Kazuyama appeared in front of the three, laughing. He completely ignored the resentful looks in their eyes, especially Obito, who had just endured close contact with the giant snake.
Afterward, he returned to the mission hall to submit his report. The owner of the cat took one look at her half-dead pet and nearly lost her temper. It was only after Kazuyama and the staff profusely apologized that her anger was temporarily quelled, though the original reward for the mission was cut in half.
The three stared at the pitifully small amount of money in their hands, their expressions turning manic.
"Sensei... You said everything was fine, so why did you have to make it harder?"
"Now all the money is gone!"
Kazuyama gave a faint smile and spoke in a calm, almost philosophical tone.
"Obito, do you know how many D-rank and C-rank missions your sensei has completed? No exaggeration—at this stage, no one has done more than me."
"I believe in one thing: the reward doesn't matter, safety does."
"I've made the missions harder for you because your future path will take you far. Sooner or later, you'll have to face these kinds of challenges."
"All I can do is give you a head start."
"Alright, mission's over! Everyone head home! We'll meet again tomorrow at nine!"
After delivering his speech, Kazuyama vanished with the Flying Thunder God Technique, leaving the three staring blankly as they reflected on his words.
In the following days, Kazuyama led the team through various D-rank missions. Of course, some "unexpected excitement" was inevitable.
For example, while weeding, suddenly unearthing a snake.
Or, while investigating something, getting covered in Scale Powder and sneezing uncontrollably.
In the end, Obito voiced what they were all thinking:
"When there's no actual danger, our biggest threat is Kazuyama-sensei himself!"
Both Kakashi and Rin wholeheartedly agreed.
Kazuyama, upon hearing this, laughed out loud—and promptly increased both the frequency and difficulty of their missions. Thıs content belongs to 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕥⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥
One afternoon, while on a garbage disposal mission, the Kazuyama Team received an unexpected visitor—an ANBU agent.
Kazuyama frowned slightly as the masked figure appeared before him.
It was clear they had an assignment.
"Kazuyama Gekkō, this is from Lord Hokage. You are required to report immediately."
Kazuyama took the scroll, slowly opened it, and read through it carefully before tucking it into his robes.
"I understand. Tell Lord Hokage I'm on my way."
The ANBU nodded and vanished with the Body Flicker Technique.
Kazuyama turned to the three and gave them a reassuring smile.
"I'll be gone for a while. In the meantime, Kakashi will be leading the team."
"Just stick to D-rank missions. If there aren't any, focus on training. I'll check up on you when I return."
With that, he activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and disappeared.
Rin watched him go and smiled.
"Not gonna lie, every time Kazuyama-sensei leaves, he looks really cool."
Her words made Kakashi and Obito exchange glances.
The next second, they both scoffed in unison.
Half a day later, Kazuyama had already left the village, heading straight for the Land of Rice Fields.
According to intelligence, Iwa and Kumo had once again gone to war, with their battle raging in the Land of Rice Fields. More importantly, traces of the Kumo Jinchūriki had been discovered.
This mission was difficult—very difficult—but that was for others. For him, Kazuyama, it was simple. In fact, it was the easiest A-rank mission ever.
The objective? Identify the Jinchūriki fighting for Kumo. But was that even a question? It had to be the new Eight-Tails Jinchūriki—Killer Bee.
Of course, he couldn't just report that without even leaving the village. So, he decided to go through the motions, taking a leisurely stroll through the Land of Rice Fields. He'd wander around for ten days, maybe half a month, then return and submit his findings. This mission was practically a gift.
"Kazuyama, why are you so happy?"
"Do you already know who the new Eight-Tails Jinchūriki is?"
Chōmei, sensing Kazuyama's relaxed mood under the moonlight, was puzzled.
"Of course. It's just the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki," Kazuyama replied casually. "Think of this as a little vacation."
"But the Land of Rice Fields is a battlefield right now. We still need to be careful."
Despite his words, Kazuyama had no intention of exercising caution. When the time came, he would simply use the Transparent Escape Technique and find a good hiding spot. If he came across a lone Iwa or Kumo ninja, he could deal with them easily. And if things got dicey, he'd just use the Flying Thunder God Technique to escape—quick and effortless. There was no need to be careful.
The Land of Rice Fields was a small country bordering Konoha, without its own ninja village or military force. That was why it had become a battlefield.
Its Daimyō, however, was infamous for his greed. If anyone wanted to wage war on his land, they had to pay up. The moment the fighting broke out, he sent letters to the Daimyō of the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning, demanding compensation as if it were his right.
The two great nations, eager to ensure the war yielded greater benefits, quickly sent a hefty sum. And just like that, the Land of Rice Fields became the battleground for Kumo and Iwa.
Upon entering, Kazuyama immediately activated his Transparent Escape Technique and marked a hiding place in case he needed a quick getaway.
Meanwhile, deep in the forest—
Two powerful voices roared in unison.
In an instant, a head flew into the air, blood spraying in a crimson arc across the ground.
"Oh yeah, brother! We're on the attack! Yo, no one can stop us!"
A muscular young man in sunglasses rapped excitedly, his energy infectious. The word iron was engraved on his shoulder, adding to his intimidating presence.
"Let's go! Time to show Iwa the power of our brotherhood!"
"Oh, oh, yes, brother!"
The other man, more solidly built, was none other than the Third Raikage's son—the heir to the Raikage title. He had previously fought Kazuyama and was widely recognized as Kumogakure's next leader.
Together, they formed the legendary AB Combination, a powerful duo passed down through Kumogakure's history!
p@treon com / PinkSnake