Jiogan's Choice

Jiogan fell silent. Hiruzen Sarutobi waited patiently, saying nothing more to interrupt Jiogan's thoughts.

My original plan was to stabilize for a while after successfully becoming a Chunin, then start taking on a large number of Patrol Missions. With my sensory abilities, I could make the most of my strengths—fight when it was time to fight, rest when it was time to rest, train when it was time to train. I was confident I could grow quickly. During the Second Shinobi World War, I could find a way to join the battlefield in the Land of Rain and seek another opportunity for Tai Chi to break through, Jiogan thought.

But from the Third Hokage's conversation today, he clearly doesn't want me to follow the ordinary Chunin path. Whether I go to the Strategic Command Office or join the Anbu, it seems he's prepared to train me. That's a sign of his trust in me!

At the Strategic Command Office, my safety would undoubtedly be greatly guaranteed. During peacetime, I'd only need to work fixed hours every day. I wouldn't have to leave the village, and I'd have time to train on my own. But without real combat experience, my strength would ultimately improve slowly. If I want to become a commander—or even a battlefield commander—strength is the true foremost requirement!

That clearly doesn't fit with my path of becoming the strongest Water Release ninja!

As for joining the Anbu? Other than concealing my name in the shadows and abandoning personal feelings to obey only the mission, it actually seems rather suitable for me right now.

Joining the Anbu and taking part in all kinds of classified, dangerous missions would undoubtedly be an opportunity to temper himself into someone strong!

Facing all kinds of dangerous missions and opponents, his combat experience and strength would undoubtedly improve greatly!

In the original story, Orochimaru, Kakashi Hatake, Shisui Uchiha, Itachi Uchiha, and the others had all joined the Anbu while young to gain experience, laying the foundation to become powerful!

With that thought, Jiogan took a deep breath.

Seeing Jiogan's movement, Hiruzen Sarutobi understood that he had made his decision. "Then, Jiogan, what is your choice?"

"Lord Hokage, I choose to join the Anbu!" Jiogan said.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took two more puffs from his pipe and pulled out two scrolls from his desk.

"One of these scrolls is an Anbu Appointment Scroll. After the Chunin appointment is completed in three days, take the Anbu Appointment Scroll and report to the Anbu," Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

"The other scroll is an A-rank Water Release Scroll left behind by the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju—Water Release: Water Severing Wave! I am giving it to you in the hope that you will not disgrace the Second Hokage's legacy and make Water Severing Wave the enemy's nightmare once more!"

"Yes, Lord Hokage. I will not disgrace the Second Hokage's legacy!" Jiogan said as he dropped to one knee and accepted the two scrolls from the Third Hokage.

"Jiogan, Anbu missions are tedious and dangerous. I hope you are mentally prepared. Do not die an obscure death," Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

If an Anbu member died while carrying out an Anbu mission, their true name would not be carved onto the Memorial Stone. All that would remain was a cold codename.

"I understand, Lord Hokage," Jiogan said.

"Very well. If there is nothing else, you may leave," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, having achieved his purpose and issued a dismissal.

"Yes, Lord Hokage." Jiogan bowed again knowingly, walked out of the Hokage's Office, and closed the door behind him.

The moment Jiogan left and the door shut, two figures appeared in the Hokage's Office.

"Orochimaru, are you satisfied now?" Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

"Teacher, I knew Jiogan-kun would join the Anbu. I can see his thirst for power. Joining the Anbu is the best choice," Orochimaru said with a cold smile.

"Sakumo, you have seen Jiogan as well. What is your assessment of him?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.

"Lord Hokage, this child has a bright heart. I can sense it. Even if he hides in darkness, he will not lose himself," said the other figure. It was Hatake Sakumo, now an Anbu captain.

"Oh? Sakumo thinks highly of him," Hiruzen Sarutobi said in surprise.

"He has talent and strength. The only thing he lacks is time to grow," Hatake Sakumo said. "Orochimaru, I have changed my mind. I will transfer him into my direct unit and train him personally!"

"What?! Senior Sakumo! How can you go back on your word? You said he would join my squad!" Orochimaru said anxiously.

"Enough, Orochimaru! I approve of Sakumo's arrangement. I truly would be a little worried about leaving Jiogan under your command. I fear you would lead him astray," Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

Orochimaru gritted his teeth and wanted to say more, but the two powerful men remained unmoved. He knew that no matter what he said, it would be useless, so he could only give up.

He left the Hokage's Office in frustration!

Walking through Konoha's streets, Jiogan still seemed unable to fully process it. I never expected to join the Anbu just like that. It's like a pillow arriving right when I was sleepy!

Jiogan and the others had only just become Chunin. They were all in a confused period, not yet firmly established and standing at a crossroads in their futures.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's summons had resolved Jiogan's urgent problem, giving him a path toward becoming stronger. He truly should be grateful to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

As for the Water Release: Water Severing Wave scroll, it was probably a way for Hiruzen Sarutobi to win over a rising talent like him—an investment in Jiogan, so that he could consolidate his position as Hokage in the future.

After all, even now, Hiruzen Sarutobi's position as Hokage was not entirely secure. Though there was no danger of a coup, power was highly dispersed. Root was also about to be established, which would become another major hidden danger.

As the Hokage who had governed the longest, how could Hiruzen Sarutobi fail to see what his old friend Shimura Danzō was thinking? Yet he had no choice but to compromise and yield. Konoha's stability came first; everything else would have to be handled patiently, step by step.

The day before the Chunin appointments, Inuzuka Yoru finally recovered and was discharged from the hospital. The members of Team 11 gathered at a yakiniku restaurant for their final get-together as Genin.

"Have you all decided on your future arrangements?" Kurama Heiji asked.

"Sensei, I have. As a Sensor Ninja of the Inuzuka Clan, I want to make use of my strengths and join the Border Defense Force for experience!" Inuzuka Yoru said first.

Everyone nodded, clearly agreeing with Inuzuka Yoru's choice.

"Lady Tsunade is forming a Medical Team. My Chakra control has met the requirements, so I plan to study Medical Ninjutsu while taking on missions on the side," Kurama Feiyun said.

After the Chunin Exam, Kurama Feiyun had taken the Medical Team's basic assessment and passed. Most of her future training time would probably be devoted to Medical Ninjutsu. However, developing medical ninja was a strategic decision for the village, and it was also the foundation that allowed Konoha to have the last laugh through the Second and Third Shinobi World Wars. Its importance went without saying!

Jiogan was sincerely happy that Kurama Feiyun could join the Medical Team. It was still in its early stages of formation; in the future, they would all be the founding veterans of medical ninja!

"Lord Hokage summoned me two days ago. I have already decided to join the Anbu," Jiogan said.

"What?!" the three said in unison.

Everyone was extremely surprised. Even Kurama Heiji was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting Jiogan to choose the Anbu.

"Jiogan, the Anbu carries out extremely dangerous missions!" Kurama Heiji said.

"Sensei, no true powerhouse grows up without hardship. You know my strength. Only by joining the Anbu can I grow faster!" Jiogan said.

Seeing that Jiogan had made up his mind, everyone fell silent for a moment. Kurama Feiyun said, "Jiogan, you must protect yourself. Don't push yourself too hard!"

Looking at Kurama Feiyun, Jiogan said gently, "Feiyun, don't worry. You know me—I never do anything unless I'm certain of it! Besides, I haven't married you yet! Before or after joining the Anbu, I'll be fine!"

After saying that, he rubbed Kurama Feiyun's head as though no one else were present!

Kurama Heiji nearly exploded on the spot! Inuzuka Yoru only felt that the yakiniku he was eating had become as tasteless as dog food!