In Konohagakure, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood facing Danzō Shimura.
"Hiruzen, what's the meaning of stopping my men?"
"Kazuyama Gekkō escorted Nonō Yakushi out of the Land of Fire—that's outright treason!"
"It's bad enough you didn't help capture him, but you even blocked my forces."
Hiruzen calmly smoked his pipe, his face unmoved. He casually tossed a scroll toward Danzō.
Danzō's pupils narrowed the moment he saw it—he had a bad feeling—but still reached out to unroll it.
After reading its contents, his face turned grim.
"Orochimaru issued a mission through the underground network, requesting Nonō Yakushi, the orphanage director in the Land of Fire, be escorted beyond the border."
"Kazuyama is a little scoundrel who never lifts a finger without profit. Of course this mission landed in his lap."
"Hmph, that bastard ran wild in the Land of Rain a few times and then went off chasing side gigs."
"Danzō, don't think I don't know what's going through your head. Kazuyama is a key asset to the village—I'm not handing him over to you."
Danzō set the scroll down, his eyes filled with resentment.
Yes, Orochimaru and Kazuyama had clearly conspired to issue the mission through the underground. According to Kazuyama, it was all about misdirection. He wasn't foolish enough to leave any obvious evidence. As long as there was a black-market mission record, he had plausible deniability.
"Hmph. Hiruzen, if you keep indulging him, something will go wrong eventually."
"Don't forget—he's Orochimaru's disciple. You expect me to believe this is all just coincidence?"
"A sensei issues a mission, and his disciple just happens to take it?"
Despite Danzō's relentless pressure, Hiruzen remained calm, taking another drag from his pipe.
A puff of smoke obscured his face, hiding his expression from view.
Truth be told, Hiruzen had his doubts too. That's why he sent a large number of ANBU—not just to block Root operatives, but also to bring Kazuyama back to the village for confirmation.
"Lord Hokage, the ANBU have returned. Kazuyama is with them."
Midori suddenly appeared in the office, and at his words, a sharp light flashed in both Hiruzen and Danzō's eyes.
Soon, Kazuyama arrived with several ANBU.
The ANBU Commander began reporting everything that had happened.
Even Hiruzen and Danzō, no matter how they thought it through, hadn't expected Orochimaru to stab Kazuyama in the back.
Especially when they heard the Kusanagi Sword had pierced his body—and seeing Kazuyama's tattered clothing—they both frowned deeply.
"Where's Orochimaru?"
"He was gone by the time we arrived. Nonō Yakushi was also taken, and he killed three ANBU in the process."
The news of casualties darkened Danzō's expression even further.
His Root members were all elite. He didn't care about losing one or even three—but dying without clarity? That was intolerable.
"Hmph. Are you sure it was Orochimaru? Kazuyama, don't hold back. Tell us the truth."
"Or else..."
Kazuyama wasn't the type to tolerate Danzō. Everyone in the village knew he'd disliked the man for a long time.
He opened his mouth immediately—not just to defend himself, but to hurl words back at Danzō.
"Old geezer, don't tell me you don't recognize Orochimaru's sword."
"Kusanagi Sword, ever heard of it? A legendary weapon. I nearly got skewered trying to make a few extra bucks."
"Hmph."
As soon as the Kusanagi Sword was revealed, Danzō went silent.
He'd coveted the blade for a long time. In the ninja world, there weren't many weapons that could be called divine, and this was definitely one of them.
It had always been in Orochimaru's possession—until now.
But just as he opened his mouth, Kazuyama beat him to it.
"Old geezer, listen up. This sword is mine—spoils of war."
"I paid for it with blood, so don't even think about taking it!"
Kazuyama brazenly claimed the Kusanagi Sword for himself.
Truthfully, he just wanted to borrow it for a bit—he'd have to return it to Orochimaru eventually. If someone took it now, who knew how Orochimaru would retaliate?
He wasn't exactly scared, but still—it was his own sensei.
The ANBU Commander spoke up again, describing the snake corpses littering the battlefield and the telltale signs of Wind Release slicing through the terrain.
Everyone knew Orochimaru's Wind Release techniques were precise and powerful—something far beyond Kazuyama's capability.
That sealed it. Orochimaru's attack on both Kazuyama and the Root Division was undeniable.
"In that case, Kazuyama, let's talk about another issue."
"You were supposed to be in the Land of Rain. Why did you go to a Bounty Station to pick up a mission?"
Danzō wasn't letting this go—he was clearly gunning for Kazuyama.
Kazuyama didn't respond. He simply turned his head aside and ignored Danzō's accusations completely.
"Ahem, ahem..."
It was Hiruzen who finally broke the silence.
"Kazuyama was at fault here. He took on side work during his mission—his teacher stipend is revoked for a year."
"And he'll be fined one million ryo. Any objections?"
A fine? You've got to be kidding. The old man's pulling out financial penalties now?
Kazuyama's eyes widened, glaring straight at the Hokage.
His reaction made everyone want to laugh.
"Wait, Lord Hokage, you can't—"
"No arguments. It's settled."
Hiruzen didn't give him the slightest chance to object. The decision was final.
Kazuyama wore a defeated look, but deep down he was already calculating how to earn that money back.
Just then, Danzō let out a cold laugh.
"Hmph. That punishment's too lenient. He should redeem himself through service. I say hand him over to me—I'll make sure he remembers he's a shinobi of Konoha."
Hiruzen frowned. He knew exactly what Danzō was thinking.
"Danzō, that's enough."
Kazuyama's expression darkened. This old geezer really wouldn't let go of any opportunity.
"Old geezer, are you still not done? I haven't even called you out for sending Root operatives to follow me."
"What? Don't trust me?"
Danzō's expression shifted. He hadn't expected Kazuyama to confront him so bluntly.
Anger surged—but this was the Hokage's office, not a place where he could blow up.
"Enough! No more arguing."
"Kazuyama, you're dismissed. Continue your mission in Amegakure."
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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