Tsunade-sensei, I'm Really Fired Up Right Now

Inside the Hokage's Office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat facing Sakumo Hatake.

Sunlight streamed through the window, yet it did nothing to ease the tense atmosphere.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly and spoke first. "Sakumo, what do you think of that young man, Rogge?"

After pondering for a moment, Sakumo Hatake answered gravely, "Lord Hokage, Rogge is not someone to be underestimated. Among the younger generation, his performance has been exceptionally outstanding. He already possesses the strength of an elite jonin."

There was a trace of approval in his eyes.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly. "Indeed, Rogge has displayed extraordinary potential in many ways. But a rigid branch is easily broken. Now that both the Uchiha Clan and the Hyuga Clan are hostile toward him, his situation in Konoha is practically one where everyone is against him. I am worried that he may become disheartened and choose to defect!"

Sakumo Hatake frowned slightly. After some thought, he said, "Lord Hokage, your concerns are not without reason. However, from my observations of Rogge, he is not someone who gives up easily. Though young, he possesses a resilient will and a strong sense of pride."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed. "Let us hope so. But the current situation is indeed troublesome. The Uchiha Clan and the Hyuga Clan hold considerable influence in Konoha, and their hostility toward Rogge could trigger a series of problems."

Sakumo Hatake nodded. "That is true. But neither can we allow them to suppress Rogge at will. Since Rogge has such potential, we should provide him with a certain degree of support and protection."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Sakumo Hatake. "Do you have anything specific in mind?"

Sakumo Hatake pondered for a moment. "Lord Hokage, perhaps we can assign Rogge some missions to complete. That would prove his value and loyalty while also raising his reputation in Konoha."

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave a slight nod. "That is a good idea. But when assigning missions, we must be cautious and ensure that their difficulty and risks remain within his ability to handle."

Sakumo Hatake agreed. "Of course. We cannot let him fall into an excessively dangerous situation. At the same time, we can use certain methods to convey our regard for Rogge to the Uchiha Clan and the Hyuga Clan, so they will restrain themselves somewhat."

Hiruzen Sarutobi rose and walked to the window, gazing out at Leaf Village. "I hope Rogge understands our good intentions and does not disappoint our expectations."

Sakumo Hatake also stood. "Rest assured, Lord Hokage. I will keep a close watch on Rogge's movements. If necessary, I will provide him with help and guidance in time."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed softly. "Entrusting him with the heavy responsibility of protecting Kushina, the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki, is also because I hope he can grow through this process."

Rogge stood in Konoha's ANBU base, calmly looking at the order in his hand confirming his official status as an ANBU ninja.

The air around him seemed frozen, so quiet that he could hear his own breathing.

The words on the order were concise and forceful, declaring that he had passed his probationary period and become an official ANBU ninja.

Rogge did not feel much turmoil in his heart. He knew this was a recognition of his strength.

At the same time, his ninja rank had also been raised.

His file stated that he had received special approval from the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. His rank had skipped chunin entirely, and he had been promoted directly to special jonin!

"Heh... I only completed one mission, and I was promoted to special jonin?"

Thinking back on several events from some time ago, Rogge frowned slightly.

By now, it could be considered the early stages of the Second Shinobi World War.

The major shinobi villages were still relatively restrained. Only small-scale regional conflicts had broken out, and no true large-scale war had begun.

But he also knew that this calm was only temporary. The clouds of war could engulf the entire shinobi world at any moment.

Rogge clenched the order in his hand, a complicated expression appearing in his eyes.

The atmosphere in the ANBU base was solemn and oppressive. Other ANBU members came and went, each with a grave expression on their face.

Rogge knew they could feel the pressure of war as well.

Suddenly, three masked ANBU ninja came before Rogge.

One of them spoke. "Rogge, the Hokage has issued a special transfer order assigning you to Team Seven, codename—Fire. Is that correct?"

"Yes, I'm Rogge. Do you need something?"

The ANBU ninja who had spoken, apparently the captain, handed Rogge a file. "This is the Hokage's transfer order. It records your ANBU number and includes instructions assigning you to the Assassination Tactical Special Squad's Team Seven. Take a look."

Rogge accepted the file as instructed, gave it a quick glance, and nodded. "Are all of you members of Team Seven?"

Team Seven's captain spoke first. He removed his mask, revealing a cold and resolute face.

"I am Moonlight Raimei, captain of Team Seven. I specialize in Lightning Release ninjutsu, and my weapon is a sword. My ANBU codename is Thunder." As he spoke, he slightly raised the sword in his hand. Faint lightning flickered over its blade, which radiated a chilling aura.

Next, another team member slowly removed his mask. He was a man with sharp eyes.

"I am Kakashi Sasaki. I specialize in Wind Release and chakra short blades. I am a taijutsu-type ninja. My codename is White Blade." He casually flicked the short blade in his hand. A flash of steel gleamed, carrying a fierce presence.

The last team member was a calm-faced woman. She elegantly removed her mask.

"I am Yamanaka Yuki. I specialize in mental secret techniques and genjutsu. I can restrict and control an enemy's movements, though there are certain limitations. I need my teammates' cooperation to perform reliably. My codename is Crow."

There was a mysterious glint in her eyes, as though she could see through a person's heart.

After the three finished their introductions, they all turned their attention to Rogge.

Rogge nodded slightly, then removed his own mask as well, revealing his cold features.

"Rogge. I specialize in Lava Release and space-time ninjutsu—the Flying Thunder God Technique. I have also trained in the Senju Clan's Monstrous Strength Ninjutsu. My ANBU codename is Fire. I have just joined Team Seven, so I hope you will all guide me."

Moonlight Raimei looked at Rogge and gave a slight nod. "We have heard of your strength, Rogge. I hope we can work together seamlessly in the missions ahead and serve Konoha together."

Kakashi Sasaki's lips curved slightly. "With you joining us, our team's strength has increased quite a bit."

Yamanaka Yuki smiled. "Rogge, I look forward to fighting alongside you."

Rogge sensed their sincerity, and a greater sense of responsibility rose in his heart.

"I will do my utmost to complete our missions with everyone."

Moonlight Raimei said, "Good! The fighting at the front is intense now, and Team Seven does not have much time to get used to one another, because we have a mission that must be carried out immediately."

There was a trace of solemnity and coldness in Moonlight Raimei's eyes.

"The mission location is the Land of Rain. The Hokage has ordered us to infiltrate the Land of Rain and gather intelligence on the Rain Village's ninja, especially intelligence on Salamander Hanzo. If the opportunity arises, we may also carry out an assassination to weaken the enemy. I will explain the details on the way. We must depart immediately."

"It is that urgent?" Rogge was somewhat surprised.

"Yes." Moonlight Raimei frowned. "The situation at the front is serious. Our ANBU members have suffered excessive casualties, which is why you were brought into an official squad and sent there immediately as reinforcement."

"I understand." Rogge nodded.

After learning that the mission was urgent, Rogge's first thought was to say goodbye to Kushina.

He knew this mission was fraught with danger, and he had no idea when he would return. Kushina's delicate figure lingered constantly in his mind.

He hurried toward Kushina's residence.

Standing before the door, his feelings were somewhat complicated.

He knocked softly. The sound was particularly clear in the quiet air.

Before long, the door slowly opened, and Kushina appeared in the doorway.

Her long hair was slightly tousled, but her eyes were filled with delight.

The instant she saw Rogge, her eyes lit up.

"Rogge, why are you here?" Kushina's voice held a trace of gentleness, as soft as a spring breeze.

Rogge looked at Kushina and said seriously, "Kushina, I am leaving to carry out a mission. I will be away from Konoha for some time. Do not worry. Take good care of yourself."

His eyes were full of concern and worry. He knew that, as the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki, Kushina already bore tremendous pressure. His departure might make her even more uneasy.

Kushina lowered her eyes slightly, concern appearing on her face.

Her hands unconsciously clenched together, as though she were trying hard to suppress her emotions.

"You must be careful. I will wait for you to return."

Seeing Kushina's worried expression, guilt surged through Rogge's heart.

He knew he had been using Kushina all along, but at that moment, he also felt a trace of reluctance.

He gently raised his hand, wanting to stroke Kushina's hair, but stopped midway.

"I am leaving." Rogge was about to turn around and go.

But Kushina suddenly gathered her courage and quickly kissed Rogge on his left cheek.

Rogge froze slightly. He had never expected Kushina to do something like that.

His heartbeat instantly quickened, and surprise appeared on his face.

Kushina's face immediately turned crimson. She lowered her head, unable to meet Rogge's eyes.

Her heart was filled with shyness and nervousness. She did not know why she had acted that way, but she knew she held special feelings for Rogge.

Looking at Kushina's bashful appearance, Rogge felt his heart tremble.

He wanted to say something, yet did not know what to say.

All he could do was sigh softly and turn away.

After saying goodbye to Kushina, Rogge's feelings became even more complicated.

Kushina was still just a little girl, like an unripe green apple—something he could only look at, not eat.

That made his heart itch a little.

So, to vent his pent-up heat, he rushed off without stopping to say goodbye to Tsunade-sensei.

He went to a place Tsunade often visited, and sure enough, he found her there.

Tsunade was sitting there, gazing thoughtfully into the distance.

Rogge walked over to Tsunade and softly said, "Tsunade-sensei."

Seeing Rogge, Tsunade frowned slightly. "Why are you here? What is it?"

There was a trace of confusion in her eyes.

A mischievous smile appeared at the corner of Rogge's mouth as he moved closer to Tsunade. "Tsunade-sensei, I am heading out on a mission. Will you miss me?"

The moment he finished speaking, he used a Body Flicker Technique to appear behind Tsunade-sensei and hugged her from behind.

"Ah~"

Tsunade was startled by Rogge's sudden attack.

Rogge's hands also began to wander, slowly moving upward.

"Tsunade-sensei, I'm really fired up right now..."