บท 2: Chapter 2: The Night of the Nine-Tails Attack, the Death of Hiashi Hyuga!
The Third Hokage looked at Kazuya with a gratified expression, patting him on the shoulder. "Kazuya, I'll never forget the bravery you showed during the Nine-Tails attack. That fearless resolve—it embodies the true Will of Fire!"
"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns on eternally!"
The Third Hokage's expression grew somber as he reminisced.
On the night of the Nine-Tails attack, Kazuya was the only survivor among the 28 Anbu ninjas who fought alongside him. Despite surviving, he was severely injured and has been hospitalized until now.
"Yeah!"
"Burn bright!"
Kazuya echoed with a sympathetic expression, but inwardly, he was filled with sarcastic thoughts.
Will of Fire?
Sounds like a cult!
When the Fourth Hokage gave his life to seal the Nine-Tails, where was your 'burning spirit'? Other village leaders fought alongside their troops, but here I am, doing the fighting while you watch from the sidelines!
And yet you talk about burning bright... right?
As a modern-day transmigrator, Kazuya wasn't buying into this kind of rhetoric.
Instead of talking nonsense, how about dropping some more golden orbs for me to collect?
"You are truly someone I can rely on!" The Third Hokage, seeing Kazuya's enthusiasm, felt deeply comforted. He pulled a scroll from his sleeve and said, "Kazuya, this is an official decree from the Hokage. Starting today, you are appointed as the Captain of the Second Anbu Division. Report to your new post as soon as possible. I believe you will make an even greater impact in this role!"
Promotion?
Anbu Division Captain?
Kazuya was a bit surprised.
An Anbu Division Captain controlled four squads, making him a figure of considerable influence within the Hidden Leaf Village. In the original storyline, even a prodigy like Itachi Uchiha wasn't promoted to this position until just before the night of the Uchiha massacre.
But after thinking it over, Kazuya understood.
The Third Hokage likely promoted him because of his performance during the Nine-Tails attack, where he fought fearlessly. Out of 28 Anbu, he was the only survivor!
What does that mean?
It's an experience!
He had fought alongside the Hokage, facing down the Nine-Tails head-on—a badge of loyalty and proof of the purest Will of Fire! To the Third Hokage, Kazuya was now the most loyal and trustworthy of subordinates, which explained his rapid promotion right after leaving the hospital. Failing to promote a hero like him would have been disheartening to others.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage!" Kazuya accepted the honor with humility.
Taking credit for his predecessor's deeds felt appropriate enough.
"Good luck!" The Third Hokage's smile grew warmer, clearly valuing this self-sacrificing, loyal subordinate.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
"Shikaku, come in!"
"Yes, Lord Hokage!" The door opened, and a ninja with a distinctive scar across his face and tied-back hair entered.
It was Shikaku Nara!
Calm, intelligent, Shadow Possession Jutsu—a man who could strategize even against a Tailed Beast!
Kazuya immediately recognized him.
Shikaku greeted Kazuya with a friendly nod. Kazuya had made quite a name for himself among the Jonin of the village—strong, experienced, and loyal. Many believed he had a promising future.
"Lord Hokage, about the situation with the Hidden Cloud Village…" Shikaku hesitated for a moment.
"Go ahead," the Third Hokage said, gesturing. "Kazuya is here too. Let him listen in—perhaps he'll notice something we haven't."
"Understood," Shikaku replied with a nod. He quickly realized that the Hokage wanted Kazuya to get involved in higher-level discussions. Shikaku didn't mind; Kazuya's growing influence among the Jonin made him a valuable political asset.
Shikaku summarized the latest intelligence reports. The movements of the Hidden Cloud Village were as expected. Their envoy, led by their head ninja, was making its way to Konoha according to the planned route, appearing cooperative and sincere.
Hearing this, the Third Hokage felt a sense of relief.
The recent war had taken a heavy toll on the Hidden Leaf Village, and the long-awaited peace was a welcome respite, easing the burden on his shoulders.
"Kazuya, what do you think?" The Third Hokage looked at him, encouraging him to share his thoughts.
Kazuya paused, knowing this was a test of his strategic thinking. If he failed to impress, his advancement might stall at his current position as a division captain.
After a moment's contemplation, he replied, "I believe the signing of this peace treaty might not go smoothly."
It definitely won't.
If memory serves, this is the same event where Hiashi Hyuga ends up dead, and Hinata nearly gets kidnapped by the head of the Hidden Cloud envoy.
"Explain in more detail," the Third Hokage said, intrigued.
The Hidden Cloud Village's reputation for stirring up trouble was well known, and the Hokage had already made preparations within the village for potential disruptions. However, he assumed that as the losing side, the Hidden Cloud's actions would be limited.
Kazuya organized his thoughts and began, "According to previous intelligence, during the Third Great Ninja War, the Hidden Cloud fought against the Hidden Stone Village and managed to capture significant territory. To secure these gains, even the Third Raikage left the village to oversee the occupied lands directly."
"This means that during that time, the village's day-to-day affairs were left in the hands of the head ninja."
"So, we have a village with two centers of power."
He continued, "Then in Year 47, the Third Raikage died in battle. It wasn't until the end of Year 50 that the Fourth Raikage, A, officially took over."
Kazuya said, "The long delay in his appointment suggests that internal factional conflicts in the Hidden Cloud Village might be severe."
Shikaku's expression darkened. "Kazuya, are you saying…"
"Exactly," Kazuya nodded. "The Fourth Raikage isn't the type to shy away from drastic measures. He might use this trip to Konoha as an opportunity to eliminate his political rivals, using the Leaf as a weapon to consolidate power."
The Third Hokage's face changed at this revelation.
Kazuya elaborated, "If I were the Fourth Raikage, I'd assign the head ninja a nearly impossible task, one that would provoke Konoha enough to get him killed within the Land of Fire."
"And that task might be…"
The Third Hokage's brow furrowed deeply.
Kazuya said, "It could involve targeting a Jinchuriki, the Sharingan, or the Byakugan—things the Hidden Cloud has always coveted. If the mission succeeds, great. If it fails, it serves as a way to get rid of the head ninja, helping the Raikage consolidate his authority."
"A two-for-one play."
"That's a clever move by the Fourth Raikage," Kazuya concluded.
The atmosphere in the Hokage's office grew tense.
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