Chapter 169: Life in the Anbu Starting as a Captain

"One kilometer, five hundred meters, two hundred meters... Captain, no abnormalities."

A subordinate's voice came through the radio. Yuto replied briefly, "Stay vigilant," and continued to watch the returning main force.

Wearing a cat-faced mask, he crouched on a tree trunk, dressed in gray armor with a shinobi sword strapped to his back—standard Anbu attire of Konoha.

Hiruzen's efficiency was swift. After their conversation, Yuto joined the Anbu that very night, becoming the captain of the first squad.

The next day, which is now, Yuto led his subordinates on his first mission as captain—securing Minato's safe return to the village.

In theory, entering the Anbu and wearing a mask meant staying anonymous, but Yuto didn't need to. Firstly, his reputation was too big, and his fighting style and techniques were well-documented by many villages. Secondly, his right arm was wrapped in black Ryuun Steel, making him easily recognizable. His identity was hard to conceal.

Moreover, in a month, Yuto would become the first Anbu commander of Konoha, holding significant power. As the leader of the assassination squad, his fame was more intimidating to both internal and external threats.

The returning shinobi were surrounded by Konoha villagers, walking into the village with full emotions. Minato Namikaze received the highest admiration and cheers. Kushina Uzumaki, with half-white hair, sat in a carriage. She lifted a corner of the curtain, watching Minato bask in glory, and couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.

The front-line troops quickly entered the village, and the entrance gate became empty again.

Yuto jumped down, and the Anbu members under his command gathered around him.

Including himself, there were seventeen people in the first squad.

"Disperse. Those with tasks at hand, complete them first," Yuto ordered after a pause, "I saw a few people whispering after seeing Kushina Uzumaki. Find a way to shut them up, but be mindful, they're villagers after all."

The Anbu members received their orders. Such minor matters didn't need to trouble the Hokage; Yuto had the authority to decide.

They all left except for one subordinate who remained still.

Yuto's mouth under the mask slightly curved, "Do you have something to say, Naoto?"

Naoto removed his mask and lowered his head deeply, "Captain, three years ago, I had no choice. I couldn't defy the orders of Shinosuke-sama and Meiko-sama. As a branch family member, protecting the main family is an ingrained..."

"It's okay." Yuto cut him off by patting his shoulder with a friendly smile, "I never held it against you."

...

Most of the Anbu's actions involved assassinations and intelligence gathering. The finance department allocated separate funds, and their office location, training grounds, and allowances differed from regular shinobi. The first squad's base was beneath the "Unagiya" tavern, just a street away from the Hokage's office.

Yuto sat behind his desk, carefully reading dossiers and mission records.

The Anbu had five squads, totaling barely over a hundred members. Because they performed sensitive and bloody tasks, squad leaders held significant power. Even crucial information like the "Barrier Team's shift schedule" could be learned if observed closely.

Information flashed through Yuto's mind. He hadn't yet figured out how to lure Hiashi to offer the body, but fortunately, the next erosion outbreak was in two months, so there was no rush.

For now, he just needed to fulfill his duties as a squad leader, awaiting the day he became the Anbu commander.

Yuto was immersed in Konoha's dark secrets for two hours. Stretching, he planned to rest when a knock sounded. After getting his permission, a female Anbu member entered.

She bowed her head, speaking quickly, "Captain, there's trouble."

An issue on the second day of the job...

Yuto sighed inwardly and followed her out, moving swiftly.

"Kenichiro, Hayata, and I were tasked with dealing with the 'tails' following the front-line troops." On the way, the female Anbu explained the situation, "After Minato-sama entered the village, Kenichiro spotted enemy shinobi from Kirigakure."

"But upon discovering them, they sensed us too. We weren't their match. After a skirmish, Kenichiro was captured. I came to report, and Hayata is tracking the Kirigakure shinobi."

"How strong are they?" Yuto asked.

In Konoha, many Chunin trained in the Anbu before promotion. The first squad members were elite, not cannon fodder. For such a team to have one captured by Kirigakure...

"The enemy not only has Shikotsumyaku but also uses peculiar Water Release techniques, far stronger than us." During their swift exchange, Yuto's Byakugan spotted Hayata Uchiha from afar.

"Captain." Hayata slowed down to match their pace:

"The three Kirigakure shinobi are one kilometer ahead. Their combat capabilities are significant, and besides Kaguya and Hozuki, there's another expert... Thanks, Captain."

Yuto used the Mystical Palm Technique to heal Hayata's shoulder while scanning the distant enemies.

Normally, with an Anbu member captured, there was a risk of village secrets being leaked. The best course was to inform the Hokage and request support.

But now, they chose to report only to Yuto.

—The subordinates trusted their captain, the "Lone Lion," believing in his combat prowess.

"Hayata, Shiina, you don't engage. Wait for the right moment to retrieve Kenichiro." Yuto ordered softly, then accelerated towards the Kirigakure shinobi.

No words were wasted. Yuto stomped the ground hard, his Chakra Enhanced Strength causing a massive quake, disorienting the three Kirigakure shinobi who leapt into the air.

Yuto stepped on the flying debris, using the Body Flicker Technique to close in on a Kirigakure shinobi.

This shinobi carried an unconscious Kenichiro but moved swiftly, like a whip, a bone spike emerging to strike Yuto's chest.

Shikotsumyaku: Dance of the Willow!

"First, take down one..." Yuto murmured, reaching out instinctively for the Kaguya Jonin's eye.

The bone spike hit Yuto's chest but was ineffective. The Kaguya Jonin's eyes widened, attempting to dodge Yuto's fingers, but his body wouldn't respond.

—Ninja Art: Disturbance Jutsu!

As he neared the Kaguya Jonin, Yuto disrupted his nervous system.

At that moment, his Byakugan detected a small water sphere.

Sensing danger, Yuto raised his Ryuun Steel-wrapped right arm.

Bang!

The small water sphere had immense weight and hardness, pushing Yuto back. His fingers scratched deep into the Kaguya Jonin's brow, but he couldn't finish him off.

After the water sphere, thick mist engulfed them, boiling with high-temperature steam.

This was no ordinary Hidden Mist Jutsu!

"Revolving Heaven!" Yuto shouted, expending a lot of chakra to block the steam.

Four heavy thuds followed as they landed almost simultaneously.

'With their abilities, they could have easily killed Kenichiro. Letting one escape was a trap for bigger prey...' Yuto thought, observing the three enemies.

The sturdy Kaguya Jonin was only the third in command. The main threat was the white-haired young man, with the red-brown-haired girl as his second.

—Mangetsu Hozuki and Mei Terumi!

"Oh my... Captain, your arm is wrapped in black bandages." Mei Terumi teased, staring at Yuto with murderous intent in her pretty green eyes, but her tone was playful.

"I heard the famous Lone Lion has one of the most handsome faces in the shinobi world, even more charming than the Uchiha. Why not take off your mask and let us admire it?"

"You will definitely see it," Yuto's voice roared like a lion,

"After all... I am always merciful to the dying."

(End of Chapter)