In an instant, Kazuya had cleared the battlefield.
Every single one of the Root operatives had been flung aside.
Crushed.
Annihilated.
Overwhelmed.
The difference in power was just too vast.
This wasn't even a fight between equals.
Among the Root operatives, only two remained unscathed, standing protectively in front of Danzo. But even their eyes were filled with dread as they stared at Kazuya.
He was too powerful.
This kind of enemy was completely out of their league.
Beneath his mask, Kazuya's expression remained calm, unchanged.
Would a V15 player ever get angry at a zero-spender?
This was all just a pointless game.
"This is…"
"The Flying Thunder God Technique?!" Danzo's face twisted in horror.
The Flying Thunder God!
So, Kazuya had truly mastered it!
For a brief moment, jealousy flickered in Danzo's eyes.
That technique… Even though it wasn't as legendary as the First Hokage's Wood Style, it was undoubtedly one of the most powerful jutsu in the shinobi world.
Too bad…
Danzo couldn't learn it.
"Are you still thinking about making a move against me?" Kazuya asked coldly.
But despite the confident tone, Danzo was no longer feeling as self-assured as before.
Kazuya's speed had been terrifying. Root operatives weren't weaklings, and yet they were wiped out in an instant!
This…
Even Danzo himself might have struggled to achieve such a feat!
Kazuya was strong.
Much stronger than he had imagined.
No wonder Kazuya had managed to fend off the Fourth Raikage and severely wound Orochimaru.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
In the distance, the sound of rapid movement echoed through the air.
Kazuya's expression shifted slightly.
Then, in a solemn tone, he declared, "It doesn't matter who it is—anyone who betrays the village, who betrays Lord Hokage, is my enemy."
"Whether it's Orochimaru or Danzo, no one is an exception."
"Wherever the leaves dance, the fire burns bright!"
"Even if I have to sacrifice myself, I'll become a flame that lights the village's future, helping new leaves to sprout!"
Kazuya raised his head, his voice passionate and righteous as he stared at Danzo with unwavering conviction.
Danzo remained silent.
On the surface, the words made sense…
But something about them felt… off.
He pondered for a moment.
And then, it hit him.
Wait, what?
Kazuya was stunned for a moment.
Weren't you just calling him "Danzo," and now suddenly it's "Lord Danzo"? Where's this change of heart coming from?
No way, this isn't right!
Just then, a familiar voice echoed from the distance.
"Well said!"
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, appeared on the scene, wearing his Hokage robes and a hat. His gaze landed on Kazuya, filled with open admiration. "Well said, Kazuya! Even if it means sacrificing oneself, becoming the flame that illuminates the village—that's the Will of Fire we've upheld for generations!"
Danzo's expression darkened instantly. He hadn't expected the Hokage himself to show up!
At the same time, several ANBU operatives appeared behind Hiruzen.
"Kazuya!"
Seeing Kazuya unharmed, Yūhi Kurenai, who had followed in her ANBU gear, breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn't even returned to the ANBU base but had gone straight to the Hokage, fearing for Kazuya's safety.
She made it just in time!
At that moment, the Third Hokage glanced around, noting the scattered and injured Root operatives.
It seemed…
None of them were dead. Just injured.
He gave Kazuya an approving look, further elevating his already high opinion of the young shinobi.
Such control!
To injure but not kill—this was someone who understood the bigger picture. Kazuya wasn't acting out of impulse but rather with a strategic mind.
Strong.
Intelligent.
Loyal.
Someone who could navigate the complexities of the world without being consumed by them.
Someone who had seen the harshness of life yet retained a warm heart.
A ninja-like Kazuya—he was exactly what Hiruzen needed in a successor.
Just like…
Minato.
For a moment, Hiruzen couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with satisfaction. How had he not noticed Kazuya's potential earlier?
To Hiruzen, a future Hokage had to be strong, clever, have the right mindset, and possess a balanced temperament. And right now, Kazuya embodies all of these qualities.
Especially after that passionate speech about the Will of Fire—Hiruzen was genuinely moved.
This, this was the true successor of the Will of Fire!
"Sarutobi!"
Suddenly, Danzo's icy voice cut through the moment.
"Your ANBU operatives barged into Root's base and injured my men. You will explain yourself, or I won't let this go!"
His gaze flicked to Kazuya, sharp and cold.
However, this time, the Third Hokage didn't back down.
Taking a deep breath, Hiruzen's expression turned grave. "Danzo, I've known about your dealings with Orochimaru for a while now. For the sake of peace in the village, I chose not to reveal them."
"But this time…"
"You've gone too far!"
His voice grew louder, more forceful. "I am still the Hokage, not you, Danzo! Don't forget that!"
As his words echoed, an overwhelming pressure filled the room.
At that moment, even the seasoned ANBU operatives felt a chill down their spines. Danzo, too, found himself shaken by the sudden surge of Hiruzen's killing intent.
Only Kazuya remained unfazed, calmly observing the scene.
As expected.
The Third Hokage was all bark and no bite.
Why couldn't he ever bring himself to deal with Danzo head-on?
He talked a big game, but where was the action? Was he just flexing his "Conqueror's Haki" for show?
Such a waste!
If only Hiruzen had challenged Danzo or Orochimaru to a serious fight years ago, maybe by now he would've broken through to the next level of strength!
But alas…
"Danzo," Hiruzen's voice was as cold as ice as he glared at the man. "Reflect on your actions. For the next three months, you are forbidden from operating this base. I'll be assigning a special team to investigate."
"When the time comes, cooperate fully, or risk the village's disappointment."
Danzo's face darkened even further upon hearing those words.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had decided to use this opportunity to suppress him!
"Very well," Danzo ground out, his voice dripping with fury.
To make the advisor to the Hokage—the head of Root—submit to an investigation? This was a direct attack on his authority!
Though enraged, Danzo had no choice but to grit his teeth and endure.
Three months…
Who knows what could happen in that time?
"Let's go."
"Yes, Lord Hokage!"
With that, Hiruzen and his ANBU departed.
Beneath his mask, Kazuya's expression held a trace of disappointment.
Sigh…
Once again, they didn't fight.
Danzo, you've been humiliated twice today and still you swallow your pride. Why not just take the chance and finish off the Third Hokage?
What a letdown.