Hidden Tests but Dumb

Samui fled with all the speed she could muster. If she had dared to look back, she would have seen that Kazuya had no intention of chasing her. He was setting a trap, allowing her to escape, knowing the Flying Thunder God seal he placed on her would ensure he could find her later. She was now a ticking time bomb among the upper echelons of Cloud Shinobi.

Kazuya stood, feeling a sense of detachment. The so-called Jōnin no longer posed a challenge to him. Perhaps only an Elite Jōnin like Kakashi with his Mangekyō Sharingan could provide a worthy fight.

The battle had ended, and thanks to Kazuya's intervention, the Anbu team that was on the verge of annihilation survived. They were all injured, and Kurenai Yuhi's chakra was nearly depleted. The Anbu members slumped against the trees, resting.

"Captain, we're lucky to have you!" one of the Anbu exclaimed.

"Yeah, if you hadn't shown up, I can't imagine what would've happened!" another added.

"This is the strength of our captain! So cool!" someone cheered.

"Long live the captain!" they all celebrated, relieved to be alive.

Suddenly, Kurenai's expression changed. "Captain, Kakashi is in trouble!"

"Kakashi?" Kazuya looked up, alert.

"He went to the back before! He might be in danger! If—" Kurenai began, but Kazuya interrupted her.

"Where?" he demanded.

"Nine o'clock direction!"

Without another word, Kazuya vanished.

A few minutes later, Kazuya arrived at the scene to find several corpses on the ground and Kakashi still fighting three Cloud Shinobi.

"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"

"Lightning Style: Thunderball!"

"Lightning Style: Black Panther!"

A black thunder cheetah lunged at Kakashi.

"Damn it!" Kakashi muttered, his voice tired. He had killed many enemies, but these remaining Jōnin were too much, even for him.

"Raikiri!" Kakashi shouted, a radiant lightning bolt bursting from his hand. He narrowly avoided the attack, but his own Raikiri missed, striking a tree instead.

Breathing heavily, Kakashi's vision blurred from exhaustion. He had been fighting non-stop, draining his chakra reserves.

From the shadows, Kazuya observed, picking up the experience points from Kakashi's use of Raikiri.

[You picked up 300 points of Raikiri skill experience]

[You picked up 200 points of Raikiri skill experience]

[Your Raikiri has been upgraded, currently: lv2 (10/10000)]

[You picked up 50 points of Lightning Style talent]

"Finally, a breakthrough!" Kazuya muttered. Raikiri's experience was hard to come by. Kakashi, with his limited use, was the only viable source. But each use granted significant experience, allowing Kazuya to upgrade Raikiri to level 2.

"It's time to intervene," Kazuya sighed. Seeing Kakashi's weakened state, he knew it was now or never.

In a flash of white light, Kazuya attacked. The three Cloud Shinobi, focused on Kakashi, were caught off guard. They had no time to react before Kazuya's immense power crushed them.

Boom! Boom! Boom! The sounds of his attacks echoed as the Cloud Shinobi were annihilated instantly.

[You picked up 400 Chakra points]

[You picked up 300 Chakra points]

[You picked up 500 Chakra points]

Golden light burst from the fallen enemies, filling Kazuya with energy. He walked over to Kakashi, who barely managed to recognize him through his blurred vision.

"Kazuya..." Kakashi murmured before collapsing.

"Don't worry," Kazuya said softly, supporting the unconscious Kakashi. His eyes lingered on Kakashi's Sharingan. He considered taking it but decided against it for now. He had bigger plans involving the Uchiha clan.

"The Uchiha clan..." Kazuya mused, thinking about the impending events he needed to prepare for.

Back at the battlefield, the smell of blood lingered. The battle had ended, and the Anbu members rested, while Kakashi, saved by Kazuya, lay unconscious on the grass.

"Kurenai, do you mean Cloud Shinobi has already confronted us in the Land of Frost?" Kazuya asked calmly.

"Yes," Kurenai confirmed, serious. "According to intelligence, Cloud Shinobi sent an elite troop of 200, led by Jinchūriki. The village's forces, including Uchiha, Akamichi, and Aburame clans, have intercepted them."

"Uchiha?" Kazuya's eyes lit up. The Uchiha were involved, and there were Jinchūriki to fight. This was an opportunity he couldn't miss. His excitement was barely contained.

"Kurenai, Yūgao, you two follow me to the front line. The rest of you, escort the wounded to get treated," Kazuya ordered.

"Yes, Captain Kazuya!" The Anbu responded, kneeling on one knee.

Kazuya's prestige within Anbu had skyrocketed. His strength commanded respect, more than even the vice-chief.

The Anbu split into two groups, with Kazuya leading Kurenai and Yūgao to the front lines. They moved swiftly through the trees.

"The Uchiha clan's involvement must mean they're expecting serious opposition," Kazuya thought. "Or maybe they're testing Uchiha's ability to control tailed beasts. Typical of those old fools to set such tests."

"The Uchiha have always been mistrusted in Konoha," Kazuya sighed. The alliance between Senju and Uchiha had always been fragile. After the death of Hashirama, the suppression of Uchiha by Second Hokage and subsequent leaders like Hiruzen and Danzo became severe. It was a miracle the Uchiha survived as long as they did before their eventual downfall.

A day later, under a sunny noon sky, Uzuki Yūgao pointed out a camp in the distance.

"Captain Kazuya, that's where our village's ninjas are stationed."

"Got it," Kazuya nodded. The three quickly approached the Konoha camp.

At the gate, the guarding ninjas stopped them. Kurenai stepped forward to show her ID, and they were soon allowed entry.

"That's Captain Kazuya!" a Chūnin exclaimed excitedly.

"Yes, it's him!" a Jōnin added. "With Captain Kazuya here, our chances of victory just skyrocketed!"

"Captain Kazuya, the one who wounded Orochimaru! This is great news!"

The arrival of such a powerful ally boosted the morale of the Konoha ninjas. Kage-level strength was now on their side.