Chapter 8: Joining the Anbu
Hokage's Office.
"Lord Third, Mingyu is here."
Iruka knocked on the door and announced.
As soon as they entered, they saw Sarutobi Hiruzen sitting in his chair with a contented, slightly dazed expression. It looked like his "meeting" with those big sisters last night had gone very well.
"You may leave now," the Third said to Iruka, then turned to Mingyu. "Surprised?"
"A little," Mingyu nodded and casually sat down in a chair. "So, what's the plan for me?"
"Because of your unique situation, I've decided to have you join the Anbu for training. What do you think?"
"Anbu?"
Mingyu frowned slightly.
The Anbu was the elite force directly under the Hokage. Only the strongest and most talented ninjas could join — people like Kakashi, Yamato, and even Uchiha Itachi had all come from the Anbu.
He hadn't expected the Third to assign him there.
"I believe in your potential. The Anbu is the fastest place for you to grow. Are you willing?"
Mingyu thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I'm in."
He knew the Third was right — the Anbu offered the quickest path to power, even if it was extremely dangerous.
"Very good. I'll keep your Anbu membership confidential. On the surface, I'll give you a normal cover identity. Go prepare yourself. Report to the Anbu tomorrow."
"Got it."
Mingyu had no objections. From what he knew of the original story, Orochimaru would soon invade Konoha, and the Third Hokage would die in that battle. He genuinely didn't want the kind old man to meet that fate. If he wanted to save him, he needed real strength — and fast.
Soon after, Mingyu returned home.
"System, claim rewards!"
He still hadn't collected the reward from the previous mission.
Ding! Congratulations on completing the mission. +10 Experience. Reward: 1 Copy Card.
"Copy Card?"
Mingyu was stunned. This reward was actually pretty amazing.
He quickly opened the system panel.
Copy Card: Can permanently copy another person's Bloodline Limit (Kekkei Genkai) and use it freely.
"Whoa…"
Mingyu was shocked. Permanently copying someone's bloodline? That was insanely overpowered!
Ding! System Notice: This card can only be used once. Please choose carefully.
"One-time use, huh? Still pretty good."
Mingyu nodded and began thinking hard about which bloodline he should copy.
Sharingan? Sasuke hadn't awakened his yet, and Kakashi only had a borrowed, half-baked version.
Byakugan? That was possible if he went to Hinata, but the Byakugan wasn't that strong until it evolved into the Tenseigan.
Akimichi clan's Multi-Size Technique? …Yeah, not really his style.
After thinking for a long time, he still couldn't decide. The ones he wanted were hard to get, and the ones he could get didn't excite him.
Then, a sudden idea hit him.
"The Senju clan's Wood Release!"
There was only one person in Konoha who possessed Wood Release — Yamato. And according to the timeline, Yamato should currently be in the Anbu.
"That's it!"
Wood Release was considered the strongest kekkei genkai in the ninja world. Even Madara Uchiha had respected Hashirama's Wood Release. This was the perfect choice.
With his mind made up, Mingyu checked the time. It was already getting dark.
He had promised to pick up Hinata yesterday. He couldn't break that promise.
As for copying Wood Release, that could wait. He needed a proper plan.
...
The night lights of Konoha sparkled beautifully under the soft moonlight, making the village look like a beauty draped in thin silk.
At the Hyuga clan grounds, Hinata stood quietly, staring into the distance like a princess waiting for her knight.
She looked especially beautiful tonight in a pure white dress, her delicate face glowing gently.
"Sorry I'm late, Hinata."
Mingyu arrived with an apologetic smile.
"It's okay… I just got here too," Hinata replied, her cheeks turning pink.
"Silly girl, let's go."
Mingyu smiled and gently took her hand as they walked forward.
"Big Brother Mingyu, I…"
Hinata's face grew even redder.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing… I'm just really happy."
"Hahaha, you little dummy…"
That night was wonderful. The two of them walked from one end of the village to the other, ate tons of delicious food, and enjoyed many fun activities. They only reluctantly parted ways when it was very late.
"Big Brother Mingyu, which team were you assigned to?" Hinata asked on the way back.
"Team 11. Because of my special situation, it's different from yours. Don't worry, just focus on training hard, okay?"
This was the cover identity the Third had given him. He didn't plan to tell Hinata about joining the Anbu — he didn't want her to worry.
"Mhm. I'll work hard and become a strong kunoichi."
"I believe in you. Alright, I'll walk you this far. Be careful on your way back."
"Thank you, Big Brother Mingyu!"
"No need to thank me. This is what I should do."
They parted ways, and Mingyu returned home.
Ding! New mission issued: Secretly watch Yūhi Kurenai take a bath!
"What?!"
Mingyu was speechless.
Peep on Kurenai bathing?
The system had just given him a somewhat normal mission, and now it was back to being ridiculous. Kurenai was Asuma's wife! If he got caught, Asuma would beat him into a pulp. With his current strength, he was nowhere near Asuma's level.
"System, are you trying to get me killed?"
Ding! This system is dedicated to tempering the host. This is training. Please choose your words carefully.
"…Fine."
Mingyu was helpless. Dealing with this system was exhausting.
The next morning, Mingyu left home with two heavy dark circles under his eyes.
He had spent the entire night trying to figure out how to peep on Kurenai without getting caught, but none of his hundred ideas seemed workable.
Unknowingly, he arrived at a hidden underground palace — the secret headquarters of Konoha's Anbu.
Following the Third's instructions, Mingyu entered a small room. Inside, a middle-aged man wearing a cat-faced mask was waiting.
"So you're the new recruit, Mingyu? You're really young."
"Age doesn't matter if you have talent. Is there a problem?" Mingyu replied, clearly annoyed by the man's dismissive tone.
"Oh? You've got quite the attitude. Remember, this is the Anbu, not the academy. Having spirit is good, but you also need the strength to back it up. Otherwise, it's just arrogance and ignorance. Understand?"
"Oh? Is that so?"