Just as Kazuyama was about to retreat, a sudden notification made him change his mind.
[Ding! Spotting the host peeping at Tsunade, one of the Konoha Sannin, rewards a +1% progress in the second type of Kekkei Genkai!]
Oh? Peeping at Tsunade actually comes with such a good reward?
No wonder Jiraiya used to spy on Tsunade while she bathed. Even if you get beaten half to death, it's still worth it!
I have to keep watching!
Determined to rack up more rewards, Kazuyama remained on the wall, carefully observing the scenery in the hot spring. He ignored the smaller figure, who looked like a bean sprout, and focused entirely on Tsunade.
She truly was the most beautiful woman in the Ninja World, and her figure… words failed him.
"Lady Tsunade, are you really not going to help on the battlefield in the Land of Rivers?"
Kazuyama frowned slightly at Shizune's sudden question.
The situation in the Land of Rivers isn't good?
Something new must have happened.
"No, why should I?" Tsunade scoffed. "Isn't Orochimaru there? Hmph! It's just that Chiyo has made some new poison again. Konoha is full of capable people—whether I go or not doesn't matter."
She took another drink, a hint of displeasure crossing her face. Then, leaning against the stone behind her, she gazed at the sky, lost in thought.
Seeing Tsunade's mood darken, Shizune wisely fell silent.
Kazuyama, on the other hand, let out a quiet sigh.
Tsunade had become like this partly due to her fear of blood, but more so because of the years of war and the loss of those dear to her. To escape the cruel reality, she chose to numb herself with alcohol rather than continue struggling against fate.
But just as he sighed—
"Who's there?!"
Tsunade suddenly hurled her sake bottle at the wall with terrifying force.
Kazuyama's eyes widened in shock. Damn! I let out a sigh!
Just before the bottle shattered against the stone, he instinctively activated the Flying Thunder God Technique, disappearing in an instant and reappearing safely in his own room.
Back at the hot spring, the sake bottle exploded on impact, shards scattering across the ground.
Shizune turned toward the noise but saw nothing.
"Lady Tsunade, have you been drinking too much? Maybe you're just hearing things?"
Tsunade frowned, shaking her head seriously.
"Shizune, do you not believe me?! I know I heard something!"
But Shizune simply gave her a look—the kind that said Of course, Lady Tsunade, you're always right.
That only irritated Tsunade further.
Meanwhile, back in his room, Kazuyama let out a long sigh of relief.
If Tsunade had caught him, he'd be in for a world of pain. Even Jiraiya barely survived her punches, and his body definitely wouldn't withstand one.
For the sake of his life, he didn't dare stay another second. That very night, he checked out of the hotel and bolted straight for Konoha.
…
The next day, Kazuyama Gekkō headed straight for the Hokage Building.
He had rushed back to Konoha overnight.
"Lord Hokage, we now have a clear picture of the Kumo Jinchūriki," he reported. "His name is Killer Bee, from Kumo's AB Team. He's incredibly strong—I personally saw him use the power of a Tailed Beast to defeat Iwa's Explosion Corps member, Gari, in the Land of Rice Fields."
Kazuyama paused before continuing, "Furthermore, the battle in the Land of Rice Fields is escalating. The Third Tsuchikage's son, Kitsuchi, and the Third Raikage's son, A, are both there."
Listening to the report, Hiruzen Sarutobi observed Kazuyama's exhausted appearance and nodded in satisfaction. It was rare to find such a diligent shinobi these days. Orochimaru had trained him well.
However, Hiruzen's expression soon darkened.
"You've done well," he acknowledged. "Kumo and Iwa can fight each other as long as they don't turn their attention to us. But the situation on the battlefield in the Land of Rivers is troubling—all our top combatants are deployed there."
Kazuyama wasn't surprised. He had already heard about the situation from Tsunade. Sunagakure must be feeling quite confident.
Hiruzen stood up. "There's a meeting soon. You'll come with me."
"This meeting is to discuss how to handle the main battlefield in the Land of Rivers."
Without giving Kazuyama a chance to refuse, Hiruzen walked out.
Kazuyama sighed inwardly. He had no desire to attend, but what choice did he have when the Hokage himself had spoken? Reluctantly, he followed.
Inside the Meeting Room.
Kazuyama was surprised by how many people had gathered. The leaders of every major clan were present, along with Konoha's top strategists and advisors.
The moment Hiruzen stepped in, a familiar voice rang out.
"Hiruzen, you're late!"
Danzō, ever the opportunist, seized the chance to attack. "Late to such an important meeting—what a disgrace!"
Homura and Koharu glanced at Hiruzen with mild skepticism, waiting for an explanation.
Hiruzen exhaled sharply. "Hmph. Danzō, must you always be a thorn in my side?"
He pulled out the chair at the head of the table and sat down, while Kazuyama stood behind him.
"Kazuyama Gekkō has just returned with intelligence on the war between Kumo and Iwa," Hiruzen continued. "I may be a little late, but I believe everyone here is more interested in hearing about the situation in the Land of Rice Fields, wouldn't you agree?"
"Oh? The situation in Kumo and Iwa?"
Homura, as one of the Hokage's advisors, nodded. "This is good news. Kazuyama, tell us more about what you've found."
He was well aware of the current state of affairs, and receiving such intelligence at this time was invaluable. The leaders of the major clans also nodded in agreement.
Under Hiruzen's instruction, Kazuyama once again detailed the ongoing conflict between Kumo and Iwa in Tanokuni.
Reactions varied. Most looked relieved, but a few high-ranking officials, including the Nara Clan Head, appeared more serious.
"Even though both sides are fighting, neither has committed their full forces," the Nara Clan representative pointed out.
"For instance, Iwagakure still has both of their Jinchūriki stationed in the Land of Grass, clearly keeping an eye on Konoha. Meanwhile, Kumo has forces stationed in the Land of Hot Water. We must remain cautious of both."
Hiruzen nodded. "That may be true, but right now, the greater threat is on the battlefield in the Land of Rivers. Orochimaru's forces are nearing a breaking point."
He glanced at the reports in front of him. "According to intelligence, Sunagakure has deployed its highest-ranking fighters, including Chiyo, Rasa, and Kankichi, to the Land of Rivers. On top of that, they've introduced a new poison, which has put our troops at serious risk."
"If Orochimaru hadn't used a Jōnin-level Summoning Technique to counter it, our losses would have been even worse."
The room fell silent at Hiruzen's words.
"Hmph," Homura scoffed. "Is Sunagakure planning to use their entire village's strength against us? Do they really think Konoha has no one capable of matching them?"
He glanced around the room. "I propose that the Uchiha, Hyūga, and other major clans send Jōnin to reinforce the Land of Rivers battlefield. If Sunagakure wants a fight, then we'll give them one."
His suggestion made several clan heads frown slightly.
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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