After waiting for a short while, several ANBU shinobi arrived before Yu Ye.
All of them were full ANBU members.
Of course, Yu Ye was now one as well.
"This is the Hokage's assignment order. You are hereby placed into ANBU Squad Eight, codename Tenba."
The shinobi who appeared to be the squad leader placed a document in front of Yu Ye. It recorded Yu Ye's identity and serial number, along with the directive officially assigning him to ANBU Squad Eight of the Assassination and Tactical Special Forces.
Yu Ye glanced at it and nodded.
"Then you're all members of Squad Eight?"
"Yes. I am Squad Eight's captain—Moonlight Kuren. I specialize in using a ninja sword to perform Fire Release techniques. Codename: Scorched Flame."
After speaking, Moonlight Kuren removed his mask, briefly revealing his face to Yu Ye, then put it back on.
Since they would be teammates, mutual understanding was necessary for coordination.
The other two members also removed their masks briefly before putting them back on.
"My name is Asama Sana. I specialize in Puppet Techniques, and I'm also versed in poisons. Codename: Ghost Hand."
On Asama Sana's back was a bundle wrapped in bandages—clearly one of his puppets.
Likely not the only one.
"I'm Yamanaka Hai, specializing in mind-based secret techniques. I can restrict or even control an enemy's movements, though there are limitations and I require coordination to perform stably. Codename: Dark Night."
At this introduction, Yu Ye—who had maintained a calm expression until now—couldn't help but show a trace of oddity.
"Is there a problem?" Yamanaka Hai asked, puzzled.
Yu Ye shook his head. "No."
Internally, however, he was thinking: In canon, Ino's father is named Yamanaka Inoichi… So is this Hai perhaps her uncle or some other relative?
Though curious, Yu Ye didn't ask.
ANBU shinobi never pried into backgrounds. These introductions were solely for teamwork and coordination.
What surprised Yu Ye slightly was that the Yamanaka clan apparently didn't always operate alongside the Nara and Akimichi clans.
"All right. The front-line situation is extremely urgent. There's no time for coordination training—we have a mission immediately."
Moonlight Kuren's eyes carried calm focus and seriousness.
"The mission is in the Land of Rain. We are to gather intelligence on Iwagakure shinobi and Amegakure shinobi. If the opportunity arises, we are authorized to carry out assassinations. I'll explain the details on the way. We must depart immediately."
"So urgent?"
Not only Yu Ye, but Yamanaka Hai and Asama Sana were also surprised.
Moonlight Kuren nodded. "The situation there is severe. ANBU casualties have been heavy, and some squads have been reorganized. We're needed immediately."
"Also, Yu Ye is new. Although you performed brilliantly during training, this is a real battlefield. You two should look out for him."
"Understood," Yamanaka Hai and Asama Sana replied, nodding.
Yu Ye merely showed a helpless smile and said nothing, following Moonlight Kuren out of the ANBU headquarters.
Even he hadn't expected things to come so suddenly.
In the blink of an eye—
He was heading to the Land of Rain.
Although the situation was urgent, Yu Ye didn't forget to say goodbye to Kushina.
Moonlight Kuren and the others also had personal matters to attend to, so they split up after leaving ANBU headquarters, agreeing to regroup at the village gate.
Yu Ye removed his mask and cloak first, then quickly found Kushina within the village and told her that he was leaving on a mission.
Over the past four months, Kushina had often come to see him. She never disturbed his training, simply watching quietly, and she knew very well just how strong Yu Ye had become.
Even so, she couldn't suppress her worry.
But she also knew she couldn't stop him.
In the end, she looked at him seriously and spoke softly.
"Make sure you come back."
"I will. Don't worry."
Yu Ye nodded gently, gave her a reassuring smile, then suddenly leaned forward and placed a light kiss on her forehead before turning away and vanishing in a few flashes.
Kushina let out a small cry, her cheeks flushing red. She pressed her lips together, standing there dazed as she stared in the direction he had disappeared.
After saying goodbye, Yu Ye took out his mask and cloak again.
ANBU identities were not to be revealed casually—rules were rules, even though Kushina's own status was, in truth, even more sensitive than that of an ANBU shinobi.
Stopping briefly in a secluded corner, Yu Ye put on his mask and cloak, then rushed toward the village gate at full speed.
With this appearance, no one stopped him.
Besides, at Yu Ye's current level, he wasn't someone just anyone could stop anyway—
Even ordinary jōnin would struggle to catch up to his speed.
At the village gate, he regrouped with Moonlight Kuren and the others.
"Finished handling your affairs?"
"Yes."
"Good. Once the mission begins, nothing can affect your mindset. Stay alert at all times. Let's move."
Hokage's Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi quietly watched the scene of Yu Ye leaving with the ANBU squad through the crystal ball.
"Hm… I specifically asked Moonlight Kuren to look after that child. As long as nothing unexpected happens, there shouldn't be any problems."
He let out a soft sigh, subconsciously wanting to speak to someone—
But then remembered that Hatake Sakumo was already in the Land of Rain.
Silence followed.
He was the Hokage. He couldn't deploy personally.
And in the Land of Rain, the highest-ranking commander was currently Hatake Sakumo.
At the same time, Danzō was also not in Konoha.
Even Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade were all in the Land of Rain.
A gathering of legends—
The true stage of the Second Great Ninja War.
"I hope you survive the war. With your talent, rapid growth is inevitable. Reaching jōnin… shouldn't be too far away."
Murmuring to himself, Hiruzen's gaze grew deep as he looked into the distance.
Within the Land of Fire
Yu Ye's squad advanced at full speed.
Along the way, Moonlight Kuren constantly exchanged information with Yamanaka Hai and Asama Sana. Yu Ye was included in these discussions, though most of the time he simply listened.
No matter how dazzling Yu Ye's performance in ANBU training had been, that meant little once they stepped onto a battlefield.
Talent without baptism by blood and fire did not make a true elite.
In their eyes, during the early stages of missions, Yu Ye would most likely be a burden.
Moonlight Kuren had even received specific instructions from Hiruzen Sarutobi himself—
To guide Yu Ye, look after him, and if necessary…
Protect him.
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/FinalArcHero789