You Have To Pay More.

---

Following the flash kick that Kirito delivered,

a massive crater suddenly appeared on the battlefield.

The formidable Shukaku, who moments ago had dominated the field, now lay battered and barely breathing in the pit.

All the jonin who had just struggled against Shukaku stood frozen in shock.

Moments earlier, Kirito had descended from above with a single kick.

And extinguished the flames of this mighty tailed beast?

What about their painstaking efforts to resist Shukaku's rampage?

They had poured every ounce of strength into holding him at bay, only for Kirito to obliterate all their struggles with a single blow.

**Was this Kirito—the new Golden Flash of Konoha Village?**

Might Guy, who had been saved by Kirito mere moments ago, stood in stunned silence before his expression changed.

His dark, bushy eyebrows furrowed with renewed excitement, and his gaze locked onto the young man suspended in the air.

Raising his arm, Guy gave Kirito a thumbs-up, his smile stretching wide.

Under the sunlight, his white teeth gleamed brightly.

"Good job, Kirito," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

"This is what it means to burn with the fire of youth!"

"I, the Blue Beast of Konoha, am proud of you!"

Kirito gave a faint nod in acknowledgment, though he muttered internally:

**"Burning with the fire of youth? If it weren't for the Hokage's extra payout, I wouldn't have bothered. Sitting back and relaxing would've been much nicer."**

Of course, these thoughts stayed hidden behind Kirito's calm, authoritative expression as his piercing gaze swept over the battlefield.

The eyes of countless ninja below turned toward him.

But none dared to meet his gaze directly.

At that moment, Kirito stood like a king surveying his domain, exuding an air of unmatched dominance.

Yuhi Kurenai, blushing, cast a quick glance at the young man.

His sharp features and unwavering composure sent her heart racing.

How could someone be so powerful yet so effortlessly captivating?

Her admiration overwhelmed her, momentarily eclipsing her awareness of Konoha's invasion by Sand and Sound ninjas.

Asuma Sarutobi, standing nearby with a cigarette dangling from his lips, clenched his jaw at the sight of Kurenai's infatuated expression.

The realization that the woman he secretly loved was entranced by Kirito cut deep.

But what could he do?

The gap in strength between him and Kirito was insurmountable—like comparing an ant to a mountain.

When someone is slightly better than you, it inspires jealousy.

But when their superiority becomes unattainable, all you can do is look up to them.

Kirito was that person for Asuma—a figure so far beyond reach that any comparison was futile.

Even Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, had humbled himself earlier, begging Kirito to subdue Shukaku.

---

Nearby, Kakashi Hatake, gripping the White Fang blade tightly, watched Kirito's back illuminated by the sun.

For a moment, memories of his late sensei, the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, resurfaced.

But Minato's face blurred, replaced by the image of Kirito.

**"He reminds me of Sensei,"** Kakashi thought.

Yet, there was no time for reflection. The battlefield remained chaotic.

Although Shukaku had been subdued, the three-headed python summoned by Sand Ninja continued its rampage.

The jonin fighting the serpent froze momentarily, stunned by Kirito's earlier display.

Shikaku Nara, observing from the sidelines, muttered to his companion Akimichi Choza, "Is this the Golden Flash of Konoha? His strength has surpassed our expectations."

Choza nodded solemnly. "Looks like we can't let these juniors show us up."

However, the giant python, having witnessed Shukaku's devastating defeat, hesitated.

Its three heads turned toward the crater where Shukaku lay, then shifted back to Kirito in fear.

**"If that raccoon couldn't handle him, what chance do I have?"**

In an uncharacteristic display of self-preservation, the python began slithering away from Kirito, ignoring the attacks from surrounding ninjas.

---

Meanwhile, hidden among the shadows, Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame observed the battlefield in silence.

The cracks spiderwebbing across the ground, the defeated Shukaku, and Kirito's commanding presence painted a vivid picture of chaos.

Itachi's crimson Sharingan eyes narrowed. "He's grown even stronger," he murmured.

Kisame, usually brimming with arrogance, nodded solemnly. "That kick wasn't just powerful—it was terrifying."

---

Above, on the platform, Senju Hashirama, resurrected by Orochimaru, smiled in admiration.

"This young man is truly extraordinary," he said, his tone one of genuine respect.

Senju Tobirama nodded. "To defeat a tailed beast with pure physical strength… his taijutsu rivals the best."

But Orochimaru, leaning casually, sneered. "You're both praising the wrong man. Kirito isn't fighting for Konoha's ideals. He fights for himself."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's face darkened. "Kirito!" he shouted. "Help me defeat Orochimaru and protect the village! I'll pay extra!"

Kirito glanced at him and smirked. "Hokage-sama, I already dealt with Shukaku. I've done my part."

Sarutobi persisted, desperation creeping into his voice. "Kirito, think of Konoha's future—"

"Hokage-sama," Kirito interrupted, feigning exhaustion. "I've overexerted myself. My legs are still numb from that kick. How could I possibly fight now?"

Sarutobi's lips twitched. **"Do you expect me to believe that nonsense?"**

Finally, Kirito relented, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Unless, of course, you *increase* the payout."

Hashirama frowned, turning to Sarutobi. "Old monkey, what's become of Konoha? Paying ninja to protect their own village?"

But Sarutobi, swallowing his pride, shouted, "Fine! I'll give you everything I've saved. Even the Hokage Residence if that's what it takes!"

Kirito's smirk widened. "Deal."

---

As the battlefield held its breath, the system in Kirito's mind chimed:

**[Ding! Kizaru template role-playing degree increased to 75%! New abilities unlocked!]**

Feeling the surge of newfound power, Kirito locked eyes with Orochimaru, his aura becoming even more overwhelming.

Orochimaru's expression faltered.

**"This might be harder than I thought."**

---