Kazuya… becoming Tsunade's student?!
Tsunade… is she even worthy?!
Kazuya's strength was already at a level equal to hers, so why should he need to become her disciple?
Jiraiya's first reaction to this idea was that it was completely absurd.
On top of that, Kazuya's strengths were completely different from Tsunade's medical ninjutsu expertise.
Did the old man seriously want to turn Kazuya into a medical ninja?
That would be a joke!
Why take a genius who had mastered the Flying Thunder God and make him a doctor?
It would be a waste of his talent!
Jiraiya was about to voice his disapproval when he noticed the meaningful smile on Hiruzen's face.
This...
Suddenly, a light bulb went off in Jiraiya's head, and he realized the real plan.
"Teacher, you mean…"
"Exactly," Hiruzen nodded, speaking in a low tone, "I have high hopes for Kazuya. I intend to groom him specifically, and soon, I will make him the leader of the entire ANBU. After that…"
"I will include him in the shortlist for the next Hokage."
In truth, Hiruzen didn't expect Kazuya to learn much from Tsunade.
But having him study under her would give him a different status.
If it weren't for the fact that his disciples—Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru—were still alive, Hiruzen had even considered taking Kazuya as his student.
Such a bold declaration from the Third Hokage would certainly cause a stir if it got out—likely sparking shockwaves throughout the village.
ANBU Commander!
Next Hokage candidate!
This was an incredible rise to power, the kind of meteoric ascent that would astonish everyone in the Hidden Leaf.
The very idea would make people's jaws drop.
However, Jiraiya's response was far calmer than expected. After thinking it over for a while, he nodded seriously.
"Teacher, your judgment is excellent."
"Hm?"
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised. "You've been thinking along the same lines?"
"Yes," Jiraiya admitted frankly. "I've been on two missions with Kazuya now. He's smart, has a broad perspective, and is of impeccable character. He's deeply loyal to the village and treasures his comrades. He's an outstanding shinobi."
"Moreover, he's incredibly powerful."
"To be honest, I'm not entirely confident I could defeat him."
Hiruzen nodded. "It seems your evaluation of Kazuya is very high."
"Of course," Jiraiya smiled, "Anyone who's mastered the Flying Thunder God is naturally extraordinary."
At this point, Jiraiya's expression turned a bit somber.
Yes…
The Flying Thunder God technique…
Any shinobi who could wield it had always been the backbone of the Leaf Village.
"By the way, has Tsunade agreed to this?" Jiraiya asked.
"She has," Hiruzen confirmed with a nod. "She's fully supportive of the idea."
"Phew…"
Jiraiya let out a deep breath.
"That's a relief!"
But still…
It's been so long…
Tsunade!
Each village's method of passing on leadership varies greatly.
In Iwagakure, the Tsuchikage position is purely hereditary, passed down through bloodlines like a royal dynasty.
In Kumogakure, the Raikage acts like a godfather, leading a band of loyal followers ready to back him up.
Konoha's Hokage, however, is chosen through a system of mentorship. It's not about bloodlines; it's about passing down the Will of Fire.
If you're not part of that inner circle, you have no hope of becoming Hokage.
For most ordinary shinobi, reaching a position like Nara Shikaku's is the absolute peak of their career.
The reason Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted Kazuya to become Tsunade's student was simple: he wanted to bring him into that inner circle and give him the right credentials to succeed him as Hokage.
It was all about paving the way for the future.
After Minato's sacrifice, Tsunade left due to her homophobia, Orochimaru turned traitor, and Jiraiya was too carefree to be considered reliable.
This had left a gaping hole in Konoha's leadership.
Hiruzen had been feeling the pressure of this leadership void for a long time, losing sleep over it.
As long as he was alive, he could keep Danzo and the Uchiha Clan in check.
But one day, when he was gone, what would become of the village?
Fortunately…
Perhaps due to the blessings of the previous Hokage, in this crucial moment, Kazuya had risen like a comet in the night sky!
A shinobi with sacrifice, devotion, kindness, and power!
It was undeniable that Kazuya's meteoric rise in strength over the past few months had dramatically elevated his standing in Hiruzen's eyes.
After all, there were a few shinobi in Konoha who possessed both unwavering conviction and immense power like Kazuya.
"Thank goodness my judgment and luck weren't too bad after all…"
Hiruzen set down his pipe, gazing out at the bustling village below with a warm, contemplative expression.
Not long after, rumors began spreading through the village: Kazuya had gravely wounded Orochimaru and used the Flying Thunder God to instantly kill 20 rogue ninjas.
The flash had returned!
Kazuya's name spread throughout Konoha like wildfire, gaining him instant fame.
Shinobi everywhere were left in shock upon hearing the news.
The Flying Thunder God Technique!
Konoha had produced yet another ninja capable of using this legendary jutsu!
Thanks to the legacy of the Fourth Hokage, the Flying Thunder God was revered in the village with an almost mythic status.
And what's more…
He severely injured Orochimaru!
That's not something any ordinary ninja could do!
In a matter of days, Kazuya's reputation skyrocketed, drawing the attention of even the village's most powerful clans.
At the Uchiha Clan's compound, the atmosphere was solemn.
Inside the clan head's large residence, two figures knelt on the tatami mats.
The middle-aged man, the Uchiha clan leader—Fugaku Uchiha—spoke in a deep voice, "The village has produced another user of the Flying Thunder God Technique, Nohara Kazuya…"
"He managed to injure Orochimaru."
Fugaku frowned, turning to the young man kneeling before him, "Shisui, you're in the ANBU. Do you think this information is reliable?"
The handsome young man across from him smiled, "Clan leader, I believe it's true. I haven't had much direct contact with Captain Kazuya in the ANBU, but I've heard that during the peace treaty negotiations, he led a team that repelled the Fourth Raikage."
"The Fourth Raikage?"
Fugaku's expression shifted slightly.
So, the rumors weren't exaggerated after all!
Shisui's smile remained gentle.
No matter what, hearing that the village had gained another high-level ninja made him happy.
Peace…
How wonderful it would be if it could last forever.
A day later, Kazuya and his team returned to Konoha.
Even after deploying hundreds of shinobi, they still failed to capture Orochimaru.
Kazuya wasn't too worried about being blamed for this.
After all, Orochimaru was one of the legendary Sannin! If anyone thought they could do better, they were welcome to try.
Finally, the iconic gates of Konoha came into view.
"We're home," Kazuya muttered under his breath.
No matter how eventful the missions outside were, nothing compared to lying around at home, growing stronger without lifting a finger!