Chapter 110: Shadows Stirring! Kazuya’s Speech Brings the Third Hokage to Tears!

"Hokage-sama, I appreciate the concern, but you don't need to convince me," Kazuya declared, his voice filled with resolute conviction. "I can't stand by while one of our comrades—one of our village's own—is in danger. Even if it means marching into the jaws of the Hidden Cloud, I'll bring them home."

He straightened, his face set with determination. "As the Head of ANBU, I must make sure my people don't just bleed in the line of duty, but that their sacrifices matter."

His eyes were shining now, either with passion or perhaps the lingering effects of the eye drops he'd applied earlier. "What is life if it's not spent in service to our comrades and our village? Even if it costs me everything, I'll make sure they return home."

Kazuya's words echoed with raw emotion. "After all, isn't a life spent defending our people the most honorable sacrifice of all?"

His eyes glistened a bit too dramatically, but he reminded himself not to overdo it. Maybe I shouldn't have used quite so much of that eye drop bottle, he thought.

Hiruzen Sarutobi placed both hands firmly on Kazuya's shoulders, his own eyes misty. "Kazuya," he said, voice thick with emotion, "in you, I see my younger self—the same dedication, the same love for our comrades and our village. It's… truly moving."

Oh, please, Kazuya thought, exasperated but keeping his expression solemn. Are you comparing us? Let's be real, old man, you look more like a wrinkled ape than anything resembling me.

Still, Kazuya gave a small, humble nod. "Thank you, Hokage-sama. To even slightly resemble someone of your caliber is an honor."

Before long, they had reached an agreement: Kazuya would lead and execute the mission to rescue Shinnosuke. Not once during the exchange did he mention Shinnosuke's name, making it all appear to be a purely objective, duty-driven decision.

This extra step had Hiruzen nearly glowing with approval.

Sometimes it's just too easy, Kazuya thought. While the Third Hokage was shrewd, Kazuya's knowledge of the story gave him a substantial advantage, one that no one in this world could rival.

When you stand above everyone else, your perspective is different, and so are your choices, he reminded himself as he left the Hokage's office.

Back in ANBU headquarters, Kazuya was organizing his thoughts on his team selection for the mission. Truth be told, he wasn't too invested in Shinnosuke's survival. Even if he didn't make it, his son Konohamaru would likely fill the same minor role in the storyline anyway.

But this mission was a golden opportunity to gather valuable experience points.

Two prime targets immediately came to mind: Nii Yugito, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, and Killer Bee, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.

This mission was a rare chance for Kazuya to encounter powerful adversaries without raising suspicions about his whereabouts. After all, having the Head of ANBU appear unannounced in the Hidden Cloud's territory would be a diplomatic disaster waiting to happen.

That settled it—this was a mission he couldn't pass up.

"Now, as for the team…"

His mind flashed to two of ANBU's finest: Uchiha Shisui and Hatake Kakashi, both holders of the legendary Sharingan. As for Itachi… well, at only eight years old, Itachi was still too green for such a high-stakes mission. No need to add a child casualty to this, Kazuya thought.

This three-man cell would be ideal.

With Shisui's unmatched speed, Kakashi's combat prowess, and all three Sharingan, there was no way this mission could get dull.

The orders went out quickly. News that the ANBU captain himself would be leading a mission spread through headquarters like wildfire.

"Did you hear? Kazuya-sama is leading the mission himself!"

The excitement was palpable. To the ANBU, the chance to be part of Kazuya's squad was like winning the jackpot. One by one, the elite soldiers found themselves lost in thought:

Kazuya-sama… No, Kazuya-senpai, Kazuya-sama, just please—pick me! I'll give anything to be on your team!

ANBU operatives were known for being among the most skilled and disciplined of Konoha's forces, but none were immune to the allure of following Kazuya on a mission. Here was a man whose strength was legendary, someone whom even the most battle-hardened among them respected as a higher class of shinobi.

To follow such a commander wasn't just a privilege; it was a career-changing experience. To learn from someone so much stronger, someone who could ensure that even S-rank missions were practically a breeze, that was the kind of leader they all dreamed of serving under.

It wasn't hard to guess what Kazuya thought about all the hero worship. These fools, he thought with an inward chuckle. If only they knew.

Ultimately, though, the mission roster narrowed to two names: Uchiha Shisui and Hatake Kakashi.

"Lord Kazuya!"

"Captain Kazuya!"

In his office, Shisui and Kakashi knelt before him, both offering respectful bows.

Kazuya crossed his arms, his expression turning serious. "Prepare yourselves," he told them.

Kazuya's expression turned serious as he addressed his two teammates, "This mission is in the Land of Lightning. The details are scarce, and the enemy is strong. The danger level is high."

"Understood, Kazuya-senpai," Kakashi replied, standing with respect, determination clear in his gaze. "I've prepared myself for anything."

Beside him, Shisui nodded with confidence. "Me too. I'm looking forward to it. If we encounter the Two-Tails' Jinchuriki, I'm going to settle the score."

The Uchiha had a certain pride, and a need to prove themselves. Shisui hadn't forgotten how, during the last battle between Konoha and the Hidden Cloud, he had been bested by Yugito, the Two-Tails' Jinchuriki. Now, stronger than ever, he was itching for a rematch.

One hour later, after gathering their gear and intelligence, the three departed from the ANBU base. Rescue missions left no time to spare—every second mattered. Waiting until morning was not an option. By then, it could be too late.

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi watched the crystal ball, observing the trio as they left the village. His face was tense, and he couldn't shake an odd sense of foreboding.

"There's something strange about this… something doesn't sit right," he murmured to himself, eyes shadowed with worry. "I hope I'm just being paranoid."

He sighed heavily, glancing toward the Root's base. Sometimes, the people closest to us can make us the most anxious. Reflecting on recent events with a clearer mind, Hiruzen couldn't deny that certain things were suspicious. But without proof, what could he do?

Besides… his son, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, was truly missing.

The recent events, the losses following the Nine-Tails' attack, the death of Biwako—he couldn't bear another tragedy. Hiruzen swore he would do whatever it took to prevent the heartbreak of burying his child.

Elsewhere, in the heart of the Shimura clan's estate, Danzo was kneeling calmly on a tatami mat, sipping tea. The former head of Root appeared entirely at ease.

At that moment, his trusted subordinate, Ryoma Aburame, entered the room. He slid the door open and stepped inside.

"Danzo-sama, Kazuya has left the village," Ryoma reported, bowing deeply. "He's accompanied by Uchiha Shisui and Hatake Kakashi."

Danzo took a slow, measured sip of tea before responding, "Understood. After it's done, make sure to retrieve the Sharingan eyes. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Danzo-sama," Ryoma replied before backing out of the room.

The moment Ryoma was gone, silence returned to the chamber. Danzo's face remained impassive as he gazed into his tea, seemingly lost in thought. But beneath the calm surface, a deadly plot was in motion.

The trap was set. And this time, Kazuya would have no chance of escaping. As for Shisui and Kakashi, well, they were simply collateral damage. If the Sharingan could be brought back, their lives were a small price to pay.

Note: If you are interested, read up to chapter 148 at patreon.com/MythicForge11