c19: Formally Become a Ninja
"The Third Hokage really didn't waste time... I bet he's worried Danzō might try to recruit me into Root. Makes sense he'd take the initiative now," Chiba thought, analyzing the situation with clarity beyond his years.
"Chiba, are you willing to join the ANBU?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked calmly.
"I'd like to be with Kakashi in the future. Working alongside him and growing stronger together I'm willing," Chiba replied without hesitation, voice steady.
"Good. Come to my office tomorrow. I'll give you the full details," said Hiruzen before turning briskly and walking off, his robes swaying behind him. The duties of the Hokage waited for no one.
With the graduation exam concluded, Kakashi was the first to enter the training grounds, congratulating Chiba, who had officially graduated from the Ninja Academy early an impressive feat in itself. Now, like his older brother before him, he was set to join the ANBU.
"Chiba, you've officially passed the graduation exam early. How does it feel to leave the Academy behind?" Kakashi asked, a rare smile visible beneath his silver bangs.
"Finally free from sitting in a classroom full of clueless kids... feels like the world just got a lot bigger," Chiba said with a grin.
"Hah, you sound like me. Those kids spend their days obsessing over crushes. Boring. That's why I graduated early too," Kakashi chuckled, seeing so much of himself in his younger brother.
Hearing this, Chiba's suspicions grew stronger. "This guy's too mature for his age. If I didn't know better, I'd think he transmigrated like me," he thought, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Let's celebrate your graduation. We'll hit the best dango shop in Konoha. My treat," Chiba offered with a smirk.
"Then I'm ordering everything on the menu. I'll eat you into poverty," Kakashi said, matching his brother's energy.
Like grown men in boys' bodies, the two prodigies strolled out of the training field toward the restaurant district, causing passersby to glance curiously.
…
The next day at noon, Chiba arrived at the Hokage's Office, nerves tingling slightly. This would be his first solo audience with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He stood before the tall doors, inhaled deeply, and knocked.
Knock knock.
"Come in," Hiruzen called out, not even glancing up as he worked through village reports.
Chiba stepped in, approaching the desk with quiet confidence, bowing slightly as he greeted, "Chiba of the Hatake clan greets Lord Hokage."
"No need for formality," said Hiruzen, gesturing with a wave. "I called you here today to speak about your entrance into the ANBU."
He didn't bother with small talk. He went straight to the point.
"With your current ability, joining a traditional genin squad under a jōnin sensei is the standard path. But I'm asking you to enter the ANBU. Do you have any hesitation?" Hiruzen asked, finally putting down the scroll in his hands and giving Chiba his full attention.
Chiba paused thoughtfully before answering. "If Lord Hokage believes this is best for me, I'll trust your judgment. At my age, there are things I don't fully grasp yet. But I believe this will help me grow faster."
In truth, Chiba had reasons beyond what he expressed. Joining ANBU under the direct command of the Hokage meant avoiding interference from others especially from Danzō Shimura, head of Root.
More importantly, the One Piece system he possessed rewarded him with abilities from that world as he completed missions. The more dangerous the tasks, the greater the reward.
"Your reasoning is wise beyond your age," Hiruzen said with a smile. "You'll spend two to three years in ANBU first. After that, I may place you under a special jōnin mentor. That balance of experience will be crucial."
With talents like Chiba and Kakashi, Hiruzen was determined to cultivate them personally even if it meant diverting resources.
"I'll follow your guidance, Lord Hokage," Chiba responded.
"Then I'll assign you to the same team as Kakashi. The two of you will carry out missions together and grow as elite shinobi," said Hiruzen.
"When can I start? I've been looking forward to working with my brother," Chiba said, excitement in his voice.
"If you're ready, report to ANBU headquarters tomorrow morning. Kakashi will be expecting you," said Hiruzen.
"Understood."
"You've passed the graduation exam. You're officially a genin now. That means it's time you receive your forehead protector," Hiruzen said, pulling the polished Konoha headband from his desk drawer and walking around the desk.
In the world of shinobi, a forehead protector was more than gear it was a symbol of one's status as a true ninja of the Hidden Leaf.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage," Chiba said respectfully, receiving it with both hands.
Hiruzen ruffled Chiba's hair affectionately. "Welcome to the next chapter, Chiba. The ANBU awaits."
The Third Hokage had seen many prodigies in his time Orochimaru, Minato, Itachi but Chiba's light was beginning to shine just as brightly. Hiruzen truly hoped he would grow into a pillar of Konoha's future.
Chiba bowed and quietly left the office.
Ding!
> "Host has officially become a genin. Hidden mission complete. Rewards: 1500 system points, Rokushiki: Geppo acquired. Keep working hard," the system chimed in his mind.
"There's still time left today. Might as well find a quiet spot and train Geppo," Chiba murmured, eyes gleaming.
He set off toward the outskirts of the village, eager to test his new ability.
But as he left the Hokage's Tower, a shadow began to trail him.
Though still a child, Chiba had sharp instincts. He felt it immediately a subtle pressure, as if someone was watching.
"Someone's tailing me already? Could it be... Danzō's Root?" he thought.
Considering Root's history of forcibly recruiting prodigies like Itachi and Yamato, the suspicion wasn't far-fetched. Danzō was known for making his moves early and without mercy.
Chiba narrowed his eyes, his senses sharpening.
"The more I think about it, the more likely it seems. That old snake's not giving up that easily..."
---!