Taming

Water Release: Water Formation Wall!

Ice Release: Ice Crystal Wall!

Suikazan Fuguki and Murasaki raised their defenses at the same time. The Water Formation Wall stood in front, while layers of ice walls wrapped around the two of them from behind without leaving a single blind spot.

The scorching golden flames crashed into Suikazan Fuguki's Water Formation Wall. Flames exceeding 1,200 degrees instantly vaporized the wall, and great clouds of steam and white smoke billowed up, obscuring everyone's vision.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

A series of thunderous blasts rang out as the layers of ice walls were repeatedly breached, utterly unable to halt the flames' advance.

Murasaki continuously poured out Chakra, creating ice walls one after another to hold them back.

Finally, after Murasaki had expended nearly half his Chakra, the power contained within the flames was exhausted. But by then, the entire First Training Ground had been completely shrouded in dense smoke and steam.

Lacking sensory abilities, the two stood back-to-back amid the thick fog, keeping watch for an attack Seiji could launch at any moment.

A sharp whistling sound suddenly came from the direction Suikazan Fuguki was facing. Several Bone Blades pierced through the heavy mist, shooting toward his limbs.

Suikazan Fuguki roared and drew the standard-issue Ninja Sword he had carried on his back. He swung it wildly, blocking every Bone Blade and knocking them down around the two of them.

Having successfully blocked the attack, Suikazan Fuguki's taut nerves relaxed slightly. Then, Murasaki behind him sensed that something was wrong—but it was already too late.

Bang!

One of the Bone Blades beside them erupted in white smoke. Seiji burst out of it, launching a flying kick that sent Murasaki flying. He then spun gracefully through the air while gathering force before delivering another heavy kick that sent Suikazan Fuguki flying as well.

Seiji had used the Transformation Technique to turn himself into a Bone Blade and mixed in with the blades he had fired earlier. Then, while the two were caught off guard, he canceled the transformation and appeared with lightning speed, kicking them both away.

The dense fog blocked their sight, but it could not block Seiji's senses. For Seiji, whose sensory abilities were exceptionally powerful, this battlefield was like a fish in water.

The sounds of fighting within the smoke had already subsided. As the mist gradually dispersed, the watching Anbu clearly saw that Suikazan Fuguki and Murasaki had each been subdued by one of Seiji's two clones, sharp Bone Blades pointed at their throats.

Watching the two men get easily defeated in such a short time, everyone fell silent. What a domineering new division commander!

"You lost," Seiji said calmly to Suikazan Fuguki and Murasaki.

Murasaki did not answer, but inwardly, he had already acknowledged Seiji as a powerful new division commander. He was also willing to follow him and serve under his command.

Suikazan Fuguki likewise lowered his proud head and respectfully submitted to Seiji.

Worshipping and following the strong was common in Kirigakure. Thus, neither of them found it shameful to submit to Seiji, who was far stronger than they were.

"The six squad leaders and Hua stay. The rest of you may leave," Seiji said.

"The Chief Commander has granted our First Division the authority to replenish our own personnel. Any squad that is not at full strength must fill its vacancies as quickly as possible. Suikazan, and Kagami—your First Squad and Sixth Squad currently have the greatest manpower shortages. Forget it for today. Tomorrow morning, you, Hua, and I will go to the Anbu reserve training department and see whether there are any promising candidates." Seiji continued issuing orders.

Suikazan Fuguki and Yagura nodded in agreement. Seiji then turned to Murasaki. "The Second Squad is currently at full strength. Set out immediately and head to the capital of the Land of Water as fast as possible. This is the mission scroll; read it on the way. Once the mission is complete, use a Ninja Hawk to send me a message immediately."

"Yes, Lord Bone!" Murasaki answered, then promptly used Body Flicker to leave and gather his squad members.

Having only just taken office, Seiji swiftly and decisively arranged all the tasks before dismissing his subordinates.

The next morning, the rising sun had already traced the distant mountains with a thin golden edge. After getting up, Seiji ate breakfast with his grandfather, Genji. Once he was fully dressed, he headed straight for the Anbu reserve training department.

As its name implied, the Anbu reserve training department was where new Anbu recruits were trained, mainly ninjas from civilian backgrounds or minor ninja clans. Once their training was complete, they could be assigned to replenish the official Anbu ranks at any time. As for why Seiji and Yagura had not gone through this department back then—naturally, it was because Seiji had a good grandfather, while Yagura's surname was Karatachi.

When Seiji arrived at the training base, he saw that Suikazan, Yagura, and Chino had already arrived and were waiting for him in front of the base.

After entering the base, an Anbu wearing a mask approached them. Recognizing the mask as belonging to the Third Division, Seiji took the initiative to identify himself and handed over the written order Ken had given him. "I am Bone, division commander of the First Division. By the Chief Commander's order, I have come to replenish our personnel."

After verifying the identities of Seiji and the others, the man led them to the area where daily training was conducted.

Standing upstairs, Seiji swept his gaze over everyone below who was engaged in group sparring on the training grounds. His attention was instantly drawn to one particular group.