Travelling

After leaving the Hokage building, Kazuya and Uchiha Shisui parted ways, heading in different directions. This separation, though practical, hinted at their distinct destinies in Konoha.

On his way home, Kazuya encountered Uzuki Yugao waiting by the roadside. The young woman, holding a white paper bag, lit up upon seeing him.

"Captain Kazuya!" Yugao called out, running over and stopping in front of him.

"What's up?" Kazuya asked, curious.

Blushing, Yugao handed him the paper bag. "Captain Kazuya, this is a gift from me. Thank you for saving my life."

During their last mission, Kazuya's timely arrival had saved Yugao and her Anbu team from a deadly encounter with Cloud Shinobi.

"It's no trouble," Kazuya replied, smiling. "Yugao, you're also a valuable comrade."

"A valuable comrade..." Yugao echoed, feeling both joy and a hint of disappointment. Her cheeks flushed as she looked at Kazuya, and then she quickly ran off.

"What a girl," Kazuya muttered, shaking his head. He opened the paper bag to find a delicately crafted music box. Disappointed, he had hoped for something more extravagant, like a luxury hotel voucher or a hot spring invitation.

Sighing, Kazuya changed direction and walked to Kurenai's house. He knocked impatiently.

Soon, Kurenai, dressed casually, opened the door. "Kazuya-kun, what brings you here?"

Kazuya smiled, a bit embarrassed. "Kurenai, you've been a great help recently, and I feel I owe you. Before I leave the village tomorrow, I wanted to give you a gift. I hope you like it."

"Really?" Kurenai's eyes lit up as she accepted the paper bag. She opened it and gasped. "What a beautiful music box! Thank you, Kazuya-kun. I love it! I thought you might give me something like a pearl necklace for New Year's, but this is a wonderful surprise."

Relieved, Kazuya said, "As long as you like it, Kurenai."

"Thank you..." Kurenai's joy turned to concern. "Wait, Kazuya-kun, you're leaving the village tomorrow? On a mission?"

As expected of Kurenai, she noticed quickly. Kazuya nodded calmly. "Yes, I'm going to the Land of Water. I need to prepare at the base later."

"No!" Kurenai said firmly. "You should go home and rest. I'll prepare everything you need for the mission."

"That's not necessary..." Kazuya began.

"No way!" Kurenai insisted, smiling. "I'm happy to do something for you, Kazuya-kun." She hurried back inside, placing the music box down, and then rushed to the Anbu base.

"Such a good woman..." Kazuya mused, watching her run off. He briefly wondered about the effectiveness of the Body Expansion Jutsu he'd acquired but hadn't yet used.

The next morning, Kazuya, Shisui, and Itachi gathered at Konoha's gate. Kurenai was there, holding a large backpack.

"Kazuya-kun, this has ninja tools, antidotes, bandages, food, and water. Be careful and stay safe," Kurenai said, adjusting his slightly messy collar.

"I will," Kazuya assured her, pinching her cheek with a smile.

Kurenai blushed, not used to such closeness in public. Shisui rolled his eyes at the display, while Itachi remained indifferent, showing no interest in romance.

Kazuya bid farewell to Kurenai, and the team headed east, towards the Land of Water. Located across the sea, the journey would take several days by boat.

Kazuya wasn't in a rush. After Orochimaru's defection, the village was relatively calm. The Land of Water, under the newly appointed Fourth Mizukage Yagura, was showing signs of recovery. Hiruzen had mentioned that Yagura was a gentle ruler, moving away from the harsh "Bloody Mist" policies.

But Kazuya knew it wasn't that simple. He smiled to himself, aware that Kirigakure's seeming peace was fleeting. Once Obito took control of Yagura, the village would plunge back into chaos.

As they traveled, Kazuya practiced by throwing stones like shurikens, which Shisui and Itachi deftly avoided. Itachi even activated his Sharingan to evade the projectiles.

[You picked up 50 points of Chakra] 

[You picked up 40 points of Chakra] 

[You picked up 80 combat experience points] 

[You picked up 10 points of Indra's bloodline] 

[You picked up 10 points of Indra's bloodline] 

[You picked up 50 points of ocular power] 

Golden light continuously flew towards Kazuya, rewarding his efforts. Itachi's use of the Sharingan was particularly fruitful, providing valuable ocular power.

Kazuya's attacks were not just for training but also a way to harness the power of the Sharingan from his companions. Though the intensity was low, the gains were worthwhile.