Yellow Dog led Yagami out of the Jonin assessment room. On the third floor, outside the Hokage's office, Yagami saw Tsunade striding away with a cold expression. Whatever she had discussed with the Hokage, she was clearly in a foul mood.
Entering the office, Yagami found the Third Hokage staring blankly at his empty desk—the classic aftereffects of a heated argument. It seemed the clash with Tsunade had been intense.
Only when Yellow Dog approached did Hiruzen look up, his expression shifting instantly from gloom to a welcoming smile.
"Oh? Fox passed Shikaku's assessment so quickly?"
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Sarutobi Hiruzen opened the recommendation scroll, scanning it as he spoke. "Five S-rank missions, all within the Anbu. This record is more than enough for Jonin rank. In the interview... 'Copper Fox is a bit extreme'? For the Anbu, that isn't much of a problem. In combat, Shikaku says a result wouldn't be reached even if you fought for another ten minutes. It seems your defensive capabilities are truly formidable."
Hiruzen looked up. "Fox, your promotion is settled. But I want to ask you something else. Both Yellow Dog and Black Ant have recommended you for the position of Anbu Battalion Commander. Tell me, how would you handle being a Battalion Commander?"
Yagami felt a surge of excitement. 'Not just Jonin, but a Battalion Commander too?' That rank carried immense authority, overseeing the training, promotion, and rewards for over sixty ninja, and the ability to independently monitor an entire war front for the Hokage.
After a moment of reflection, Yagami said:
"I will focus on two aspects. First, I will exhaust every effort to complete the missions assigned by you, Lord Hokage. Second, provided it does not conflict with your orders, I will offer absolute obedience to Lord Yellow Dog. If Lord Yellow Dog is promoted to Anbu Vice Minister, I shall become the sharpest blade in his hand!"
Yagami knew that simply pledging loyalty to the Hokage was cliché. Yellow Dog was the one who had pushed for his promotions and was clearly looking to cultivate his own core faction. Given Hiruzen's extraordinary trust in Yellow Dog, pledging loyalty to the man would likely yield better results.
Sure enough, Hiruzen looked very satisfied, and Yellow Dog nodded in approval.
"Good," Hiruzen said. "Your Jonin promotion will be processed today. However, your appointment as Battalion Commander requires you to perform well in the Land of Whirlpools. Help Yellow Dog secure his promotion to Vice Minister first, and the seat he vacates will be yours."
"Understood! Please rest assured, Lord Hokage, Lord Yellow Dog. I will not fail your expectations!"
Yellow Dog's promotion to Vice Minister would put him firmly within the village's top brass; Yagami noted he could now formally refer to him as "Lord."
Hiruzen continued, "Anbu ninja promoted to Jonin are rewarded with an A-rank ninjutsu. Do you have a plan for your development?"
Yagami had been thinking about this. His primary goal was to "legitimize" some of his hidden abilities. His Sealing Jutsu and Water Body Flicker were currently too suspicious to use openly. If he could receive them as official rewards, the problem would be solved—though he didn't know if the Leaf possessed them. As for S-rank jutsu, he didn't even consider it; they weren't for standard Jonin.
"Lord Hokage, my elemental ninjutsu are quite balanced now. I prefer to refine what I have. I was wondering if I could learn a Sealing Jutsu?"
"Sealing Jutsu, eh..." Hiruzen sighed. "Tsunade was just here. The Senju discovered the Anbu possesses certain Sealing Jutsu, and she came to demand where they came from. To investigate the truth behind the Uzumaki Clan's destruction, the Anbu examined the remains of Whirlpool ninja and happened upon some techniques. Take a look at the directory and choose one. They are very useful and may serve you well in the future."
'No wonder Tsunade left looking so angry,' Yagami thought. Investigating the truth? Even a fool wouldn't believe that excuse.
Yellow Dog brought over a scroll titled: 'Sarutobi Hiruzen's Sealing Jutsu Research Directory.'
Yagami scanned the list. Major seals like the Four Symbols Seal, Eight Trigrams Seal, Reaper Death Seal, Adamantine Sealing Chains, or Reverse Four Symbols Seal were nowhere to be found. Finally, he spotted a familiar name.
"Lord Hokage, in the Land of Whirlpools, I saw a ninja use the [Self-Exerting Binding Seal]. May I learn that?"
"The [Self-Exerting Binding Seal]?" Hiruzen noted. "You can learn it, but it is exceptionally difficult. Without the unique chakra of the Uzumaki, it is hard to master. Are you sure?"
"I am. That seal left a deep impression on me. I am willing to spend the time to master it."
Finally, a chance to legitimize his strongest seal. Now, among his core techniques, only the [Water Style: Water Body Flicker] remained "underground." He just needed to find a way to link himself to Hanzo.
Coming out of the office, Yagami felt productive. A Jonin rank and a new seal. Upon returning to the Anbu base, he was met by Yellow Dog's assistant, Butterfly.
"Jonin Fox, please follow me. You have your own office now."
As a Jonin and future Battalion Commander, much of his work would be administrative—assigning tasks and grading reports. Outside the office, he saw Unit Leaders Hippo and Yak. It seemed even the Anbu wasn't immune to social politics; the two were there to offer their regards.
"Congratulations, Jonin Fox."
"Yes, congratulations."
Knowing these two would likely be his Unit Leaders if he took over the battalion, Yagami invited them in. The office was well-equipped: a scroll cabinet, a secure cabinet, a large desk, a smaller assistant's desk, and several chairs. To the side was a small lounge with a bed and a locker—nearly identical to Yellow Dog's.
Butterfly asked, "Jonin Fox, you may now designate an assistant. Who do you choose?"
Without hesitation, Yagami replied, "I designate Purple Cat."
"Very well. I will take her to register."
After Hippo and Yak left, satisfied with Yagami's promise to continue relying on them, Purple Cat entered the office, buzzing with excitement.
"Purple Cat, you're my full-time assistant now. Someone will take over your squad."
She looked around the room. "Captain, does this mean we don't have to wait for everyone to leave the locker room before we... mess around? Yesterday you said the locker room was inconvenient, and today you have an office. You're amazing."
She stepped into the small lounge, her eyes bright behind her mask. Yagami followed her in and kicked the door shut.
"No more worrying about being discovered. Don't you agree?"
The new bed was surprisingly soft.
***
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