Chapter 119: The Butterfly Effect

Chapter 119 - The Butterfly Effect After watching the match between Ren and Yoru, Hiruzen had already returned to his office. He sat quietly, puffing on his pipe, eyes scanning the horizon through the open window. As expected, not even a minute passed before a flicker of movement signaled Yoru's arrival. The ANBU Commander appeared silently in front of the desk, standing at attention. Hiruzen gave a slight smile. "I must say, I was surprised that the boy caught onto Hyperfocus so quickly." Yoru didn't seem surprised. "I told you before. The boy's reflexes are beyond normal. They were likely extreme from birth. If you had pushed him earlier, he might have already mastered that state." Hiruzen let out a thoughtful hum. "I did consider doing it after they survived the masked man but Utakata wouldn't have been able to push Ren the way you did. I was occupied at the time, and the moment slipped by." He took another puff from his pipe. "In any case, it's good that he learned it from you. If Utakata had been tasked with it, he might have spoon-fed the boy. That would've made it easier for Ren, sure, but detrimental in the long run." Then, glancing sideways at Yoru, he asked, "But tell me, were the weapons really necessary? I don't agree with his neglect of weapons either, but learning so many, isn't that overkill? Even with shadow clones, it's a massive drain." Yoru remained unfazed. "It's less about necessity and more about teaching a lesson. The boy has a unique advantage with the shadow clones and yet, he still slacks off, picking and choosing what he trains. He needs to understand that when you're given an advantage, you don't just use it, you maximize it." His tone turned resolute. "Today it's weapons. Tomorrow, it'll be something else. I'll make sure he becomes the best all-rounder shinobi the village and the shinobi world has ever seen. If that's his potential, then he's going to fulfill it under my watch." Yoru looked Hiruzen in the eyes. "For that, I request complete freedom in how I train him. No interference. Not from you. Not from Juichi. Not even from Utakata. And especially not from Danzo." Hiruzen went quiet for a moment. Then he nodded. "Very well. Since the boy is now under your command, I'll honor that. As for Danzo, he already got what he wanted to know during the Chunin Exams. He won't interfere anymore. You have full authority over Ren's development now. I trust you'll do it right." Yoru nodded and flickered away. Hiruzen leaned back in his chair and exhaled a long puff of smoke. "Things will be quiet for a while. I suppose that's better than constant chaos." ~~~ As Yoru had instructed, Ren was granted one month to adjust to his new training routine and integrate with the ANBU structure. He didn't waste time. He quickly put together a personal training schedule that would push him to his limits. Since the ANBU Command Base had quarters for each Number, he didn't technically need to return home but he still did, every morning. A habit he didn't want to break. Each day began with intense physical training at dawn. As soon as he began, he created 70 shadow clones, using only the bare minimum chakra per clone to maximize efficiency. Fifty-eight clones were assigned a weapon each from the scroll Yoru had given him. It contained everything from senbon and kunai to war fans and the legendary swords of the Mist. The remaining 12 clones were focused entirely on Fuinjutsu, aiming to push his mastery beyond the 50% mark into intermediate level. Once the clones were settled in the basement for their respective tasks, Ren used whatever chakra he had left to create additional clones for elemental ninjutsu training, specifically for wind, earth, fire, lightning, and space release. He didn't assign any to yang release anymore; his mastery there was already beyond satisfactory for now. After finishing his physical conditioning, he would return to the ANBU Command Base and enter the trap training room. It was an isolated chamber built specifically to sharpen the Hyperfocus state. With six escalating levels of difficulty, each filled with pressure-triggered traps, sensor-based threats, and close-range projectile weapons, it was the perfect place to learn how to sync his body and mind. He trained here daily, running simulations, observing, adapting, and pushing his limits until even his instincts began to feel calculated. When his body was too strained for another round of traps, Ren would move on to sparring sessions with any available Number, slowly growing accustomed to their techniques and rhythm. Each member had a distinct fighting style, and Ren worked hard to adjust to them all. To handle the administrative side of his ANBU induction, a clone took his place during briefings with Yoru. It was another one of the commander's suggestions. Ren learned how ANBU missions were received, organized, and executed. It was boring, but necessary knowledge if he were ever to lead. Just like that, thirty days passed in a blur of routine, pain, and progress. Then, on the final day of the month, Ren stood once again in the center of the training ground looking at his status. [NAME]: Ren Takahashi [LEVEL]: 63 (62 >> 63) [ATTRIBUTES] Strength: 63 (62 >> 63) Agility: 70 (69 >> 70) Intelligence: 72 (71 >> 72) Vitality: 79 Chakra: 79 [Available Stat Points]: 3 Jonin Level Points [Talents]: Improved Chakra Control, Enhanced Reflexes (Ex), Genjutsu Resistance (S+), Fuinjutsu (Minor Uzumaki) [MASTERY PANEL]: Wind Style Mastery - 68% (64 >> 68) (Intermediate) Earth Style Mastery - 79% (78 >> 79) (Advanced) Chakra Enhancement Mastery - 79% (77 >> 79) (Intermediate) Chakra Control - 86% (Advanced) Shadow Clone Mastery - 84% (80 >> 84) (Advanced) Fuinjutsu Mastery - 51 % (48 >> 51) (Intermediate) Yang Release Mastery - 84% (Advanced) Fire Release Mastery- 59% (51 >> 59) (Intermediate) Space Release Mastery- 37% (35 >> 37) (Basic) Iryojutsu Mastery- 60% (50 >> 60) (Intermediate) Lightning Release Mastery- 25% (Beginner) Bukijutsu (Weaponry)- 23% (Beginner) [MASTERY POINTS]: 8 Intermediate Level Points (7+1) 5 Advanced Level Points 2 Master Level Points [NINJA PANEL] Ninjutsu: 67/100 (60 >> 67) Taijutsu: 69/100 (62 >> 69) Genjutsu: 50/100 (43 >> 50) Fuinjutsu: 51/100 (48 >> 51) The greatest effect this month's training had was on shadow clone jutsu, space mastery and a new mastery called Bukijutsu, which came after Ren had learned 10 weapons. Before he could assess his stats any further Yoru came. He began, "You've adjusted well this month. Your foundational training is complete for now." He glanced at Shinnosuke, who stepped forward without needing to be prompted. "You'll accompany Number 1 for your first mission. Treat this as a learning experience." Ren gave a nod. "Understood." Yoru walked over to a plain, metal box set on a nearby table. With a small click, he opened it to reveal several neatly arranged animal masks, each carved in fine detail. He stepped aside and gestured. "Since you'll also be joining the rotation of regular ANBU squads under Number 1's command, you'll need an animal mask. Choose." Ren walked over, eyes scanning through the contents. There were foxes, wolves, cats, bears, even an eagle. But tucked slightly toward the back was a butterfly mask. It wasn't flashy, just clean white with purple accents on the edges of its wings. The moment he saw it, he reached out and picked it up. "This one." Yoru nodded once, then closed the box without commenting. "From now on, you'll be addressed as Butterfly during ANBU operations." Ren tucked the mask under his arm as Yoru turned to Shinnosuke. "Prepare him for deployment. You leave in one hour." "Yes, Commander," Shinnosuke replied simply. Ren gave one last glance to the other Numbers before following his temporary captain out of the chamber. Shinnosuke led Ren through a quieter part of the ANBU base, where the lighting was dim and corridors twisted into a network of identical passageways. Most shinobi wouldn't be able to remember their way back without prior experience, but Ren committed every turn to memory without slowing his pace. As they walked, Shinnosuke spoke over his shoulder. "You'll be attached to my animal squad for the foreseeable future. You won't be treated as a trainee. You're in the field, you do your job." "Understood." "There's a reason the Commander chose my squad for you. Of the four of us, I operate the most structured unit. You'll adapt faster here." Ren didn't comment. The compliment was more about the squad than about him, and Shinnosuke didn't seem like the type to say things without a reason. Soon, they stopped in front of a sealed stone door, its center engraved with the ANBU insignia. Shinnosuke made a quick set of hand signs, and the door slid open with a faint grinding sound. Inside the room was a standard ANBU-ready chamber with weapon racks, mission logs, and a board tracking assignments. But more importantly, three masked individuals were already waiting inside, seated calmly and watching the entrance. Shinnosuke stepped aside to let Ren in and then addressed the group. "We've got a new member attached to us starting today. Temporary assignment, but full operational authority." They didn't speak, but each gave a slight nod in acknowledgement. Ren, now wearing his butterfly mask, took a quick look at each of them. Their posture, the subtle movements, and the faint chakra signatures told him enough, but the system overlay in his mind helped even more. Rabbit Mask : Aiko Nara : Level 63 Her frame was slender but poised, and even through the mask, Ren could tell her chakra flow was carefully restrained, classic of someone from the Nara clan. She would be the strategist, most likely. Owl Mask : Juro Homura : Level 66 His build was broader, and his movements heavier. The Homura clan didn't have wide fame,but they were still known due to their leader being an elder of the village. Deer Mask : Saya : Civilian : Level 61 She stood the straightest, showing no sign of discomfort despite the presence of someone new. She looked quite nimble, and even though she had a calming presence but Ren still had a feeling that she was the most assassin like ninja he had seen. Shinnosuke didn't bother listing names. Instead, he gave a firm nod and spoke to the group. "Butterfly will be joining us for the next sequence of missions. Treat him like any other operative. No questions, no allowances." The three nodded again in sync. Ren stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Looking forward to working with you." Rabbit Mask tilted her head slightly. "Same here." Her voice was quiet but firm. Owl Mask grunted something that might have been agreement. Deer Mask gave a soft, "Welcome." Shinnosuke clapped his hands once. "Briefing in ten minutes. Gear up. Mission starts by nightfall." The team dispersed immediately, heading toward the weapon racks and supply lockers around the perimeter. Ren didn't move just yet. Instead, he watched each of them carefully, already cataloging their movement styles, strengths, and flaws. Exactly ten minutes later, the team was assembled in the small operations room adjacent to the main hall. The walls were stone, the lighting was neutral, and a single scroll sat on the briefing table. Shinnosuke stood at the head, arms crossed, waiting for silence before he began. "This is a B-rank reconnaissance and disruption mission with potential to escalate to A-rank depending on engagement outcomes," he began, his voice even and clear. "Location: Border territory between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rivers." He unsealed the scroll and laid out a rough map of the region. Several markers had already been placed on it. "We have confirmed movement of a caravan moving supplies to a group of rogue shinobi operating outside the border of River Country. Intel suggests they're currently avoiding direct conflict with any major nation, but they're arming themselves well. Leaf's directive is simple. Observe, identify, and eliminate the shipment if appropriate." He tapped a marked trail. "The caravan moves through this point at dawn tomorrow. That gives us approximately fourteen hours. We move immediately, travel by night, and intercept before the cargo reaches the border. Our goal is to confirm what they're transporting and, if it's military-grade supplies or contraband, destroy it. Lethal force is authorized but not required." Shinnosuke made eye contact with each of the masked operatives. "We'll deploy in standard formation. I'll lead. Rabbit, you'll manage observation and set up the trap net. Owl, take the right flank and hold position until confirmation. Deer, you're center support and medical fallback. Butterfly, you're tailing me until combat engagement, then you'll rotate to forward disruption." Ren nodded once. "Understood." Shinnosuke added, "We operate under silent protocol. Communication via hand signs and pre-established signals. No chakra flaring, no jutsu testing, and no waste. This is ANBU. Complete the mission and return silent. No trace." He rolled the map back up and sealed it in his scroll pouch. "Gear check. Five minutes." The operatives dispersed with practiced movements. Each headed to the racks without wasting time. Ren was already equipped with his standard set of basic tools, reinforced gloves, chakra suppressor tags, and the kunai and tanto issued by the ANBU. He also took out a few weapons given by Yoru that he was able to use well and stored them in his belt. The butterfly mask fit snug and secure on his face, and his black uniform sat tight against his body, standard-issue ANBU gear modified for his movement range. Rabbit strapped a slim scroll case to her thigh which was most likely a shadow paralysis deployment kit. Owl took a fire-inscribed tag from a compartment and tucked it under his bracer. Deer packed a few glowing vials and a lot of scalpel into her pouch. Each worked in silence, no wasted motion. Ren finished his check, then met eyes with Shinnosuke, who gave a short nod. "Let's move." ~~~~~ {A quick ANBU initiation since I didn't want this to drag on for too long Any questions you might have will be answered in the future Chapters but still ask away in the comments.} {A new cover too, this one is based on Ren's ANBU uniform as a member of the Commander's squad, he wouldn't be donning this regularly, the first time he wore the full uniform is in the latest pat-reon Chapter when the next S-Rank mission arc starts.} {New cover/ ANBU uniform} {One more important thing, I added a poll on pat-reon (free for all, member or not) about the Uchiha Massacre so go vote there and tell me your opinions in the comment section there.} {Also last double release, after this I really wouldn't be able to maintain the pat-reon benefits so don't be stingy with the stones.} {If you want to, you can support me on pat-reon.} {Thanks Pizaaaaaaa and Pavan for becoming members on pat-reon.} { h t t p s : / / w w w . p a t r e o n . c o m / Z e e n o n } {You know what else to do} {STONES!!!!}