NARUTO: GOD LEVEL FORGING SYSTEM

Joining the Anbu means being close to the center of power in Konohagakure. Among all shinobi, the Anbu are the closest to the Hokage, directly carrying out secretive and high-risk missions that shape the village's future.

Because of this, major clans push to have their members enter the Anbu, seeing it as both a means of influence and a path to greater power.

But for Kazuki,

He had already seen through Hiruzen Sarutobi's old schemes.

The murky, deep-rooted political struggles festering in the shadows of the village held no appeal to him.

To Kazuki, joining the Anbu would be nothing more than a waste of time.

That time could be better spent forging ninja tools, refining his techniques, or…

Join the Anbu?

Only someone with a hole in their head would make that choice, right?

"Kazuki, don't be so quick to decide."

The wrinkles on Hiruzen Sarutobi's aged face deepened as he spoke, his expression calm yet unreadable.

With a kind smile at the corner of his mouth, he addressed Kazuki,

"Joining the Anbu wouldn't just be a valuable experience for you—it would also allow you to better protect your family.

If you become Anbu, you'll gain insight into the inner workings of the village, the Land of Fire, and even the Five Great Nations.

You'll receive critical intelligence before others, and in times of crisis, the families of Anbu operatives receive priority protection.

This is a natural advantage of the position."

"Of course, that's not all."

Sarutobi's smile did not waver as he continued,

"I can also provide assistance within my power."

He paused before adding,

"Doesn't your family run a ninja tool shop?

If you join the Anbu, I can ensure all our orders for ninja gear are directed to your shop."

Intimidation and enticement.

As soon as the words left Sarutobi's mouth, the thought struck Kazuki like a kunai—this old man was as shrewd as ever.

Even in his heart, he couldn't help but curse.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, this old fox, never wasted a single move.

Because he had dangled a proposition that truly made Kazuki hesitate.

First, he played on concerns for his family's safety, suggesting that joining Anbu would shield them.

Then, he presented a direct material benefit.

Although Kazuki's family business was already the largest ninja tool retailer in Konoha, it had never handled large-scale wholesale orders.

Anbu, the Konoha Military Police Force, the Torture and Interrogation Division—these groups all sourced their weapons in bulk, a highly lucrative sector dominated by the Sarutobi clan's hidden influence.

Kazuki, well-versed in the trade, understood immediately—

The contracts Sarutobi offered weren't just profitable. They would transform his family's business.

With those deals, their shop wouldn't just expand; it could dominate Konoha's entire ninja tool market and even edge toward a monopoly.

It was tempting.

Kazuki considered his options.

After all, Sarutobi Hiruzen would only last another two years.

By the time Naruto and the others took the Chunin Exams in their graduation year, this old man would fall to his own student, Orochimaru.

He wouldn't have to serve under him for long.

Thinking of it that way, the deal didn't seem so bad.

And then there was Danzo.

That old vulture was still lurking in the village's shadows.

Even if Danzo had no reason to target Kazuki or his family now,

Being an Anbu operative would add another layer of protection.

"Thank you for your guidance, Hokage-sama. I understand."

The wise know when to adapt.

Kazuki immediately put a smile on his face and said,

"I choose to join Anbu."

"Not bad."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Kakashi,

"Kakashi, I'll leave him to you. It's up to you to decide how to proceed from here."

"Lord Hokage…"

Kakashi hesitated, wanting to say something.

But Hiruzen cut him off directly, his voice firm.

"Kakashi, don't question my decision.

Kazuki will prove his strength once he joins Anbu."

Kakashi was silent for a few moments before finally bowing his head respectfully.

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

---

That evening, Kazuki returned home.

He sat together with Tenten, their father Takeshi, and their mother Keiko, enjoying a hearty dinner.

Tonight's meal was a celebration—Tenten and her team had passed Might Guy's assessment, and Team 9 was officially established.

Starting tomorrow, she, Neji, and Lee would begin their missions under Guy's leadership.

But while the family was excited about Tenten's news, they were completely unaware of the major decision Kazuki had made.

At that moment, Kazuki set down his chopsticks and stood up. His voice was steady as he made an important announcement:

"Father, Mother, Sister…

I'll be joining Anbu starting tomorrow."

Clatter!

The chopsticks in Takeshi's hand slipped through his fingers and hit the floor. He was completely stunned.

Keiko covered her mouth with both hands, her eyes wide with shock.

Tenten had the most dramatic reaction—she shot up from her seat, her mouth open so wide that an egg could fit inside.

"Brother, what did you just say?! Where are you going tomorrow?!"

Was this reaction too extreme?

Were they really this shocked about him joining Anbu?

If they knew he had initially refused the Hokage's offer but later agreed after a concession was made, would they have fainted on the spot?

Kazuki could only repeat himself,

"I'm reporting to Anbu tomorrow."

Bang!

Takeshi suddenly stood up, slamming both hands onto the table. His eyes locked onto Kazuki as he asked again,

"Son, you're not joking, are you? You were really recruited by Anbu?"

Kazuki didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he simply nodded.

"Of course. Why would I lie about this?"

Takeshi was caught between disbelief and excitement.

The shock came from the fact that Kazuki was only twelve years old.

He had never heard of a ninja this young joining Anbu in Konoha's history.

Could his son be the youngest Anbu recruit ever?

The excitement came from pride.

His children had both become ninjas—

And now, his eldest son was entering one of the most elite units in Konoha!

This alone proved how incredibly talented and powerful Kazuki was.

It was a moment of immense honor for their family.

A decade ago, a young boy from a civilian family rose to prominence in Konoha.

With his extraordinary talent, he became the disciple of one of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya.

Through his own genius and relentless effort, he created and refined powerful jutsu, earning the fearsome title Konoha's Yellow Flash during the Third Shinobi War.

That boy later became the Fourth Hokage—Namikaze Minato.

Even though more than ten years had passed since Minato's death, his brilliance remained unforgettable to the older generation.

And now, Takeshi couldn't help but wonder—

Could his son, another gifted ninja from a civilian family, follow a similar path?

Could Kazuki one day become Hokage?

The thought sent excitement surging through him.

"Tenten, hurry! Go tell your Second Uncle and the others!" Takeshi shouted.

Tenten blinked in confusion.

"Huh? Tell them what?"

"Tell them your brother has joined Anbu!

This is huge! Our relatives and friends will be thrilled!"

"Oh, and let them know we're hosting a family gathering this weekend to celebrate!"

Takeshi's face was flushed with excitement, his energy so high he seemed almost tipsy—despite not drinking a drop of alcohol.

"Understood!"

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