Chapter 47 - Post-War Developments
But he truly hadn't expected it—Kazane actually managed to slay the Firelight Squad. That was an entire team of three elite Jonin!
Just like that, taken down by a mere child. Couldn't they have run away? Couldn't they have just stalled for time until Minato Namikaze arrived to finish them off?
Even more shocking was the fact that, while he had indeed sent Minato to snatch the credit for a kill, and Minato had successfully slain Tō Dōnin from Iwagakure—securing himself a significant achievement—Kazane had done something far beyond expectations.
He had killed the enemy commander, Kitsuchi.
That was utterly beyond his calculations. That man was the commander of the frontlines. This was an accomplishment too grand to ignore—an undeniable feat!
Now, all of Konoha knew that under Orochimaru's leadership, the Leaf forces had crushed the Iwa army, successfully defending Konoha's borders.
At this moment, Orochimaru had completely established his own faction and reputation. He was no longer someone that could be easily manipulated or controlled.
And as for Kazane ? He had fully grown into his own. Together with the Uchiha Clan, this master and disciple duo now possessed the strength to rival him.
With these thoughts weighing on his mind, Hiruzen Sarutobi took another deep drag from his pipe.
Whoosh.
A cloud of smoke swirled in the air. His decision was made. It was late, but there was no other choice.
He waved a hand, summoning an ANBU operative.
Whoosh!
A familiar figure appeared—it was the cat-masked ANBU from before. Seeing Hiruzen's gesture, the ANBU agent swiftly materialized before him.
"Summon Jonin Akita," Hiruzen instructed, setting his pipe aside.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
The cat-masked ANBU acknowledged the order before vanishing from the Hokage's office.
Moments Later
Two figures appeared in the office.
"Hokage-sama, you called for me?"
Jonin Akita spoke first, bowing respectfully upon noticing Hiruzen's stern demeanor.
"Akita, I'm assigning you to lead 3,000 shinobi as reinforcements for Orochimaru."
Hiruzen's tone was serious.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. When do I depart?"
Though momentarily puzzled—hadn't they already won the war?—Akita quickly adjusted and responded with professionalism.
"This mission has another objective."
Hiruzen handed Akita a sealed document.
"Deliver this to Orochimaru. Then, instruct Hatake Kazane to return to Konoha. We need him at the Land of Lightning's battlefield."
Akita opened the document—it was an official promotion letter.
Hatake Kazane had been directly promoted to Jonin.
Akita was stunned. Based on Kazane 's battlefield achievements, this promotion was well deserved. But what shocked him was that Kazane had previously been a Genin.
Skipping Chunin entirely and jumping straight to Jonin—this was unheard of!
Still, he remained silent about his thoughts and simply nodded, waiting for further orders.
"Prepare your unit and depart at dawn. Time is of the essence."
Hiruzen's voice carried a heavy weight. The usual kindness in his tone had completely disappeared.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. I will take my leave now."
Akita bowed respectfully before vanishing in a blur.
Only Hiruzen Sarutobi remained in the office.
Leaning back into his chair, he took another slow drag from his pipe, exhaling a long breath of smoke.
"Orochimaru… I trust you'll make the right decision."
This mission was also a test.
If Orochimaru refused his orders, it would signify that he was ready to turn against him completely.
---
Nightfall – Orochimaru's War Camp
In the quiet forest not far from the camp…
"One thousand and one… One thousand and two…"
"Two thousand and one… Two thousand and two…"
Each swing of his blade was executed with absolute effort.
Sweat dripped from Kazane 's body, soaking his clothes as he moved relentlessly.
Even though he had already become one of the strongest forces in the ninja world, he never neglected his daily sword-drawing practice.
At last, today's training session ended.
Kazane removed his drenched headband, leaning against a nearby tree and gazing up at the full moon in the night sky.
After training, his favorite pastime was moon gazing.
It gave him a sense of nostalgia, as if he were back on Earth, enjoying a peaceful night with his family.
"System, open my status panel."
Ding!
Status Panel
Host: Hatake Kazane
Gender: Male
Title: Swordsman
Power Level: Kage-level
Swordsmanship:
No-Sword Style – True Blade: Barehanded Blade Catch
One-Sword Style – Iai: "Death – Lion Song"
One-Sword Style – Thirty-Six Calamity Phoenix
Haki:
Conqueror's Haki – Ashura Killing Intent
Armament Haki – Hardening
Observation Haki – Life-Sensing
Taijutsu:
Eight Gates (Sixth Gate Unlocked)
Lightning Release Chakra Mode
Weapons:
Wado Ichimonji
Yukizeme
Kusanagi Blade
Zoro's Green Headband
Zoro's Training Manual
---
At this point, Kazane was one of the strongest figures in the ninja world.
While Hiruzen Sarutobi clung to life, and Nagato had yet to awaken the Rinnegan, he had already joined the pinnacle ranks of power.
"Iwagakure has been routed. Rin has officially become a medical ninja. Obito is now under Uchiha's elite training. Kakashi is already far stronger than he was in the original timeline."
"So… will the Kannabi Bridge Battle still happen?"
Looking at his status panel, Kazane finally felt confident that he could challenge the true mastermind of the ninja world—Uchiha Madara.
This war had brought him great gains.
Especially in his final battle against Kitsuchi, where he shattered the limits holding back his Slashing Steel Technique.
His Haki had evolved, and his Ashura Killing Intent had fused with his Conqueror's Haki seed, forming his own unique brand of Conqueror's Haki – Ashura Killing Intent.
However, Kazane 's biggest concern remained the Kannabi Bridge Battle.
In the original timeline, Minato's squad had faced the Firelight Squad, leading to Obito's apparent death, his rescue by Madara, and his eventual transformation into Tobi.
That battle had also forced Kakashi into gaining his Sharingan—a key turning point in history.
Now, with the Firelight Squad gone, Kazane feared there might be a "Sunlight Squad" or "Moonlight Squad" lurking in the shadows.
Because of this, he planned to personally visit Kannabi Bridge to investigate—and possibly eliminate Madara early.
As he contemplated his next move, Kazane 's grip tightened around his sword.
The night deepened, and the moon's glow dimmed against the dark forest canopy.
Just then, his Observation Haki detected a rapidly approaching presence.
His eyes snapped toward the incoming figure.
Whoosh!
A shadowy ninja appeared before him.
Dressed in all black, the figure nearly blended into the night—only his eyes, stark white against the darkness, made him distinguishable.
"Kazane-sama," the man spoke, his voice calm but urgent.
"Orochimaru-sama requests your presence."