Chapter 37: Anbu Squad
After returning to reality, Kyosuke lay in bed in a daze for a while before finally checking the specific rewards from the dungeon.
[One-Handed Seals]
[Sharingan]
[Water Release: Water Formation Wall]
All three were extremely useful items for him.
The "Sharingan" scroll was a no-brainer; he would never have too many of those. However, the next upgrade for his Sharingan required two scrolls to be used together, so for now, he had to store this one in his "inventory."
"Water Formation Wall" was an excellent defensive ninjutsu. If it weren't for his poor mastery of water-natured chakra, he probably would have learned it on his own long ago. But now, by learning it directly from the scroll, he could save a lot of practice time. Although its effect might not be as good as his fire or earth-style jutsu, it was more than enough for the current Kyosuke.
The last item, "One-Handed Seals," was, in Kyosuke's opinion, the most valuable of the three.
There were two reasons for its high value.
First, its impact on his immediate combat power would be the most significant. In other words, this "ability" best suited his current needs.
Second, although the "Sharingan" scroll seemed much more valuable, there were still a few dungeons where it could be obtained, even if they were rare.
But as for one-handed seals, as far as Kyosuke knew, besides Haku, only Shisui had ever used them. In other words, its drop rate was actually quite low.
That's why Kyosuke felt that it was even more valuable than a single "Sharingan" scroll.
Soon, he had finished learning both "One-Handed Seals" and "Water Formation Wall."
Since he was at home, he could only test the specific effect of the one-handed seals.
After experimenting, he found that the Clone Technique cast with one-handed seals was not much different in terms of effect and chakra consumption. However, the speed and difficulty of forming the seals were much higher.
At least, until he leveled up his one-handed seal skill, he probably wouldn't be able to cast overly complex ninjutsu with it.
But Kyosuke was already very satisfied with this. After all, the greatest use of one-handed seals was in their element of surprise, not for casting powerful techniques.
So, Kyosuke was quite content.
After briefly considering his next move, he fell back onto his bed and went to sleep.
The next day, in the underground training ground of Root.
Kyosuke, wearing a mask and a black cloak that covered his entire body, was dressed in the classic Anbu attire.
He was here today, following Danzō's instructions, to meet up with his squad members.
When he arrived at the underground training ground at the appointed time, he found his three teammates already waiting for him.
Sensing his approach, the three of them turned their gazes to him almost simultaneously.
"Well, well, isn't this a little brat?" one of them, a man wearing tight leather armor with a long sword slung at his waist, said in a surprised tone.
From the information Danzō had given him, Kyosuke knew that this man's codename was "Yage," a close-combat ninja who excelled in swordsmanship.
"Tsk~" another teammate, who made a strange clicking sound, was clearly a female ninja.
"Rei" was her codename, a ninja skilled in both sensory abilities and close combat.
As for the last one, he was the captain of this Anbu squad, "Ansui," a ninja who specialized in Water Release.
"His codename is 'Snake.' From today on, he will be joining our squad for missions," Ansui said, introducing Kyosuke.
"Is it really a good idea to have a codename that so obviously gives away your identity?" Yage said with a light laugh, looking at Kyosuke.
"It doesn't matter. My identity can't be hidden anyway, so why fear exposure?" Kyosuke replied with a calm smile.
He was right. Even though he was completely covered by his cloak, his height and slightly childish voice clearly revealed his age. And at this age, there were only two people in Konoha who could join Root.
One was Kyosuke, and the other was Kakashi.
Under these circumstances, if these teammates still couldn't guess his identity, they might as well just leave Root.
So, the fact that his codename might give him away was, in Kyosuke's opinion, completely irrelevant.
"Since everyone has been introduced, Yage, you test his strength," Ansui ordered coolly.
"Alright," Yage replied, stepping forward. He looked at Kyosuke and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Snake."
"The pleasure is mine," Kyosuke replied. At the same time, he activated his Sharingan and raised his concentration to its absolute limit.
His opponent was a Jounin who specialized in close combat. The situation did not allow for even the slightest carelessness. Otherwise, he could be defeated in an instant.
The events that followed proved that Kyosuke's premonition was correct.
The moment he finished speaking, Yage moved. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of him.
At the same time, in the dimly lit underground cavern, a bright flash of a sword suddenly appeared.
In a single move, "Kyosuke" was split in two.
But Yage showed no signs of joy. From the sensation just now, he knew that what he had cut was probably not Snake's real body.
Sure enough, with a poof, the split Kyosuke turned into a broken wooden log.
He himself reappeared a short distance away.
"Interesting. When did he form the hand seals? Did you see it, Captain?" Rei asked, her gaze fixed on Kyosuke, as she turned to Ansui.
"I didn't notice it either," Ansui said, shaking his head. He thought to himself, As expected of the boy Lord Danzō has taken an interest in. He's truly extraordinary.
Sigh. Rei suddenly let out a sigh. Knowing her personality, the corner of Ansui's mouth, hidden beneath his mask, couldn't help but twitch.
"Although this boy's strength seems decent, Yage has never been one to hold back. I estimate he won't last long before he's cut down," Rei analyzed with a serious tone.
"..." Ansui remained silent, indicating that he had no desire to engage with her.
Although what Rei said sounded alarming, Ansui had to admit that her analysis was sound.
Snake's offensive methods were indeed varied, and his hand seals were very well concealed. If he were fighting someone his own age, or even slightly older, they probably wouldn't last long against him.
But Yage's strength was far superior. To be honest, the fact that he had lasted this long had already exceeded Ansui's expectations.
However, this test could end now.
Thinking of this, Ansui stepped forward and stopped the two of them. Any longer, and he was afraid Snake would actually get hurt by Yage.
"For your age, your strength is already quite impressive. I acknowledge you," Yage said with a smile, sheathing his long sword.
Huff... Kyosuke lowered his head, gasping for breath for a moment before replying, "Thank you."
At the same time, he thought to himself, The power gap is still too big. Just with his Body Flicker Technique and simple slashes, he can keep me on the defensive... If it weren't for the help of my one-handed seals, I probably would have been defeated in a few moves.
This situation was not entirely unexpected for Kyosuke. He understood his current value to Danzō.
Therefore, these three teammates, in terms of both strength and mentality, were likely among the best in Root.
The purpose was to protect him to the greatest extent possible.
But this is also good. The stronger they are, the more difficult the missions will be. And naturally, the experience points I gain won't be lacking.
Kyosuke let out a small, inward laugh and walked back toward the others.
(End of Chapter)
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