"Sensei, Sunagakure is temporarily retreating, and I need to return to Konoha as well."
"After all, the ANBU haven't been able to find me, and I don't know what will happen..."
Watching as Sunagakure withdrew, Kazuyama prepared to return to Konoha. He had been missing for half a month, and in the end, he had landed right in the middle of the battlefield.
This had been truly life-threatening. When he got back, he was definitely going to find out who had sealed his contract scroll.
He had been forced to return using the Summoning Technique.
If it was Ebisami, I'd throw away all her cigarettes!
If it was Pakura… well, what should I do about her?
"Well, let's go back. By the way, did you take care of the lab?"
Kazuyama nodded, then turned to his teacher with a sharp glare.
"Sensei, don't you think you went too far with the prohibitions? The poisonous snake was fine, but why did you release sulfuric acid? I almost disfigured myself!"
Orochimaru snickered.
"If you can't even break some prohibitions, how can you handle the things I've left for you? However, it seems you've passed the test I set for you, Kazuyama. You truly have endless potential."
Kazuyama shook his head helplessly, unsure if the problem was Orochimaru… or himself.
He felt that his teacher was becoming more sinister by the day.
"Then I'll take my leave. I'll report the situation here."
"Yes, go. There won't be any problems on this battlefield for a while."
Leaving the Konoha camp, Kazuyama ran non-stop toward Konohagakure.
By nightfall, the Sunagakure ninja were on the move again.
Noticing that their vanguard leader, Sasori, was missing, a team was dispatched to search for him around the battlefield.
Meanwhile, the effects of the Scale Powder had finally worn off, and Sasori awoke.
"Damn, why did I fall asleep?"
"Huh? What is that? Something slimy?"
Suddenly, he felt something swimming around him, rubbing against his body.
That sensation… gave him a very bad feeling.
His voice was heard by the Sunagakure squad searching for him, and they hurried toward his location.
Just as they neared the cave where he was, a blood-curdling scream rang out, startling everyone!
"Snake!!!"
"Bastard!!! Ahhhhh!"
[Ding! The host's actions have caused Sasori of the Red Sand to have an unsettling encounter with a snake, leading to a loss of composure in front of Sunagakure's ninja. This experience has deepened his fear and disgust toward snakes while further fueling his hatred for Orochimaru. As a result, both Sasori and Orochimaru have suffered setbacks. The host has been rewarded with a 10% increase in progress toward unlocking the second type of Kekkei Genkai!]
[Ding! The host has successfully deceived their own sensei, creating an enemy fueled by explosive hatred! The system acknowledges this move as highly inappropriate! As a reward, the host has been granted a 10% progress boost toward unlocking the second type of Kekkei Genkai!]
"Hah, I have to admit, messing with the Sasori of the Red Sand has its perks," Kazuyama thought, barely holding back his laughter.
A 20% boost to his Kekkei Genkai progress in one go—this was a serious gain. Excited, he immediately pulled up his status panel.
[Kazuyama]
Age: 16
Affiliation: Konohagakure, Gekkō Clan Jōnin, Jinchūriki (Seven-Tails)
Kekkei Genkai: Transparent Escape Technique (Perfectly Mastered), Second Kekkei Genkai (Not Yet Activated – Progress: 45%)
Ninjutsu:
Multiple Shadow Clone Technique
Eight Inner Gates
Flying Thunder God Technique
Fire Release: Fireball, Phoenix Fire
Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall, Double Suicide Decapitation Technique
Wind Release: Protective Wind, Great Breakthrough, Wind Slash
Hidden Shadow Snake Hands
One Thousand Years of Death (1% Power Increase)
Summoning Jutsu (Snake)
[Senjutsu]: Ryūchi Cave Senjutsu (Not Activated), Natural Energy (Beginner Level)
[Tailed Beast]: Chōmei – Affinity: 100%, Tailed Beast Transformation: 90%
(Note: Once transformation reaches 100%, Tailed Beast Ball can be used.)
Stats:
Strength: 67
Speed: 70
Chakra: 70
Stamina: 82
Ninjutsu: 86
Taijutsu: 50
Genjutsu: 61
Hand Seals: 58
[Ding! Reminder: Panel settings are based on the Book of Combatants, with a ratio of approximately 1:10.]
Though his stats hadn't improved much, Kazuyama felt a surge of exhilaration knowing his second Kekkei Genkai was nearly halfway to activation. The mere thought of what kind of ability it might unlock sent a thrill through him.
It took him a full day to run from the battlefield in the Land of Rivers back to Konohagakure. Thanks to the Flying Thunder God Technique, he managed to cut down his travel time by making several jumps upon entering the Land of Fire.
However, the moment he stepped into the village, the ANBU spotted him.
By the time he reached his home, he found himself face-to-face with an ANBU squad—led by none other than Shinnosuke Sarutobi.
"Damn it! Didn't I tell you to stay in the village?!"
"How dare you leave without permission!"
"Do you take my words for nothing?!"
Shinnosuke went berserk the moment he saw Kazuyama, grabbing him by the collar and launching into a furious tirade. His voice was so loud it shook the entire house, startling Pakura, Ebisami, and Ebisu, who were inside.
The three rushed out, only to see a masked ANBU officer holding Kazuyama by the collar.
"What are you doing?! Let him go!" Ebisami was the first to speak, her voice full of displeasure.
"Hmph!" Shinnosuke scoffed. "I'll spare your dignity in front of your family, but you'd better have a damn good explanation!"
He let go of Kazuyama, but his tone remained sharp. He had warned him repeatedly, yet Kazuyama had still snuck out of the village. It infuriated him!
Kazuyama wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. It wasn't that he didn't want to run—he was just too exhausted.
Besides, as an ANBU member, disappearing for half a month without a trace was a serious offense. If he were the commander and one of his subordinates had pulled this stunt, he'd be furious too.
"I really didn't mean to—it was an accident."
"Since you're already here, come inside. You'll understand once you see."
Kazuyama gestured for Pakura and the others to stay calm before leading Shinnosuke into the house.
"Hmph, this better be good," Shinnosuke muttered. "You guys, leave for now."
Dismissing the other ANBU, he followed Kazuyama inside. Pakura, Ebisami, and Ebisu trailed behind.
Once inside, Kazuyama stormed straight to his room and began rummaging through his belongings. Moments later, he stomped out, holding a scroll wrapped in string. His expression was livid.
"Alright, Pakura, Aunt Ebisami—tell me! Which one of you closed my scroll?!"
"And tied a bunch of knots?!"
Pakura blinked. Scroll? What scroll?
Ebisami crossed her arms. I don't know… What was that scroll for?
Shinnosuke narrowed his eyes. A scroll? Boy, if you don't explain yourself, I'll take that scroll and stuff it down your throat!
Ebisu adjusted his glasses, looking confused. Huh? A scroll? I have no idea what it's for.
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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