The next day, at dawn.
Mornings in the Land of Iron were always the same, blanketed in silver. Even when the sky occasionally cleared, it was difficult to melt away the snow that had accumulated over the years.
Ryōken stood expressionlessly inside the loft, leaning against the window.
After waiting for some time.
Three more ANBU ninja finally arrived at the loft.
They were all full-fledged ANBU ninja, each possessing the strength of a jōnin.
Ryōken had spent the past several days waiting for their arrival. Naturally, this was also Hatake-sensei's order.
"This is Lord White Fang's order. You are to be temporarily assigned to our squad under the codename Tian Ling."
One of the ninja, who appeared to be the captain, placed a document before Ryōken. It recorded Ryōken's identity and number, along with orders assigning him to the Seventh Squad of the Assassination Tactics Special Forces.
Ryōken understood after a single glance. With war approaching, the number of ANBU ninja had increased as well. They were already up to the Seventh Squad.
He nodded. "You're all members of the Seventh Squad, right?"
"Yes. Our mission this time is to return safely to Konoha. Due to certain unexpected events, your ANBU assessment mission has ended here. Once you return to Konoha, you will become an official ANBU ninja."
The ninja who had handed Ryōken the document nodded. In truth, there was something he had left unsaid. Their original mission had been to escort Ryōken back to the village. They had merely avoided saying so directly to spare Ryōken's pride, instead framing it as a temporary squad assignment.
After saying that, the ninja removed his mask, allowing Ryōken to see his face before putting it back on and introducing himself.
"I am the captain of the Seventh Squad, Sarutobi Shinsuke.