The moment Kazuyama stepped out, he discreetly left behind the Flying Thunder God Technique.
But just as he did, he saw something that left him speechless—Orochimaru pulling out a stack of scrolls from his robes, each marked with the bold kanji for "Seal."
It was clear he was setting up defenses for his lab.
Sensei and disciple truly lived up to their reputations—one plotting to steal, the other preparing countermeasures.
Back at his residence, Kazuyama received an unexpected visit from ANBU.
They had orders.
The officer before him was someone he didn't recognize, but the pattern on the mask caught his attention.
That feminine eye design… If he wasn't mistaken, this should be Shinnosuke Sarutobi's wife.
Two ANBU captains showing up at his door? Interesting.
"Rokudenashi, this is your next mission."
"Remember, this assignment is highly important, and Lord Hokage personally decided to send you after careful consideration."
"Take your squad with you."
Kazuyama unrolled the mission scroll, and his eyes immediately locked onto the contents.
Though issued through ANBU, the task itself had little to do with them.
Mission Details:
Rank: A-rank
Objective: Provide security at the Daimyō's mansion for one month
Departure: Three days later
Wait, a mission from the Daimyō of the Land of Fire?
He never expected an assignment like this to land in his lap.
But what really caught his attention was the big red circle drawn around the word "security."
Could it be…?
"Three days later, I'll lead the team," Kazuyama confirmed.
With that, the ANBU operatives vanished, leaving him alone to ponder the true nature of this mission.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, two ANBU stood before the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, discussing the assignment.
"Lord Hokage, are you sure about sending Kazuyama on this mission?"
"You know the Daimyō's residence is facing a threat from Kirigakure."
The two speaking were none other than Shinnosuke and his wife—the son and daughter-in-law of the Third Hokage.
"It is precisely because of Kirigakure's sudden intrusion that I want to send him."
"This kid may not be the best in direct combat, but he's far from weak."
"Take a look at this."
Hiruzen casually placed a piece of intelligence in front of the two.
Though doubtful, they took it—and the moment they read it, their expressions froze.
"One Thousand Years of Death? There's an advanced version of this?"
"You've got to be kidding me. I don't think even Sakumo himself would have thought to refine such a ridiculous technique."
"Huh? Is this information real? A draw with that brute from Kumo?"
"That guy's Lightning Release Chakra Mode isn't something to take lightly."
From Shinnosuke's series of exclamations, it was clear just how shocked he was. His wife wore a similar expression.
Hiruzen flicked some ash from his cigarette and smiled.
"This information came from Tsunade, so it's absolutely reliable."
"Kazuyama has improved rapidly—he's now considered among the stronger Jōnin."
"That's why I assigned him to the Daimyō's mission."
"Besides, this boy is restless. He even went to the Land of Lightning during the war."
Hearing this, Shinnosuke let out a scoffing laugh, his voice full of amusement.
"Come on, there's trouble brewing in the Daimyō's mansion again, isn't there?"
"Sending a brat like him there—aren't you just trying to mess with those people?"
"Father, you should stop saying things like that in front of others."
A father knows his son best, and vice versa.
Hiruzen's smile disappeared as he shot Shinnosuke an irritated glare.
"Hmph, those bureaucrats are blatantly cutting our funding because of the war—during a war, no less!"
"Do they really think I have no temper?"
"Kazuyama is the perfect choice for this mission. Hmph, I hope he makes their lives difficult and gives them a taste of my frustration."
The large red circle around "security" on the mission scroll was his own handiwork.
He fully intended for Kazuyama to take extra care of the Daimyō's security.
The next morning, Kazuyama left his house early.
First, he bought an assortment of daily necessities. Then, after finding a hidden location, he prepared for his journey.
"Chōmei, lend me your chakra. I need to head back to Turtle Island."
"Okay!"
With the support of Chōmei's chakra, he activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.
After a few careful jumps—making sure not to use too much Tailed Beast chakra within the village—he finally arrived back on Turtle Island.
"Hey, isn't that my cheap sensei?"
"You actually know how to come back."
Yugito immediately stood up as soon as she noticed him.
"Here, this should last you a while."
"I've got a mission in three days, so I won't be able to visit for a while."
"Also, these are your training notes. They contain chakra control techniques. By the time I return, I expect you to have improved significantly."
"Oh, and one more thing."
Kazuyama took out two scrolls and placed them on the ground.
Boom!
A burst of smoke cleared, revealing several weapons—kunai, shuriken, and katana.
"Your training includes shuriken practice, so you'll be learning about these weapons as well."
Yugito's face lit up as she scooped up the kunai and shuriken, a smile spreading across her face.
The other scroll contained clothes, also for her.
After handing everything over, Kazuyama suddenly felt less like a teacher and more like a full-time babysitter.
"Thanks, Sensei!"
"Go on your mission already—I won't see you off!"
With her hands full of gifts, Yugito promptly dismissed him, leaving Kazuyama speechless.
"Hmph, brat. If I come back and you haven't met my expectations, expect extra training."
"Leaving now!"
As he vanished, Yugito made a playful face before eagerly sorting through the supplies.
She had to admit, Kazuyama had been pretty good to her—providing food, training, and even clothes.
Back in Konoha, Kazuyama wasted no time slipping into relaxation mode.
After months of running around, he was exhausted.
But before he could even settle down, a familiar red-haired menace barged through his door.
"Kazuyama! Did you see Minato at the front?"
"How is he? Is he hurt?"
Seeing Kushina, who had quite literally broken down his door, Kazuyama sighed.
"Big sister, I just got back. Can't you give me a break?"
"Minato's strong as a monkey. Who's gonna hurt him? As long as he doesn't get himself killed, he'll be fine."
"Besides, his Flying Thunder God Technique is way better than mine."