"Hōgen, just say it," the Daimyō said, addressing the man once more after hearing his words.
"I don't know... I just feel like the information we've gathered has come a little too easily," he said, his voice laced with suspicion.
"It's as if this kid is leading us step by step."
"I think you should be careful, Daimyō. The formation of a ninja army still needs to be kept secret. If you choose the wrong person, it could significantly impact future plans."
The Daimyō fell silent. Hōgen was right—choosing the right person from the start was crucial and could have lasting consequences.
After a long pause, he finally spoke.
"Yanagimura, go make contact first and see what this kid is really up to."
"We won't know for sure unless we test him. Hōgen, gather more information on this brat."
"Hurry up—this mission only lasts a month, and a week has already passed."
Yanagimura and Hōgen nodded before leaving, leaving the Daimyō alone with his thoughts.
Meanwhile, outside the city, Kazuyama and Obito were in the middle of an argument over how to split the stolen money.
"Kazuyama-sensei, half of this money is thanks to me! And you even poisoned me!" Obito protested.
"I couldn't move, but I saw exactly what you were doing!"
"You at least owe me some compensation!"
Seeing all five million ryo in Kazuyama's hands, Obito felt deeply wronged. In his mind, he deserved a fair share.
But he had underestimated his sensei's shamelessness.
"What are you talking about, Obito? Where did that money even come from?" Kazuyama smirked.
"I provided all of it. Since I got it back, it naturally belongs to me."
"As for your money... just consider it tuition. If it weren't for me, would you have had such an exciting experience?"
"Alright, let's head back."
Kazuyama, completely indifferent to Obito's frustration, activated the Flying Thunder God Technique. In an instant, both, now free from their Transformation Techniques, returned to the mansion.
Kakashi and Rin turned to look at them—especially Obito, who was covered in dust. Just like his name, he was practically coated in dirt.
"Kazuyama-sensei, is this really a good idea?"
"Hey..." Kakashi sighed, shaking his head. His own sensei was unbelievably unreliable, dragging his student into gambling of all things.
"And you, Obito. Instead of training properly, you were out gambling?"
"Are you trying to follow in Tsunade's footsteps?"
Kazuyama and Obito both scratched their heads in embarrassment, unable to refute the statement.
"Kakashi, how about this—when we get back to the village, I'll set something fun up for you," Kazuyama said with a mischievous grin.
"I promise it's not gambling. Something like that is good enough for Obito, but what I have in mind... only a real man can appreciate it."
"Interested?"
Kakashi narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Kazuyama. His instincts screamed that his sensei was scheming something against him, but he couldn't quite figure out what.
Kazuyama, still smiling innocently, gave nothing away. Despite staring at him for a long time, Kakashi couldn't read a thing.
"Don't stare at me. I promise you'll like it. I'll let you experience it when we get back to the village."
Hmph, that brat had the nerve to nag him.
Kazuyama had already made up his mind—since Obito had already strayed, Kakashi wouldn't be spared either. They were in this together.
"Okay, Kazuyama-sensei, Kakashi."
"We're still on a mission, and things have been quieter since you ran into the Kiri ninja," Rin interjected, trying to smooth things over.
Hearing this, Kazuyama's thoughts shifted to Kiri.
It had been a week since they wiped out the last group, yet their forces hadn't progressed as quickly as he had expected.
"Kakashi, have you learned how to summon any creatures?"
"...No."
Kazuyama was speechless. A Kakashi who couldn't summon his dogs wasn't the real Kakashi.
This kid still hadn't grown up—no, actually, a Kakashi who didn't have Icha Icha Paradise in hand wasn't a proper Kakashi!
He made a mental note to grab him some books when they got back.
"Forget it. Just stay alert. I have a feeling that Kiri will strike again soon."
"Starting tomorrow, expand the patrol range."
As the four of them were discussing their patrol routes, Yanagimura arrived once more.
This time, however, he met with Kazuyama alone.
"Hehehe, Konoha Jōnin Kazuyama, I wonder how you've been enjoying your time at Daimyō's Manor?"
Yanagimura's sudden appearance made it clear—he was here on behalf of the Daimyō.
This was definitely the Daimyō's way of making first contact.
With that in mind, Kazuyama already had a plan.
"Heh, it's been great—the scenery is beautiful, the people are nice, the food is delicious, and there's plenty to do."
Hearing his response, Yanagimura nodded before cutting straight to the point.
"I wonder, what do you think of the Daimyō's Manor?"
"Huh? Daimyō's Manor? The leader of our Land of Fire? Needless to say, even our Lord Hokage is under the Daimyō."
Yanagimura was pleased with that answer. After all, the Daimyō was the true ruler of the Land of Fire, while Konoha was merely its military force. Without the Daimyō's support, the village wouldn't survive.
"That's right. The Daimyō's Manor is the foundation of the Land of Fire."
"In that case, if the Daimyō's Manor were to recruit you in the future, what would you think?"
As expected, Yanagimura didn't bother with pretense.
Kazuyama's smile froze for a moment before he responded in a serious tone.
"Is this the Daimyō's will?"
"Konoha is part of the Land of Fire and serves the Daimyō. I'm not sure I understand what you mean, Yanagimura."
No one was better at playing dumb than Kazuyama.
Even Yanagimura seemed to believe his act, chuckling lightly.
"Heh, Kazuyama, you're being too naive. You're a Konoha ninja, after all."
"Even if the Daimyō's Manor wanted to use you, it would have to request a mission through Konoha. Quite inconvenient."
"What I'm proposing is that you join Daimyō's Manor directly. You'd still appear to be a Konoha ninja on the surface, but behind the scenes, you'd prioritize the Daimyō's interests first."
"Of course, this wouldn't put you at a disadvantage. You should know that the Daimyō's Manor can offer you far more than Konoha ever could."
Hearing this, Kazuyama sneered inwardly.
So they were openly trying to poach Konoha's ninja now?
The rewards from Daimyō's Manor were indeed greater, but their missions were just as frequent and demanding.
He figured Old Man Third would be very interested in hearing this news.
Hmph, in the middle of a war, instead of supporting Konoha, the Daimyō's Manor was stabbing them in the back.