Naruto: Wood-Wood Fruit

Two days later.

In Konoha Village.

Inside the Hokage's Office.

The "Konoha Four Beauties" squad returned from their mission, successful and intact.

"I didn't expect two S-ranked rogue ninjas to appear in this mission. 

It looks like with Kiyoshi's support, all of you have made significant progress in strength." Hiruzen mused as he listened to Kurenai's report.

Surprised yet relieved, he added, "But thankfully, everyone made it back safely. You've all worked hard."

He hadn't expected that this mission would involve the likes of Zabuza Momochi.

Moreover, Kurenai and her team had managed to defeat not only Zabuza but also Kurosuki Raiga, another S-ranked rogue ninja, and return unscathed.

It was nothing short of miraculous.

"This is what we should do, Hokage-sama." Kurenai replied with a gentle smile.

"So, Anko, have you fully mastered Orochimaru's cursed seal?" Hiruzen took a contemplative puff from his pipe and glanced at Anko.

He was also considering her earlier request, whether to officially pass on one of the Seven Swords of the Mist, the Thunder Swords, Kiba, to her.

After all, these famed blades were politically sensitive, potentially stirring up diplomatic issues.

"Yes, Hokage-sama." Anko replied, clenching her fists in determination.

"Thanks to Kiyoshi's modifications, the cursed seal now has no negative side effects, and its power is even stronger."

"According to Kiyoshi, the cursed seal is actually a variation of Sage Mode. However, Orochimaru's Heavens Cursed Seal is a weakened version."

"But my curse transformation is true Sage Mode, almost like a different form of Sage transformation."

She cradled the dual swords, her gaze bright and hopeful as she looked expectantly at Hiruzen.

To be honest, she had grown rather attached to the Thunder Swords. She didn't want to give them up.

"Sage Mode, huh?" 

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed, a look of astonishment flashing across his face. "No wonder such overwhelming power was unleashed."

This revelation led him to reassess Kiyoshi's abilities.

To have effortlessly refined Orochimaru's curse seal and allowed Anko to unlock a version of Sage Mode.

It was likely that Kiyoshi had mastered Sage Mode himself.

He had not only awakened Wood Release and possessed chakra on par with a Tailed Beast.

But he had also mastered Sage Mode.

Hiruzen was left speechless.

He silently counted his blessings for having stopped Homura and Koharu from causing Kiyoshi any trouble.

He couldn't even imagine the potential power of Sage level Wood Release if Kiyoshi unleashed his full strength.

If Kiyoshi had been around nine years ago, he might have had the ability to single-handedly subdue the Nine-Tails, said to be the mightiest of the Tailed Beasts.

"Alright, Anko, you may keep the Thunder Swords," he finally declared, a decision forming in his mind.

Considering Kiyoshi and Anko's close, sibling-like bond, Hiruzen, typically known for his cautious approach, made a rare bold decision.

He exhaled a cloud of smoke and, with a smile, told Anko, "I trust you'll use it well to protect the village."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama. I promise to use it to safeguard Konoha." 

Anko was thrilled, bowing in gratitude.

She was, after all, a loyal Konoha shinobi. If she had ever considered abandoning the village, she would have left with Orochimaru long ago.

She didn't need Hiruzen's assurance, protecting Konoha was already her priority.

Yet, protecting Konoha didn't mean protecting its leadership.

She was very clear about her loyalties and boundaries.

"Yes, your strength has surpassed expectations. From today onward, Anko, you are officially a Jonin of Konoha."

Taking into account Anko's ability to take down Raiga single-handedly, Hiruzen saw that her strength had far exceeded the Special Jonin level, placing her firmly in the ranks of elite Jonin.

So he decided to promote her to a full Konoha Jonin, dropping the "Special" prefix from her title.

"Really? That's amazing."

Anko's eyes sparkled, unable to hide her delight.

She practically jumped with joy. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."

"Congratulations, Anko-san." Kurenai, Hana, and Yugao all smiled and offered their congratulations.

Given Anko's abilities and achievements, they knew the promotion was well-deserved.

"Heehee…." 

"Take a few days off, everyone. You've earned it." 

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

---

Not long after, Hiruzen found himself alone with Yugao, who had returned to report more details of the mission.

After hearing her out, he was deeply moved.

"Kurenai not only has remarkable sensory abilities but also an eye technique that allows her to see up to ten miles away, rivaling the Byakugan?"

He took a sharp breath, stunned. "And Anko possesses not only the curse seal but also the rare Kekkei Genkai of Dark Release?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Yugao confirmed with respect.

She knew that while Kurenai and Anko hadn't openly revealed their powers, they hadn't hidden them either.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have shown such abilities in front of her.

Relieved, she proceeded to summarize the mission in detail based on Kurenai's initial report.

"Kurenai's eyes glow with red chakra. That must be the legendary Red Eyes, rumored to rival the Byakugan and thought to have vanished in the Warring States Period."

As the Hokage of Konoha, and a member of the prestigious Sarutobi clan, Hiruzen's knowledge was second only to Danzo's.

He quickly deduced that Kurenai's ability was likely the fabled Red Eyes.

"Remarkable," he murmured, puffing on his pipe in awe. "To think he's developed a Forbidden Jutsu that can grant others a Kekkei Genkai."

"Hokage-sama. Is there truly such a Forbidden Jutsu in this world?" 

Yugao asked, still incredulous.

Even though she had witnessed it with her own eyes, she found it hard to believe.

"I'm not certain, it's only a theory." Hiruzen's expression grew complex, yet his gratitude was sincere. "Thankfully, such a genius belongs to Konoha."

He couldn't bear to imagine.

If Kiyoshi had been from another village, what a terrifying force he would be.

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