After listening to Kazuyama's words, Kakkō nodded.
"Okay, your information is worth 30 million."
"Let's go back to the base!"
With this intel, Kakkō needed to report to Lord Tsuchikage immediately and send intelligence personnel to the Land of Rice Fields to verify its accuracy. If it was true, this would be the perfect opportunity to strike Kumogakure—one they couldn't afford to miss.
Kazuyama, having received his payment, had no intention of lingering. He had already predicted Iwagakure's next move—once armed with this information, they would head straight for the Land of Rice Fields. Best to steer clear of the battlefield.
As for his next destination, he had to return to the conflict in the Land of Hot Water. He had been away for over a month, and it was time to return. First, though, he needed to find a money changer and secure his earnings.
[Ding! The system has detected that your actions toward Toroi—murdering him and selling his corpse—are truly outrageous. Special reward: Tailed Beast Ball Optimization +10%.]
[Ding! Tailed Beast Ball optimization progress has reached 20%. Unlocking the optimized skill: Tailed Beast Ball Handheld Ability! The host can now wield the Tailed Beast Ball in both Partial Tailed Beast Transformation and Full Tailed Beast Transformation Modes, controlling it with their bare hands in combat. Note: The Tailed Beast Ball will not explode or harm the host.]
Wait… holding a Tailed Beast Ball?
Was he supposed to smash people with it?
No—feed it to them.
An image popped into Kazuyama's mind. He envisioned himself in Partial Tailed Beast Transformation, gripping a Tailed Beast Ball in each hand.
"Hey, buddy! Want some Tailed Beast Balls? Take as many as you like!"
Then—bam!—he'd slam them right into someone's face. The sheer impact alone would be exhilarating.
His haul from this mission had been insane. Not only had he made a fortune, but he'd also optimized his Tailed Beast techniques.
Three days later, Kazuyama finally returned to the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Water.
Gazing at the camp ahead, he couldn't help but marvel at how eventful the past month had been.
He had earned 500 million, awakened Crystal Release, and developed a whole new way to use the Tailed Beast Ball.
What a life for a Rokudenashi—a good-for-nothing.
"Yo, Lady Tsunade, I'm back."
As soon as he entered the base, he spotted Tsunade giving a lecture. Without hesitation, he strode up and casually patted her shoulder.
Tsunade, startled, instinctively raised her fist to strike—only for Kazuyama to swiftly dodge.
"Hey, Lady Tsunade, if you'd hit me with that punch, I'd probably be dead."
"Hmph! Brat, didn't I tell you not to sneak up on me?"
Seeing Kazuyama's face, Tsunade was momentarily stunned. Then, her expression softened with relief.
He had been gone for over a month, and though she wouldn't say it out loud, she had been worried.
Now that he was back, she was genuinely happy.
"What's up? Any new information?"
"Let's go to the meeting room."
"Hey, you there, go get the team leaders—and Minato Namikaze too."
Tsunade grabbed Kazuyama and dragged him toward the meeting room.
Kazuyama suddenly felt an overwhelming force on his wrist, leaving him completely powerless as Tsunade pulled him along. In that moment, his mind went blank. Who was he? Where was he? And why was Tsunade dragging him?
However, he wasn't at all surprised to hear Minato's name. After all, he had received an attribute reward from him.
Inside the meeting room, Tsunade threw Kazuyama onto a chair.
Soon, those who had received the summons arrived and took their respective seats. Shirakumo and Torifu Akimichi's eyes lit up when they saw Kazuyama.
"Kazuyama, you're back! How did it go? Any good news?"
Kazuyama glanced at the deep imprint left on his wrist and sighed inwardly. He nodded in response to Shirakumo's inquiry.
"Huh? Kazuyama, you're back."
"Let me tell you, that A was no match for me at all! If you hadn't tipped him off about the Flying Thunder God Technique, I would've taken him down on the first try!"
Minato sat down next to Kazuyama and started venting.
"Okay, Minato, we'll talk about you later."
"Kazuyama, report your achievements for the past month."
Realizing that Kazuyama had been on a mission, Minato quickly straightened up, waiting for his report.
"I infiltrated deep into Kumo's territory, traveling through the Land of Rice Fields and the Land of Grass."
"It was definitely a fruitful mission."
"Kumo's supply convoy to the Land of Rice Fields was ambushed by an unknown party, and as a result, the Land of Rice Fields is now suffering from a supply shortage."
"I believe Kumo is rushing to send reinforcements, but whether they'll make it in time is uncertain."
"After all, the Land of Grass is also aware of this, and I doubt Iwa will let such a golden opportunity slip by."
His words sent the gathered officials into deep thought.
Kazuyama remained patient. With so much information to process, it was only natural for them to take their time.
"Is the news true?"
Shirakumo's face was solemn. The information Kazuyama had shared was indeed unsettling.
"It's true. I went to the black market to verify it myself."
"According to their intelligence, a bounty hunter named Kakuzu was responsible for the attack."
"By the way, do any of you know Kakuzu?"
Everyone shook their heads, and Kazuyama smiled inwardly.
Of course, you don't know. Maybe because of the shadow cast by the First Hokage, Kakuzu rarely operates in the Land of Fire. Even the black market information was leaked by him—handling everything from start to finish. That level of thoroughness is something I've always respected.
"If the intelligence is accurate, then Iwa will definitely make a move."
"In that case, Kumo's plans in the Land of Rice Fields will be completely disrupted."
"If we act now, we might be able to deal a direct blow to Kumo's foundation and force them to withdraw from the war."
Shirakumo's eyes gleamed with determination, his hands clenching into fists.
Torifu and Minato also looked eager for battle.
Only Tsunade frowned slightly.
"Tsunade, what do you think?"
Since she was the commander-in-chief, Shirakumo had to consult her opinion.
"I have no objections, but something about this doesn't sit right with me."
"If he attacked in the Land of Lightning, is Kakuzu really that bold?"
"And if he did take down Kumo's supply convoy, where would he even go to unload all that cargo?"
Her words instantly cooled the fighting spirit of the three men.
Minato was quick to process the situation.
"Lady Tsunade has a point. But if Kakuzu has a large summoned beast—one with high mobility—then transporting the stolen goods wouldn't be an issue."
"Or maybe he's working with a team. That would explain everything."
"Given the current state of the war, Kumo is fighting both Iwa and us at the same time."
"Attacking Kumo's rear at a time like this… all I can say is, Kakuzu must be one ruthless man."
Listening to Minato's analysis, Kazuyama nearly burst out laughing.
Kakuzu: Are you kidding me?! I once threw a shuriken at the First Hokage from 800 meters away! How could I not be ruthless?!
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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