c21: Dark Division Report
"Flame burst!"
With a twist of his body, Chiba activated the power of the Mera Mera no Mi, erupting into a surge of violent flame. A fiery wall blazed around him, forming a protective barrier that incinerated incoming attacks from the two Root ANBU members.
The two operatives had assumed that their previous combo of Fire and Wind Release techniques would at least injure the boy. Yet the sight of Chiba standing unharmed, wreathed in fire like a demon, was entirely beyond their expectations.
Still, there was no time for hesitation. Root's doctrine allowed no failure. If they could not subdue Chiba, then they would be the ones to fall.
"Fire Style: Dragon Fire Jutsu!"
One of the Root members performed rapid hand seals and exhaled a straight, concentrated jet of flame that roared forward like a serpent. The blazing attack streaked through the clearing, crackling as it raced toward its target.
For most genin especially a five-year-old it would have been impossible to react in time. But Chiba was no ordinary child.
He didn't retreat. Instead, he grinned.
"Fire Fist."
His right fist burst into concentrated flame, hotter and denser than before. With a swift uppercut, he launched a massive, blazing punch forward.
BOOM!
The two fire-based techniques collided with an explosive roar, kicking up dust and scorching the earth. Chiba's enhanced strength and mastery of the Logia fruit overwhelmed the enemy's jutsu. The fire dragon shattered into sparks, and Chiba's fire surged through the blast.
"Impossible!" one of the Root operatives muttered, eyes widening behind his porcelain mask as the attack surged toward him.
The fiery fist struck him directly, blasting him backward. He tumbled across the training ground, limbs flailing before crashing into the base of a tree. His mask cracked, and he lay unconscious.
Chiba exhaled calmly, his flame retracting.
The remaining Root member stared, stunned. His chakra sense told him the truth: Chiba's power surpassed most chūnin and maybe even some jōnin.
"He's only five... even more gifted than Hatake Kakashi," the operative thought, sweat forming under his mask.
Despite the fear gripping him, he couldn't retreat. Danzō's mission was absolute. He had to try.
"Wind Style: Peacock Whirlwind!"
Drawing his short ANBU blade, the operative channeled chakra into the weapon, causing it to hum with wind chakra. He slashed forward, unleashing a violent whirlwind shaped like a peacock's plume, its feathers made of slicing air currents aimed to tear Chiba apart.
Chiba turned slowly, locking eyes with him. A cold gleam shone in his gaze detached, calculating, lethal.
Without a word, he stepped forward and leapt, using Geppo to launch himself midair. Flames gathered around his right arm, now brighter, more intense than before.
"Fire Fist."
He launched his attack again, this time with greater force. The fiery fist collided with the peacock windstorm, consuming and tearing through it.
CRACK!
The whirlwind was scattered, and the flames pressed on, slamming into the last Root agent and sending him flying.
This one was tougher his body skidded across the dirt, limbs flailing, but he managed to groan, clutching his side in agony. He wasn't unconscious, but he was beaten.
Chiba approached slowly.
He wouldn't finish the man off not here, not inside Konoha. Killing Root agents could lead to political backlash, especially with Danzō watching from the shadows.
Though Konoha's inner factions were divided, open conflict between them remained taboo. Murder within the village, even in self-defense, would bring unwanted scrutiny.
"Go back and tell Danzō this," Chiba said, his voice low and ice-cold as he stood over the trembling operative. "If he keeps pushing... I will make him regret it."
At that moment, Chiba didn't look like a child at all. The firelight dancing on his face only made the shadows deeper he looked like a seasoned warrior born of battle and blood, a reaper cloaked in heat and hatred.
The Root agent shuddered. The pressure Chiba exuded wasn't something a five-year-old should possess. It felt inhuman. Terrifying.
Chiba turned without another word and walked away, flames fading as he returned to the clearing where he'd been training.
That day's focus was on refining Soru and Geppo increasing their synchronicity to create burst-speed aerial movement. Combining them with his Logia powers promised devastating results.
---
The next day arrived swiftly.
"Chiba, you ready?" Kakashi asked, walking beside his younger brother on the road toward the edge of the village.
Today was the day Chiba officially reported to Konoha's ANBU, a milestone Kakashi himself had passed years earlier.
Chiba, dressed in simple ninja attire, wore an expression of cool confidence.
"Nervous?" Kakashi asked with a grin.
Chiba shrugged. "Why would I be? If anyone gives me trouble... I'll just teach them some manners."
Kakashi laughed, reassured by Chiba's attitude. "You're really something else. No fear at all."
The ANBU base was hidden among dense trees on Konoha's perimeter a dark, underground compound warded by complex seals and genjutsu. Most villagers didn't even know it existed.
Kakashi guided him inside. They were met by masked operatives, who gave nods of acknowledgment before disappearing into the gloom.
In a side room near the entrance, the two arrived at logistics where new members were outfitted.
"Suit him up," Kakashi told the grizzled old shinobi behind the desk.
"Hah, so we've got a new pup in the pack?" the old man chuckled, taking a long look at Chiba. "Looks small... but you've got Kakashi's eyes. Guess that means something."
"This is my brother," Kakashi said with pride. "He's not behind me in talent."
"Well now," the old man said, eyebrows raised. "A younger brother of the Copy Ninja, huh? That's something. Let's hope you live up to it."
"I will," Chiba answered, offering a rare boyish grin one that contrasted sharply with the cold fury he'd shown the day before.
The old shinobi grunted approvingly and stepped into the back to retrieve a standard ANBU combat uniform and gear.
And so, Hatake Chiba's path into the shadows officially began.
---