While waiting, Natsume Yō flicked open his system panel.No big changes—EXP nudged from 27/100 to 30/100, gold climbed from 122 to 140.
Two minutes later, Gryphon's squad emerged, bloodied but victorious. Yō stepped out from hiding and gave the captain a slight nod.
"Not bad," Gryphon scanned the battlefield with surprise. "Looks like I underestimated you. First mission and you're already this composed."
"Captain, let's head back."
No joy showed on Yō's face. Killing for the first time had left him colder, not prouder.
"Mm." Gryphon nodded and leapt off, leading the way home.
ANBU Headquarters.
"This is your reward—three chakra test papers and one Substitution Jutsu copy scroll." Gryphon handed him a scroll and a small box.
"Go on, test your chakra nature now. With talent like yours, picking up an elemental jutsu will boost your combat power fast. Remember, the paper doesn't show how many natures you have, only which ones you're strongest with. A proper jōnin can still force out techniques in weaker attributes.
The reactions are simple: fire burns, water dampens, wind slices, earth crumbles, lightning wrinkles."
"Yes!"
Yō opened the box, pulled out a test slip, and channeled chakra into it.
First, the paper split cleanly down the middle. Then, it grew damp. Finally, it turned gray and crumbled, its job done.
"Wind and water, eh?" Gryphon nodded approvingly. "Perfect for assassination work. Seems joining the ANBU was the right path for you."
He folded his arms. "From now on, focus on elemental transformation. Only then can you unleash true elemental jutsu. Here—take this too."
Gryphon pulled another scroll from his uniform and pressed it into Yō's chest.
"…What is this?" Yō asked, hesitating.
"A C-rank wind-style ninjutsu I redeemed—Wind Cutter. Since you're gifted in wind, this suits you best."
Without waiting for protest, Gryphon shoved the scroll into his arms and clapped his shoulder. "Rest two days. I'll call you when the next mission comes."
"…Thank you, Captain."
Warmth flickered in Yō's chest. He barely knew Gryphon, yet from this stranger he felt a kindness beyond cold orders. After the Third Hokage, this was the first time ANBU felt like… belonging.
Back at his rundown home.
Shedding the ANBU uniform, Yō pulled on his training gear. No time for leisure—not in wartime. ANBU could be dispatched any moment, whether for support or assassination ops. At least he wasn't stuck guarding prisons or patrolling alleys.
"That was unexpected. My top affinities are wind and water." A sly grin tugged at his lips. "Which means… I can 'borrow' the Rasengan when the time comes. After all, Namikaze Minato hasn't even created it yet."
He stroked his chin, quietly amused.With Rasengan in hand… even a careless jōnin won't walk away unscathed.