"Haru, are you sure it was Rokudenashi who did it?"
Facing the Third Hokage's questioning, Haru nodded firmly. "Well, it was definitely him who did it. I wouldn't mistake the Flying Thunder God Technique for anything else."
"I'm just not sure how he was able to repel Rasa and the others, but judging from the battlefield, it was a very intense battle."
Thinking back to the chaotic center of the battle, which looked like a beehive, Haru felt a surge of emotion.
"Okay, I understand. Haru, go and transfer Rokudenashi to the hospital. Let the doctors check his condition," the Hokage instructed. "Rinkaku, go and tell Orochimaru to come see me."
Huh? Orochimaru is back in the village?
If Kazuyama knew this, he'd immediately claim he was fine and rush to Orochimaru's lab for another round of experimentation. Unfortunately, he was still sound asleep in the infirmary.
Not long after, Orochimaru arrived at the Hokage building. His expression remained cold and indifferent.
"Sensei, you wanted to see me?"
"Orochimaru, ANBU just sent word. Sunagakure's elite Jōnin, Rasa, is a Magnet Release ninja who controls Gold Dust."
Orochimaru's eyes briefly flickered with surprise.
Gold Dust? Impressive. That would be a significant asset for Sunagakure—both financially and strategically.
"Sensei, are you saying the recent actions by Sunagakure are tied to their financial and combat capabilities?"
Hiruzen nodded. After all, Orochimaru was his disciple and possessed a keen intellect.
"Well... this ninja named Rasa also led a team that tried to break into the Land of Fire but was stopped by the ANBU."
"Now, the pressure on Sunagakure is beginning to increase. If necessary, I need you to personally lead the team to defend the battlefield in the Land of Rivers."
Orochimaru nodded, though a glimmer of curiosity crossed his face. He was clearly intrigued by the ANBU who had managed to repel Rasa.
"Don't be curious. The person who repelled Rasa is your disciple, Kazuyama."
"Huh? Kazuyama?"
Orochimaru was momentarily stunned by Hiruzen's words. He knew his disciple had joined the ANBU—after all, he had been the one to recommend it. But Kazuyama defeating Rasa? That was a bit beyond his expectations.
However, as he reflected on Kazuyama's numerous talents, he quickly reconsidered.
"If it's Kazuyama, then it's not surprising. He's mastered a the Flying Thunder God Technique, and his talent isn't any weaker than Rasa's. Even when compared to geniuses like Namikaze Minato or Fugaku Uchiha, he wouldn't lose."
Orochimaru was well aware of his disciple's abilities, especially his cunning nature. If Kazuyama was capable of plotting even against his own Sensei, dealing with enemies would be far less of a challenge.
"Oh? You think so highly of Kazuyama?"
"This matches what Sakumo Hatake thinks."
Hiruzen took a puff of smoke, nodding. "It seems your judgment was correct. Although this kid doesn't enjoy fighting, his combat prowess in real battles is exceptional."
When Hiruzen first received Haru's report, he was initially shocked. But he quickly came to the same conclusion as Orochimaru: someone who could teach themselves the Flying Thunder God Technique wouldn't be weak in combat.
"Where is Kazuyama now?"
"At the hospital. He wasn't injured, but he's severely exhausted. The ANBU infirmary couldn't do much for him, so I had someone transfer him to the hospital."
"Prepare yourself, Orochimaru. If Sunagakure shows any signs of movement, you must head to the Land of Rivers immediately."
Orochimaru nodded, unfazed. As a ninja, being ready to deploy at a moment's notice was expected.
For now, however, he planned to visit the hospital to check on his disciple. He also had something important to discuss with Kazuyama—something he thought was worth celebrating.
…
Konoha Hospital
Kazuyama was asleep in his hospital bed, an IV bag supplying him with a nutrient solution to help his body recover.
Two people stood by his side—Pakura and Ebisami. Their faces were filled with concern, especially Ebisami's. She looked at Kazuyama lying there as though seeing her own dead friend or husband. Being a ninja was such a cruel profession, where life and death were often left to chance.
The reason they were there was thanks to Haru. He had recognized ANBU Rokudenashi's identity early on, and thinking that Kazuyama's family should know, went straight to his residence to inform Ebisami. Upon hearing the news, Ebisami rushed to the Ninja Academy to grab Pakura, and the two came to the hospital together.
"Doctor, is he going to be okay?"
Pakura glanced at Kazuyama, who looked pale, and for some reason, her heart ached.
"It's nothing serious," the doctor replied. "He's suffering from severe muscle strain, some bone damage, and extreme chakra depletion. He'll recover after some rest."
With that, the doctor left the room, leaving only the three of them: Kazuyama, Ebisami, and Pakura.
"Damn brat," Pakura muttered, her voice tinged with exasperation. "How did he end up like this on a simple mission? He can sneak in and out of Sunagakure so easily, yet…" She trailed off, unable to hide how much she was affected by his condition.
Ebisami, seated in a chair, spoke softly as if to herself, but her words were meant for Pakura. "Ever since his parents died, he's been the pillar of the household. He's worked so hard to support me, Ebisu, and Hayate. In order to put my mind at ease, he rarely takes high-risk missions. He sticks to D-rank or C-rank jobs, even if the pay is lower."
"He used to say, 'What does it matter if the money's less? It's safer. If I do a few more missions, I can make up the difference.'"
The next second, Ebisami laughed out loud:
"This little brat, he obviously has a lot of talent, but he just doesn't want to work hard."
"I asked him, why not put in the effort to train harder and become a Jōnin?"
"Guess what he said?"
"He said, 'Why bother working so hard? Don't you know it's always the ox that works itself to death, but the field never gets tired?'"
Hearing this, both Pakura and Ebisami burst out laughing. Pakura glanced at Kazuyama and chuckled,
"That's exactly what he would say. This guy, I don't know where he picked up all those twisted ideas."
"So lazy that he doesn't want to take an extra step. He uses all his spatial ninjutsu just to get somewhere faster."
Suddenly, a slightly cold voice came from outside the door. "Kazuyama, is there really such a history...?"
"Haha... Looks like I, as a Sensei, still don't know my disciple as well as I thought..."
Orochimaru, exuding a chilling aura, slowly walked into the hospital room from the door. He nodded slightly to Pakura and Ebisami as a greeting.
"Lord Orochimaru?"
Ebisami, who had been a ninja in the same generation as the Sannin, naturally recognized Orochimaru. The difference in their levels, however, was immeasurable. A Sannin was in a league far beyond an ordinary ninja like her.
"I just came to see Kazuyama," Orochimaru said. "As long as I see that he's fine, when he wakes up, could you please give him a message for me? Just tell him I have something important to ask him."
"You must be Pakura..."
Orochimaru's gaze shifted to Pakura, who stood nearby.
Pakura felt her hair stand on end as Orochimaru's eyes locked onto her. His stare was serpentine, and she felt like prey being sized up by a predator.
"Not bad, Kazuyama's judgment is indeed good..."
Orochimaru's gaze fell on the seal on Pakura. "The Five Elements Seal... It's a bit sloppy, but the effect is still okay."
Orochimaru's expertise in Fūinjutsu allowed him to recognize the seal immediately.
If Kazuyama heard that, he'd probably say:
"Pah! You're in no position to lecture me. If you'd done it, it would've been even sloppier than mine!"
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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