c22: Provocative
Chiba received his battle uniform, changed swiftly, and placed the fox-shaped ANBU mask over his face. With quiet composure, he followed Kakashi through the village outskirts toward one of their usual training grounds. Though Kakashi had already been in ANBU for a short while, he was still young and held no command authority just an ordinary operative, albeit a talented one.
Kakashi's team, formed under the direct orders of the Third Hokage and managed with Danzo's coordination, had a unique structure: most members were under fifteen. This youth-centric composition helped in cultivating cohesion among younger elite shinobi and fostering camaraderie in the field.
Chiba and Kakashi arrived at a clearing nestled deep within the forest. Five masked ANBU members had already gathered, standing in a loose formation. Each wore the standard black-and-grey armor and distinct animal-themed masks, preserving anonymity in accordance with ANBU protocol.
Usually, during internal team interactions, masks were lifted. Today, knowing a new member would be joining, they remained masked likely intending to test Chiba's resolve or to establish dominance among ranks.
"The new ANBU member has arrived. Everyone, we'll be working together from now on," Kakashi stated calmly, stepping into the field and lifting his dog mask. Though younger than some, Kakashi's reputation being promoted to Chūnin at six and already wielding the Sharingan commanded respect even among older operatives.
Among the gathered members, only Chiba and Kakashi were under twelve. Respect for seniority was expected, especially in a high-risk covert unit like ANBU.
"I'm Chiba, newly assigned to the ANBU Black Ops. I look forward to learning from you all," Chiba said as he removed his fox mask, revealing a young, composed face. His tone held no fear or bravado just a calm sincerity that didn't quite match his age.
"Huh? The newbie's even younger than Hatake Kakashi," came a voice from above. A masked figure, perched lightly on a tree branch, sounded amused. The soft, melodic tone hinted she was a girl.
She removed her rabbit mask, revealing a porcelain complexion, a long ponytail tied neatly, and sharp, intelligent eyes.
"My name is Uchiha Mina," she said with a warm smile. "If you need help with protocols or anything else, feel free to ask." Her presence was striking, both because of her lineage and her composed demeanor.
Chiba raised a brow slightly an Uchiha, and skilled enough to be ANBU at her age. He nodded appreciatively. "Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."
"Tch. This is ridiculous. Letting a toddler into ANBU? What's next? Ninja kindergarten?" scoffed a taller operative wearing a leopard mask, standing upside down on a high branch. His posture was theatrical, but his tone was ice.
It was clear this boy, slightly older and more experienced, had no respect for Chiba. "You're just deadweight. Don't expect us to babysit."
"That's enough, Tongzan," another operative chimed in. "This is supposed to be a team. You don't haze recruits like this."
Chiba's eyes narrowed beneath his still-lowered mask. Pommel Horse Tongzan... the Kurama Clan, huh? He had heard of the Kurama Clan's rare genjutsu bloodline. Arrogance came naturally to some of them.
"A Kurama elite, huh?" Chiba smirked, unimpressed. "Explains the inflated ego."
Though Kurama Tongzan was 13 and known for advanced genjutsu training, Chiba didn't flinch. Let him try, Chiba thought. I've trained under conditions worse than this.
"This is my younger brother," Kakashi interjected calmly, not raising his voice but making his stance known. "If you have a problem with him, then you have a problem with me."
Tongzan didn't budge. "So what? He's still fresh meat. If he wants to prove himself, then how about a spar?"
That was all Chiba needed to hear. He stepped forward, not even waiting for further permission. "I know I'm new. That's why I won't let you write me off as weak. Let's go now."
His eyes burned with clarity. There was no reckless bravado—just the unwavering confidence of someone who had already survived darker things than posturing teammates.
Tongzan's grin widened behind the mask. "You've got a spark. Good. But you're not fighting me yet. Try Koma first."
A shorter operative stepped forward wearing a tiger mask and about 12 years old. He was one of Tongzan's usual sidekicks.
"Name's Koma. I'll test you first. If you can't beat me, you've got no business challenging Tongzan."
"Fine by me," Chiba said, nodding. "Once I beat you, I'm coming for him next."
Kakashi watched quietly, making no move to intervene. He knew what Chiba was capable of. Even at five, Chiba's speed and control over chakra rivaled that of mid-tier Chūnin.
"This might actually be interesting," Mina said, stepping aside. The other ANBU members leaned in, silent but watching with visible interest.
Internal sparring within ANBU was common and even encouraged as long as no killing blows were dealt. It was a way to sharpen instincts and establish pecking order.
Chiba stepped into the center of the grass clearing, loosening his shoulders. His stance was relaxed, but focused. Koma mirrored him, bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet.
"Let's see what the new kid's got," murmured one masked member nearby.
Chiba raised a hand and curled his fingers in a slight 'come at me' gesture provocative, confident, and utterly composed.
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