"Hallucinogenic? Probably not," Chōmei replied. "My Scale Powder has many effects, but it doesn't cause mental harm."
Kazuyama nodded. Nothing could be perfect, and he didn't expect Scale Powder to be either. Its limitations were understandable, and he wasn't concerned.
"Then we'll try another method—forcefully stimulate him and make him transform into a Tailed Beast," Kazuyama said thoughtfully.
Originally, he had planned to use hallucinogenic drugs, but now it seemed another approach would be needed. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭⚫𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦⚫𝘯𝘦𝘵
"Look at his state—he's already agitated after using Boil Release. If we block his armor and push him to the point of exploding, maybe his anger will force him to lose control and go berserk."
Kazuyama's sharp observation and analytical thinking shone through as he pinpointed the armor Han was wearing as the key to his plan.
"But Kazuyama, are you sure you can get close enough to him without being noticed?" Chōmei asked skeptically.
Kazuyama shook his head. "No one can be entirely confident in a situation ."
After all, Han was not only an elite Jōnin but also a Jinchūriki. The danger was undeniable.
But for Kazuyama, the more dangerous the situation, the more thrilling it became. At this point, he was itching to act.
"No rush. Let's follow him first and find their camp," Kazuyama decided.
They still had a mission to complete, and revealing themselves prematurely wasn't an option. Han had just come out of a battle and was likely on high alert, so patience was crucial. The best way to catch a big fish was with a long line.
At the same time, in Konohagakure:
"Damn it! He actually got away!"
Kushina was fuming outside the Hokage Building. "Lord Third must have been bewitched by him! How could he let Kazuyama go on a mission to the Land of Grass? Damn it! Damn it!"
Beside her, Pakura rubbed her forehead helplessly. Due to Kazuyama's sudden departure from the village, his caretaker duties had been reassigned from him to Sakumo.
Now, it seemed Kushina would have to report to the Ninja Academy instead of dealing with him directly.
"Kushina, don't worry, I've already applied to the Hokage. Fugaku and I will go to the Land of Grass, bring Kazuyama back, and complete the mission at the same time. Right, Fugaku?"
Fugaku's face was grim, his expression radiating a murderous intent so intense it felt almost tangible. Even Minato, standing nearby, didn't dare approach him.
Only Mikoto could break through Fugaku's cold demeanor.
"Fugaku, go get that bastard Kazuyama!" Mikoto encouraged. "And make sure you give him a good beating!"
Hearing her words, Fugaku nodded firmly and strode toward the village gate, his resolve clear.
"Sister Pakura, please take care of Kushina for a few days while I'm gone!"
"Fugaku, let's go! We'll leave together!" But as Minato approached Fugaku to speak, he was met with the piercing glare of the Sharingan—eyes burning with unrestrained killing intent.
"Stay away from me! Otherwise, I'm afraid I won't be able to stop myself from cutting you."
"Until I've dealt with Kazuyama, you're still a suspect!"
Minato's jaw clenched. Damn it! It's all that bastard Kazuyama's fault!
Kazuyama, who had been quietly following Han, suddenly felt his nose tingle. He quickly suppressed the urge to sneeze. Which bastard is cursing me now?
When he finally spotted Iwagakure's temporary camp, his eyes widened in disbelief. No wonder I couldn't figure out where this group of Iwa had been hiding.
What lay before Kazuyama was... a soup house! A hot spring hotel?! He froze in place. Damn it, how did I not notice this?
As Han walked into the building, the person in charge immediately greeted him. "Lord Han, you're back."
"Yes," Han replied gruffly. "Prepare a room for me. I need to rest."
Han's deep, rough voice carried an air of unshakable willpower. Little did he know, every move he made was being closely observed by Kazuyama.
"Chōmei, how much Scale Powder do you think it'll take to block those holes?" Kazuyama asked.
"It's hard to say," Chōmei replied, his voice brimming with energy. "But I think it'll take at least a few pounds. Never mind, I'll just help you refine it when the time comes. We can have as much as we need."
Kazuyama frowned. "That's not the point. We still need an opportunity. Without an enemy, he won't act."
"You're right," Chōmei agreed. "But how do we find him an opponent strong enough to force his hand?"
Both fell into deep thought. Without a credible threat, Han would simply rely on his Boil Release, rendering all of Kazuyama's efforts futile.
"It's fine," Kazuyama finally said. "Since there are Kumogakure ninjas in the Land of Grass, they won't be alone. At worst, we'll wait a couple more days."
Chōmei hummed. "It's a good chance to gather intelligence anyway. Let's see how many more bases they've set up."
Kazuyama didn't just sit idly in the trees like an idiot. He had prepared well in advance, placing Flying Thunder God Technique coordinates throughout the Land of Grass. There were over ten markers in total—hidden near restaurants, inns, and other inconspicuous spots—enough for him to move freely and rest when needed.
Meanwhile, Han remained inside the hot spring house. Kazuyama observed him carefully, noting with frustration that the Jinchūriki hadn't even removed his armor. Instead, Han spent his time training in his room.
Does this guy not even need to go to the bathroom? Kazuyama thought, exasperated, as he continued his vigil.
"Kazuyama, is there a possibility that… I mean, is there a possibility that…"
Chōmei suddenly chimed in, breaking Kazuyama's train of thought.
Kazuyama froze, stunned. Fell asleep? Slept for two days? Wait, he fell asleep?!
"As you can see," Chōmei explained, "the seal and connection between him and Kokuō are very unstable. Using sleep to repair the connection makes sense, right?"
It did make sense… When Kazuyama first bonded with Chōmei, he had fallen asleep too. The overwhelming chakra of a Tailed Beast couldn't be suppressed indefinitely once it became active.
Shit, have I been waiting here for nothing?
"Chōmei… why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"Well… you didn't ask me either."
In their inner world, the man and the Tailed Beast simply stared at each other in exasperation.
"Damn it! Fine! Let's go and test it out."
Kazuyama activated the Transparent Escape Technique and stealthily made his way inside. As he gently cracked open the door, his heart sank—Han truly wasn't responding.
"Damn it, he really is asleep!"
"Two days wasted!" Kazuyama cursed under his breath. "Chōmei, prepare the Scale Powder! Strike first! It doesn't matter when the fight starts—just get him dosed!"
Kazuyama's resolve solidified as he stared at the sleeping Han. "We're doing this."
"Okay, I'm on it!" Chōmei replied, practically buzzing with excitement.
"By the way, Kazuyama, what kind of Scale Powder should I use on him?"
"Damn it! The strongest you've got! Once the paralysis takes effect, there's no way he'll be able to suppress Kokuō."
Kazuyama and Chōmei both laughed in unison, their shared determination unwavering.
Kokuō, prepare to receive a shock from the heavens! Kazuyama grinned inwardly. After all, the Seven-Tails can fly.