Chapter 66: The ANBU Kazuya Shakes the Ninja World!
By a lake, a young boy with green hair, purple eyes, and a scar stitched across his left cheek gazed pensively at the mist drifting over the water.
Suddenly, a large figure with long orange hair down to his waist appeared behind him in a flicker.
This man was the wielder of the Samehada, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist—the infamous Fuguki Suikazan.
"Lord Mizukage!"
Upon his arrival, Fuguki knelt on one knee and announced, "The intel on the Leaf and Cloud Village has arrived!"
"Speak."
The boy turned around, a weighty expression on his young face, though his gaze was gentle.
Despite his youthful appearance, he was the highest authority in the Mist Village—Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage and Jinchuriki of the Three-Tails.
"Kumogakure's frontlines were decimated. Almost all their forces have fallen, with over two hundred casualties," Fuguki reported. "Furthermore, they dispatched both the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, yet they were defeated by a single Leaf ninja."
As Fuguki finished speaking, a perplexed expression crossed Yagura's face. "Both Jinchuriki were sent, and both were defeated? Did Sarutobi Hiruzen himself intervene?"
"No, he didn't."
"Then it was one of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya?"
"No… not him either," Fuguki replied a slight hesitation in his voice.
"So what happened?"
Frowning, Yagura pressed for more details.
"It was… a Leaf ANBU named Kazuya. He fought both Jinchuriki on his own and managed to seriously injure them."
"With the Jinchuriki completely suppressed, the Kumogakure forces crumbled, allowing the Leaf to claim victory without significant losses."
At this, Yagura fell silent, a look of disbelief etched on his face.
Was this some sort of joke?
An ANBU operative took down two Jinchuriki on his own!?
If Leaf's ANBU operatives were all this strong, then the other villages might as well surrender and serve the Leaf.
"That's impossible!"
Yagura finally protested. "The intel must be flawed, Fuguki. Did your sources make an error?"
"No, my lord, they didn't," Fuguki replied resolutely. "This intel was verified through multiple channels and is reliable."
"That Leaf ANBU used a single Lightning Release jutsu to critically wound the fully-transformed Killer Bee. His strength is truly terrifying!"
Yagura's expression finally shifted.
Leaf ANBU…
When Mei Terumi and Ao returned from the Leaf, they also mentioned a particularly powerful Leaf ANBU.
Could it be… this Kazuya?
"Do we have a detailed dossier on this Leaf ANBU?"
"It's still under investigation."
"Prioritize gathering all available information on him, and don't let up on our surveillance of the Kaguya Clan. Our village's fate depends on it, so we must remain vigilant."
"Yes, Lord Mizukage."
"One last thing—the envoy dispatched to Leaf Village, have they arrived yet?"
"They have."
"Good. You may go now."
"Yes, Lord Mizukage."
As Fuguki departed, Yagura's face took on an astonished expression.
An ANBU…
Kazuya …
If even the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki lost to him, did that mean Yagura himself might not be a match for this Leaf ANBU?
The very idea was unthinkable!
And yet, if Fuguki's intelligence was reliable…
"When did the Leaf start producing such terrifying ANBU?"
Yagura's eyes were filled with disbelief.
Meanwhile…
Back in the Leaf Village, when word of this battle reached them, even the Third Hokage was stunned.
Not only he, but other high-ranking members like Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, Shikaku Nara, and the heads of various clans were all astounded by the news.
Kazuya…
He had single-handedly decimated the Jinchuriki of Kumogakure and secured an unprecedented victory on the battlefield! His achievements were incredible.
In the Hokage's office, a council meeting was held, including Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, Shikaku Nara, the head of the Jonin corps, and a representative from the ANBU.
This was a high-level council, composed of those who wielded real power in the village.
"Incredible…"
The Third Hokage said, astonished. "Kazuya's performance far exceeded my expectations. I was concerned enough to send Jiraiya to provide backup, yet Kazuya managed to handle the situation alone."
"Yes, indeed," Shikaku Nara agreed, nodding. "Lord Hokage, I believe Kazuya has more than proven himself capable of handling greater responsibilities."
"Very well."
The Third Hokage deliberated for a moment before saying, "Then let's proceed with a vote. I propose removing Kazuya's current rank as ANBU squad leader and promoting him to ANBU Commander. All in favor?"
"Agreed," Shikaku said, raising his hand first.
"Agreed!"
"Agreed!"
"Agreed!"
Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and the ANBU representative also raised their hands in agreement.
"With five votes in favor," the Hokage announced with a smile, "Danzo's absence doesn't impact the result. Effective immediately, Kazuya is promoted to ANBU Commander. Begin preparing the transition, and make sure everything is ready for his return."
"Yes, Lord Hokage," the ANBU representative replied, kneeling in acknowledgment.
In the Hidden Leaf Village, decisions regarding high-level appointments are determined by a majority vote, though the Hokage holds a veto power. Typically, if the Third Hokage approves of something, few dare to oppose him.
Koharu Utatane commented with a smile, "Hiruzen, I see shades of your younger self in Kazuya—the strength to overpower a Jinchuriki with sheer might."
Homura Mitokado agreed, adding, "After Orochimaru's betrayal, Kazuya's rise has been invaluable for the village."
"With his astounding ability to crush both the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails Jinchuriki in combat, he may be our most vital asset on the battlefield until Naruto matures."
"More importantly," Homura continued, "Kazuya's loyalty to the village is unwavering. His selflessness, dedication, and love for the village and his comrades are truly moving."
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, smiled, pleased by Homura's words.
Kazuya was indeed a remarkable ninja, a man deeply devoted to the Hidden Leaf and bound by the Will of Fire—a spirit that warmed Sarutobi's heart.
No one could doubt his talent.
Hidden Leaf vs. Hidden Cloud!
This conflict drew the attention of all the ninja world—Hidden Leaf, Hidden Cloud, Hidden Mist, Hidden Sand, and Hidden Stone. Every detail of the battle spread rapidly among the villages.
In the spotlight was Leaf ANBU operative, Kazuya Yahara.
1 vs. 2, Kazuya single-handedly crushed two Jinchuriki. His prowess shocked the entire ninja world. It was rumored that he had the strength of a Kage—possibly more.
Kazuya, the ANBU with a terrifying reputation, had just caught the eye of every major village leader. Even the Fourth Raikage was said to be fuming, vowing revenge for the humiliation Kazuya had inflicted upon his village.
Kazuya's name had now spread like wildfire, with many already placing him on the same level as the Legendary Sannin.
After all, accomplishments are valued by the quality of the opponents faced—and Kazuya's opponents were some of the best in the world. It was a victory that left the world in awe.