Anbu

Konoha.

The members of the Anbu were all stunned by Taiichi's question, but Taiichi's increasingly cold aura immediately brought them back to their senses.

They could have ignored Taiichi's attitude, but the strong naturally have rights here, especially since Taiichi is the Hokage's grand-disciple.

As the Captain the Horse-Mask Anbu, he reacted the fastest, immediately retracting his Kunai and gesturing to his subordinates around him, at which point everyone was able to lower their guard.

"The Military Police Force arrived quickly," Taiichi said sincerely as he approached Uchiha Inabi. "The Anbu were arresting spies here just now, and they made quite a commotion."

Taiichi looked around at the mess. It was more than just a big commotion; there were many Civilian dead and injured.

He glared at the Anbu beside him, inwardly complaining, "Don't these guys even have a plan or choose their locations when they're capturing spies?"

He walked between Horse-Mask Anbu and Uchiha Inabi, looked at them, and pointed to the mess around them. "I don't know your responsibilities, but how should we deal with these wounded and the losses?"

Both sides looked at each other in bewilderment, clearly neither of them had anticipated such a problem.

However, it was Uchiha Inabi who spoke first, "Normally, when our Military Police Force arrests criminals and causes loss of life or property to the public, we have a set of regulations for compensation. But this incident was not caused by our Military Police Force, so naturally we cannot provide compensation."

Taiichi scrutinized Ziguang as he turned to the horse-faced ninja, his expression clear. "Does your Anbu have corresponding rules and regulations?"

The horse-faced ninja was now in an awkward position. What was the Anbu? It was short for Special Assassination and Tactical Squad, primarily responsible for assassinations and reconnaissance.

For highly classified missions such as guard duty, the issue of compensation was never even considered.

In the past, when they arrested targets, they usually did so in remote places, made the arrests, and left immediately. They would never encounter a situation like today.

However, this mission was urgent. The Intelligence Department had just obtained information that the couple were Iwagakure spies in disguise, who had been hiding in Konoha for nearly ten years, and even opened a shop on this most densely populated street.

This put them in a difficult position. More importantly, they had received information that the spies were going to hand over the important intelligence they had collected today. In order to prevent the intelligence from being leaked, the Anbu had no choice but to take action in this crowded situation.

Normally, such missions would be led by highly skilled individuals, but the shortage of manpower in Konoha is not unique to the Four Directions War Zone; the Hokage's direct Anbu is also facing a shortage of personnel.

Sure enough, these two Anbu teams didn't even have a single Jonin; they only had two Special Jōnin there to maintain appearances.

If they hadn't run into Taiichi by chance, that blue-haired ninja alone would have been enough to give them a run for their money.

"This... I will report this to the Hokage-sama. Someone will be assigned to handle these losses and compensation matters."

This is also the usual practice of the Anbu. They only focus on the mission. As for the loss of personnel and property caused during the mission, a conscientious Anbu Captain will submit a report afterward, but in general, they just pretend that it never happened.

After all, it's better to avoid trouble. Most people wouldn't bother themselves for the sake of others, and the moral standards in the Ninja World aren't that high.

If this happened outside the village, Taiichi wouldn't bother with it. After all, he wasn't a saint and only wanted to take care of his own little plot of land.

But since this is Konoha, the place he fights for and cares about, he has no choice but to exert his influence.

"Captain Inabi."

Taiichi turned to look at Uchiha Inabi, causing him to immediately put his feet together and bow deeply to listen.

This wasn't because Uchiha Inabi was belittling his identity, but Taiichi Taichi's reputation was now so high that it was comparable to even the former White Fang of Konoha.

If everyone only admires White Fang of Konoha for his martial prowess, then Taiichi is more than that; Taiichi can truly save their lives.

Many Konoha Jonin speculate that the current chief medical officer of Konoha is no longer Tsunade, but her disciple, Taichi Matsushita.

Such a person, with a fairly friendly relationship with the Uchiha Clan, would not be easily offended even if Inabi were a fool.

"Please give your instructions!"

Taiichi glanced at Inabi in surprise and found that Daohuo's respect was genuine. He couldn't help but feel a little proud, realizing that his efforts over the years had not been in vain.

"Please have the Military Police Force handle these wounded and damaged personnel for now. Once the Anbu's application is approved, the Hokage's Office and the Military Police Force will take over the duties."

Uchiha Inabi looked somewhat troubled; handing things over to the Hokage's Office was likely going to backfire.

Seeing the Uchiha's hesitation, Taiichi quickly added, "This is my personal request, and I will keep an eye on this matter afterwards."

Now, Uchiha Inabi had nothing more to say. He knew the gravity of the situation, and even if the matter ultimately fell into the hands of the Military Police Force, he believed the clan would be willing to accept it.

Taiichi's personal favor is not as important as this small amount of money. He would rather the Hokage's Office default on the debt now, to solidify the favor and make it a bigger one!

"You jest, Lord Taiichi. Our Military Police Force will certainly handle this matter perfectly."

After saying this, he waved his hand, and several Uchiha ninjas who had come with him used Shadow Clone Technique.

The Shadow Clone clones acted swiftly, some collecting statistics, others providing medical assistance; everything was done in an orderly manner, indicating that the Uchiha was quite experienced in such matters.

For the first time, Taiichi smiled. He also created a Shadow Clone to provide emergency treatment to the seriously injured.

Then, the main body turned to the horse-faced ninja and solemnly ordered, "Report the situation here to the Hokage-sama truthfully. I will continue to monitor this matter, so please don't let me down."

After speaking, Taiichi activated his Soul Vision, and his eyes emitted a deep blue light.

The horse-faced ninja looked into Taiichi's eyes and felt as if his entire body had been laid bare. He had no secrets left in front of Taiichi. He knew this must be Taiichi's secret technique, and that Taiichi had memorized his information.

"Don't worry, Taiichi, I will handle this matter perfectly and will not let you down!"

Taiichi nodded in satisfaction and waved to him, "Go ahead and get busy!"

After the Anbu left, Taiichi also bid farewell to Uchiha Inabi. He hadn't forgotten that he had come out to forage for food. He had only eaten half a meal along the way, and his foraging journey would continue.

After everyone else had left, only the Uchiha clan members from the Military Police Force remained on the street to finish up.

A Chunin Uchiha approached and asked his Captain curiously, "Inabi- san, weren't you being a bit too humble just now? You weren't acting like Uchiha at all."

Uchiha Inabi glanced at his cousin, who was only a Chunin after all, and whose understanding of the rules of the Ninja World was still insufficient.

"Xinhuo, remember this: strength is a ninja's passport. As long as you're strong enough, you'll be above everyone else, and that Taichi Matsushita had that kind of strength!"

The little incident came and went quickly.

The Military Police Force was quite skilled; the chaotic streets were quickly cleaned up, damaged stalls were all removed, and the uneven ground was leveled using Earth Style.

The injured were also sent to Konoha Hospital for treatment, and the compensation matters discussed with their families are proceeding according to procedure.

The flow of people on the street quickly returned to normal, the only difference being that a shop on the side of the street was sealed off.

An hour after the incident, in the Hokage's Office.

After handing over the mission target to the Torture and Interrogation Force, the Horse-Mask Anbu came to report to Hiruzen Sarutobi with his mission report.

The members of the Anbu performed this mission terribly, not only relying on external forces but also, more importantly, causing the battle to spill over into the lives of ordinary villagers.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the mission report in his hand while listening to the details of the mission explained by the Horse-Mask Anbu.

After a long while, when Horse-Mask Anbu finished speaking, Hiruzen Sarutobi also shifted his gaze from the report to Horse-Mask Anbu.

Immediately, the Horse-Mask Anbu felt an overwhelming pressure, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. He immediately lowered his head and sincerely apologized, "Hokage-sama, it's all our fault for not doing our job properly, please punish us!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't speak. He put down the mission report in his hand, picked up his pipe from the table, packed the tobacco, and after everything was ready, he didn't light it immediately.

A long sigh resounded, like a thunderbolt striking the mind of the Horse-Mask Anbu Guard.

"Kosuke, take off your mask."

Upon hearing this, the Horse-Mask Anbu stiffened for a moment, but finally reached out and took off the horse-face mask he was wearing.

Beneath the mask, a face somewhat resembling Hiruzen Sarutobi emerged, leading one to immediately think that the two were probably related.

"Hokage-sama, the outcome of this mission was due to my misjudgment of the enemy's strength. Please punish me."

Holding a horse-face mask, the Anbu Ninja named Kosuke apologized again.

"Kosuke, now that you've taken off your mask, call me uncle. It's been a long time since I've chatted with a member of the clan like this."

It turns out that this Anbu was also a ninja from the Sarutobi Clan, and even had some kinship with the Third Hokage.

"Yes, Hokage —no, Uncle." Kosuke hesitated, but finally said it.

"Mistakes are inevitable, and insufficient intelligence is also a factor. You don't need to blame yourself too much."

The previous silence was a warning, and the current comfort is encouragement. Even with his own nephew, Hiruzen Sarutobi still uses this PUA tactic quite skillfully.

What do you think of Taiichi?

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly asked an unrelated question. After asking, he leisurely lit his pipe, took a deep drag of tobacco, and exhaled a long plume of smoke.

"Taiichi- sama—he's amazing!" Kosuke recalled every scene he encountered with Taiichi today, from his clean and efficient killing of enemies to the Uchiha's attitude towards him.

"His strength and prestige have far surpassed those of Jonin. In the village, only your three disciples can probably compare."

Hiruzen Sarutobi. He could also discern something from Kosuke's expression, but Kosuke couldn't make out his true feelings through the wisps of smoke.

"What do you think about letting Taiichi join the Anbu?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's words were always surprising and thought-provoking, leaving Kosuke speechless at his suggestion.

Although the Anbu is the Hokage's trusted organization, its members are all highly skilled in various fields, including Orochimaru and Hatake Sakumo.

But is it really appropriate for Taiichi to join the Anbu right now?

Putting everything else aside, if such a skilled fighter were to actually join the Anbu, what position would you assign him?

A regular team member is definitely not suitable; that would only create conflict. So, should he be a squad Captain? A platoon Captain? Or a vice-minister? Or a minister?

"This—the decision regarding the members of the Anbu should be made solely by the Hokage-sama; it's not something I can comment on."

Kosuke was quite shrewd; he simply threw the question back at Kosuke, who, with his small arms and legs, had no desire to get involved in these high-level decision-making processes.

Hiruzen Sarutobi really didn't intend for him to answer; his question was just something he asked casually.

However, once this idea appeared in my mind, it took root like a seed, growing deeper and deeper.

These past two days he's been racking his brains over what to do with Taiichi. You can't just leave such a talented person idle by transferring him back to the village.

However, Taiichi's age is a factor, making it difficult for him to hold many positions. This is not because Taiichi lacks ability, but because ordinary people naturally distrust young people.

As for places like Konoha Hospital, where Taiichi has already proven his strength, and all the high-ranking positions are already filled, you can't let him serve as an ordinary Medical Ninja.

Thinking about it, this position in the Anbu is actually pretty good. At worst, he can become a free agent and be directly responsible for himself.

"Alright, you can go now. Regarding the compensation issue for the villagers, you'll need to coordinate with the Military Police Force afterwards. Make sure you take responsibility for what you're owed, and don't let anyone misunderstand the Anbu!"

After Sarutobi Kosuke put his mask back on and left the Hokage's Office, Hiruzen Sarutobi up, pushed open the balcony door, and looked down at the entire Konoha.

In the past, I always saw reports about how high Taiichi's prestige was, but I never had a direct understanding of it.

But today's event is different; it happened right here in Konoha.

He wasn't particularly bothered by Anbu failed mission.

He was only slightly angry that Civilian were affected.

Taiichi's swift and decisive defeat of his opponent was exactly what he expected.

However, the attitude of the Uchiha from the Military Police Force towards Taiichi made him frown.

Even the arrogant Uchiha clan members agree with Taiichi so much, so what will be the attitude of the other ninjas in the village? Will they already be able to command a large following?

It seems that it is really necessary to transfer Taiichi to the Anbu and make him disappear from everyone's sight for a while.

At this time, Taiichi was unaware that his act of bravery had led to his job assignment for the foreseeable future.

He is currently maintaining Sage Mode while simultaneously training his Taijutsu.

After several days of continuous experimentation, he also discovered that training in Taijutsu, meditation, and swordsmanship in Sage Mode was significantly more effective than training in normal conditions.

Just like Taijutsu, in Sage Mode, his experience gain efficiency is three times that of normal mode.

This only refers to the effects that can be directly observed, such as panel experience. The same applies to physical fitness training, where the training effect is at least twice as effective.

Taiichi can now maintain Sage Mode for over 90 minutes at his current limit. After several attempts, he was able to maintain Sage Mode for half an hour of training while conserving enough stamina.

This effect is quite remarkable, equivalent to gaining an extra hour of exercise for nothing. It may not seem like much at first glance, but when accumulated over time, it makes a huge difference.

However, Taiichi has also noticed a problem these days: in crowded places, especially densely populated places like Konoha.

Natural Energy doesn't seem to be very concentrated, nor is it easy for humans to mobilize it, which explains why the Three Great Sage Regions are all located in sparsely populated areas.

This is a topic that needs further research.