Chapter 15: The Revered Kazuya—Uzuki Yugao’s Determination
The battle was a resounding victory for Kazuya.
His stats had undergone a massive transformation:
[Host: Kazuya]
[Age: 21]
[Rank: Kage-level]
[Chakra: lv4 (40,500/100,000)]
[Sage Energy: lv3 (1,400/5,000)]
[Ninjutsu: Great Fireball Jutsu lv5, Fire Dragon Flame Bullet lv4, Phoenix Fire Jutsu lv5, Wind Blade lv4, Vacuum Sphere lv4…]
[Taijutsu: Leaf-style Taijutsu lv5, Leaf Hurricane lv5…]
[Genjutsu: Hell Viewing Jutsu lv3, Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings Jutsu lv2…]
[Kekkei Genkai: None]
[Special Skills: Clone Jutsu lv4, Body Flicker Jutsu lv5]
Five max-level skills!
Kage-level strength!
Forty thousand Chakra points!
Level 3 Sage Energy!
His various elemental ninjutsu had also been significantly boosted in power.
Kazuya was now confident that even in a one-on-one battle with the Fourth Raikage, he wouldn't falter. And if he activated Sage Mode, his chances of victory would soar even higher.
This was the pinnacle—true satisfaction.
Soon, a group of Anbu gathered around him.
"Kazuya-taichou!"
"Are you injured, sir?"
"Shall we pursue the fleeing enemies?"
The Anbu kneeled before him, respectfully awaiting his orders.
"No need," Kazuya waved them off. "Do not chase a defeated enemy. Rest here for now. You've all done well. Anyone seriously injured?"
"No, sir."
"Not at all! With you leading us, taichou, how could we feel any strain?"
"You were truly amazing, Kazuya-taichou!"
Though all of the Anbu had sustained some injuries, no one dared to complain.
After all, Kazuya had shouldered the hardest part of the battle. If he didn't complain, who among them had the right to?
"Good," Kazuya nodded with approval, his hand gently patting Uzuki Yugao on the shoulder. "All of this is for the village. Long live Konoha!"
"Long live Konoha!"
"Long live Konoha!"
The Anbu's eyes glistened with admiration, their voices rising in excitement.
"Konoha forever!"
Even Uzuki Yugao, who had been silent, couldn't hide her enthusiasm. Being recognized by Kazuya felt like receiving the very blessing of the Will of Fire itself.
Her shoulder tingled where he had touched her. She felt electrified—both her spirit and her resolve.
Duty!
Sacrifice!
Responsibility!
In battle, he was relentless. When faced with danger, he stood firm.
Kazuya-taichou was the embodiment of what it meant to be a true shinobi.
Looking around, Kazuya noticed that the entire group was charged with newfound energy. He had merely spoken a few encouraging words, yet they all seemed to take it to heart. Thankfully, the mask hid the bemused smile that crept across his face.
In the distance, Jiraiya approached with a calm but respectful expression.
"Kazuya-kun, you truly surprised me today," Jiraiya said, his eyes alight with admiration.
Jiraiya had heard stories about Kazuya before but hadn't interacted with him much. After seeing him in action today, Jiraiya had nothing but praise for the younger ninja.
Not only was Kazuya powerful, but his unwavering dedication to Konoha filled Jiraiya with a sense of pride.
"That was my duty," Kazuya replied with a modest tone. "It's a shame I couldn't capture the Raikage. That would've given us a significant advantage in the peace negotiations."
Jiraiya shook his head. "No one can stop the march toward peace, not even someone like the Raikage. Besides, capturing a Kage-level opponent who's set on escape is nearly impossible."
"You're right," Kazuya sighed.
Inwardly, however, Kazuya thought to himself, It's fine that the Raikage didn't die. I'll need him around to drop more Lightning Release Chakra Mode experience next time.
Soon, a few Anbu members approached and began the grim task of sealing the heads of the two fallen Mist Jonin into scrolls. Those heads would be invaluable for gathering intelligence.
Of course, Kazuya didn't need to involve himself in such mundane tasks anymore. After this battle, his status within the Anbu had skyrocketed.
Especially after seeing the two slain Mist Jonin, the other Anbu now regarded Kazuya with awe.
These were no ordinary Jonin; they were powerful shinobi. Among the Anbu present, few could claim to be stronger than those two.
Yet Kazuya-taichou had taken them down in mere seconds.
He had held his own against the Raikage, then proceeded to annihilate two elite Jonin.
It was clear now—Kazuya's power was terrifying.
In that moment, Kazuya's position as the most respected leader in their ranks was cemented, even outshining the First Squad leader, Sarutobi Shinnosuke.
"Kazuya, Shinnosuke," Jiraiya called out. "I have other matters to attend to, so you two will lead the teams back to the village."
"Understood," both Kazuya and Shinnosuke responded in unison.
Relief flashed across Shinnosuke's face. Despite being a capable leader himself, he had sensed how Kazuya's influence had surged. If it hadn't been for Kazuya taking charge of the situation, things could have gotten far more dangerous.
The mission had mobilized two entire squads of the ANBU, a precaution meant to guarantee success. Yet, no one could have foreseen encountering the Fourth Raikage.
If not for Jiraiya's presence and Kazuya's unexpected rise to prominence, the chances of survival for the ANBU on this mission would have been slim.
In the end, the outcome far exceeded expectations.
Not a single death. Not even a severely injured shinobi.
The battlefield was quickly cleared, and after two hours of rest, a messenger pigeon arrived with the news:
The Fourth Raikage and his team had reached the Fire Country's border and were now entering the Land of Hot Water.
It was clear—Cloud Village had backed down. Their retreat was loud and obvious, likely to avoid further conflict with any Konoha search teams.
The ANBU members exhaled in relief, their expressions lightening considerably.
"Time to head home."
On the way back, Kazuya had firmly become the center of attention. Every ANBU ninja treated him with deep respect—a natural reaction to strength.
"I must become stronger. I have to become a Jonin!"
Uzuki Yugao stared at Kazuya's back, her heart swelling with determination.
"With your talent, it's only a matter of time before you become a Jonin," Yūhi Kurenai said softly, smiling at her younger comrade.
"Jonin?"
"No!"
Uzuki Yugao shook her head resolutely. "I want to become as strong as Kazuya-taichou!"
"Kazuya-kun, huh…" Kurenai pondered for a moment before offering a gentle warning. "To be like Kazuya, Yugao, you'll need to be ready to risk your life."
"Risk my life?" Yugao's eyes grew determined. "I'll do whatever it takes!"
She, too, wanted to inherit the Will of Fire—fearless and unwavering, like her leader.
Kurenai smiled wryly at her friend's resolve. "If you want to become as strong as Kazuya-kun… that's quite a high bar. He's a monster! Maybe it's better to sleep on it—you might find anything's possible in your dreams!"