Chapter 27:
"Hiruzen-sama, are you sure it's a wise decision to bring these children here?"
As they moved stealthily through the dense jungle, one of the ANBU members glanced over at Orochimaru and the others, his voice full of doubt.
The ANBU squad was directly affiliated with the Hokage and usually handled highly specialized tasks, so they didn't often cross paths with others. They knew of Tsunade being a member of the prestigious Senju clan but they had no idea who Jiraiya and Orochimaru were.
On the battlefield, age wasn't the only concern. What truly mattered was whether someone had the strength to hold their own in a fight. Would these children be able to keep up, or worse, would they become liabilities in the heat of battle?
Tsunade, being a Senju and a direct descendant of both the First and Second Hokage, was an exception. Even if her strength wasn't fully developed, no one could completely disregard her potential. But Jiraiya and Orochimaru? They were clearly from civilian backgrounds. How much combat ability could children of commoners really possess?
"Eagle, don't underestimate them," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a slight smile, understanding the ANBU captain's skepticism. "If a fight breaks out, you might be surprised. You could end up being no match for them."
ANBU members each had codenames, and this captain's was "Eagle."
Eagle's eyes narrowed in dissatisfaction at Sarutobi's words. "With all due respect, Hiruzen-sama, I know they're your disciples, but don't you think that's a bit much?"
"That's right, they're just kids!" one of the other ANBU chimed in.