The ANBU Training Camp was about to begin!
While these camps were usually held at intervals, this one was different.
The organizer? The newly appointed Commander—Lord Kazuya himself.
This was the same Kazuya who had driven back the Fourth Raikage, injured Orochimaru, and defeated Jinchuriki with ease.
In the eyes of many ANBU members, Kazuya was the greatest ANBU Commander Konoha had ever seen.
But that wasn't all.
Rumor had it that Kazuya would personally select elite members for his squad based on their performance in the camp, and perhaps even choose one or two as his apprentices.
The entire ANBU division was in a frenzy.
Everyone saw this as the opportunity of a lifetime.
To become part of Kazuya's team—or, if they were lucky, his student—was a surefire path to prestige and power.
They were all exhilarated.
People naturally admired the strong, and Kazuya was among the strongest.
Rumors about Kazuya's match with Jiraiya were starting to spread beyond ANBU.
Whispers were going around the village that the legendary Sannin was now recuperating in the hospital, and many deduced what had happened.
Some were even starting to speculate wildly.
Could it be that this new ANBU Commander was… even stronger than the Hokage?
It sounded impossible, yet there was a growing belief that it might be true.
A ripple of excitement surged through the village.
News spread quickly to each clan and the higher-ups of the village.
In the Uchiha compound, Fugaku Uchiha called his sons. "Shisui, Itachi, don't miss this opportunity. If you can become Lord Kazuya's apprentice, you may change the course for the Uchiha clan."
In the Nara estate, Shikaku Nara sighed. "Classic Kazuya. I was wondering how he'd handle ANBU, and he's organized a camp. Not only does it build unity, but it also earns their respect—a smart move."
"If I'm not mistaken, he's planning to get involved personally…"
In the Hyuga main branch, Hiashi Hyuga addressed his family. "Inform our ANBU members to take this seriously. The Hyuga clan should use this chance to establish a strong connection with the Commander."
"After all…"
"With his ability, Lord Kazuya may well become the next Hokage. It's highly likely."
In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage pondered the training event. "Support Kazuya's decision. As for the venue… let's give him Training Ground 44—The Forest of Death. It's dangerous, but it's fitting for ANBU."
And in Konoha Hospital…
Jiraiya sighed. "The worst thing in life is biting into an apple only to find half a worm. Ugh, what a lousy vendor, selling Kazuya expired fruit. As soon as I'm discharged, I'm going to teach that scoundrel a lesson!"
…
Two days later.
Konoha Village.
Training Ground 44 - The Forest of Death.
The gathering point was set just outside the main gate, Gate #1.
By early morning, sixty masked ANBU operatives had assembled.
Kazuya stood at the front of the group, his presence unmistakable in his white guardian robe, embroidered with the words "Will of Fire." Behind him were the ANBU Vice Commander, Elephant, and the First Division leader, Sarutobi Shinnosuke.
All eyes were on Kazuya.
The ANBU operatives stood with expressions of deep respect and excitement, almost like a pilgrimage. They had a chance—a chance to join the ranks of Kazuya's personal ANBU unit, or even be chosen as his apprentice.
Their gazes grew intense; they couldn't afford to let this chance slip by.
...
[You picked up 50 Chakra points]
[You picked up 60 Chakra points]
[You picked up 100 Combat Experience points]
[You picked up 100 Combat Experience points]
[You picked up 20 Earth Style Affinity points]
A steady flow of shimmering gold energy poured into Kazuya. He smiled under his mask, pleased.
Just by showing up, he'd already collected over 2,000 Chakra points—quite the haul. This was ANBU, after all—the best of the best.
He looked over the group and saw familiar faces: Shisui Uchiha, Itachi Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yuhi, Tenkai, and Yugao Uzuki.
The field fell silent.
After a brief pause, Kazuya began, "Today's training will take place in Training Ground 44, the Forest of Death."
"This is a selection-based training, so our first exercise is an elimination challenge."
He gestured to the brown scroll in Elephant's hand, continuing, "The rules are simple. Hidden within the Forest of Death are ten Heaven Scrolls. If you find a scroll, proceed to the central tower in the forest. If you remain in the tower for twenty minutes, you pass the test."
"One more thing," Kazuya added, his tone serious. "We are comrades, so this elimination challenge forbids lethal attacks. Fight, but don't go too far. Understood?"
"Yes, Commander!" the ANBU operatives responded with disciplined unity.
"Good," Kazuya said with a smile. "Then let the training… begin!"
In an instant, the sixty ANBU operatives vanished into the forest.
With only ten Heaven Scrolls hidden inside, at least fifty of them were going to be eliminated. The stakes were high. Everyone was a rival in this test.
Soon, only Kazuya, Elephant, and Shinnosuke remained at the gate.
"Let's go," Kazuya said with a grin.
"Yes, Commander!" the two responded.
In a flash, the three disappeared into the depths of the Forest of Death.
...
The ANBU operatives split up quickly after entering the forest.
As elite shinobi, they understood immediately: that this selection-based training was Kazuya's way of choosing his personal ANBU unit. And if they performed exceptionally well, there was a chance to become his apprentice.
Every ANBU member became an opponent.
Kakashi, perched on a tree branch, looked out over the dense forest, muttering to himself, "Finding a scroll and holding the tower for twenty minutes… this challenge will require intelligence, combat skills, tracking, and evasion."
He clenched his fists, determined. "I'll do whatever it takes to win and join Kazuya-senpai's unit!"
A thousand meters away, Kurenai Yuhi had already found a Heaven Scroll behind a large rock.
"Huh…" Kurenai muttered, examining the scroll. "This seems a bit too easy. It's like it was just tossed here without any attempt to hide it…"
At that moment—
Three figures appeared nearby, all masked ANBU.
…