As expected, the Daimyō nodded at Kazuyama's words, then said something completely different from before.
"I'll consider the matter."
"Once I've made a decision, I'll send someone to Konohagakure to discuss it with Minato Namikaze, the new Hokage."
Huh. This old man looked pretty ambitious at first, but one setback and he's already folding?
Kazuyama was a little surprised, but this outcome was still within his expectations. His original plan had been to crush the Daimyō's confidence, to make him understand just how vast the gap was between shinobi.
He just didn't expect it to work this well with only one blow.
"Hehe, great. Then I'll take the team back to the village."
"After all, this mission has a deadline. If we return late, it won't look good to the higher-ups."
Shisui didn't react to this, but Obito was clearly suspicious.
He knew his teacher too well—Kazuyama in a hurry to return to the village? That was not normal.
As the frequently "persecuted" disciple, Obito had long understood the kind of man his teacher was. The moment he left the village, he completely let himself loose. There's no way he'd be eager to return.
After saying their farewells to the Daimyō, Yanagimura escorted Kazuyama and the boys out of the manor.
Watching them from a high platform, Kazuma sneered.
Behind him stood only Mizukurai—of the four Locusts, he was the one Kazuma trusted most.
Strong and sharp, Mizukurai was his most reliable ally.
"Kazuma, you've really decided to go through with this?"
"Yeah… I've already sent the request. We should hear back within the day."
"Once that happens, there's no turning back. Are you really serious?"
Kazuma nodded.
Seeing that his mind was made up, Mizukurai said nothing more. He simply stood silently behind him, showing his support.
...
Kazuyama didn't take the boys back to the village after leaving the Daimyō's Manor.
Just as Obito had suspected, he brought them across the Land of Fire into a country they'd never been to before.
"Sensei? Where are we? This place feels kind of familiar..."
"Hahaha, we're finally out! Of course we have to enjoy ourselves before going back."
"Aren't you afraid that Pakura-sensei will come after you?"
Kazuyama's face darkened immediately. Obito realized he'd said something wrong and bolted.
Too bad he forgot he was still carrying one of Kazuyama's marked kunai.
A flash, a heavy punch—Obito hit the ground face-first.
"Captain Kazuyama, I really think this isn't right."
"The village needs its younger shinobi. We should be—"
"Huh?"
Watching Kazuyama's fist slowly wrap in crystal, Shisui wisely shut up.
This was not a man to provoke. One punch could leave him hurting for days.
For some reason, ever since taking a hit from the Thousand Years of Death, Shisui had developed a deep fear of pain. Even a little twinge felt like it could end him.
They arrived at a bustling town. After gathering some info, the Uchiha duo realized they were now in the Land of Rice Fields.
A nation without shinobi.
Kazuyama booked a room at the inn and stretched out lazily.
"Ahahaha, now this is comfort."
"Free time. Obito, be back here tonight. If anything happens, return here. Got it?"
Obito nodded like a drum. He had big plans.
Shisui, on the other hand, was confused. This was supposed to be free time—why couldn't he go off on his own?
"What? You want to wander around by yourself, you little brat?"
"Let's go. I'll show you the adult world."
Kazuyama grabbed Shisui and dragged him out.
Obito gave Shisui a sympathetic grin and a "good luck" look before heading off on his own.
...
Five days later, Konohagakure.
"We're finally back! Captain Kazuyama, later!"
"Obito! I'll pick up my mission pay from your house! Later!"
Obito stared wide-eyed at Shisui, who looked like he was ready to vanish using Body Flicker.
He turned toward his smiling teacher, his expression a mix of confusion and fear. That smile sent shivers down his spine.
"What are you staring at? Go report the mission!"
"Seriously, neither of you make my life easier. Do you know how famous you are now?"
"You tried to use leaves as currency! What were you thinking? And you had to run into a gambling den with ninja guards!"
"I don't even know what to say. You embarrassed us all!"
Kazuyama went off in full lecture mode, practically burying Obito with shame.
There was nothing to say. Obito felt embarrassed himself.
What could he do? He'd lost all his money.
As for Shisui... well, shy doesn't even begin to cover it.
It was just a few days of watching performances. Why was he acting like this?
Then again, the kid had gone from staring blankly, to nosebleeds, to finally activating his Sharingan and tracking the dancers.
Tsk. Every Uchiha really is full of drama.
But when the two of them arrived at the Hokage Building to hand in their mission, they found the entire place under lockdown.
"Halt. Submit to inspection."
"What's going on?"
Kazuyama was stopped. After the routine check, the shinobi led him and Obito straight into the Hokage's office.
When the door opened—whoa, the whole gang was here.
Not just Minato Namikaze and the advisors—even Shikaku Nara was present.
"Yo, what happened?"
"First a lockdown, now a full house?"
Kazuyama felt the weight of everyone's stares and grew puzzled.
What was going on? Why was everyone so serious?
Obito didn't dare speak. Surrounded by this many high-ranking shinobi, a genin like him knew better than to open his mouth.
"Kazuyama..."
"Something's happened..."
Minato's voice was low and grim. Kazuyama felt a chill crawl up his spine.
The next words left him completely stunned.
"News just came in from the Daimyō's Manor. The Daimyō... is dead."
Kazuyama's eyes widened.
What the hell?
The Daimyō is dead!?
Impossible!
He'd just seen him alive and well—how could he suddenly be dead?
Obito was just as shocked.
The Daimyō was the highest authority in the Land of Fire. His death...
This was massive.
What the hell happened?