Chapter 2: Kage-level Chakra, Hyuga Hizashi's Death
Looking at Kazuya, the Third Hokage was gratified. He walked over, patted Kazuya's shoulder, and said, "Kazuya, to this day I still remember your bravery during the battle with the Nine-Tails. That fearless resolve, unafraid of death—that is the true Will of Fire!"
"Where leaves dance, fire will also burn unceasingly!"
After speaking, the Third Hokage's expression turned somewhat sorrowful.
On the night of the Nine-Tails' attack, out of the 28 ANBU shinobi who fought the beast, Kazuya was the only one to survive.
He was severely injured and had been lying in the hospital until just now.
"Yes!"
"Let it burn!"
Kazuya said, his face showing that he felt the same way.
Inwardly, however, he was ranting.
The Will of Fire? A pyramid scheme!
When the Fourth Hokage was fighting to the death to seal the Nine-Tails, why didn't you go 'burn' then?
Other villages' Kage lead the charge, but you, the Third Hokage? I've never seen you lead a charge!
And you're here talking about 'burning'!
The current Kazuya was a transmigrator from Earth; he didn't buy any of that.
All this crap isn't as useful as dropping a few more golden orbs for me!
"As expected of the man I hold in high regard!"
The Third Hokage looked at Kazuya's seemingly emotional expression and felt a great sense of comfort. He took a scroll from his sleeve and said, "Kazuya, this is an official appointment from the Hokage. Starting today, you are the Platoon Leader of ANBU's Second Platoon! Report to your new post as soon as you can. I believe you will be of even greater service in this new position!"
A promotion?
ANBU Platoon Leader?
Kazuya was a little surprised.
An ANBU Platoon Leader commands four squads. In Konoha, this was a position of real power!
In the original story, even the unparalleled genius Itachi Uchiha was only promoted to ANBU Platoon Leader on the eve of his clan's massacre!
But.
On second thought.
Kazuya understood.
The Third Hokage was promoting him to ANBU Platoon Leader likely because of his predecessor's fearless performance on the night of the Nine-Tails' attack!
Out of 28 ANBU shinobi, only one survived!
This?
This was his qualification!!!
This was the qualification of having faced the Nine-Tails head-on alongside the Hokage—a testament to his absolute loyalty, the purest form of the Will of Fire!
The Hokage's personal guard should be exactly like this!
In this moment, in the Third Hokage's eyes, Kazuya was the most loyal man, the most trustworthy subordinate!
It was no wonder that he was rapidly promoted to ANBU Platoon Leader as soon as he was out of the hospital!
If a hero like this wasn't promoted, wouldn't it dishearten everyone?
"Thank you, Lord Hokage!"
Kazuya accepted without false modesty.
It was reasonable for him to accept the merits of his predecessor.
"Do your best!"
The Third Hokage's smile grew even kinder. It was clear he truly admired this subordinate who had risked his life and whose loyalty was off the charts.
Knock, knock, knock.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Shikaku, come in!"
"Yes, Lord Hokage!"
The door was pushed open, and a shinobi with a ponytail and a prominent scar on his face walked in.
Shikaku Nara!
Calm!
High intellect!
Shadow Imitation Technique!
Kazuya recognized him instantly.
Shikaku Nara walked into the office, saw Kazuya was there, and gave him a friendly greeting.
By now, Kazuya's reputation in Konoha's Jōnin circles was considerable. He had strength, qualifications, and loyalty. Many people were optimistic about his future development.
"Lord Hokage, about the matter with the Cloud Village..." Shikaku Nara's tone was slightly hesitant.
"Speak freely!"
The Third Hokage waved his hand and said, "It's good that Kazuya is here. Let him listen as well and see if he has any particular insights!"
"Yes, I understand."
Shikaku Nara nodded.
A sharp man like him understood immediately. This was a signal that Lord Hokage was allowing Kazuya to participate in high-level affairs.
In fact, Shikaku was not opposed to this.
Currently, Kazuya had a high reputation within the village's Jōnin circles, and many people held him in high regard.
This was a rare political asset.
Shikaku briefly recounted the intelligence they had gathered.
The Cloud Village's movements were more or less as expected. The Head Ninja of the Cloud was leading the delegation toward Konoha.
The delegation was not large and was following the planned route, appearing very normal and sincere.
As the Third Hokage listened, he breathed a sigh of relief.
The recent Great Ninja War had also caused Konoha to suffer enormous losses.
With long-awaited peace finally arriving, the pressure on his shoulders as Hokage had also lessened considerably.
"Kazuya, what are your thoughts?"
The Third Hokage asked, looking into Kazuya's eyes with an encouraging expression.
"Hmm..."
Kazuya fell silent upon hearing the question. He knew this was a test of his strategic thinking from the Third Hokage. If his answer seemed incompetent, his position might stop at ANBU Platoon Leader.
After a moment of contemplation, he finally spoke, "I believe this peace treaty signing ceremony might not go peacefully."
It definitely wouldn't be peaceful!
If I remember correctly, in the original story, Hizashi Hyuga dies right after this signing ceremony! And Hinata is almost kidnapped by the head of the Cloud delegation!
"Elaborate," the Third Hokage said with great interest.
The Third Hokage knew that the war-mongers from the Cloud Village would surely try to stir up trouble, and he had already made arrangements in the village in advance.
However, he felt that as the defeated party, whatever trouble the Cloud Village caused wouldn't be too severe.
Shikaku Nara held a similar view.
Kazuya organized his thoughts and said, "According to previous intelligence, when the Cloud and Stone shinobi went to war during the Third Great War, the Cloud Village captured a large portion of the Stone Village's territory. To secure this land, even the Third Raikage left the Cloud Village to personally oversee it."
"The day-to-day affairs of the Cloud Village were basically handed over to the Head Ninja."
"This created two centers of power in one village!"
"And then..."
"In year 47, the Third Raikage was killed in action. It wasn't until the end of year 50 that the Fourth Raikage, A, officially took office."
Kazuya stated calmly, "I think the succession took so long because the factional conflicts among the Cloud Village's high-ranking officials may be quite sharp."
At his side, Shikaku's expression suddenly grew grim. "Kazuya, are you suggesting..."
"Exactly,"
Kazuya nodded. "The Fourth Raikage, A, is not a benevolent man. He could use Konoha's hand to eliminate a political rival and centralize his own power in the Cloud Village."
Upon hearing this, the Third Hokage's expression changed drastically.
Kazuya continued, "If I were the Fourth Raikage, I would assign the Head Ninja a mission that is extremely difficult to accomplish and would completely enrage Konoha, ensuring that the Head Ninja dies within the borders of the Land of Fire!"
"A mission like that..."
The Third Hokage's brow furrowed tightly.
Kazuya said, "A Jinchuriki, the Sharingan, the Byakugan, perhaps one of them. Hasn't the Cloud Village always coveted these things? If the mission succeeds, great. If it fails, he can directly eliminate the Head Ninja and complete his consolidation of power."
"Killing two birds with one stone."
"The Fourth Raikage's move is truly clever."
As soon as he said this, the atmosphere in the Hokage's office instantly grew heavy.