The Hokage's office—where all the power in Konoha converges.
Countless shinobi dream of standing in this room, but few ever reach it.
Kazuya stepped in quietly.
The Third Hokage was already standing by the window, puffing on his pipe, striking a contemplative pose.
"Kazuya…"
Hiruzen turned around, his face filled with warmth and pride. "You handled the mission well. Orochimaru's defection is my responsibility as his teacher, not yours."
"You've done more than enough."
"But," he added with a smile, "when you're upholding justice, remember to look after your safety. Don't recklessly put yourself in harm's way."
"Even with the resolve to sacrifice yourself for the village, I want you to live. Only by staying alive can you continue to contribute and protect Konoha."
"Do you understand?"
Kazuya listened intently, nodding seriously at all the right moments.
Though in reality…
His attention was focused on the golden glow radiating from the Third Hokage.
[You've picked up 100 Chakra points.]
[You've picked up 100 Chakra points.]
[You've picked up 80 Battle Experience points.]
[You've picked up 50 Water Style Proficiency points.]
Ding!
[You've picked up 50 Wind Release proficiency points.]
The golden glow surged around Kazuya. Such quality drops, as expected from the Third Hokage.
Too bad he's a phony though—always pretending to care, but never really doing anything significant.
Wait, was that it? Was he done talking already?
Huh?
What was I supposed to know? Kazuya had zoned out, his attention lost in analyzing the golden glow. He hadn't realized that the Third Hokage had wrapped up his long-winded speech already.
Seriously? For someone in charge of Konoha, that was... brief.
But, ever the actor, Kazuya quickly switched gears, eyes reddening as if overcome with emotion.
"Lord Hokage…" His eyes shimmered with tears, playing the role to perfection.
Hiruzen let out a sigh upon seeing this reaction.
Poor Kazuya…
His only sister, Rin Nohara, had sacrificed herself for the village. And Kazuya himself, time and time again, had been willing to lay down his life for Konoha. Maybe…
Maybe my words stirred up some painful memories. Such a good, loyal child.
Hiruzen sighed again.
"Ah, before I forget!"
Hiruzen placed a hand on Kazuya's shoulder, smiling kindly. "I'm giving you some time off, Kazuya. During this break, I want you to help me with a task in the Land of Hot Water."
"The Land of Hot Water?" Kazuya blinked, remembering that Hiruzen had mentioned it before.
"What mission is it?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
"I want you to find Tsunade and become her apprentice," Hiruzen replied.
Wait, what?
Kazuya was stunned. Become Tsunade's apprentice?
What could she possibly teach him?
Was he supposed to learn her super-strength? That... didn't seem so bad.
Kazuya's thoughts began to drift. After all, this was Tsunade—tougher and more powerful than even Mei Terumī.
"Don't worry," Hiruzen said with a smile, noticing Kazuya's bewildered expression. "I've already spoken to Tsunade about it, and she's agreed. All you need to do is go, train under her for a while, and consider it a vacation."
Then, his expression shifted. "But the break may not be long. Tensions with the Hidden Cloud Village are escalating."
"Their forces are mobilizing," Hiruzen continued, his tone serious. "There are reports from the frontlines. They've organized a team of elite ninjas and crossed into the Land of Frost, heading southwest."
Kazuya nodded. He had expected as much.
Though the peace treaty with the Hidden Cloud had been signed, the tension between the two great ninja villages hadn't fully dissipated.
Previously, thanks to Kazuya's intervention, Hyūga Hizashi hadn't been killed during that diplomatic incident.
But the fact remained—the Cloud Village's head ninja had died in Konoha, and they were demanding answers.
Now, war was looming once again.
But this time, Hiruzen wasn't afraid.
Because of Kazuya's actions during the last encounter—unveiling the assassination plot and driving back the Fourth Raikage—Konoha had the upper hand strategically.
The border defense forces had already been reinforced. Even if the Hidden Cloud Village wanted to provoke them, Konoha wouldn't be caught off guard.
Thank goodness for Kazuya!
Hiruzen thought. Without him, who knows what kind of disaster they would've faced?
"Talent…"
"Vision…"
"A ninja like no other…"
Reflecting on these recent events, Hiruzen's gaze softened with admiration as he looked at Kazuya.
Not long after, Kazuya left the Hokage's office.
He was planning to head home, but before he could even make it down the stairs, someone was already waiting for him at the corner.
"Hey, Kazuya!"
Jiraiya waved at him, grinning broadly. "Long time no see!"
"Jiraiya-senpai."
Kazuya greeted him with genuine respect this time. Out of all the shinobi in Konoha, Kazuya liked Jiraiya.
"Kazuya…" Jiraiya's face suddenly grew serious. "I just wanted to thank you personally. No matter what, I owe you my life for what happened."
Before Kazuya could respond, Jiraiya bowed deeply.
During the mission to capture Orochimaru, Kazuya saved Jiraiya's life. Without his intervention, Jiraiya would have been seriously injured—if not killed—by Orochimaru's snake summon.
It was a debt of life and death.
Kazuya quickly pulled Jiraiya back up, smiling. "Jiraiya-senpai, you're my comrade. How could I ever stand by and let a comrade die?"
"There's no need to thank me for that."
Jiraiya raised his head and moved. "Kazuya… you are someone Hiruzen-sensei is right to trust. I'm starting to like you myself."
Kazuya immediately pulled a disgusted face. "Sorry, but I don't swing that way."
"Ha-ha-ha-ha!"
Jiraiya's booming laughter filled the hall.
It was the first time in days he had laughed so heartily.
After his laughter died down, Jiraiya pulled a scroll from his vest and handed it to Kazuya.
"What's this?" Kazuya asked, taking the scroll curiously.
"It's the method to learn the Rasengan," Jiraiya explained with a serious tone. "It's a powerful technique developed by Minato—no hand signs, no elemental nature. And it pairs perfectly with the Flying Thunder God technique."
"The scroll contains the steps to master it. With your talent, Kazuya, I'm sure you'll pick it up in no time."
Kazuya hesitated for a moment, pretending to be conflicted. "But this is the Fourth Hokage's jutsu, right? Is it really okay for me to learn it?"
"There's nothing wrong with it!"
Jiraiya pushed the scroll into Kazuya's hands, insisting. "I'm giving it to you because I want you to learn it. Konoha's future is in your hands. Protect it well!"
"Well then…"
Kazuya reluctantly accepted.
The Rasengan, huh?
Not bad. Looks like I can finally use the technique openly now.
Not only had Jiraiya fought alongside him, but now he was even handing over valuable techniques.
Truly, Jiraiya was a man of generosity. A true good guy.