Restraint is bad for business

For a moment, Kazuya cleared the battlefield. All the Root ninjas were blown away, crushed effortlessly. The difference in their power was staggering. Only two Root ninjas remained standing, their expressions filled with terror as they faced Kazuya.

Under his mask, Kazuya's expression was calm and unchanged. This was just a trivial game to him.

"Is this... the Flying Thunder God Technique!?" Danzo's face reflected his horror. Kazuya had mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, a skill at the pinnacle of the ninja world, almost as revered as the First Hokage's Wood Style. Danzo felt a surge of jealousy. Despite his own talents, he could never learn it.

"Do you still intend to challenge me?" Danzo's voice was cold, but his confidence wavered. Kazuya's speed had been too overwhelming, effortlessly dispatching elite Root ninjas who were no weaklings. Danzo realized that even he might struggle against such speed.

The sound of rapid footsteps echoed in the distance, catching Kazuya's attention. His expression shifted slightly as he spoke with determination. "Anyone who betrays the village, Hokage-sama, is my enemy! Whether it's Orochimaru or Danzo-sama, it makes no difference!"

"Where leaves dance, fire burns bright. Even if I must sacrifice myself, I will become that flame, illuminating the village and nurturing new leaves!" Kazuya declared passionately, his gaze unwavering as he faced Danzo.

Danzo was momentarily silent. He recognized the truth in Kazuya's words but sensed something was off. As he pondered, he suddenly realized the inconsistency in Kazuya's address, switching from Shimura Danzo to Danzo-sama. His suspicion deepened.

At that moment, a familiar voice rang out. "Well said, Kazuya!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen, clad in his Hokage robes, appeared on the battlefield. He looked at Kazuya with pride and admiration. "Well said, Kazuya. Even if we must sacrifice, we will turn into flames and continue to illuminate the village. This is the Will of Fire!"

"Lord Hokage!" Danzo's expression shifted instantly. He hadn't expected the Hokage to arrive in person. Behind the Third Hokage stood several Anbu ninjas, including Kurenai, who wore a cat-faced mask. She sighed in relief upon seeing that Kazuya was unharmed. She had rushed to the Hokage, fearing for Kazuya's safety.

Hiruzen noticed the injured Root ninjas scattered on the ground. None were dead, only injured. He glanced at Kazuya with newfound respect. Kazuya had shown restraint, injuring but not killing, displaying both power and wisdom. Hiruzen saw in Kazuya the qualities of a true successor: strength, strategy, and a deep sense of responsibility. He reminded him of Minato.

The more Hiruzen observed Kazuya, the more satisfied he felt. Kazuya embodied the Will of Fire, a true candidate for the next Hokage.

"Sarutobi!" Danzo's voice was icy. "Your Anbu injured my men without provocation. You owe me an explanation, or I won't let this go!"

He shot a cold glance at Kazuya. But this time, Hiruzen did not back down. Taking a deep breath, he spoke with firm resolve. "Danzo, I'm aware of your dealings with Orochimaru. I've kept quiet for the village's peace. But this time, you've gone too far!"

The Third Hokage's voice rose in anger. "I'm still the Hokage, not you, Danzo! You need to understand that!"

An intense aura filled the field. Even the seasoned Danzo was taken aback, though Kazuya remained unfazed. He knew the Third Hokage was all talk, lacking the will to take real action against Danzo.

"Danzo!" Hiruzen stared coldly at him. "Reflect on your actions! For the next three months, you'll be under investigation. Cooperate fully and don't let the village down!"

Danzo's face darkened. Hiruzen's directive was a deliberate blow to his authority. He could only grit his teeth and respond tersely. "Understood."

With a look of annoyance, Danzo watched as Hiruzen and the Anbu departed. Kazuya, under his mask, felt a twinge of disappointment. No real fight had broken out. Danzo had endured yet another humiliation without retaliating. The Third Hokage's reluctance to fight and Danzo's restraint were both frustrating to Kazuya. What a letdown.