From a distance…
Kazuya's expression turned peculiar beneath his mask.
Orochimaru-san, are you sure you're not interested in that "counterfeit" Sharingan?
If you mean it…
It's quite ironic, isn't it?
Even someone as powerful as Orochimaru can be limited by their narrow vision.
Kakashi's Sharingan…
It might just be one of the most powerful Sharingan in the entire history of the Uchiha Clan.
It could even be the strongest!
With both eyes reunited—Kamui for offense, Kamui for defense—even the Otsutsuki would be at a loss.
In the future, Orochimaru would develop an obsessive fascination with the Sharingan.
But for now…
He had just missed his chance to claim one of the strongest eyes of all time!
Ah… that's fate for you.
Kazuya's eyes sharpened.
It was time for him to make his move, to stand out.
Swish!
In a flash of white light, Kazuya appeared before Orochimaru, moving like a bolt of lightning.
Screech!
Before Orochimaru could react, Kazuya had already struck. A swift kunai sliced open Orochimaru's chest, leaving a fresh wound.
"Argh!!"
Orochimaru screamed as he was sent flying, blood gushing from the gash.
Damn it! It was that cursed ANBU again!
First, he'd attacked from behind.
Now, he'd struck from the front.
This ANBU had a twisted sense of fairness!
Standing tall and firm, Kazuya's figure seemed as steady as a mountain, shielding Kakashi from Orochimaru's oppressive presence.
The rescue was flawless, and the sense of security was overwhelming.
"Sensei!?"
Kakashi's pupils dilated in disbelief.
For a moment, he saw the familiar silhouette of his long-gone mentor.
Kakashi stood frozen in place, struggling to grasp the situation. Finally, after a brief pause, he came to his senses.
"Captain… it's you!!"
"Yes," Kazuya nodded, his tone filled with genuine concern. "Sorry, I'm late, Kakashi. Are you hurt?"
"I'm late..."
Those familiar words sent Kakashi reeling again.
It reminded him of that fateful day at Kannabi Bridge, after Rin's death—how his teacher had arrived too late, filled with guilt and apologies.
Why!?
Why, even after everything he had done—even after killing Rin with his own hands—did his captain still come to save him!?
Why!?
Kakashi's heart screamed with confusion and torment.
Meanwhile, Kazuya stared down Orochimaru, his expression resolute and his voice filled with righteous anger.
"Stop this, Orochimaru! I won't allow you to harm the village's ninjas any longer. They…"
"They are my cherished comrades!"
His voice was firm, ringing with conviction.
Kazuya couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction with his performance. Indeed, with the right acting skills, he could radiate the same noble spirit as some of the greatest heroes.
"You…"
Orochimaru staggered to his feet, glaring furiously at Kazuya.
Damn it!
His wounds were crisscrossed—left to right on his back, right to left on his front.
Was this guy practicing drawing X's on him!?
It had to be on purpose!
This ANBU…
Was an insufferable jerk with no bottom line!!!
How infuriating!
At this moment, Orochimaru was seething with rage.
A mere ANBU daring to toy with him like this?
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with cold malice. "Tell me your name, ANBU. If you do, I'll let you live—for now."
The terrifying aura radiating from Orochimaru was enough to make Kakashi's heart skip a beat.
"One day, Orochimaru, you will know my name," Kazuya said calmly.
"Hmph!"
Orochimaru sneered. "I'll remember you, ANBU."
With that…
Poof!
With a puff of smoke, Orochimaru used a smokescreen and disappeared into the night.
Kazuya remained standing where he was, making no effort to chase after him.
He had no intention of killing Orochimaru in the first place.
After all, Orochimaru was like a treasure trove waiting to be plundered. Kazuya fully intended to rely on Orochimaru to perfect the Edo Tensei technique in the future, creating a windfall of opportunities to farm more attributes. Imagine the likes of Hashirama Senju, Madara Uchiha, former Kages, and Jinchuriki appearing again—who knows how much high-quality loot could be gathered!
Kazuya couldn't help but look forward to that day.
As Orochimaru fled...
"Captain…"
"I'm sorry!"
Kakashi said, his face full of guilt.
He was certain that Kazuya hadn't engaged Orochimaru fully because he was concerned for Kakashi's safety.
Kazuya was just… too kindhearted!
"Don't keep apologizing," Kazuya said with a gentle smile. "Kakashi, you're one of my precious comrades. Your life is more important than any mission!"
Is my life… more important than the mission…?
Kakashi's heart trembled. Kazuya truly didn't hold anything against him!
"Captain!"
Kakashi bowed deeply, tears streaming down his face.
At that moment, he felt that Kazuya was the lighthouse in his life, guiding him through the darkness.
…
In the end, despite the Third Hokage holding back and Kazuya being passive, the mission to capture Orochimaru was declared a failure.
Orochimaru was still alive.
The Third Hokage had personally let his beloved student escape.
Kakashi had found a guiding light in his life.
And Kazuya had farmed a heap of high-quality attribute points.
Everyone seemed to walk away happy—a win-win for all involved!
Still, despite letting Orochimaru slip away, the Third Hokage outwardly expressed his fury, immediately summoning every available ANBU team to hunt Orochimaru down.
…Including ROOT.
But having Danzo's ROOT hunt Orochimaru? It felt like asking Bear A to catch Bear B—it just didn't make sense.
"Kazuya!"
On the rooftop of the Hokage Tower, the Third Hokage patted Kazuya on the shoulder, offering him some comfort.
"This mission… you've done exceptionally well. Don't blame yourself for not capturing Orochimaru."
"He's… a formidable ninja. Even I let him slip through my fingers," the Hokage said, a bit of sorrow in his voice.
"Exactly," Nara Shikaku chimed in. "Kazuya, Orochimaru is one of the Legendary Sannin. Just surviving a battle against him unscathed is a remarkable achievement!"
The Third Hokage added seriously, "Indeed, Kazuya. Don't feel guilty. Relax. Once this mission is over, I'll assign you a special task."
"You'll head to the Land of Hot Water," he said.
The Land of Hot Water?
Kazuya was momentarily confused.
What kind of mission could be waiting for him in the Land of Hot Water at a time like this?
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Kazuya nodded, not voicing any objections.
He had played his part perfectly, presenting himself as if the responsibility for Orochimaru's escape lay solely on his shoulders.
He had even gone so far as to request stepping down as ANBU Squad Leader, insisting on taking full responsibility for the failure.
His selfless attitude had greatly moved the Third Hokage.
Look at him…
This was the embodiment of the Will of Fire!
Cherishing comrades, shouldering responsibility, and showing no fear of sacrifice—it was beyond inspiring!
The Third Hokage felt embarrassed by Kazuya's commitment.
In the end, it was his hesitation that allowed Orochimaru to escape. How could he place the blame on Kazuya?
As a result, the Third Hokage's gaze toward Kazuya grew even brighter.
This young man was a true talent that needed to be nurtured and promoted.
Note: If you are interested, read up to chapter 40 at patreon.com/MythicForge11