoiling his fun.
Seeing Sakumo about to step in, Kawakaze decided to act without hesitation.
"Wood Release Secret Technique: Nativity of a World of Trees."
As Kawakaze clasped his hands together, a surge of chakra flowed into the ground. Under the astonished gazes of the crowd, the training ground began to crack, forcing those on the sidelines to retreat quickly.
A vast forest of trees erupted from the earth beneath the ten Anbu members, lifting them high into the air. Five enormous trees faced each other, dividing the group into five pairs. The distribution was entirely random, leaving the members disoriented.
The abruptness of the situation caught everyone off guard. Before they could react, the trees had already solidified their positions, setting the matchups in stone. Although no one was harmed, a sense of unease lingered. They couldn't help but wonder—if Kawakaze had meant harm, how many of them would have been able to escape unscathed?
"Could you have warned us in advance? You scared me," If not for Sakumo and Jiraiya's quick reactions, they too might have been thrown into the air.
"Haha, that wasn't so bad," Kawakaze chuckled. "Their reaction times need some improvement." He seemed unbothered, dismissing the idea that an ordinary ninja wouldn't require him to use such a powerful technique.
"Is this Lord Kawakaze's Wood Release?" someone from the sidelines asked, awestruck.
Most of the observing Anbu were seeing Wood Release for the first time, marveling at the jutsu's ability to transform the terrain instantly.
"No wonder he was the one who broke through Kirigakure," another said, their voice filled with admiration. "He's really strong."
...
Listening to everyone praise Kawakaze, Minato and the others felt as if they were basking in a warm spring breeze. It felt even better than receiving praise themselves.
"That's enough. Let's call it a day," Sakumo said, scratching his head, clearly too laid-back to make further arrangements. He decided to leave the rest for Jiraiya to handle at his own pace.
"Big Brother Jiraiya, let me help you get a better view from up there," Nawaki offered, walking up to Jiraiya, who hadn't fully processed what Nawaki meant.
"Earth Release: Super Light-Weight Rock Technique."
With a quick hand seal, Nawaki reduced Jiraiya's body weight significantly. While the scene was visible from the ground, the aerial view would undoubtedly be superior.
"You've improved a lot," Jiraiya remarked as he finally realized what was happening and began slowly floating into the air. This was his first experience with the magic of the Light-Weight Rock Technique.
"You bet," Nawaki replied with pride, accepting the praise confidently. He had worked hard to master this advanced version of the technique, spending countless days and nights perfecting it. Of course, much of the credit belonged to his Sensei, Orochimaru.
"We'll talk later," Jiraiya called out as he shot upward, weaving through the branches in his path and eventually rising above the expansive sea of trees.
"You guys ready?" he asked, finding a good vantage point to observe all five duels. As he hovered there, he began to appreciate the joy of flying.
"Okay," came the response, and the ten Anbu members quickly distanced themselves from one another. The battles were about to begin!
"Finally, it's starting," Kawakaze said, his excitement growing. "It's not every day we get to see something entertaining. Are you familiar with these people?"
Kawakaze's gaze swept over the crowd in the tree-filled arena, his interest piqued.
"I know a few," Minato replied. With so many Anbu members, it was impossible to know them all, but he and Nawaki were generally open about their identities. Together, they were familiar with about half of the group.
"Let's place some bets on who'll win," Kawakaze suggested. "Loser treats everyone to barbecue." He knew small wagers were fun but avoided anything excessive.
"Brother-in-law, I'm not participating," Nawaki said immediately, declining in his usual stingy fashion.
"Request denied. If you don't bet, I'll just take your wallet," Kawakaze countered with a threatening glare, clearly determined to break Nawaki of his miserly ways.
"Fine, I'll participate," Nawaki relented, slumping in defeat. His reluctance was evident—he looked like someone resigned to his fate.
"Haha~" The group around them, including Minato, burst into laughter, unable to contain themselves. Even the usually composed Shishi trio couldn't hold back their amusement.
"I bet on the one in the cat mask," one of them declared.
"I bet…"
...
Everyone chose their favored contestants one by one. Whether they would end up hosting or being treated as guests depended entirely on the battle's outcome.
Not long after the bets were placed, the five groups began their fights.
The Anbu's kenjutsu skills, a fundamental part of their training, were on full display as they immediately engaged in close combat.
Ten figures darted back and forth, blades clashing in a rapid, intense exchange. Sparks flew with every strike, the sharp ding-dong of metal on metal creating an electrifying atmosphere.
"You guys don't have very good eyes," Kawakaze remarked smugly, clearly pleased that his chosen contestants were gaining the upper hand. In matters like this, experience and keen observation made all the difference.
"It's not over yet. Anything can happen," Nawaki replied, his gaze locked on the battles. Even if it was just a barbecue at stake, he was determined not to lose.