The Secret of Abilities

Hearing the Anbu ninja's request, Takizawa Dan felt his heart tighten.

Generally speaking, being summoned by the Hokage or the upper echelons of Konoha never boded well.

Hadn't Uchiha Itachi been summoned by the Anbu once, only to return home, slaughter his entire family, and flee as a rogue ninja?

Hadn't the Hyuga Clan been summoned by the Third Hokage for a talk, only for Neji's father to end up dead?

Based on the rules of the ninja world, Takizawa Dan concluded that if one didn't want to die an unexplained death and hoped to safely coast until the series finale, the best choice was to be a content, low-profile slacker.

Thinking this, Takizawa Dan feigned a weak appearance and said to the Anbu ninja, "I'm sorry, brother, but I just finished a match and my body is still exhausted... Could you let me go home and rest for a bit first?"

His intention was to dodge whenever possible and avoid attracting Tsunade's attention at all costs.

However, the Anbu ninja clearly didn't see it that way; he had come to find Takizawa Dan under strict orders.

The rules of the Anbu were incredibly rigid, and everything was judged by the result. If he failed to bring Takizawa Dan back, he would have failed his mission, and the punishment for that would be severe.

With this in mind, the Anbu ninja shook his head and said firmly, "That won't do. This is a summons from the Hokage herself. Are you trying to shirk your duty? Are you still a member of our Konoha village or not?"

Takizawa Dan thought to himself, What does me accepting the Hokage's summons have to do with whether I'm a member of Konoha? But since the other party had already put it that way, he had no choice but to comply.

Besides, there was definitely more than just this one Anbu ninja present.

Although Takizawa Dan couldn't sense them directly, Anbu ninjas never operated alone; they worked in teams. He feared that several others were lurking in the shadows, watching his every move.

Choosing to resist now would be tantamount to suicide.

"Fine, no problem. I'll go with you."

Takizawa Dan nodded, straightened his clothes, and tucked all his ninja tools back into his pockets before signaling to the Anbu ninja that he was ready.

The Anbu ninja nodded and took the lead, secretly signaling his hidden companions via ninjutsu that everything was normal and there was no need for concern.

He was relieved that Takizawa Dan had made the wise choice to follow him rather than resist; otherwise, he would have been forced to use lethal force to strike Takizawa Dan down on the spot.

After all, while he was nominally under the Hokage's direct command, the Anbu had long been controlled by Shimura Danzo. Danzo did not feel the same favor toward Takizawa Dan that Tsunade did; he had long harbored the intent to kill him.

This boy knows how to bide his time and hide his strength—he clearly has wild ambitions. He must not be left alive!

However, because Tsunade was the Hokage, Danzo could not openly oppose her regarding someone she wished to summon. After all, his goal was to protect Konoha, not to incite conspiracy or internal strife.

Thus, Danzo's instructions to the Anbu were: if the boy followed obediently, leave him be and proceed as usual. If Takizawa Dan showed strong resistance, kill him on the spot.

For the prosperity and stability of the village, Danzo was capable of such things.

Of course, as far as this Anbu ninja was concerned, he didn't want Takizawa Dan to die either; it would be a pity for such a talented young man to perish at the hands of his own people.

Takizawa Dan was unaware of the Anbu ninja's internal conflict; he simply scanned his surroundings vigilantly, guarding against any unforeseen circumstances.

Soon, the Anbu ninja led Takizawa Dan to the spectator stands.

The moment Takizawa Dan appeared, everyone present turned their gazes toward him.

Being stared at by the Hokage and the entire Anbu squad, while feeling the faint pressure they were exerting, made him feel quite uncomfortable.

"Lord Hokage, per your instructions, I have brought him here. Awaiting your orders!"

The Anbu ninja bowed, speaking respectfully to Tsunade.

"Mm, you've worked hard. You may withdraw."

Tsunade waved her hand, signaling that he could leave.

After the Anbu ninja departed, Tsunade beckoned to Takizawa Dan warmly, "Come, Takizawa Dan, sit by my side..."

"Oh..."

Takizawa Dan walked toward Tsunade with complete obedience.

"Takizawa Dan, you are far too bold! To approach the Hokage without any display of etiquette?"

At this moment, Danzo stepped forward, his expression one of feigned fury. "What exactly are you thinking?"

Seeing Danzo's infuriated act, Takizawa Dan immediately understood that this old bastard was the one targeting him.

Honestly... when Sasuke beats him up later, why didn't he use more force?!

"Shimura-kun, let's skip these tedious formalities. I'm not one for such rigid displays."

As she said this, Tsunade stepped forward and placed a hand on Takizawa Dan's back.

"Come, ignore them. Just stay with your big sister."

Seeing Tsunade actively defusing the awkwardness for him, Takizawa Dan was happy to comply, nodding with a smile and allowing her to lead him.

Looking at Tsunade from such close proximity, especially at her snow-white, ample bosom, Takizawa Dan couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

This is just terrifying. Looking at her appearance, it's truly hard to imagine she's a fifty-year-old woman!

Under Tsunade's protection, Takizawa Dan escaped the situation safely. Before leaving, he didn't forget to stick his tongue out toward Danzo. Because of the angle, Tsunade and the other high-ranking officials didn't see it.

Only Danzo caught the gesture. Seeing the boy insult him so brazenly, Danzo was so furious he could practically see smoke rising from his seven orifices.

Yet, he couldn't lash out, as he had no evidence to prove it, and doing so would only make him look petty and narrow-minded.

Though he couldn't act now, Danzo shot Takizawa Dan a warning glare.

The hidden meaning was clear: Just you wait, boy. Don't let me find an opening, or you'll regret it.

Takizawa Dan, however, remained completely indifferent to Danzo's hostility.

In any case, that old geezer was already plotting to kill him, so it made no difference whether it happened sooner or later.

Once Tsunade took her seat on the dais and gestured for Takizawa Dan to sit beside her, she smiled and asked him, "Takizawa Dan, your performance just now was truly excellent. Could you tell me when exactly you became this strong?"

Following Tsunade's question, the other high-ranking officials also cast skeptical gazes toward Takizawa Dan.

Indeed, Takizawa Dan had previously been known to everyone as a good-for-nothing, yet he had shone brilliantly during the Chunin Exams.

No matter how one looked at it, it was simply unbelievable.