Amid the smoke and dust,
Jiraiya stood up, looking somewhat disheveled, and laughed, "Kazuya-kun, even if you're jealous of my handsome looks, you shouldn't use such tricks against your senior!"
"Hahaha…"
"However, your talent is truly terrifying! You've mastered Tsunade's monstrous strength in such a short time!"
Jiraiya dusted himself off, showing no concern.
In truth,
Kazuya's previous strike looked deadly but didn't use much force at all.
The impressive effect was mainly due to Jiraiya's flair for theatrics, playing along with his performance.
"It's just about controlling Chakra," Kazuya replied with a faint smile. "Tsunade-senpai was willing to teach, so naturally, I was able to learn."
"Indeed,"
Jiraiya nodded in agreement.
In his eyes, Kazuya's talent in ninjutsu seemed to surpass even Minato's!
Honestly, that was an incredibly astounding thought!
"By the way…"
Jiraiya suddenly looked a bit awkward, scratching his head as he asked, "Um, Kazuya-kun, how is Tsunade doing these days?"
"If you want to know, why don't you go check on her yourself, Jiraiya-senpai?"
Kazuya asked innocently.
"Well… it's complicated for us older folks. I guess it's just that I've been rejected too many times, so I can only watch from afar~"
Jiraiya chuckled shyly.
"She's doing well,"
Kazuya replied sincerely. "Tsunade-senpai is in the Land of Hot Water, living a comfortable life with Shizune. She's probably doing just fine!"
Tsk tsk!
That should be correct!
With Tsunade's abilities, 60 million should be no problem; she can manage to get it back herself!
I believe in Tsunade!
"That's good to hear…"
Jiraiya nodded.
Kazuya smiled, but internally, he felt a bit disdainful.
In the end, the kind-hearted are left with nothing!
Anyway, he wasn't planning to let Tsunade off the hook. Even if feelings weren't fully developed, having the strength to back it up was sufficient!
As long as he was strong enough, nothing would be unresolvable!
...
After returning to the village,
The Third Hokage immediately summoned Kazuya to his office.
In the sunlight,
Kazuya sat on the sofa, basking in the warm rays, feeling a bit lazy.
Yet, his expression remained serious as he attentively listened to the Third Hokage's grand speeches.
"Kazuya…"
The Third Hokage said with a look of appreciation, "Your performance in the Mist Village exceeded my expectations. You've secured many advantages for the village, especially regarding the released Konoha ninjas."
"You've done excellently!"
Kazuya spoke with passionate fervor. "Hokage-sama, it was my duty! I couldn't bear to see the heroes of Konoha suffer and bleed."
"Indeed!"
The Third Hokage nodded, praising him. "You're right. You've done well and haven't disappointed me."
"Kazuya…"
"From now on, more responsibilities will fall on your shoulders. You must prepare yourself mentally."
More responsibilities, huh…
Kazuya felt puzzled but showed no change in expression.
At this moment, the Third Hokage's expression turned serious as he asked, "How do you think we should handle Danzo? What he did this time has crossed the line."
"Not only did he act against the village's ninjas for power, but he also attempted to assassinate you, the commander of the Anbu!"
"He…"
"Has become a dark threat to Konoha!"
Kazuya appeared thoughtful, but internally, he was frantically mocking.
Sarutobi Hiruzen…
Haven't you already made plans on how to deal with Danzo after returning to the village?
After their return, the Root organization led by Shimura Danzo was dismantled.
Some members were detained by the Anbu,
While others were directly taken away by the interrogation department.
By now, the area around the Root base was probably packed with Anbu and Konoha ninjas!
Sarutobi Hiruzen was determined to take strong action against his old friend, Shimura Danzo.
This was only to be expected.
Danzo had harbored murderous intentions toward Hiruzen several times for the position of Hokage.
If it weren't for the fact that there was no one else in the village capable of carrying the banner, Hiruzen might have acted long ago.
Since the conclusion was already decided, there was no need to kick him when he was down.
After a moment of silence, Kazuya reluctantly said, "I think Elder Danzo has been misled this time. Hokage-sama, please consider a lighter punishment for him!"
"After all…"
"Over the years, Elder Danzo has contributed much to the village, if not through great deeds, then through hard work!"
Tsk tsk!
That's Shimura Danzo!
A high-quality experience package; he absolutely cannot be let go without maximizing his potential!
"Sigh…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, but with a hint of appreciation in his expression as he said, "Kazuya, you're just too kind. I'll handle this matter myself!"
Too kind, huh?
Ha!
Hokage-sama, you need to get your eyesight checked!
"I…"
"I just don't want to harm my village's comrades,"
Kazuya stood up from the sofa, shyly saying.
"I knew I didn't misjudge you!"
The Third Hokage patted Kazuya's shoulder with a warm smile.
When a boss is grooming a successor, they worry that the successor will be indecisive and lack determination, but they're even more concerned that the successor might be too ruthless.
What if, after taking office, they turn against me?
When it comes to being a boss, who doesn't want a dignified old age?
In the eyes of the Third Hokage, Kazuya was very impressive.
Outwardly, he was strong-willed, ruthless, and merciless.
But when dealing with his village comrades, he exhibited great tolerance and inclusiveness, which was commendable.
As a leader, maintaining balance in all aspects is a crucial skill!
...
In the days that followed, Konoha ninjas could feel that the village was undergoing significant changes.
Patrolling Anbu was seen everywhere on the streets.
In some areas, ninja teams were even placed on lockdown.
Rumors circulating from the upper echelons stated that the leader of the Root organization, Shimura Danzo, had been completely wiped out.
His position as Hokage's advisor was revoked and the ninjas under his command were disbanded, temporarily integrated into the Anbu.
Ordinary ninjas might only catch wind of some rumors.
However, those from the prominent clans or the higher-ups knew the accurate details.
Nara Clan.
The leader of the Jonin class, Nara Shikaku: "Shimura Danzo has completely collapsed. Commander Kazuya has begun taking over the forces he left behind. There will be earth-shattering changes at the upper echelons of Konoha from now on."
Uchiha Clan.
The clan head, Uchiha Fugaku: "According to what Shisui and Itachi have said, Commander Kazuya is a person who treats his comrades with kindness. He has become a new choice for the Uchiha clan. Perhaps we can find a different future through him."
Hyuuga Clan.
The clan head, Hyuuga Hizashi: "The last time during the Cloud Village incident, it was Commander Kazuya who helped the Hyuuga clan. It seems we need to maintain a good relationship with him. If only Hinata were older; a marriage alliance would be a perfect choice."
Yuhi Clan.
The clan head, Yuhi Akako: "My foolish daughter, how pitiful she is, can't even secure a man for herself?"
...
After Shimura Danzo's sudden downfall, Kazuya's work became increasingly busy.
It had reached a point where even a small secretary, Yuhi Kurenai, was insufficient to keep up.
That noon,
His desk was piled high with intelligence reports and personnel files, stacked over two meters tall.
Kazuya felt quite helpless.
However, these were things that could not be avoided.
With Danzo's downfall, the Anbu had also grasped the influence of the Root Organization. As the captain of the Anbu, his power had reached its peak.
Holding two major intelligence organizations in his hands, Kazuya had become a trump card in Konoha!
Knock, knock, knock!
Knock, knock, knock!
The sound of knocking echoed.
"Come in!"
Kazuya replied, engrossed in handling documents.
"Yes, Lord Kazuya!"
Soon, three ninjas walked in from outside.
Kazuya looked up.
Whoa!
Familiar faces!
Before Kazuya could speak, several bursts of golden light fell and shot toward him.
....