Haruto Saito tentatively asked the question. He wasn't sure whether Hiruzen Sarutobi had already made up his mind and was merely going through the motions of asking for his opinion, or if he genuinely wanted his input. As the Third Hokage of Konoha, Hiruzen had the authority to assign any ninja to any unit.
"It seems you don't want to join the Anbu," Hiruzen said, looking at Haruto seriously. "You can refuse, but I still suggest that you join. It will be greatly beneficial for you! The Anbu is not just the intelligence core of Konoha; it is also where elite ninjas are cultivated. Many of Konoha's secret techniques, even forbidden jutsus, are only accessible to Anbu members!"
"Although you are my student, I will not break the rules for you. I will teach you what I am allowed to, but for things I cannot teach directly, you will have to earn them yourself."
"This…" Haruto hesitated. The Anbu certainly offered great benefits. As Konoha's elite force, it was the closest organization to the core of power. If he wanted to grow stronger through conventional means, joining the Anbu was a logical choice. However, Haruto had a shortcut—he could grow through training while also gaining abilities through killing. Balancing both was possible, but if he joined the Anbu, his free time would be severely restricted.
"What are your concerns?" Hiruzen asked directly.
"Hmm… not enough freedom!" Haruto answered honestly. "I would rather be a mission ninja like Tsunade, free to do whatever I want when I'm not on a mission."
Hiruzen was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected Haruto to have such a "laid-back" mentality.
Though Haruto was known for being restless and often causing trouble, Hiruzen knew he was also extremely hardworking.
Clearly, he didn't understand the true reason Haruto needed more free time.
"If you need more free time, the Anbu's First Squad might suit you well!" White Fang suddenly spoke. "However, the selection criteria for the First Squad are extremely high. You might… struggle to pass the test."
"Oh?" Haruto was taken aback. He turned to White Fang and asked after a moment, "Lord White Fang, what is the First Squad?"
"The First Squad…" White Fang explained, "The Anbu's duties include protecting the Hokage, monitoring Konoha, gathering intelligence, imprisoning and interrogating high-value suspects, and performing high-risk special operations, including assassination missions. The First Squad, also known as the Anbu Assassination Unit, is a specialized branch dedicated to executing assassination missions. It also has the highest mortality rate among all Anbu divisions. Aside from assassinations, First Squad members have no other obligations, which means they have a lot of free time."
Haruto raised his eyebrows.
The First Squad suited him perfectly!
On one hand, he could take assassination missions to engage in combat, kill enemies, and enhance his abilities. On the other hand, the abundant free time would allow him to train as he pleased—whether it was mastering the Flying Thunder God technique or the powerful forbidden jutsus he had obtained from the Meiji clan.
Combined with all the inherent benefits of joining the Anbu, Haruto suddenly found himself tempted.
"Can I join the Anbu Assassination Unit?" Haruto asked, looking at both White Fang and Hiruzen.
Hiruzen furrowed his brow, hesitant. The Assassination Unit was the most dangerous branch of the Anbu. To join, one needed not only exceptional strength but also extensive mission experience and strong survival skills.
"White Fang, what is the current mortality rate for the Assassination Unit?" Hiruzen asked.
"Currently, the ten-year mortality rate for Assassination Unit members is 47%, and the fifteen-year mortality rate is 70%. And that's during this relatively peaceful era," White Fang replied. He then turned to Haruto and elaborated, "In other words, since the First Great Ninja War ended, only 30% of the Assassination Unit members from seventeen years ago are still alive. Seven out of ten have died in battle."
Originally, assassination missions weren't always so dangerous, but the Anbu's assassination assignments carried unique risks, resulting in the extremely high death rate.
"Do you still want to join the Assassination Unit?" Hiruzen asked, staring at Haruto.
"Yes!" Haruto nodded firmly. He wasn't afraid of danger. Every killer had to be prepared to be killed—so mere risk and a high mortality rate wouldn't stop him from joining.
"However," Haruto smirked and turned to White Fang, "since the Assassination Unit is so dangerous, does that mean it offers the best benefits? More authority? Or other perks…?"
"Indeed." White Fang nodded. "The First Squad receives the best benefits, although its authority is not above the other Anbu branches. But there is one special aspect—currently, the captains of the First Squad, Second Squad, Third Squad, the Head of the Intelligence Division, the Head of the Monitoring Unit, the Anbu Deputy Commander, and myself… we all started in the Assassination Unit!"
A fast track to promotion!
Haruto immediately understood. The Anbu's First Squad was a shortcut for advancing within the organization. Even White Fang himself had risen through the ranks from there!
"Lord White Fang, if I may ask, what was your Anbu record like?" Haruto asked eagerly.
"Two years as an Anbu First Squad member, two years as a First Squad captain, and then promoted to Anbu Commander." White Fang responded without hesitation.
That was straightforward!
White Fang was a naturally gifted special operations ninja. His rise through the Anbu ranks had been incredibly fast! In just four years, he had become Anbu Commander—a feat influenced by both Hiruzen's recognition and his own rapid growth in strength.
"The Assassination Unit it is!" Haruto decided. He quickly turned to Hiruzen and said, "Teacher, can I join?"
Hiruzen frowned slightly as he studied Haruto. Haruto always had an uncanny tendency to seek out danger. He had initially refused to join the Anbu, but the moment he heard about the Assassination Unit, he was suddenly eager to enlist…
Hiruzen couldn't help but suspect this had something to do with Haruto's urge to kill.
Was his condition getting worse?
"Originally…" Hiruzen paused for a moment before continuing, "With your abilities, you could join the Anbu directly without a test. Your sensory skills and ability to read people compensate for your lack of experience. However, if you want to enter the Assassination Unit, you must pass a test!"
"No problem, Teacher!" Haruto responded immediately. "Is it a mission-based assessment? I can do it!"
If the test involved an assassination mission, where his success determined his eligibility, Haruto was confident he could pass!
"No." Hiruzen shook his head, then stood up. With his hands behind his back, he walked around the desk and stood before Haruto. "I will personally assess you. The test is simple—we will spar!"
"Huh?" Haruto's eyes widened.
What kind of test was this?!