Back at Konoha

Not long after, the news of the battle reached Konoha Village.

Hokage's Office

"Well done!" exclaimed the Third Hokage, setting down the information scroll with a satisfied smile. "Cloud Shinobi Village really paid for it this time, even having the audacity to send the Fourth Raikage into our territory!"

"It's a pity..." he continued, "that they ran into Jiraiya and Kazuya!"

"Shikaku!" the Third Hokage turned to Nara Shikaku, "You and I have good judgment. Kazuya has truly proven to be an excellent ninja, living up to our expectations!"

"Yes, Lord Hokage," Nara Shikaku nodded. "According to the information, Kazuya faced the Fourth Raikage head-on and held his own. This isn't something an ordinary Anbu ninja can do!"

"It seems that after recovering from his injuries, Kazuya has broken through his limits and reached a whole new level," the Third Hokage remarked, unable to hide his grin. "When he returns, I plan to give him more responsibilities. Kazuya's excellence and loyalty are exactly what our village needs!"

"I agree," Shikaku concurred.

The Third Hokage, placing his pipe aside, gazed out the window, his expression wistful. He saw in Kazuya the true will of fire and a glimmer of Minato's legacy.

Meanwhile, in the Land of Hot Water

The Fourth Raikage, visibly furious, led his men across the Fire Country's border.

"Damn it!" he roared. "Find out who that Konoha Anbu is. I will take his head off on the battlefield!"

"Boss, what about our plan?" a nearby Cloud Shinobi Jōnin inquired.

"Since the surprise attack plan has been exposed, it's pointless to continue," the Raikage replied harshly. "With the Third Hokage, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru in the village, and a formidable Anbu on the loose, attempting to attack the Daimyo Mansion would be suicide!"

"But what about the mission to capture the Byakugan?" the Jōnin pressed.

"That's still on. If the ninja we sent can't bring back the Hyuga clan's Byakugan, he shouldn't return to the Land of Thunder!" the Raikage said coldly.

"Yes, Lord Raikage!" the Cloud Shinobi responded, their expressions equally grim.

The Fourth Raikage clenched his fists, looking towards Konoha. This defeat would be avenged.

Two Days Later

Kazuya and the Anbu ninjas finally returned to Konoha Village. After completing the mission debrief and unloading their equipment, Kazuya planned to rest, but Sarutobi Shinnosuke informed him that the Third Hokage wanted to see him.

"See me?" Kazuya mused, suspecting it was related to his recent performance.

He wasn't worried. He had become a Jōnin at 17, and it was natural for a genius to experience sudden breakthroughs and rapid improvements. Even if it seemed a bit extraordinary, it was still within reason.

Soon, Kazuya found himself in the Hokage's office.

"Not bad!" the Third Hokage said, taking a puff of his pipe. "I've heard about your performance in this mission. It was outstanding, embodying the spirit of Konoha Shinobi. Well done!"

"Of course, you mustn't become complacent," he added. "You still have a long way to go. Keep working hard, understand?"

Kazuya nodded, though inwardly he felt a twinge of disdain. These words seemed like empty platitudes. However, he soon realized there was more.

The Third Hokage picked up a scroll and handed it to Kazuya.

"This is..." Kazuya started, puzzled.

"This is the catalog of the Sealed Book," the Hokage explained. "Kazuya, I am granting you access to the Sealed Book. You can choose one jutsu to learn. The techniques within are powerful and dangerous, and very difficult to master. For now, you can only choose one. Take your time mastering it."

The Sealed Book! Kazuya's eyes lit up. This was Konoha's Forbidden Technique Encyclopedia, containing countless powerful jutsu like the Impure World Reincarnation, Tandem Paper Bombs, Eight Inner Gates, Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, Flying Thunder God Technique, and more.

"Does Sarutobi Hiruzen trust me this much?" Kazuya thought, his excitement barely contained. He glanced through the catalog, his eyes finally settling on the Flying Thunder God Technique.

"You want to choose the Flying Thunder God Technique?" the Hokage asked, surprised. "Kazuya, I must warn you, this jutsu is extremely difficult. Since the Second Hokage, only Minato has mastered it! Even I, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru couldn't grasp it. Are you sure about this?"

"Of course," Kazuya nodded confidently. "I believe in my talent."

"Very well," the Third Hokage said. He summoned the Sealed Book and allowed Kazuya to transcribe the Flying Thunder God Technique.

"One more thing," Kazuya said after finishing the transcription. "Lord Hokage, I would like to borrow three people from you."

"Three people?" the Hokage queried.

"Yes," Kazuya confirmed.

A few minutes later, Kazuya left the Hokage's office with a broad smile. He had secured his experience packs.