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The breakthrough to Two-Tomoe Sharingan quietly changed Ling's status within the village. Early that morning, he received an urgent summons from the Hokage's office.

Tsunade pushed a document in front of him. "The Anbu Special Operations Team is recruiting new members. I recommended you."

Ling was slightly startled. The Anbu were an elite force directly under the Hokage, and they usually only accepted experienced chunin or higher.

"With your current strength, you're already more than capable of handling Anbu missions," Tsunade said, her expression grave. "More importantly, we need reliable people in the Anbu to counterbalance Root's influence."

Ling immediately understood. The Root organization led by Danzo had always planted people within the Anbu. Tsunade wanted to build up her own forces.

"I accept."

[New mission triggered: Pass the Anbu assessment]

[Mission requirement: Achieve an A-rank evaluation in the simulated combat test]

[Reward: Anbu-exclusive ninjutsu scroll]

That afternoon, Ling arrived at the Anbu training base. The one in charge of the assessment was Kakashi. He wore an animal mask, his voice cold.

"The assessment is divided into three parts: infiltration, intelligence gathering, and combat. You need an A-rank score to pass."

The first infiltration test required him to move through a forest filled with sensory barriers. Ling activated his Sharingan and easily saw through the chakra nodes of the barriers.

[Barrier analysis complete]

[Plotting safe route...]

With the system's assistance, Ling moved through the barriers like a ghost without triggering a single alarm. In the monitoring room, the Anbu members all showed looks of surprise.

"Perfect pass," Kakashi's voice came through the communicator. "Next, intelligence gathering."

The second test required him to obtain confidential documents from a simulated enemy stronghold without being discovered. Several Anbu elites had been placed inside the stronghold as guards.

Ling used his newly acquired Genjutsu Analysis ability and easily saw through the guards' patrol patterns. With the dynamic vision of his Sharingan assisting him, he found the optimal infiltration route.

"Lightning Release: Glimmer Step."

This was a ninjutsu Ling had created himself, controlling Lightning Release chakra at an extremely low level to achieve silent movement. He slipped into the core of the stronghold like a shadow and successfully obtained the target documents.

[Intelligence gathering test complete]

[Evaluation: S-rank]

The final combat test was against three Anbu elites. Their teamwork was seamless, and they opened with killing moves.

"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

"Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet!"

The three ninjutsu worked together perfectly, sealing off every route of evasion. But Ling's Two-Tomoe Sharingan had already seen through their tactics.

"Lightning Release: Lightning Clone!"

Three lightning clones appeared at the same time, drawing the enemy's fire. His real body used Lightning Flash Body to rush to the side of the casters.

"Sharingan: Genjutsu Binding!"

The genjutsu power of the two tomoe made the three Anbu freeze for an instant. Ling seized the opportunity and quickly subdued all three of them.

The monitoring room fell silent. Everyone was stunned by the strength Ling had displayed.

Kakashi removed his mask, approval in his eyes. "Assessment passed. Evaluation: S-rank. Starting today, you are a member of the Anbu Special Operations Team."

But just as Ling was about to leave, a gloomy voice rang out.

"Hold."

Danzo appeared on the training field with several Root members. His single eye fixed on Ling. "With talent like this, you should join Root and make an even greater contribution to the Hidden Leaf Village."

The atmosphere instantly grew tense. Kakashi quietly stepped in front of Ling. "Elder Danzo, Ling is already an official member of the Anbu."

"The Anbu and Root both serve the Hidden Leaf Village." Danzo's voice carried an unquestionable authority. "With his Uchiha bloodline, he can receive better training in Root."

Ling could feel the naked ambition in Danzo's eye. What this old fox valued was not his ability, but the power of the Sharingan.

"Thank you for your kindness, Elder Danzo," Ling replied, neither servile nor overbearing. "But I choose to remain in the Anbu."

Danzo's single eye narrowed. "Young man, don't be so quick to decide. Root can give you the power you want..."

"The power I want will be obtained with my own two hands," Ling interrupted him. "Not through certain methods that can't bear the light of day."

Those words clearly angered Danzo. The Root members behind him stepped forward at the same time, killing intent spreading.

Just then, Tsunade's voice came from the entrance.

"Danzo, this is not your Root base."

The Hokage's appearance instantly reversed the situation. Danzo gave a cold snort and left with his subordinates, resentful.

"You need to be careful of Danzo," Tsunade warned in a low voice. "He won't give up easily."

That night, Ling accepted his official appointment at the Anbu base. He received a set of standard equipment and a cat-face mask.

[Mission complete: Pass the Anbu assessment]

[Reward obtained: Anbu-exclusive ninjutsu scroll]

[New skills unlocked: Silent Assassination Technique, Intelligence Decryption]

Just as Ling was studying the ninjutsu he had newly obtained, the system suddenly issued a warning.

[Surveillance detected]

[Source: Root organization]

Ling sneered inwardly. Danzo really would not let this go. But now, he had a legitimate reason to strike back.

The hidden struggle between the Anbu and Root had only just begun.

(The fortieth chapter, end)