Danzo had deployed two Elite Jōnin alongside Muzan to conduct the selection. This time, he was truly taking it seriously.
There was no helping it. To secure the selection task, Danzo had boasted before the Fourth Hokage that he would definitely choose the true elite.
Of course, aside from preventing Itachi Uchiha from entering the Anbu, he had his own agenda as well. Looking at the batch of ninjas training outside, they were Root's true rising talents.
Danzo needed an excuse to send them in.
The Anbu assessment could not be like the Ninja Academy's examinations. Those entering the Anbu had to be at least Chunin-level, and elite Chunin at that!
Muzan needed to carefully prepare the test.
Muzan held the list of candidates in his hand. At the very top were the Root ninjas; according to Danzo's wishes, Muzan was to give them preferential treatment.
"You two will assist me in completing this round of assignments."
After all, the coming assessment would not only test strength. It would place greater emphasis on one's thinking during missions, and probably only a few would make it through.
At the same time, those who had received notice of the Anbu examination were required to gather at the Forest of Death that afternoon.
Dozens of black figures arrived from every direction. Upon receiving the mission, they had rushed here immediately. However, Anbu members could not reveal their identities publicly.
Even though they had not yet been selected, they had already put on masks, unable to identify one another.
The Forest of Death was silent, without birds or beasts. Everyone present warily watched their surroundings, because they could feel killing intent. For those placed on the Anbu candidate list, killing intent was nothing unfamiliar.
Clang!
A kunai flew out, only to be blocked by