Three days later, Kazuyama stood before the gates of Konohagakure, feeling unexpectedly emotional. It had only been two months since he left, yet it felt like an entire year had passed.
As for Yugito? That was simple. Kazuyama had already sent her back to Turtle Island using the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Whether she had gone willingly or not... that was another story.
Turtle Island was now operating near the South Sea under Kazuyama's orders. With the help of Tailed Beast Chakra, he could fly across the Land of Fire whenever necessary.
That was how he managed to convince Yugito.
He had promised to return once a week, bring food and entertainment, and check on her training progress.
Back in the village, he went straight to the Hokage's office.
After all, he had left a message with Tsunade saying he was heading to the Land of Lightning to gather intelligence. Since that was technically part of his mission, he still had to go through the formalities.
Along the way, he could clearly sense that the village was emptier than before—most of the shinobi had been deployed to the frontlines.
With three villages waging war against Konoha at the same time, the pressure on the village had returned to what it was at the start of the war, if not worse.
When he arrived in front of the Third Hokage, the old man was visibly surprised.
"Kazuyama, you're back?"
"Yes."
"Judging by your appearance, I assume you've gathered all the intelligence you needed from the Land of Lightning?"
Kazuyama nodded, skillfully concealing everything he had actually done and smoothly changing the subject.
"Kumogakure is in turmoil after the Third Raikage's death. The Fourth Raikage has been confirmed as his son, A."
"Kumogakure has pulled back and likely won't be participating in the war any further."
Hiruzen nodded. He could piece together Kumogakure's situation from that alone.
Though Konoha had lost a powerful enemy, the overall situation remained dire.
"I understand. You may go now. Oh, and your sensei, Orochimaru, is still in the village. Go see him."
Then, narrowing his eyes, Hiruzen added, "And you… You brat. Even though the war is over, you were still off gathering intelligence. Have you completely forgotten that you're a Jōnin leader?"
"Kakashi, Obito, and Rin are your responsibility. As their captain, you should be paying attention to them."
…Wasn't this a little embarrassing?
Caught up with Yugito, he had completely forgotten about his three little students. But could anyone really blame him?
Whatever. He'd just have to be a proper team leader now. Two of those kids were clearly promising, and the third… well, who knew?
After leaving the Hokage's office, Kazuyama headed straight to the Ninja Academy. He knew that while he was gone, the trio had been training under Pakura.
When he arrived, he was met with quite the spectacle—his three students locked in battle against a common enemy.
Pakura stood with her arms crossed, her entire figure resembling a massive, fluttering… green butterfly?
Her long green dress did nothing to hinder her attacks.
She didn't even need her hands. Every time she lifted a leg, she sent the three flying.
"Kakashi, remember to adjust your balance while moving fast. Your enemy isn't standing still, waiting for you to hit them."
"Obito, what are you even doing? What have you learned from Guy? Your movements are way too exaggerated!"
"Rin! Control your breathing. You're a Medical-nin first—don't just jump in with them!"
It was a practical Taijutsu lesson. Pakura's Taijutsu was just as refined as her Kekkei Genkai, Scorch Release.
Every kick was just right, countering the attacks of the three effortlessly.
Kazuyama… couldn't help but admire the technique—strictly the technique, of course.
Kakashi and Obito were once again knocked back. The two exchanged a glance before launching an attack together, moving in from both sides like twin dragons.
Just as they were about to strike, Kazuyama suddenly flickered into the battlefield.
"Yo! My disciples! Holding up okay?"
"Don't fight in a skirt. I'll take over."
Before anyone could react, the Flying Thunder God Technique activated.
In the blink of an eye, Pakura was suddenly lifted into Kazuyama's arms—and then both of them disappeared from the field.
They reappeared at the edge of the playground.
Meanwhile, Kakashi and Obito were in for a very unfortunate moment.
Kakashi's right fist collided with Obito's left cheek.
Obito's right fist struck Kakashi's left cheek.
Two screams echoed across the training grounds.
Rin, on the other hand, cheered happily.
"Sensei! When did you get back?"
Pakura, still caught in his arms, turned red.
She wasn't exactly displeased, though.
Kazuyama smirked, setting her down. "Just finished my mission. Figured these three would come running to you for training."
"What? No more classes today?"
Pakura nodded, though a trace of worry crossed her face.
"The war came too fast. Headmaster Hatake and Chen were both sent to the battlefield, so most Academy classes have been moved indoors."
"I've already finished my lessons for the day."
Kazuyama frowned.
Sakumo Hatake and Chen had both been deployed?
They were semi-retired shinobi. If even they had been called back, things had reached a critical point.
Just then, Kakashi and Obito approached, both looking thoroughly miserable.
"Sensei, you finally come back, and this is how you greet me?" Obito grumbled. "Kakashi's fists hurt."
Kakashi nearly punched him again.
Kazuyama chuckled. "Well, I should be able to rest for a few days now that this mission's done. Looks like you three have improved a lot."
"Not bad. Especially you, Rin. I saw your movements earlier—you've made the most progress."
With Pakura's training, Rin's improvement had been remarkable. Though primarily a Medical-nin, her combat skills were sharpening rapidly.
"Alright, it's been a while since we all got together. Let's go—I'm treating you all to dinner."
Kazuyama was practically rolling in cash now. With 500 million ryo in his pocket, he could afford to be generous.
Hearing the word treat, all three kids immediately shouted in unison, "Let's eat barbecue!"
Kazuyama froze.
His face twitched.
For a moment, he almost couldn't hold it together.
The other four stared at him, confused.
"…What's wrong? You used to love barbecue." Pakura eyed him suspiciously.
Why was he acting like this now?
Forcing down the internal struggle, Kazuyama waved a hand.
"It's fine! We can still grill meat and vegetables!"
"…I'm a vegetarian now."
The group collectively stared at him like he'd just announced he was defecting to another village.
Kazuyama? A vegetarian?
What kind of ridiculous nonsense was this?
At the dinner table, they finally learned the truth.
Kazuyama wasn't joking.
He actually refused to eat meat.
The entire meal, he stuck to vegetables the whole time.
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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