Natsuhiko knew that this selection would definitely not be easy. From the current situation, many of his actions seemed as though he had chosen to stand on Minato Namikaze's side.
Although this was something he had deliberately created and he had already prepared himself mentally, Hiruzen Sarutobi's move was indeed rather ruthless.
It could only be said that Hiruzen Sarutobi truly deserved his reputation as the Hokage who had held the position for the longest time. His ability to seize opportunities was truly impressive.
However, Natsuhiko did not care too much about it. At the beginning, he had planned to rely on the overwhelming power of Lizardmaru and defeat all his opponents in one decisive sweep.
But now he couldn't do that—so he simply wouldn't.
He had many trump cards. Some things could be revealed, while others were not suitable to expose. He naturally knew the difference.
Moreover, he had to properly thank Minato Namikaze. If not for him, Natsuhiko might truly be in a difficult position right now.
Although he didn't directly promote me to the position of division commander—which was actually within his authority—it doesn't really matter.
Natsuhiko narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi standing at the center of the square. Beneath his mask, a faint smile appeared.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's actions could be seen as a warning to Minato Namikaze. But since a rift had already formed between him and Minato, why not make that rift even bigger?
Besides, Sarutobi had given him such a stage. If he didn't seize this opportunity well, it would truly be a waste.
And in fact, my opponents aren't as troublesome as I first imagined.
Retracting his gaze, Natsuhiko began thinking about the opponents he might face in this selection.
After thinking it over, he realized that although these people were all quite troublesome, it wasn't as if he had no way of dealing with them.
Within the ANBU, the people most eager to compete for the position of division commander were usually members of the great clans who had joined the ANBU.
On one hand, they joined the ANBU to show their stance to the higher-ups of Konoha. On the other hand, they hoped to gain influence within the ANBU.
It could be said that the structure of the entire ANBU consisted of a small portion of civilian ninjas, some clan ninjas, but the largest portion were war orphans.
Whether it was Hiruzen Sarutobi or Tobirama Senju, who created the ANBU, neither of them wanted—nor would allow—the great clans to gain sufficient influence within the ANBU.
There were indeed cases where division commanders came from clan ninjas, but the number was extremely small.
This time, Natsuhiko's opponents would include clan ninjas, but even more would be those children who came from orphanages.
Natsuhiko guessed that both types would appear among his opponents. The order in which they appeared, however, could be adjusted.
For example, if he fought his way through every round and reached the final match, there was a very high chance that his opponent would be a clan ninja.
Just imagine it: the person chosen by the Fourth Hokage becoming the obstacle preventing a clan ninja from becoming a division commander. What kind of consequences would that bring?
Thinking about it that way, Minato Namikaze might as well have cut the knot quickly and directly promoted him instead.
"Then let's begin the first group's match."
Just as Natsuhiko was deep in thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced around and spoke directly.
"The first round: Nightingale versus Weasel."
Weasel?
Hearing that codename, Natsuhiko turned his head and looked toward the center of his squad formation. There stood a man wearing a cat-face mask.
This "Weasel" was actually Natsuhiko's comrade and also a squad captain.
He truly hadn't expected that the first opponent he would face would be someone from the same squad. Such an arrangement was quite interesting.
Natsuhiko was fairly familiar with this guy, Weasel. After all, they had carried out missions together before.
Similarly, Weasel was also very familiar with some of Natsuhiko's usual tactics.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's arrangement was quite interesting. Having him fight Natsuhiko in the first match would likely allow him to probe quite a few things.
But Natsuhiko was no longer the same as before. With his "cheat," how could he possibly remain stagnant?
Even back when he used to carry out missions together with Weasel, he already knew that dealing with this guy wouldn't be too difficult. Not to mention now!
Slowly stepping out from the crowd, Natsuhiko soon walked to the center of the square. Weasel followed and came forward as well.
The two of them didn't exchange any words beforehand, yet they tacitly kept a certain distance from each other.
They stared at one another, constantly adjusting their breathing and the flow of chakra within their bodies, quietly waiting for the signal that the match would begin.
"I really didn't expect my first opponent to be you," Natsuhiko suddenly said softly. His voice sounded quite friendly. "I hope you'll go easy on me."
"You…" Weasel shook his head. He glanced around before replying in a low voice as well.
"Don't joke like that. What exactly is going on with you?"
"Obviously the same as you," Natsuhiko sighed lightly.
"It's just that too many things that shouldn't have been involved got dragged into this matter, and it ended up like this."
Weasel wasn't stupid. Although he came from an orphanage, he was very perceptive.
In fact, there were many geniuses in orphanages. That place was a treasure trove of talent. Aside from being a favorite setting for transmigrators, it also naturally produced many capable people.
One of the future masterminds of the ninja world, Kabuto—one of Natsuhiko's biggest competitors—had also climbed his way up from an orphanage.
With such an outstanding source of talent, how could Natsuhiko not be tempted?
But unfortunately, although he had the idea, he didn't dare act on it.
The reason was simple: the entire orphanage was under Konoha's strict surveillance.
Orphans were always the best material for cultivating ninjas. Whether it was the Root or the ANBU, their favorite recruits were these war orphans.
All funding for Konoha's orphanages was tightly controlled, and the purpose behind it was obvious.
Those who could come into contact with the war orphans in the orphanage were either Konoha's high-ranking officials or members of the great clans.
Ordinary people had no chance of approaching them. Even adoption was extremely difficult.
At Natsuhiko's current age, he didn't even need to think about it—it was impossible for him to adopt anyone.
Moreover, his clan background prevented him from even entertaining the idea. If the Senju clan were to get involved with those war orphans, one could easily imagine the kind of attention it would attract.
Thus, Natsuhiko could only regretfully give up on that thought. Unless he possessed enough authority, there was simply no way he could accomplish it.
"Forget it. No matter what, I won't hold back, Nightingale," Weasel said, shaking his head. Clearly he didn't want to dwell on the matter.
"Because I also want to become a division commander!"
"Perfect. I also want to see Captain Weasel's strength," Natsuhiko replied with a smile, his tone sincere.
At that moment, both of them had already adjusted their condition. Their momentum had reached its peak.
Hiruzen Sarutobi quietly observed the two of them, then calmly nodded.
"Begin!"