Uzumaki

Five

The next three years flew by, I graduated from the academy and was allowed to take the Chunin exams. When I passed them I asked when I'd be able to take the Jonin. They said I'd have to wait at least another year. But during a training session to show the Hokage my abilities, the Anbu Black Ops head was intrigued by my skills, and unbeknownst to me I was asked to take the Anbu exam.

I was told it was a practice test to see if I qualified to take the Jonin exam. A four-part exam that showed my stealth, tracking, fighting, and execution abilities. It wasn't difficult at all and I questioned if this practice test was set on easy just in case of them overdoing it. Which I took back because why go easy on someone who wants to rise in rank?

I passed with a perfect score and when I returned to the Hokages office I was told I'd be able to take the Jounin exam in a month's time. When I passed that exam I was told I was being recruited to the Anbu Black Ops if I wished to accept and I was given time to consider it.

So I went to Kushina and her husband since they are both active shinobis I figured they could give me a better sense of what being asked to join the Black Ops meant.

When I approached Kushina she said it was an honor to be asked for most need to apply to try out for the Anbu. "The head of the Black Ops Danzo probably saw your potential. You are a magnificent budding shinobi," Kushina gives me a sad smile.

"Though I know your goals haven't changed. So being in the Anbu might keep you from going to war altogether. Anbu usually gets different missions that don't involve the front lines," Minato adds, knowing me and Kushina huffs.

"You can't take on five nations Yekio and most importantly letting your pain eat you alive will leave you empty when its all said and done," I look at them and question if they really don't know.

"There's nothing for my hatred to feed on. My desires for this world died the day I woke up alone," I thank them for their time and walked to the Hokages mountain and stayed there till sunrise the next day. It's the only place that reminds me of home. I have only one purpose left in this life and that's to avenge my clan. Nothing else matters.

I declined the offer to the Anbu with the response that I believed I could be most useful in the field and not behind a mask. I want my prey to see my face before I end them.

When I told my grandparents I turned down the Anbu position they looked relieved and said it was better for me to be a shinobi and gain some experience before trying the Anbu.

I was told I'd be assigned to a team and I would join them on missions from here on out. I was to meet my team the very next day. I was surprised they have people for a team so quickly.

I was given instructions on the location and time I would meet my team. So I head to Irichramens early. I was curious to see who I'd be working with. I hope they aren't deadweight. I don't need burdens when trying to eliminate the enemy. I take the furthest seat available and wait to order. A few minutes later a young boy enters, gives a very happy greeting and mentions meeting his new teammates today.

He sits two seats away from me and says he'll order now but wishes to wait till everyone arrives for the food to start being made for him. The cook replies with no problem.

He then turns to me and asks if I'm here for the same thing, and if I'd like to order ahead as well.

I agree with both questions and give him my order. I look at my teammate for he was beaming ear to ear at me from the corner of my eye.

"Hi there I'm Kango Ishi. It's nice to meet you? Who are you?" He beams another smile and extends his hand to me. I shake it and introduce myself to him.

"Oh what is this! I see you two have met," I look up when I notice Kushina.

"What are you doing here?" I ask her and she shoots me a beaming smile of her own.

"I am your sensei of course. Kushina Uzumaki at your service," she beams and says we are only missing one.

"No that would be me, Eiji Dyio. Sorry for the lateness. An elderly couple's grocery bag tore open and their cans of food rolled all over the place. I just had to help," a dark-haired, yellow-eyed boy walks in and bows apologetically.

"Oh no worries Eiji, I just got lost," she laughs and motions for him to sit down.

"After today we will be working together to complete missions. So I wish for the three of you to get to know one another. So I thought we meet in my favorite place of all time," she gets hearts in her eyes when she talks about ramen.

"So enjoy this meal on me and from here I would like for us to give proper introductions," Kushina comments before placing her order.

After we ate we headed to the park for formal introductions. Kushina Sensei went first, then Kango Ishi, he was the first of his siblings to get through the chunin exam and it's made his younger siblings excited to graduate as well. He wishes to be a good shinobi for the Leaf and hopes for the chance to protect it.

Eiji Dio goes next and he just wishes to get stronger for he wishes to see how far he can push himself.

I introduce myself and say I wish that this war gives me a chance to get those who helped kill my clan.

Kushina lectures me about vengeance before introducing herself once more and tells us she wishes for us to start training together so we can get used to working with each other. Daily training from that day until we get a mission.