"Jiraiya, you're in charge of three squads. You met one of them yesterday—the squad led by Yūhi Mitsune. Since you've already been introduced, there's no need for me to go over it again," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, exhaling a puff of smoke.
"The other two squads should be on their way here. You'll meet them shortly. When there aren't any missions, you need to set aside time regularly to train them and build rapport. I'm confident this will be an easy task for you."
"Don't worry, sensei. Whatever you ask of me, I'll see it through without fail," Jiraiya responded. Given his current strength, training Anbu squads wouldn't be an issue.
"Jiraiya, as long as you perform well in the Anbu, I intend to entrust the entire organization to you in the future."
Hiruzen looked at Jiraiya with a rare sense of appreciation. He had already started seeing Jiraiya as his successor. In the past, he had placed his hopes in Orochimaru, but Jiraiya's recent display of extraordinary talent had shifted Hiruzen's preference.
That didn't mean Orochimaru was being discarded, of course. Hiruzen still planned to cultivate him as well. After all, Jiraiya would need capable allies. With Orochimaru's potential, even if he didn't surpass Jiraiya, he could still become a strong and reliable right hand.
"Thank you for your trust, sensei," Jiraiya said earnestly.
Becoming the head of the Anbu meant securing a spot among Konoha's leadership. With enough accomplishments and reputation, he could even compete for the position of Hokage. It seemed Hiruzen had already started grooming him for that role. Unless something unexpected happened, the Hokage seat was as good as his.
"I hope you won't betray my trust, nor the faith the village has placed in you," Hiruzen said solemnly.
"Sensei, protecting the village is my duty. I will dedicate my life to making it stronger. The village is everything to me, and I will devote myself entirely to it," Jiraiya declared passionately.
"Well said. No one embodies the Will of Fire more than you," Hiruzen replied, visibly pleased.
Not long after, four Anbu members entered the Hokage's office.
"Lord Hokage," they said in unison, dropping to one knee in respect.
Hiruzen nodded with a smile. He then introduced each member to Jiraiya, detailing their names and signature jutsu.
All four were elite Chūnin—three from established clans, including members of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio, and one civilian-born ninja.
"From today onward, Jiraiya will be your captain. His orders are my orders. Do your best to carry them out," Hiruzen instructed, his tone firm.
"Yes, Lord Hokage. Even at the cost of our lives, we will fulfill Lord Jiraiya's commands," the Anbu members pledged.
"Everyone, no need to be so formal. I'm new to the Anbu as well. Let's work together and support each other as comrades from the same village. I'm sure we'll make great contributions to Konoha together," Jiraiya said with a warm smile.
His approachable demeanor helped the Anbu members relax a little. They exchanged a few more words before Hiruzen dismissed them.
"Sensei," Jiraiya began, "as far as I know, a standard Anbu squad usually consists of one Jōnin and three elite Chūnin, like Yūhi Mitsune's team. Why do these two squads only have four Chūnin in total?"
"That's because I wanted to ensure your footing in the Anbu. Those four Chūnin are all my direct appointments. They won't defy your orders," Hiruzen explained without hesitation.
The original squads had been heavily influenced by Danzo, with many members handpicked by him. While Hiruzen had previously tolerated this arrangement, now that Danzo had left the Anbu, it was time to clean house. If those loyal to Danzo remained, it would hinder Jiraiya's leadership and risk leaking sensitive information.
"Thank you for going to such lengths, sensei," Jiraiya said, genuinely moved. He even considered shedding a tear for effect but gave up when he realized his acting wasn't convincing enough.
"Sensei, Tsunade and Orochimaru are close to reaching Jōnin-level strength. How about reserving those positions for them? We already have great teamwork, so having them lead squads would make missions much easier," Jiraiya suggested.
"That's a good idea. I was thinking the same thing. If you have any other recommendations for team members, let me know, and I'll give them serious consideration," Hiruzen replied with a nod.
In the original timeline, Orochimaru had spent some time in the Anbu before eventually joining Danzo's Root division, where he delved deep into his research. As for Tsunade, Jiraiya wasn't sure if she had ever been in the Anbu, but he was confident that once she reached Jōnin-level, his recommendation would be enough to get her in.
Having Tsunade in the Anbu would mean going on missions together. That way, he could keep her close—and maybe even convince her to heal his injuries after a tough fight.
"Jiraiya, your relationship with Tsunade seems to be going well. Have the Senju given you any trouble?" Hiruzen suddenly asked, changing the subject.
"Sensei, as your disciple, the Senju wouldn't dare give me a hard time," Jiraiya replied smoothly, having prepared for this question.
"Good. The Senju clan has strict rules and expectations for their members. If they ever try to interfere with your relationship with Tsunade, let me know. I'll handle it."
Hiruzen chuckled before adding, "Tsunade is an excellent woman. Make sure you don't let her slip away. And please, for the love of the village, stop peeping at the women's bathhouse. If Tsunade catches you and decides to clobber you, don't expect the hospital to treat you—I've already informed them not to."
From Hiruzen's tone, it was clear that he not only approved of their relationship but was also willing to support it.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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