Kazuyama slowly retracted a snake, leaving behind only the four Iwa ninja who had succumbed to its venom.
"As expected, poison is still the best."
"Tsk, tsk, if you can use poison, just use it—it's more convenient."
Chōmei immediately chimed in.
"Exactly, Kazuyama! I've been telling you forever that poison is the way to go."
"My Scale Powder is really potent now. It hasn't killed anyone yet, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time."
Kazuyama chose to ignore Chōmei's words.
Scale Powder? And it can kill people? Then wouldn't it be Poison Powder instead?
Well, paralysis and sleep are useful, I guess…
Holy shit, this is just like Bulbasaur… Poison, paralysis, sleep—where the hell am I? Isn't this the Naruto world?!
After finishing off the Iwa ninja, Kazuyama approached the three kids.
Before he could say anything, Obito was already bouncing with excitement.
"Kazuyama-sensei, what kind of technique was that?!"
"Was that a snake? So cool! Can I learn it?!"
His Sharingan was still active, but his focus had completely shifted—he had become Kazuyama's number-one fan.
Kazuyama waved him off. "My technique? We'll talk about that later."
"Obito, I'm curious—when did you awaken your Sharingan?"
The moment he asked, Kakashi and Rin exchanged a glance—then suddenly burst out laughing.
Obito, who had just been brimming with energy, instantly wilted.
Kazuyama blinked in confusion.
What's going on? Why is this kid reacting so strongly?
Did he really experience something traumatic?
Like… an old granny ascending to the heavens? No, that can't be it. He's interacted with old ladies before, even on missions…
The next second, Obito stared at Kazuyama with his single-tomoe Sharingan, looking utterly miserable.
Kazuyama was even more confused.
"You brat, why are you looking at me like that?"
"…Don't tell me you awakened your Sharingan because of me?"
The moment the words left his mouth, even he felt ridiculous.
How does that even make sense? I'm alive and well—I'm not some lucky protagonist. I'm just his sensei and team leader.
Nearby, Kakashi could barely contain himself. He was seconds away from bursting into laughter.
"Kazuyama-sensei, do you remember the Ninja Academy graduation exam?"
Graduation exam?
Yeah, he remembered. He had been one of the examiners back then.
As Kakashi spoke, Obito folded his arms, hugged his knees, and crouched down, head hanging low.
Even Saburō Honda and the cart drivers, who had taken cover under the cart during the battle, were left dumbfounded. They had been completely unharmed, yet now they watched with curiosity as the young Uchiha, who had just moments ago unleashed powerful fire techniques and looked truly formidable, suddenly curled up in defeat.
"Do you remember what Obito said when you were testing him?"
Kazuyama rested his chin in his hand, trying to recall. Before he could answer, Rin spoke up with a grin.
"I've had enough of the One Thousand Years of Death technique, and there'll never be a second time!"
The moment she said it, Kazuyama immediately remembered—Obito had said something like that.
And, naturally, the result had been him getting sent flying again by the very same technique.
"That time, Obito got hit by One Thousand Years of Death and collapsed," Kakashi said, barely suppressing his laughter.
"At that moment, he completely lost it. He had been training so hard, practicing ninjutsu nonstop… and yet, in the end, he was still defeated by One Thousand Years of Death!"
"He swore he would never be hit by it again… but in the end, he got wrecked all over again."
"In the depths of his grief and rage, his eyes awakened."
Kakashi struggled to keep a straight face as he recounted the story, but Kazuyama couldn't hold back anymore.
He burst into laughter.
His laughter was so loud that it startled Rin, who quickly covered her ears.
"Ahahaha! Obito, Obito…"
"What did I tell you? You shouldn't run your mouth when you get the chance."
"But hey, at least you gained something from this disaster. I don't think anyone in the Uchiha Clan has ever awakened their Sharingan this easily."
"Hahahaha!"
In the original timeline, Obito had awakened his Sharingan while trying to rescue Rin. His lack of awareness had allowed an enemy to attack from behind, costing Kakashi an eye. Overwhelmed by guilt and fury, Obito had awakened his Two-Tomoe Sharingan and immediately eliminated the hidden enemy.
But now?
Now, Obito had unlocked his Sharingan because of a single One Thousand Years of Death—experiencing an emotional rollercoaster of reluctance, humiliation, and frustration.
Truly unprecedented.
"Ouch! Stop laughing!"
"No matter what, I've awakened my Sharingan! I'm officially a ninja with these eyes!"
"Kakashi, I'll catch up to you soon—with this power!"
Obito stood up, his face flushed red, as he made his bold declaration.
Kazuyama still couldn't wipe the grin off his face. The way Obito had unlocked his Sharingan was just too absurd. If word got out that One Thousand Years of Death had triggered its awakening, it would surely become legendary.
"Alright, alright, I'm done laughing. My face hurts from smiling."
"Obito, awakening your Sharingan is proof of your potential. You've got a bright future ahead, so keep working hard."
"Now, let's get moving. The caravan needs to deliver these supplies as soon as possible."
Under Kazuyama's lead, the convoy set off again.
With no further interference from Iwa, they made quick progress into the southeastern part of the Land of Grass.
Just as they continued forward, several figures suddenly appeared in front of them.
"Yo, Minato."
"Long time no see."
This time, however, it was friendly forces—a team led by Minato.
At the front stood Minato himself, the Yellow Flash of Konoha, and at his side were Dōtō of the Akimichi Clan and Gaku of the Inuzuka Clan.
"Hahaha, Kazuyama, so you're the one handling the supply transport this time."
"Eh? You're not alone—did you come as a team leader?"
Minato glanced at the three young shinobi behind Kazuyama and smiled knowingly.
"I didn't realize it, but our Kazuyama has started leading a team."
Kazuyama shrugged. This team should have been yours in the first place… how the hell did it end up under my command?
Oh well, as long as you don't blame me for poaching your students.
"Gaku, this is my classmate, Jōnin Kazuyama."
"Kazuyama, these are Gaku Inuzuka and Dōtō Akimichi —my current teammates."
The two sides exchanged nods.
Gaku absently stroked his large yellow dog while curiously sizing up Kazuyama.
Recently, Kazuyama had gained quite a reputation in the village. As the disciple of Orochimaru—one of the legendary Sannin—he had completed numerous high-level intelligence missions, thanks in part to his unique Kekkei Genkai.
And to top it off, like Minato, he had also learned the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"These are the supplies assigned to the front lines."
"Make sure they reach the garrison quickly so I can lead the troops back."
Minato nodded, and the group moved deeper into the forest.
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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