Chapter 17: Say What You Want, I’m Not Admitting It

Heichi, who had narrowly escaped death, felt as though his entire being had been transformed. For the first time, he made Kazuyama see him in a new light.

Heichi was a relentless chatterbox, rambling on endlessly. If he wasn't a friend, Kazuyama might have seriously considered silencing him with Scale Powder. Trust him—he could do it.

The two had taken a detour from the Land of Hot Water to the Land of Rice Fields. Kazuyama's tensed nerves finally began to ease as they crossed the border. The rest of the journey would be much simpler. The Land of Rice Fields, destined to become the site of Otogakure in the future, was currently just an ordinary territory. After all, Orochimaru was still conducting research in Konoha.

At the thought of Orochimaru, Kazuyama felt a spark of curiosity. The man was a genius, the most brilliant research scientist in the Naruto anime.

Visiting his laboratory someday was a tempting prospect—he might even steal something valuable. Once that thought took root, it was impossible to shake.

The two didn't linger in the Land of Rice Fields. They passed through its southern region and continued into their own territory. Three days later, they finally arrived at the gates of Konohagakure.

Kazuyama could have used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return directly, but Heichi was with him. While transporting himself cost only 5% of his chakra, taking someone else along consumed 15%. Only a fool would waste that much chakra on travel.

In the Hokage's office, the weary pair stood before the Hokage, delivering their report on Kumogakure's actions.

Hiruzen's face darkened, and Sakumo Hatake, standing beside him, shared his grim expression. Though they had anticipated moves from Kumogakure, they hadn't expected their actions to be so swift and precise.

"You have done a good job on this mission. The sacrifices of Mizunokawa and Hironobu Yoshimori were worthwhile, and the village will remember their contributions," Hiruzen said solemnly.

"Heichi, you should rest first. Kazuyama, you stay."

Kazuyama thought bitterly: I knew I couldn't escape.

During Heichi Yamanaka's report, he had casually revealed Kazuyama's ability to use the Flying Thunder God Technique. It wasn't Heichi's fault; facing the son of the Third Raikage made this critical information impossible to withhold.

When only Hiruzen, Sakumo, and Kazuyama remained in the room, the Hokage turned to him.

"You little brat, where did you learn the Flying Thunder God Technique?"

Kazuyama felt the weight of their stares pressing down on him. If he had a choice, he'd have preferred to keep this secret buried forever.

"I just learned it," he said, trying to sound earnest. "I have extraordinary talent. Plus… the Second Hokage appeared to me in a dream," he added, straight-faced. "And then I learned it."

The sincerity in Kazuyama's expression was almost too much, and the two seasoned leaders exchanged looks that said they were on the verge of either laughing or tearing their hair out from sheer exasperation.

"Little brat Kazuyama," Hiruzen said with a wry smile. "You don't have to admit it—I've already figured it out. The Scroll of Seals was tampered with before, and I could never pin down who was behind it. But now it's obvious—you snuck in and learned the Flying Thunder God Technique, didn't you?"

"Tell me, apart from the Flying Thunder God Technique, what other forbidden techniques have you secretly learned?"

Taking a puff from his pipe, Hiruzen's confidence radiated as if he had cornered Kazuyama.

"That's not true, Lord Hokage. How could I possibly peek at something as precious as the Scroll of Seals?" Kazuyama replied, feigning innocence. "At most, I peeked at the ladies' graceful figures to help fill Lord Jiraiya's database with material."

Hmph, as long as I don't admit it, no one can prove I touched the Scroll of Seals, Kazuyama thought smugly.

"It doesn't matter if you don't admit it," Hiruzen said, shaking his head. "Since you've learned the Flying Thunder God Technique, you're now a Jōnin of the village. I hope you can live up to this responsibility and pass on the Will of Fire."

Kazuyama was stunned. I—how did I get a promotion for this?!

Hiruzen seemed to enjoy the sight of Kazuyama's twitching mouth. It was a rare sight to see someone so uniquely qualified and exasperated at the same time. After all, mastering Space-Time Ninjutsu was no small feat. Aside from Kazuyama, only Minato Namikaze had begun to grasp its complexity.

A new force of Konoha, Hiruzen thought with satisfaction. Not bad.

"That's enough. You can go back and rest too," said Hiruzen firmly, cutting off any chance for Kazuyama to respond.

Kazuyama left without a word.

Once he was gone, Hiruzen relit his pipe, the smoke curling upward as he turned to Sakumo. "Sakumo, what do you think?"

Sakumo, who had been scrutinizing Kazuyama during the entire exchange, responded with measured words. "He definitely stole the Flying Thunder God Technique. But considering that he's already learned it, and that it saved his companions, he's at least made some amends for his actions."

He paused, his tone thoughtful. "Right now, with tensions high, having a shinobi who excels in stealth and Space-Time Ninjutsu is a major advantage. But he's no Minato. His offensive capabilities are weak. From what I've observed, his priority is retreat. By eliminating enemy sensory ninja, he ensures a clean escape. Cowardly, maybe, but effective."

A flicker of energy sparked in Sakumo's eyes as he continued. "That boy's cautious nature might serve a purpose in certain situations. But A, the son of the Third Raikage—now there's someone I'd like to test myself against. It's been too long since I've used my blade techniques against such a Lightning Release Ninjutsu."

Hiruzen exhaled, his frustration seeping through his words. "The war is near, and every bit of help matters. But still, the way that brat abused his Kekkei Genkai to peek at the Scroll of Seals is infuriating. Couldn't he just work hard and earn the opportunity to learn? It's maddening!"

Hiruzen's grip on his pipe tightened as his anger simmered. "And who knows if he'll try it again?"

Sakumo chuckled lightly, the faint amusement in his voice betraying his otherwise stern demeanor. "It's true. Using such a valuable Kekkei Genkai for peeping—it's a bit unpleasant. But then again, it's effective."

Kazuyama, far from the room, would have likely scoffed at their judgment. Unpleasant? So what if it's unpleasant? As long as it gets results, who cares?

Hiruzen considered for a moment before proposing, "Sakumo, what do you think about placing him in the ANBU? He's young and talented—we can't let his potential go to waste."

Sakumo shook his head. "No, he's not suited for the ANBU. Their work demands a killer's mindset. He doesn't have that. He prioritizes escape, not elimination."

"Then let's have him follow Orochimaru," Hiruzen suggested. "With Orochimaru keeping an eye on him, his temperament might change for the better."

Sakumo nodded in agreement. At this stage, Orochimaru was still obedient on the surface, though both men were well aware of his underlying ambitions.

Having finalized their decision, Sakumo didn't linger. "I have tasks to tend to. We need to stay vigilant—Kumo might strike at any moment."

Left alone in the office, Hiruzen walked to the window and gazed out at the village, his expression heavy with worry.

He let out a sigh. "These are such troubling times."