[You have obtained 100 Chakra Points]
[You have obtained 100 Chakra Points]
[You have obtained 40 Indra's Bloodline]
[You have obtained 20 Indra's Bloodline]
[You have obtained 50 Eye Power]
[You have obtained 50 Eye Power]
...
Golden light continually flew towards Kazuya.
Especially from Kakashi and Itachi, who contributed significantly to Indra's Bloodline and Eye Power!
The harvest was quite good!
Kazuya nodded in satisfaction, his expression growing more pleased as he lounged by the training ground.
Recently, the Anbu members had noticed that their commander, Lord Kazuya, had visited the training grounds much more frequently.
Sometimes, he would even offer pointers on their training.
What a precious opportunity!
After all, Lord Kazuya could overpower Jinchuriki head-on!
His guidance was worth a fortune!
Moreover, since Kazuya took office, he hadn't established his own direct Anbu team.
This had caused intense competition among the Anbu members, all vying for a chance to be part of Lord Kazuya's team.
...
One day.
As Kazuya was daydreaming at the training ground and picking up some attributes, Uchiha Shisui suddenly approached him.
"Kazuya-senpai…"
Uchiha Shisui smiled and said, "The Hokage has summoned you to the office."
"Oh?"
Kazuya nodded, "No problem."
At this moment, what could that old man Sarutobi Hiruzen want with him? Was it possible that after a recovery period, they were preparing to launch another offensive against Kirigakure?
That would be fantastic!
Kazuya felt a surge of excitement!
Soon, he followed Uchiha Shisui to the Hokage's office.
The Anbu guarding the entrance respectfully greeted him, bowing as he arrived.
As the door opened,
"Kazuya, Shisui, you're here!"
Seeing the two enter, the Third Hokage stood up with a smile from his chair, his gaze toward Kazuya filled with unabashed admiration.
[You have obtained 200 Chakra Points]
[You have obtained 200 Chakra Points]
[You picked up 100 combat experience points]
[You picked up 50 Wind Release talent points]
...
Golden orbs of high-quality light dropped steadily from Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Lord Hokage."
Kazuya smiled to himself.
Not bad!
Even though Hiruzen's effort always seemed half-hearted, he consistently dropped valuable loot every time they met. "Strongest Hokage in history," indeed!
"Kazuya..."
The Third Hokage set down his pipe, looking thoughtful. "The reason I called you in today is that I have a new S-rank mission for you. It may be dangerous—are you ready for it?"
An S-rank mission?
To take down Orochimaru, maybe?
No, probably not. Hiruzen wouldn't be willing to end his former pupil that easily.
Kazuya had his suspicions, but he replied solemnly, "Of course, Lord Hokage. For the village, I am ready to face any danger."
"Hm... that's just like you, Kazuya."
The Third Hokage looked satisfied. "But actually, this mission isn't that risky. It's rather simple. Recently, Yagura Karatachi, the newly appointed Fourth Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Village, sent us a diplomatic letter."
"Your mission is straightforward: deliver Konoha's official response to the Hidden Mist Village and gather any intelligence you can while you're there."
After a pause, Hiruzen continued, "They appear interested in allying, so while you're there, you could negotiate a preliminary agreement to bring back for the village to review. Do you understand?"
Kazuya nodded.
Granting him this kind of on-the-spot decision-making power meant Hiruzen trusted him deeply—even allowing him to negotiate in the village's name. This was a test, too; if he made a misstep, it could end his career.
"I'll have Shisui accompany you on this mission," Hiruzen added, smiling. "You may also choose one more guard. The Mist Village is approaching us in good faith, so there's no need for a large team that might raise suspicions."
"Hm..."
After thinking for a moment, Kazuya replied, "I understand, Lord Hokage."
"Good." The Third Hokage turned to Shisui. "Shisui, during your time in the Land of Water, follow Kazuya's lead and protect him as necessary. Understood?"
"Yes, Lord Hokage!" Shisui responded.
Hearing this, a satisfied smile appeared on Hiruzen's face.
Body Flicker Shisui and Anbu Kazuya—a duo strong enough to put the Hidden Mist on notice.
After leaving the Hokage's office, Shisui finally asked, "Kazuya-senpai, who will you choose as the third guard?"
Kazuya thought for a moment, then smiled. "How about Uchiha Itachi? With the two of us, safety won't be an issue, and it might do him some good to see the world beyond Konoha."
Of course!
These were two Mangekyō Sharingan experience packs! If he could, he'd take them along.
"Um…" Shisui looked surprised and hesitant. "Itachi... Do you think he's a suitable choice? I mean, with the village—"
"It won't be a problem!"
Kazuya replied earnestly, "After spending time with Itachi, I can see that he has wisdom beyond his years. He's not an ordinary child; he's a true shinobi with a great heart."
"I think…"
"It might be beneficial for him, and it could even be good for Konoha and the Uchiha clan."
For someone in Shisui's position, Konoha's tensions with the Uchiha were no secret.
Shisui had always worked to bridge that gap. Hearing Kazuya's words, a look of deep gratitude appeared on his face. "Thank you, Kazuya-senpai! That means a lot!"
Before he knew it, Shisui was bowing deeply in appreciation.
"No need to thank me," Kazuya replied softly. "It's all for the village. Compared to those who've laid down their lives on the battlefield, what I'm doing is just a small thing."
Kazuya's face softened into a sad expression.
"Kazuya-senpai…"
Moved, Shisui felt a warm wave of respect welling up within him, even bringing a faint mist to his eyes.
A true friend! How fortunate to have met him!
Kazuya-senpai's ideals ran deep, even deeper than his own.
In the end, the diplomatic mission to the Hidden Mist consisted of a small but elite team led by Kazuya, with Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi as his guards.
With these three, no one was worried about their safety.
Seriously!
Shisui, known for his mastery of the Body Flicker Technique, was the Uchiha clan's strongest shinobi. At just twelve, he had surpassed even other gifted shinobi to become a true force.
Shisui's performance in the Third Great Ninja War had even overshadowed the famed Kakashi.
As for Kazuya himself, he was simply beyond description.
He had fought and injured Orochimaru, and overpowered Jinchūriki, and these accomplishments had made him practically legendary.
With these two working together, they might just be able to take down the Mizukage himself!
So…
Safety concerns?
If there were any, they'd be the Mist's problem!