NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: Chapter 13: From Now On, You Are a Special Jōnin
Kazuyama Gekkō arrived at the Hokage's office, his eyes sweeping the room before a flicker of surprise crossed his face. Before him stood the ANBU and Sakumo Hatake.
"Oh, Lord Sakumo, long time no see."
Sakumo Hatake nodded with a warm smile in response to the greeting.
"Kazuyama, stop messing around. We have an urgent mission that requires you to act immediately."
Kazuyama scratched his head, his tone tinged with exasperation. "Old man, I'm just a Chūnin…"
"Not anymore, from now on, you are a Special Jōnin of Konoha. As for the promotion procedures, I'll handle them when you return!"
Kazuyama's mind reeled. So direct? Damn, I can't use the excuse that I'm a Chūnin anymore. This is annoying!
"Kazuyama," Hiruzen said, his expression grave, "this mission requires you. The difficulty factor is extremely high. I hope you're prepared."
Kazuyama's heart skipped a beat as he met the Hokage's serious gaze. Damn, something bad is about to happen.
Hiruzen continued, "You're aware that Kumogakure recently attempted to abduct Kushina Uzumaki. Her chakra, unique to the Uzumaki Clan, is highly valuable, and their actions blatantly violate the peace treaty."
"Recently, the ANBU discovered Kumogakure ninja operating in the Land of Hot Water. Your mission is to accompany a small ANBU team to investigate."
Kazuyama's eyes widened in shock as he glanced at the three ANBU present. This mission must be intense if they're sending ANBU directly.
"These three are among the best in the ANBU," Hiruzen said. "They'll accompany you on this mission. Take off your masks and introduce yourselves."
The ANBU members removed their masks, revealing their faces. Kazuyama's eyes settled on one of them, and recognition lit up his face. "Huh? Heichi Yamanaka? I was wondering why I hadn't seen you around lately—and now I find out you've joined the ANBU!"
Heichi, a special Jōnin of the Yamanaka Clan and a cousin of Inoichi, grinned broadly. "Hahaha, Kazuyama, long time no see. I was just chatting with Suzaku, and he said you've been blackmailing him."
Kazuyama smirked, recognizing the familiar banter. Heichi, despite his great talent, had always been a bit of a rogue, making them kindred spirits.
"The other two are Mizunokawa and Hironobu Yoshimori," Heichi said, introducing his teammates.
Kazuyama greeted them politely. Mizunokawa gave a faint smile, while Hironobu regarded him with mild disdain.
Hiruzen turned to Sakumo. "Do you have anything to add?"
Sakumo nodded, addressing the four. "The primary objective of this mission is reconnaissance. If you're discovered, your top priority is to protect yourselves and retreat. Kumogakure's motives are clear, and I don't want any of you to get hurt. Understood?"
The sincerity in Sakumo's words struck a chord, warming their spirits.
"Don't worry, Sakumo. I'll keep an eye on them," Heichi said, his tone unusually serious for once.
Without delay, the team set off. The mission's urgency left Kazuyama with no time to report home. He was already on his way to the Land of Hot Water.
...
Located in the northeast of the Land of Fire, the Land of Hot Water was often referred to as the "ninja village that has forgotten war." Following the Second Shinobi World War, Yugakure, once a "combat ninja village," began to decline as its Daimyō cut funding. However, thanks to its stunning natural environment and abundant tourism resources, the Daimyō redirected efforts toward commercial development, fostering prosperity in the villages across the Land of Hot Water.
To obtain information swiftly, Heichi Yamanaka set their destination as Sunset Town, situated in the far north of the Land of Hot Water, bordering the Land of Lightning.
One day later, the group had entered the Land of Hot Water.
"I really don't understand. The three of us are enough for this mission, so why did they send such a little brat?" Hironobu muttered, his tone dripping with disdain as he glanced at Kazuyama.
"Come on, Hironobu. You've been complaining the whole way. Just follow orders," Heichi snapped, clearly annoyed by the hostility.
"Hironobu isn't wrong," Mizunokawa said, his tone calmer but equally pointed. "Kazuyama Gekkō, we're nearing our destination. Shouldn't you at least tell us what you're good at?"
Unlike Hironobu's overt disdain, Mizunokawa's question was practical. With the mission about to begin, it was only natural to understand their teammate's capabilities.
"Oh, my abilities?" Kazuyama said with a smirk. "I'm sorry, no comment."
Gekkō Kazuyama was not a kind-hearted person—and how could he be, dealing with two insolent comrades?
"Kazuyama, Mizunokawa, that's enough!"
Heichi Yamanaka couldn't bear to watch the dispute in the squad escalate further.
"The Gekkō Clan's Kekkei Genkai is Transparent Escape, the most suitable ability for concealment."
"Mizunokawa, Hironobu, you two are at least seniors. Stop being so grumpy!"
If not for Heichi Yamanaka's intervention, Kazuyama would have happily gone solo; traveling with these two felt like inviting trouble.
Hearing the term Kekkei Genkai, the two who had been loudly arguing finally fell silent. They knew full well how rare and valuable such abilities were.
Shortly after entering the Land of Hot Water, the team discovered traces of Kumogakure ninja. They had taken to the dense forest, deliberately avoiding main paths to remain hidden, only to stumble upon enemy shinobi.
"It seems Lord Hokage and Lord Sakumo were correct. Kumogakure ninja have entered the Land of Hot Water," Heichi remarked.
"And there are quite a few of them," he added, using his senses to locate a five-person squad nearby. Judging by their chakra levels, it was a squad of Chūnin.
They had barely crossed the border, and already they encountered enemies.
Damn, has Kumogakure infiltrated the Land of Hot Water this deeply?
"Captain, what should we do? Take them down? Or..." Mizunokawa asked, turning to Heichi.
Heichi crouched on a tree branch, his sharp gaze fixed on the distant Kumogakure squad.
"Why don't I go take a look?" Kazuyama suddenly offered, drawing everyone's attention.
Hironobu looked ready to snap but stopped short when Kazuyama slowly vanished before their eyes.
"All right, Kazuyama. You're the best at stealth. Remember to protect yourself. We'll wait here," Heichi said, nodding in agreement.
"Relax, I value my life," Kazuyama replied with a faint smirk. "Besides, I heard the hot springs here are pretty unique. Who knows? Maybe I'll see something interesting..."
His voice faded as he disappeared completely, leaving the others behind.