Velcam tu ze next chaptur of ze Task of ze Gods... or something like that. I'd like to take this time to make a special mention of my particular officially unofficial muses/inspirations for the majority of the ideas for this story thus far. As odd as it sounds, seeing as the majority of the stories have little to nothing to do with my own.
A special nods of thanks for being unintentional sparks of inspiration and ideas goes out to such FF writers as Kenchi 618, for his awesome works that include The Sealed Kunai(which, by the way, makes for an interesting read for pro Danzo, and a Rootified Naruto), Sarakiel, and his(her?) story, Naruto: Tenshikage, yet another interesting read on a banished Naruto, Puppetmaster55 and his story Lucidity, which I couldn't step away from for nearly six hours, heh, Elredar Skydance with Naruto Angel of Death, Third Fang, whom I admit was a major inspiration with the story Yet Again, with a little extra help, and finally Darthemius, for his story Everyone has Darkness. Thank you for being my unintentional muses for this story, and while I know I doubt I'll do any justice with my own, your stories are all bloody awesome. I bow to your collective greatness.
Anyways, I'll figure out a way to pay some small homage when ideas generated by said stories emerge in mine.
As always, happy reading. Disclaimer still the same as previously stated.
xX
"Very well, let's begin" The Anbu Commander stated, motioning for the four testees to follow him. Sarutobi and his five Anbu shunshined to a nearby observation tower to watch the proceeding tests on cameras.
The four members of Zero Squad followed the Commander into a small building nearby. As they walked down the hallway and into a room at the end, the group observed their first test cautiously.
The room they had entered was quite large, at least a hundred yards long and fifty across. Positioned sparsely around the room were small tables with several objects positioned upon them. One table had a number of small rectangular blocks built into a small tower. Another had what appeared to be several different sized cups, a tub of water and a scale. Yet another table had several books, sheets of paper and writing utensils, obviously a written test of some kind. Another table had what looked like a scientist's lab equipment upon it. on the last table was a small hammer and a bell. As the four observed the tables critically, the Commander led them to the opposite end of the room from the table with the bell. Turning to them, he motioned to the tables.
"The first test, as you no doubt have guessed, is to solve the puzzles on each table and when finished, ring the bell at the end. However, there are several rules that go with this test. First, this is a timed test. Not only are you times on how long it takes to complete the entire course, but each table has a set time limit to complete the section. If you fail to complete a table in the time allotted, you will be penalized by adding a set amount of time to your overall time, which is a deciding factor in your overall score. Secondly, each of you will take this test separately. As you can see, there are no walls or rooms or anything, so for the purposes of this test, the ones not participating in the test will be blindfolded and placed under a silencing seal. That way, it prevents both helping your teammates, and cheating by finding out what works at each table. Now, to explain this so there is no confusion or misunderstanding. You may complete the tables in any order you wish, but all of them have to be completed or failed before you ring the bell. Also, you must complete and pass at least two out of the four objectives. At my mark, you will begin the test. Understood?" He explained, causing the four to nod and Cain to step forward. The commander nodded and proceeded to blindfold and set the silencing seal upon the other three.
"Good, then, on my mark. Go." the Commander said, swinging his arm down.
Cain strode over to the first table, with the block tower. Taped to the table top there was a paper with instructions on it, as well as a seal tag.
Jenga.
Objective: Moving only one block at a time, remove one block from each layer without causing the structure to fall. If the structure collapses before the last block is removed, you fail.
Time limit: five minutes.
When ready, channel chakra into the seal tag. When time expires, tag will expel red smoke. If objective is met, tag will expel green smoke.
Cain frowned slightly as he finished reading the instructions. Focusing on the tower of blocks, he noted there were ten layers, and each layer had three blocks. Each layer the blocks were laid perpendicular to the previous. Smirking, Cain channeled chakra into the tag, and began pulling blocks. Two minutes later, green smoke appeared from the tag and Cain was already moving towards the next task. A moment later he was reading the instructions at the next table.
Weight-sensitive balance.
Objective: using the information given after the start of the test, examinee will fill the requested cups with water from provided tank and, combine them in the empty bottle on the scale to equal out the exact measurement required. This will be repeated twice using two separate scales, as each scale requires a different amount of weight to work. When correct amount of weight is applied to both scales, tag will glow green. if not, tag will glow red. Examinee has two chances total to get both scales correct, or else a failing grade will result and black smoke will expel from the tag.
Time limit: five minutes
Cain observed the gathered jugs, noting the given measurements emblazoned on the sides of them. There was a 3.5 jug, 4.0 jug 9.0 jug and a 1.5 jug. Turning to examine the amounts required, he blinked. The first scale required 10 and the other 15. Shaking his head at the simplicity of the tests so far, he started filling jugs. A minute later he was reading the instructions for the next task, a green glow highlighting his back.
General knowledge written test.
Objective: Obviously, complete the written test using the books provided, idiot.
Time limit: three minutes. Hurry up already!
Cain chuckled at the instructions and got to work, finishing the test and moving to the next one two minutes and thirty eight seconds later.
Mock poison antidote mix.
Objective: A comrade has been poisoned with the dreaded hangoverus fromus drinkingum. Using the ingredients given, create the required antidote known as the Hangoverus gonus.
Time limit: two minutes.
Sweatdropping, Cain observed the gathered materials and swiftly went to work, thanking Kami Kuro had pretty much forced the team to take several medical classes on how to take care of such problems after the last time the team got messed up. A minute later he was up and ringing the bell, signaling the end of his run. Nodding, the Anbu Commander scribbled the time and the passing rate(4/4, heh) on a clipboard before gearing up the next person to run the gauntlet.
Ryu blinked slowly to readjust to light as the blindfold was taken off. Nodding at the Commander, he moved in position to begin.
Some time later, after putting out the fire that had somehow occurred from mixing several ingredients at the Mix table, the four Sweatdropping teammates and one nonchalant Anbu commander, (not to mention the observing group who STILL hadn't managed to stop laughing at the spectacle) left the building of the first test, moving outside and over to a clearing with wooden targets set up. The Anbu Commander made a hand sign, and the targets glowed slightly before it died away, leaving the targets looking brand new. Turning to the four, he nodded to the nearby table set up with four rows each of kunai shuriken and senbon.
"The second test. Target accuracy. Using kunai, shuriken, and senbon provided, strike the targets. Simple, yes? Now, each examinee will take turns throwing all ten kunai at their target. then, shuriken, then senbon. Points are awarded for each successful hit. The better the hit, the better the grade. Obviously, we are looking for accuracy, and accuracy means kill shots or incapacitation. Now then, first up, Cain Takama." he explained, motioning to the targets and throwing tools as he did.
Cain stepped forward, retrieving his first set of throwing tools. Stepping to the throwing line, he dropped into a ready stance, causing the Commander to step back and make a hand sign, causing a few of the targets to begin swaying haphazardly. Noticing this, Cain narrowed his eyes and concentrated, before throwing his kunai in quick succession. Standing, he turned and walked back to the group as the Anbu marked down his progress before motioning to Ryu.
Ryu reached over and palmed the kunai off the table, tossing one up in the air and catching it to test the balance. As he moved over to the throwing line, the others took a few extra steps back, making him sweatdrop. Seriously, one time, one time you accidentally nearly neuter someone, and they never let you forget it. Shaking his head, he looked down range at the targets, which began to sway shortly before he loosed the knives. His eyes widened in shock as one of the moving targets swayed oddly at just the right time to allow one of the knives to strike it squarely in the groin, causing the others to stare before bursting out laughing so hard none of them could stand. Ryu dropped his head and turned to the side as an anime spotlight seemed to sine down on him. Why? Why must that event haunt him? Shaking his head as the others calmed down, he rejoined them as the Anbu noted his scores and motioned to the next up.
Sera grabbed the kunai and moved to the line. Eying the targets, she threw the kunai one by one, each one hitting a target with a resounding thunk. Turning back to the group, she noted all of them bent over slightly and refusing to look at her with a smirk on her lips. As the Commander noted her scores, Kuro stepped up. He grabbed five kunai in each hand and approached the line and turned his back to the targets. Closing his eyes briefly, he inhaled sharply before his eyes snapped open as he turned swiftly, going to a knee as he let all ten loose at once before standing and moving back to the group, leaving the Anbu to stare at the targets for a moment. With good reason as all ten kunai hit a different target, each in a different spot the would incapacitate without killing them. Shaking off the shiver he felt at the boy's action, he noted the particular skill down before motioning for them to proceed on to shuriken.
Twenty minutes (and unknown to the four, a round of betting by the Hokage and the Anbu upstairs) later, the group moved to the next test site, which would also be used for the fourth test.
The group was now in a large cleared area with a small pond and several large lit braziers nearby.
"Now we are on the third test. We will be examining your elemental manipulation skills here. If you cannot adequately demonstrate complete control over at least two elements, or complete control over one and partial over another, you may not be considered for rank above chunin at this time. First up, Cain Takama."
Cain moved over to the side a little ways from the group and, as they all watched, summoned a fireball into his hand, tossing it up and down like a ball before snuffing it out. Closing his eyes for a moment, he held out one hand and concentrated. A moment later, a swirl of displaced wind began circling his hand, slowly, then faster, becoming almost like a contained cyclone before dying away. The Anbu nodded before writing down the results. As Cain walked back to the group, Ryu stepped out to where he had been.
Concentrating, Ryu kneeled down, placing a hand on the ground momentarily before lifting it, along with a perfectly square block of the ground, which, as they watched, broke down and covered his hand like a glove before dropping back to the ground. Turning to the pond nearby, he beckoned with a finger and sure enough, a tendril of water rose above the surface and floated through the air to flow around his fingers. Letting the water fall to the ground, he stepped back to the group as the Anbu recorded the progress.
Sera moved over towards the pond, raising her hand slowly. As her hand raised, so did a massive wall of water. As the water wall reached about ten feet above the surface, it suddenly froze, as the surrounding air grew chilly. The ice wall stood for a minute before collapsing back into water as Sera lowered her hand and moved back to the group smirking, leaving a shocked Anbu Commander and Hokage.
Kuro stepped a little further from the group before turning and closing his eyes. As the group looked on, the air grew incredibly still, before suddenly, a massive bolt of lightning struck the boy out of nowhere, causing the Commander to jump back in surprise while the others grinned. The lightning grew dim slowly, until Kuro was revealed, holding the glowing bolt in his hand as though it where the most natural thing in the world. Tossing it towards the pond, Kuro ignored the crackle as it dissipated. Holding his hands over the ground with his palms up, he concentrated once more. The ground began to rumble gently, growing stronger before Kuro brought his hands up sharply, along with the ground in front of him in a fifty yard line straight up. Smiling, Kuro brought his hands down, causing the earth to recede back to its flat state. As he rejoined the group, the Anbu regained his composure.
"Well, then. That was, well, wow. Ahem. Now that the third test is complete, we shall move on to the fourth test." the Anbu Commander stated, before going into detail on the requirements and details.
In the Observatory tower, the Hokage and the two female Anbu stared in shock at the pure manipulation powers the group possessed. All the hidden doubts about the group's stories slowly started to leak away as they watched the display progress.
By the time the fourth and last test were done and the dust cleared from the now decimated field, the doubts were all but completely laid to rest. Not even the Hokage himself could cause THAT much damage and still be conscious, let alone able to walk away laughing.
As the Anbu Commander shunshined into the tower, leaving the four to rest in the lounge nearby, he allowed his legendary composure to drop as he approached the Hokage. Bowing his head as he saluted the aged man, he sighed, still dazed at the raw power the four possessed.
"The results of their tests, Hokage-sama" the Commander said, holding out his clipboard with the scores and notes. As the Hokage read over the paper, his eyes widened slightly as he glanced up at the other man.
"I know I saw nearly everything on the camera until halfway through the ninjutsu portion, but this is...well above the majority of our forces. I am completely glad they are not hostile, or we would indeed be hard pressed to take them down. Very well. I agree with your assessment of Takama and his team. Bring them to me." Hiruzen said, slightly dazed at the results of the last test. The Anbu Commander nodded and shunshined away, returning shortly with the four in tow. Hiruzen turned to Cain and opened his mouth to speak, but Cain turned his head slightly to the side, as did the other three before Cain looked sharply to Hiruzen.
"Apologies, Hokage-sama, but it appears someone has attempted to gain access to Naruto-san's room." Cain said swiftly, causing the Hokage and his Anbu to swiftly stand and everyone in the room to shunshin out and back to the hotel room.
As the group appeared in the main room of the Hotel, they came upon Weasel and Dog tying up four twitching chunin and Tiger covering another two forms with sheets, wisps of smoke and the scent of cooked flesh in the air. All three Anbu whirled around, hands on their weapons or halfway into making hand signs before noting who it was that had entered, causing all three to salute crisply.
"What happened here?" Hiruzen asked, his eyes narrowed slightly. Dog stepped forward after securing his captives.
"These six attempted to gain access to Naruto-kun's room through multiple forms of entry. The two heavily cooked ones over there under the sheets tried to get in through the windows outside while these four attempted first to distract us from the other's attempts and then attempted to force their way past us." Dog reported, while Cain motioned Sera and Kuro over to examine the captives both for information and medical assistance. A few moments later, Sera motioned Cain and the Hokage over to the one she was examining. As the two approached, she pointed to the man's open mouth, specifically, to an odd shaped mark on the back of the man's tongue.
"That's the seal Danzo used to put on his Root faction years ago, though this one is modified slightly." Hiruzen said, recognizing it. Leaning forward, he took a closer look at the mark before backpedaling, his eyes widening in shock.
"Exploding tag!" he shouted, causing everyone to jump back and Ryu to run through a set of hand seals, creating a thick down of earth around the man, sealing him from the rest of the room, as well as three more for the others should it be necessary. A muffled thoom followed as the one earth prison shuddered, before Cain swiftly checked the other three, who were, thankfully, tag less.
A collective sigh from the Anbu was heard as they secured the captives and prepared to transport them to T&I while Cain his team except for Kuro, who went into the other room to check on Naruto and the Hokage shunshined to the Hokage's office. Hiruzen took a seat in his chair and activated the privacy seals as he let out a long sigh. Shaking his head, he retrieved the report of the four's exam.
"Now, Takama-san. Your results, which were interrupted." Hokage spoke, lighting his pipe before turning to Cain. Cain and his team gave the Hokage their full attention,
"The report here says that you all performed the exam well above expectations and by far and above the vast majority of our shinobi. As it is, none of you are recommended for anything under special Jonin, if not full. Now despite certain...moments, during the tests all of you performed admirably, and have been scored as followed." Hiruzen continued, causing everyone who saw the test sweatdrop.
"Cain Takama, on the intelligence test, you scored four out of four passing grade on the kiosks, with a total time of twelve minutes, fourteen seconds. On the Target test, you scored seven killshots with three neck two heart and two headshots, and three incapacitation shots, with shoulder socket and one hamstringshot with kunai, five headshots and five neckshots with shuriken, and ten incapacitating shots with senbon, four of which would have caused a near death state, a passing grade. On the third test, you demonstrated mastery or near mastery of both fire and wind elements, earning you a pass. On the fourth test, you demonstrated forty-one ninjutsu of fire, wind or combined elements of varying ranks, not including the three mandatory jutsu, more than passing the bar for Anbu level. You also successfully cast twenty-two genjutsu ranging from support to combat to interrogation and torture, along with successfully releasing yourself from genjutsu, again, passing the bar for Anbu level. For the third portion of the fourth test, you adequately performed sixteen different taijutsu forms of which four were of expert or mastery levels and the other twelve were proficient to near expert. yet again, Anbu level or better." Hiruzen stated, before turning to Ryu.
"Ryujin Fumodotoji, you passed three out of four of the kiosks in the first test, finishing with a total time of sixteen thirty. The second test," Hiruzen chuckled here, as did the others while Ryu sweatdropped, "made nine killshots and one most likely excruciating incapacitating shot with kunai, ten killshots to the neck with shuriken, and eight incapacitating and two kill shots through the eyehole with senbon. On the third test, you demonstrated mastery or near mastery of earth and water elements. On the fourth test, you demonstrated forty ninjutsu of earth or water elements of varying ranks, as well as the three mandatory ones. You successfully cast twenty genjutsu of support combat and interrogation types and successfully released yourself from one. For taijutsu you performed eighteen different styles of which nearly half were of mastery of near mastery level, while the remainder were of proficient to highly proficient level. pass on all accounts." Hiruzen stated, turning to the next.
"Seravina Shirayuki. Four out of four with a total time of nine minutes six seconds. Might I add, the time requirements for that particular test were sixteen minutes for Anbu twenty for Jonin twenty five for chunin and infinite for genin. All of you did well in your times. Anyways, Second test, ahem, ten incapacitating shots to the groin with kunai, ten textbook killshots with two neck, two heart two liver and four headshots with shuriken, and ten incapacitating shots with senbon. Elemental mastery of water and wind to create ice, quite nice indeed, my dear. Then the fourth test, thirty nine jutsu ranging through water wind and ice elements, along with varying power levels and the thee required ones. Eighteen genjutsu of support combat and infiltration types, successful release of placed genjutsu. You performed ten taijutsu styles of which all ten were of expert or master level. Good job all around. A solid Anbu level ninja given your areas of strength outweigh lack in other areas." Hiruzen continued.
"Kuro Noshu Kenshin, in absentia-" Hiruzen began before a bolt of lightning struck the ground in front of him, revealing Kuro and the Anbu from the hotel including the Commander, all looking a bit dazed. As the Anbu regained composure and took their usual guard spots, and the Commander leaned against the wall behind Sarutobi, Hiruzen nodded to Kuro.
"Well, just in time for your debriefing, Kenshin san. Ahem, as I was saying. Kuro Noshu Kenshin. Three out of four in intelligence, barring the unfortunate odd accident with the mixing table, hm. Total time of eight minutes twenty-four seconds. Second test, in a remarkable display, ten for ten with kunai, ten kill shots with shuriken to liver kidney and throat, and ten perfectly placed senbon for near death state placement. As expected of a medic nin. Third test, extreme mastery of both lightning and earth elements, quite surprising as usually those two elements are opposites. For the fourth test, an amazing display of seventy eight ninjutsu of mid to high level jutsu of lightning, earth, or an odd combined element, I believe you called it Plasma style? Ahem. Along with fifteen lower ranked jutsu of earth and lightning types and the three required ones. Kage level reserves indeed. Genjutsu, thirty seven successful casts of support, interrogation, torture, medical, infiltration and light combat types, and mostly mid to high rank as well. Taijutsu, you performed fifteen styles of which four were expert and the rest were proficient. An amazing young man, you are indeed." Hiruzen finished, causing the three Anbu who hadn't been at the test to gape in shock behind their masks.
"Now then, I'm not going to go too into your combat evaluation, as I'm sure you all know how deadly you are. So I'll just keep to the minimum. You four performed on par or better than the Sannin in teamwork, ingenuity, execution of tactics and strategy. Therefore, it is the Anbu Commander's recommendation to award all four of you solid Jonin rank, with the choice of becoming ANBU if you so wish. He also states in his report that if you so choose to become ANBU, you'll be placed as Anbu Captains, pending probation etc etc. Congratulations, Takama san, Fumodotoji san Shirayuki san Kenshin san. keep in mind that you don't have to choose right away." Hiruzen said, causing the four to glance at each other in thought.
"Thank you Hokage-sama. If we do take up the Anbu mantle, we have a few conditions, including the ones we spoke to you of before. If we take up the positions, we only take orders from the Commander himself, or you. Nobody else. Also, we choose our own masks. Lastly, we want to be able to refuse a mission should we want to. I'm sure that's how it goes usually, but we want to make sure it is verbally acknowledged. Is this acceptable, Hokage-sama, Anbu san?" Cain replied. Hiruzen glanced at the Commander, who nodded silently. Hiruzen looked back to Cain and the others.
"It is acceptable. You accept commission into Anbu then?" he asked, getting four nods in response.
"Very well then. Congratulations on your promotion then. I expect you to have your chosen mask designs turned in to ANBU HQ by no later than tomorrow morning at 6. For now, you'll be placed in the ANBU barracks until we can get you situated with an apartment or house. Until tomorrow, you are dismissed." Hiruzen stated, as he swiftly pulled out the paperwork required with a mental groan. Cain and his team nodded and saluted before Ryu, Sera and Kuro disappeared in their elemental shunshins. Cain however, stood there for a moment, eying the piles of paperwork for a moment. Spying what he was looking for, he leaned over to examine a small seal, catching the attention of the Anbu and Hokage, who tracked where he was staring curiously. Spotting the seal as well, the two instantly moved forward to check it.
"Hokage-sama, I believe this is one of the causes of your paperwork troubles. This is an infinite restoring duplication seal. I'm certain it is causing certain paperwork with matching seals to duplicate as you work on them." Cain started, turning and running through the pile of papers on the Hokage's desk before stopping and pulling out several. Showing them to Sarutobi and the Commander, the two saw they were various bills and legislation requests from the council regarding Naruto and occasionally, bits for overriding laws that kept the council from gaining more power. Though the papers never specifically STATED Naruto's name, the bit of laws they were regarding were tailored towards limiting his rights. Sarutobi's eyes grew stormy at this as he calmly sat back in his chair. Turning to his Anbu Commander, he narrowed his eyes slightly.
"I want you to have your men summon the council for a morning chat tomorrow. Say, nine am? Is that enough time to prep and outfit Takama and his team for guard duty?" Sarutobi asked the Commander, who smiled darkly behind his mask and nodded.
"I'm sure we'll be finished by then, Hokage-sama. It will be done" he replied before shunshining away to set things up. Cain nodded to the Hokage before seeming to shimmer out of view.
Back at the hotel room, Cain shimmered into view, already moving towards his room to pack up. As he tossed what little gear he had unsealed onto an empty storage scroll, Sera poked her head into the room.
"Good to go boss, everyone's packed." she said.
"Good. Also, put a rush on your mask design, and let Ryu and Kuro know too. We have a meeting with the council at 9 tomorrow" Cain replied, placing an emphasis on the word meeting. Sera grinned ferally and nodded, heading to the others. Cain swiftly sealed his gear and stepped out into the main room, where the others waited along with two new Anbu, Rat and Hawk. Nodding to them, they all left in a shunshin. Moments later, they all appeared outside Anbu HQ. Going inside, they walked into an apparently empty and abandoned room before Rat and Hawk ran through a set of hand signs slowly, making sure the four others saw and memorized them. A shimmer later, and a doorway appeared in the wall on the far side of the room. As they entered the door, the group was met with a small dark reception area and the business end of two ninja-to and another set of Anbu, Ferret and Boar. Rat and Hawk made a few hand signs, this time in Anbu sign language, and the ninja-to were returned to their sheathes. Moving on, Rat and Hawk led the four over to the desk, behind which sat a middle aged woman with no mask, haughty features and sharp brown eyes. Glancing up briefly she noted the four unmasked faces and reached into a drawer behind her, pulling out forms and four keys. Setting the forms in front of Cain and his team, she motioned for them to fill them out, hanging onto the keys for the moment.
Cain and his team grabbed the forms and sat down, flipping through them quickly. They were revealed to be the standard disclosure forms, supply requisition forms for their Anbu gear, and a four page contract. Filling them out under the watchful eyes of four Anbu and the woman at the desk, the group signed the contracts and returned the forms to the woman, who handed them the keys and a paper listing the location of their room, as well as where the supply room and mask creation room were. She also handed Cain a note to meet with the Anbu Commander in his office later for their official instatement into Anbu. Nodding, the group turned and headed through another door that appeared in a shimmer on the wall and down the hallway to the supply room.
At the supply room, the four presented their requisition forms to the clerk, who took them and swiftly opened up a work log on a nearby computer where he input all the information on the new Anbu's height weight, sizes needed, gear requisitioned and such before disappearing through a door into the backroom. The clerk returned shortly with four storage scrolls marked with their initials and set them on the desk before inputting more data into the computer. Turning, the clerk motioned for the group to step into a small side room, which turned out to be where they would take their pictures for their personnel files. Once that was finished, the clerk had them sign for their gear both in writing and with a bit of blood and chakra on special paper before handing them their gear scrolls and sending them on their way.
The group continued down the hallway and finally into the barracks area, checking their paper for the location of their room. heading down the hall, the four nodded to other Anbu as they passed them, who nodded back. Finally reaching their designated room, the group opened the door and entered. The room they walked into was a bit bigger than they thought it would be. right as they walked in was a bathroom on the right hand side, and on the left, a small but useful kitchen. Further in the room there were two bunk beds in the corners un against the walls on either side of the room, with a desk and four lockers against the wall directly in front of the door. Walking in, the four lazily laid claim to top or bottom bunks by tossing their gear scrolls on them. A quick search of the kitchen showed it to be stocked with various canned goods in the cabinets, along with a fully stocked fridge. A microwave and a coffeemaker sat on the counter by the stove. The bathroom turned out to be quite well furnished with both a tub and a shower separate, along with soaps and shampoos, towels and such.
Turning to their gear scrolls, the group unsealed them, showing they all contained the same thing.
First was the standard issue uniform, with two sets each of blue and black Anbu pants and sleeveless shirts. Next there was two sets of black Anbu sandals with shin guards and leg tape. Then there was the standard Anbu armor, the chest and backplate, and forearm guards. Luckily, someone must have informed them of the group's preferred vest colors as each was in the color they wore. Along with the armor, were a set of Anbu Captain cloaks, all of them tan white. They also had the standard ninja-to that all Anbu carried, though Sera tossed hers to Kuro as she preferred her hammer. Other than that, the only thing missing was their masks, which they all got started on immediately.
Two hours later, the four were in the mask creation room, handing over their designs to the workers there. After a few raised eyebrows, the workers nodded and informed them the masks would be delivered to their barracks room by midnight. Heading back to the room, the group killed time by stabbing it with a rusty watch. Just kidding. The group passed the time till they had to meet with the Commander for the induction ceremony, which incidentally, would be just after the masks arrived.
A knock on the barracks door preceded the arrival of the group's new Anbu identities. getting dressed in full Anbu regalia, the four slipped on their masks and headed to the Anbu Commander's office. Once there, the Commander studied their chosen masks momentarily
Cain wore the visage of an Oni Lord, an Arch demon.
Ryu wore a mask depicting a stone golem
Sera chose the face of a frost wyrm.
Kuro chose the face of a metallic colossus.
The Anbu Commander thought it fitting, seeing as the masks were almost like a representation of their inner powers. Nodding slightly, he faced them.
"Well, I see you've chosen your masks well. Now, all that remains is the Anbu oath, the tattoo, and officially presenting your Masks and Codenames to the Hokage and the rest of Anbu. Come, the induction will take place in the meeting hall." he said, standing and heading out the door, swiftly striding down the hall. The four followed, slightly tense with anticipation.
In the grand meeting hall of the Anbu, all of the Anbu not currently on duty stood in groups with their squads or friends, some curious as to why they were summoned not having heard about the new recruits, others who had heard and were already planning on things to tease the new guys with. Others had heard, and were already giggling to themselves at the misfortune of the planners who obviously didn't know they were planning on pranking and teasing some of their new bosses. Ah well, it would be interesting to see their faces off duty once they realized.
As the door to the meeting room opened, four hundred pairs of eyes snapped to the door and the four new Anbu accompanying the Commander. Those who didn't know the new recruits were either shocked that the newbs were walking so close to the Commander, or laughing mentally that they had something to lay into the newbs about. As the Commander moved to the front of the room and stood on the raised dais, the four new Anbu marched with military precision into a line exactly six feet away from him and, as one, right faced to face him before dropping into a parade rest. The other Anbu shook off their daze and formed into their squads and stood in formation.
Gazing out over the assembled Anbu, the Commander noted some of the ones he knew were thinking they would be hazing the newbs soon. For that reason, he had had the four remove their cloaks before entering the room, leaving the four standing there in their colored armor.
"Anbu. We are gathered here tonight to welcome four new members into our ranks. These four have proven themselves to be exceptional shinobi among even our own shinobi in Konoha." the Commander started, causing many of the gathered Anbu to wonder who the newbs were, as the Commander wasn't one to praise unless it was truth.
"Tonight, we bring into our corps, four new faces, and four new loyal ninja of Konoha. My fellow Anbu, I give you, Anbu Demon, Anbu Golem, Anbu Frost Wyrm, and Anbu Colossus!" the Anbu Commander announced as the four about faced when they were called, causing many of the gathered to frown as they clapped. Weren't Codenames supposed to be animals? Raising his hands for silence, the Commander waited till the clapping stopped before continuing.
"Yes, I know it is not normal for Anbu to have masks unaligned with animals, but these four are a special case. Because, fellow Anbu, these four, are your newest Anbu Captains!" the Commander finished, as the four simultaneously unsealed their cloaks and donned them. The gathered ANBU had mixed reactions to this. While the overall tune was happy, the ones who were planning hazing and such suddenly had the blood drain from their faces as they realized they should have learned who the new Anbu were beforehand, as the new ones usually were inducted from the graduating class of Anbu School, rather than suddenly in the middle of the night. Others, were somewhere between anger at four total strangers, newbs being promoted over them, and disbelief that four ninjas had somehow gained enough power outside of Anbu to be considered Captain class without being noticed.
The Commander noted these and made a mental note to run them through the power gauntlet soon. Moving forward, he stood in front of the four and one by one, administered the Oath, and the tattoo to their arms and marked them as Anbu from that point on. At this point, a few voices called out from the crowd, questioning their validity as none of them had heard of any Konoha shinobi powerful enough to be Captains.
"SILENCE!" The Anbu Commander thundered. Immediately, the room was dead silent. Glaring at the assembled Anbu through his mask, the entire room, save the four new Anbu and a few of the other Captains shivered and involuntarily stepped back from the killing intent pouring from the Commander.
"You question the decision of both myself and the Hokage? Believe me when I say, I tested all four of these Anbu PERSONALLY, and the Hokage himself oversaw the entire test. These four, believe it or not, possess enough power they could probably take on any five other ANBU shinobi single-handed. Besides, the reason that no Konoha shinobi has been noticed with the power is because until today, they were NOT Konoha shinobi. Do any of you still question the validity of their rank and position?" He roared, glaring around the room. Amazingly, two shinobi spoke up.
"I, Anbu Chipmunk hereby formally contest the power and position of Anbu Captain Frost Wyrm" One said.
"I, Anbu Squirrel hereby formally contest the power and position of Anbu Captain Colossus" spoke the other.
"We hereby request a Trial by Combat to ascertain the legitimacy of their claim of power" the two spoke simultaneously. The Anbu Commander stared at them and started to reply, but Cain raised a hand and stopped him, causing many of the gathered shinobi to gasp. The new Anbu was a fool to attempt to order around the Commander! Amazingly to everyone though, the Commander nodded to him and stepped back, allowing him to address the other two Anbu.
"You two who have challenged the position of Anbu Captains Frost Wyrm and Colossus, front and center!" He barked in a no nonsense tone. Accordingly, the two Anbu were in front of him in the time it took to blink. Narrowing his eyes at the two Anbu, he crossed his arms over his chest.
"How long have you two been in Anbu, maggots?" he asked icily.
"Six years, sir" the two replied. Cain shook his head.
"Are you fully aware that you have not challenged two Anbu Captain level shinobi, but myself, Golem, every single Captain here as well as the Commander himself as well as the Hokage with your actions?" he continued, causing the two to recoil from shock.
"Do you get it now? By challenging the authority of an Anbu Captain appointed by both Hokage sama and the Anbu Commander, you have essentially challenged the authority of every shinobi above your station. But that's the good news." he continued, making everyone there frown in confusion aside from those who knew.
"Yes, that's the good news. the BAD news, is you just challenged the authority of the one person who can take on ANBU Seal Training level fifty alone and walk away laughing without a scratch, and a woman who can literally freeze your genitals off, and is standing right behind you." he finished boredly, causing most the gathered Anbu to flinch in shock as in the entire history of Anbu only the Nidaime himself could even challenge level 50, and even then, not alone. the rest, along with the unfortunate Anbu who challenged her, could only stare in shock as her ice covered fist wrapped around his neck and picked him up. Nobody had even seen her move.
"Let's take this outside shall we?" she said frostily, before disappearing in a swirl of ice and wind, the remaining Anbu following.
The entire group reappeared at the edge of a massive crater in one of the Anbu training grounds. Floating above the crater on a platform of ice, stood Sera, holding the Anbu by his ankle.
"See this hole, pukestain?" she asked the poor soul, her tone bored. The man nodded frantically.
"I did that earlier today with my hammer. Want to see what I'll do to you HEAD next?" she continued, causing the Anbu to lose control of his bowels. Sera wrinkled her nose in disgust and dropped him. Luckily, he landed on his head.
The other Anbu immediately turned and bowed to the Captains.
"I hereby revoke my earlier challenge I see now your power is genuine. Please forgive me" he said shakily. Kuro simply wave his hand.
"Don't worry about it. I get why you did it." he said flippantly, causing the Anbu and the other shinobi to blink at how young he was.
"Now that we are done here, let us get back to work. I'm sure you all have duties to be taken care of. Dismissed!" the Anbu Commander stated.
Everyone disappeared, heading to do whatever it was they needed to do. In the case of four very weary Anbu Captains, it was head back to the barracks, and catch some sleep.
xXXx
And there we have it. the entire test, rather than the single test chapter. i sat down planning it out and was just like...who wants to read six pages of the same crap being done four separate times? so I figured I'm get it all done at once and toss in a bit of funny bits here and there. i hate it when the ideas i have don't generate onto a computer well. it seems my story sounds much better in my head but once i have it out on paper...er...WordPad...if just bleh. oh well.
Anyways, next up, the council gets laid!...well, laid into, at least. till then,
Adieu.