The Third Hokage's Invitation

Although he felt somewhat unsatisfied, Hyuga Kagami also knew that Shisui would not use the Mangekyō Sharingan on an occasion like this, just as he himself would not use Rotation or the Third Kazekage Human Puppet.

Besides, if Shisui had truly used a major technique like Kotoamatsukami or Susanoo, he would not have been able to withstand it either. So he did not dwell on it any further and calmly accepted victory in this match.

After stepping down from the Sparring Platform, Guy and Asuma immediately gathered around him.

Guy happily congratulated him. "Kagami, congratulations!"

Having won this round, Hyuga Kagami's promotion to Special Jonin was practically a certainty, so Guy congratulated him in advance.

Asuma glanced at Shisui in the distance and muttered softly to Hyuga Kagami, "This Shisui really lives up to his reputation. Other than you, I'm afraid there aren't many people here who could withstand his Body Flicker Technique!"

Guy scratched his head and agreed. "Yeah, I thought about it for a long time, but I couldn't come up with a way to counter it. His Body Flicker Technique is just too fast, and his swordsmanship is also exceptional. I'd probably have to use the Eight Inner Gates to contend with him."

To some extent, Hyuga Kagami, who possessed the Tenseigan, indeed somewhat countered the Uchiha Sharingan.

First, the Tenseigan could resist the vast majority of ordinary Genjutsu. That ability alone could suppress many Uchiha skilled in Genjutsu.

Second, the Tenseigan's powerful insight, combined with Kaiten, made him almost immune to all of the Uchiha's thrown ninja tools. This was undoubtedly another major restraint against the Uchiha, who specialized in such techniques.

Finally, Hyuga Kagami's chakra reserves surpassed those of most Uchiha, giving him a considerable advantage in his tactical options.

Of course, this restraint applied only to ordinary Uchiha.

If he faced a powerful Uchiha who had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, then whether Hyuga Kagami's Tenseigan could withstand Mangekyo Sharingan ocular techniques was difficult to say.

Seeing Asuma and Guy still deep in thought, trying to figure out how to counter Shisui's Body Flicker Technique, Hyuga Kagami shook his head and smiled. "Shisui is the top genius of this generation of Uchiha. It's only natural that he has such strength, so don't get too hung up on it."

Asuma nodded, but his expression remained gloomy.

Guy, however, laughed heartily. "Haha, I have one more target to chase!"

Asuma looked utterly speechless. "What's there to be happy about?"

Guy patted Asuma on the shoulder, flashing his White Fang in a grin. "Passionate competition between comrades is true youth! Asuma, don't fall behind!"

Brushing aside Guy's hand from his shoulder, Asuma looked at Hyuga Kagami, then glanced at Shisui in the distance before finally fixing his eyes on Guy. "Fall behind!? Hmph, don't underestimate me!"

With that, Asuma turned and stormed off to the side.

Guy did not pay much attention to it. He rubbed his fists together and looked around eagerly, muttering, "When will it be my turn? I can hardly wait!"

After Sparring Platform No. 1 was cleared, the assessment continued.

Guy and Asuma took the stage one after the other and smoothly defeated their opponents, each securing a precious spot for promotion to Special Jonin.

After round after round of matches, fifteen winners were soon decided. With their emergence, this Special Jonin promotion assessment was declared over.

In the end, because of his outstanding performance, Uchiha Shisui, though a loser, was also granted an additional special slot and successfully promoted to Special Jonin.

The Chunin who had failed to qualify had no objections to the Third Hokage's decision. Everyone had witnessed the fierce battle between Hyuga Kagami and Shisui and knew that Shisui had indeed met the standard for promotion to Special Jonin. He had simply been unlucky enough to draw Hyuga Kagami, who was stronger than him.

After the assessment ended, the Third Hokage kept Hyuga Kagami, Guy, Asuma, and Shisui behind.

With his pipe in his mouth, the Third Hokage carefully examined the four of them before openly extending an invitation. "You are all outstanding shinobi, and you are also Konoha's future. I hope you can join the Anbu and become the foundation that protects the village."

Konoha was currently in dire need of powerful members of the younger generation, and the four before him were all promising talents favored by the Third Hokage.

Faced with the Third Hokage's personal recruitment, Hyuga Kagami, Guy, and Shisui did not hesitate in the slightest and agreed on the spot.

Most unexpectedly, Asuma, the Third Hokage's son, clearly voiced his opposition. With his arms crossed, he said cockily, "I don't want to become some sneaky guy lurking in the shadows."

The Third Hokage immediately frowned deeply. "What nonsense are you talking about!"

In the midst of his rebellious phase, Asuma was not afraid of the Third Hokage. He coldly swept his gaze over Hyuga Kagami, Guy, and Shisui beside him, then shouted angrily at the Third Hokage, "I'll prove to you that I'm no worse than anyone else!"

Before anyone could react, Asuma flicked his head and strode away.

Asuma was perceptive. Over these several rounds of matches, every opponent he faced had happened to be somewhat weaker than him, making him vaguely sense that something was amiss in this Special Jonin selection.

His pride would not allow him to accept this goodwill that had already been arranged by the Third Hokage.

Yet he also knew that he truly was no match for Hyuga Kagami and Shisui at present. He was not even certain of defeating Guy, so he could only choose to leave in a huff.

After Asuma's outburst, the Third Hokage no longer had any interest in saying more. After briefly explaining the various matters concerning joining the Anbu to Hyuga Kagami and the other two, he turned and left as well.

Exhausted, Hyuga Kagami declined Guy's suggestion to celebrate and returned home alone.

But the moment he entered, he found One-eyed Viper coiled in the corner of the room, flicking its tongue with hissing sounds.

After taking a look at the note from One-eyed Viper's mouth, Hyuga Kagami burned it. He then changed into casual clothes and headed alone to an izakaya in the village.

After going upstairs and entering a private room, Hyuga Kagami said to Orochimaru, who was drinking by himself, "Lord Orochimaru, why have you infiltrated the village? This is very dangerous!"

"Dangerous?!" Orochimaru chuckled sinisterly. "The Fourth Hokage and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki are already gone, while the old man is tied up with countless matters. The village is far less dangerous than it appears."

Just as Orochimaru had said, Konoha no longer had many Kage-level experts. Especially after losing the Fourth Hokage, there were very few who could threaten Orochimaru.

Whether it was the Third Hokage or Jiraiya, even if they encountered Orochimaru, they would most likely be reluctant to strike ruthlessly. So although Konoha currently appeared heavily guarded, it was hardly a forbidden place for Orochimaru, who knew the village well.

Secretly resisting the pressure emanating from Orochimaru, Hyuga Kagami calmly asked, "Then what instructions do you have for me?"

Orochimaru stared at Hyuga Kagami. "Did the Special Jonin assessment go smoothly?"