Chapter 20 : Long Waiting Time

The crowd dispersed swiftly, each person going their separate ways.

Only a handful remained by the side of Kazuhiko, anticipating the arrival of the Mist Shinobi.

Among them were the First Elder and Elder Kazuki, along with a few Jōnin.

They kept a vigilant watch over the sea's movements.

"Can we... truly emerge victorious in this battle?" After a prolonged silence, Elder Kazuki suddenly voiced this question.

"After all, they are the Mist Shinobi of the Land of Water, one of the Five Great Nations... and..."

"Silence, Kazuki!" The First Elder sharply cut him off before he could finish.

"Since we have committed to fight to the last breath and rely on ourselves to protect our homeland, we must not waver in our resolve. Cast aside all thoughts of what lies ahead and leave everything to Kazuhiko-sama and Kiyoshi-sama!"

"For the sake of the Uzumaki clan, there is no retreat, and we shall not falter!"

The First Elder addressed Kazuki with a stern expression, and this sentiment was conveyed to the other ninjas present as well.

Nods of understanding rippled through the assembly.

Kazuhiko observed this scene with mixed emotions. He hadn't anticipated that the once staunchly opposed First Elder would now exhibit such unwavering faith.

The First Elder approached Kazuhiko and offered a smile.

"Surprised, aren't you? In truth, all our actions were for the future of the Uzumaki clan. I chose to place my faith in Konoha."

As he spoke, a trace of sadness and bitterness lingered in the First Elder's eyes.

"Kazuhiko-sama, your choice of relying on our own strength instead of trusting in Konoha was wise. Reality has shown me that your decision was the right one."

"I am genuinely pleased that there exists someone like you, Kazuhiko-sama, within the clan. Otherwise, the fate of the Uzumaki clan would have been sealed this time!"

Kazuhiko felt a shift in his emotions upon hearing the First Elder's words.

He couldn't help but gaze at him. This was an individual who transcended the ordinary! This was a...

Before Kazuhiko could complete his train of thought, the First Elder cast a surreptitious look around and lowered his voice.

"Ahem, therefore, if, when the critical moment arrives, sigh, Kazuhiko-sama, you may... you may leave the Land of Whirlpools ahead of the others."

Kazuhiko couldn't help but glance sidelong at the First Elder. "Alright, your bushy eyebrows and large eyes just spent the first two seconds asserting the importance of not retreating..."

Yet, the Elder seemed oblivious to Kazuhiko's gaze.

"Head to the Land of Demons, journey to the Land of Rain, anywhere!"

As he continued, the Elder's tone shifted from timidity to resoluteness.

"You, Kazuhiko-sama, have no need to fear with your strength. You will lead a prosperous life alongside the rest of the Uzumaki clan!"

"Set aside thoughts of vengeance and simply live well! This decision has been reached through consultation with the Kiyoshi-sama and the elders! Kazuhiko-sama, you must heed our counsel this time!"

The First Elder regarded Kazuhiko earnestly. Kazuhiko remained silent for a moment, and the First Elder grew anxious that he might not acquiesce.

"Kazuhiko-sama, I understand it's arduous. For a strong individual like you, surviving might seem demeaning! Yet, for the Uzumaki clan's sake, you must undertake it!"

Ultimately, Kazuhiko, who had remained silent throughout, turned his gaze to the deep blue expanse of the sea before him. He smiled and spoke slowly, "Fear not, victory will be ours!"

"Elder, you need not worry. I comprehend your words."

The First Elder believed that Kazuhiko had assented, so he nodded and refrained from further words.

Kazuhiko surveyed the distant sea. Although their forms weren't yet visible, he knew they were there—Mist Shinobi en route to the Land of Whirlpools on a ship teeming with ninjas.

But fleeing? No chance. Kazuhiko had never entertained such an idea.

As a traveller, could he abandon his clan?

Kazuhiko considered this as an affront to his fellow travellers.

For now, his clan members were unaware of the extent of his strength.

"Bring it on! The wait has been interminable! Let me engage in a thrilling encounter with you and bolster my clan's confidence!"

"System, open my attribute panel."

"Host: Kazuhiko

Age: 10 years old

Current Residence: Naruto World, Land of Whirlpools

Areas Signed In: None, to be refreshed

Signed-In Locations: Uzumaki Clan Lands, Uzumaki Clan Secret Chamber

Rewards: Admiral Kizaru Template of One Piece World (30.068%, under development), Captain of the Eleventh Division in the Soul Society, Zaraki Kenpachi Template (58.13%, under development), Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu, Lightning Style: Thunder Pillar, Water Style: Water Barrier

Note: The host has completed the sign-in. Kindly await the next check-in!"

Regarding the system prompt, Kazuhiko felt content. Over these past days, he'd harvested quite a few rewards. And he would now have confidence to face his adversaries!

Let alone anything else, the recent rewards for sign-ins had included two jutsus simultaneously—one Lightning Style and one Water Style.

With these acquisitions, Kazuhiko had already secured the attributes of water, fire, and thunder.

"I'm still missing Earth Style and Wind Style. Once I master all five elemental attributes, my jutsu arsenal will be complete!"

This unexpected delight brought Kazuhiko immense satisfaction.

Who would have thought that the bestowed ninjutsu system would expedite his Chakra attribute development so efficiently?

Even more significantly, Kazuhiko had achieved over 30% advancement in the Kizaru template.

If the Kizaru template was a joyous triumph, the Zaraki Kenpachi template was a true revelation.

Kazuhiko had not anticipated such swift progress within just a few days. The observable development rate was substantial.

He believed that these two templates he possessed would unquestionably deliver a harsh blow to his adversaries.

With this in mind, Kazuhiko's eagerness surged.

Casting a glance at his clan members who bore furrowed brows, Kazuhiko abandoned all hesitation. He located an open space, gazed into the distance, and seated himself cross-legged.

He waited in tranquil anticipation for the contingent of Mist Shinobi to arrive.

"A protracted wait~"

**********

Support me on my patreon and read upto 20 early chapters.

https://www.patreon.com/Unique_Writer