56-60

Chapter 56: Fame Shakes the Land of Fire  

“What? Is Konoha after the other Tailed Beasts now?” 

“Not Konoha—just me!” 

If anyone else had said this, Uchiha Itachi would’ve scoffed. The power of a Tailed Beast isn’t something ordinary people can handle. 

But when Kazama said it, Itachi didn’t doubt him for a second. Kazama’s strength was undeniable, right there in front of him. Claiming a Tailed Beast’s power wasn’t some pipe dream for him. 

“Alright, I’m in,” Itachi agreed. 

For the sake of his brother, Sasuke, he had no reason to refuse. 

“But Orochimaru’s cunning by nature and tough to deal with. Are you sure you can foil his schemes?” 

“Absolutely,” Kazama replied, pulling out the Kusanagi Sword. “This is Orochimaru’s personal blade. When I defeated him, I took it as a trophy. To me, Orochimaru’s as weak as an ant. You don’t need to worry.” 

“A true hero rises young!” Itachi marveled. 

Kazama was barely a teenager, yet his power was already staggering. Even Itachi, hailed as a genius, couldn’t help but admire him. 

“Kisame Hoshigaki’s done too much evil. How about I finish him off right here?” Kazama suggested. 

“No!” Itachi quickly waved him off. “Kisame’s wild and reckless, but he’s not scheming. I don’t have to worry about him seeing through me. If you kill him, they’ll just send someone else to be my partner. If that person’s a schemer, our plan could fall apart.” 

“Fair enough. Take care, then.” 

Since Kazama and Itachi were talking in the Tsukuyomi world, to Kakashi and the others, it looked like they just stared at each other for a few seconds before Itachi left, carrying a badly injured Kisame. 

Asuma and Kurenai couldn’t help but be in complete awe of Kazama. 

“Kazama, we’re sorry for underestimating you before,” Asuma admitted. 

“Please, don’t say that,” Kazama replied humbly. “I just got lucky and managed to drive off Itachi and Kisame.” 

He said it modestly, but Asuma and Kurenai knew he was just sparing their feelings. After all, they, as Jonin, hadn’t accomplished what Kazama, a mere Genin, had pulled off—and with such ease. 

Watching Kazama shine, they couldn’t help but think of their own students—Shikamaru, Shino, and the others. The comparison was humbling, to say the least. 

With this battle, plus his stellar performance in the Chunin Exams, Kazama’s name didn’t just echo through Konoha—it spread across the entire Land of Fire. 

What people didn’t know was that Kazama was also the one who saved Konoha this time. Wanting to play the pig to eat the tiger, he’d asked the Third Hokage to keep it quiet. 

But his strength was so overwhelming that staying low-key was impossible. 

Even though outsiders already saw him as insanely powerful, Kazama wasn’t satisfied. His dream of obtaining the Fallen Heart Flame still burned. Without it, he couldn’t endlessly use Izanagi, Izanami, or the ultimate genjutsu, Kotoamatsukami. 

That meant he wouldn’t be ready to face Uchiha Madara or Kaguya Otsutsuki in the future. 

And Kazama hadn’t forgotten: soon, the Otsutsuki trio—Kinshiki, Momoshiki, and Urashiki—would descend on the ninja world. Those three wielded true divine power, surpassing even Kaguya. 

To defeat these formidable foes, Kazama knew he had to prepare now. 

Chapter 57: Journey to the Land of Lightning to Absorb the Two-Tails’ Power  

“Wait a second! I remember Killer B, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, can transform into Gyuki. If I directly absorb the Eight-Tails’ power, wouldn’t that give me all the Nine-Tails’ abilities and let me unlock several types of otherworldly flames at once?” 

“No way! That would disrupt the chakra balance in your body. You have to absorb the Tailed Beasts’ powers in order, from One-Tail to Nine-Tails!” 

“Oh, got it. Fair enough.” 

Hearing the system’s explanation, Kazama reluctantly abandoned his shortcut plan. 

“With Naruto training under Jiraiya and Sasuke training with Kakashi in Konoha, Orochimaru won’t be able to snatch Sasuke anytime soon. That gives me some time to head to the Land of Lightning and visit Kumogakure. I’ll find the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, Yugito Nii, and absorb her Two-Tails power. That’ll let me tap into the Three-Tails’ power and score two types of otherworldly flames in one go. Then, the Fallen Heart Flame will be within my reach. Sweet!” 

With that plan in mind, Kazama headed straight to the mission hall to pick up a task in the Land of Lightning. His goal? Meet Yugito Nii, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki. As for the Three-Tails through Seven-Tails, he’d have to rely on Itachi’s intel. 

“There aren’t any missions in the Land of Lightning right now, but Kumogakure is hosting a Chunin Exam. Interested in joining?” the Third Hokage said with a smile, noticing Kazama’s interest in the Land of Lightning. 

“What? I thought the Chunin Exams were only held in our Land of Fire, in Konoha. Why’s Kumogakure holding one? Are they trying to one-up us or something?” Kazama asked, puzzled. 

“You’ve got it wrong, Kazama. All five great nations can host Chunin Exams, and the participants come from their allied or vassal states. For example, our Land of Fire’s Chunin Exam included ninjas from nearby vassal territories and our ally, the Land of Wind.” 

“Oh, I see,” Kazama said, nodding as the Third’s explanation clicked. 

“Hold on a sec!” Kazama suddenly paused, a thought striking him. “If no Land of Lightning ninjas participated in our Chunin Exam, doesn’t that mean they’re not our allies? And if they’re not allies, aren’t they basically enemies?” 

With a helpless expression, Kazama turned to the Third Hokage. “Come on, Lord Hokage! I saved you and Konoha, and now you’re sending me to a potentially hostile nation’s Chunin Exam? Isn’t that like throwing a sheep into a tiger’s den?” 

“Haha! You’re no sheep, kid—you’re fiercer than any tiger! While it’s true we’re not allies with the Land of Lightning, we’re not enemies either. Our relationship’s just… a bit chilly. That won’t stop you from joining their Chunin Exam. Plus, you love taking on strong opponents, don’t you? The Land of Lightning is crawling with elite shinobi. With your skills, you’ll crush the competition, show off Konoha’s pride, and handle your own mission on the side!” 

Though the Third didn’t know exactly why Kazama wanted to go to the Land of Lightning, he figured the kid had his reasons. This was a win-win: Kazama could pursue his personal goals while showcasing Konoha’s strength to intimidate Kumogakure. 

“Hmm, you make a good point. Alright, I’m in for the Land of Lightning’s Chunin Exam!” Kazama agreed. 

“I’ll arrange for Anbu to escort you—” 

“No need! The Land of Lightning’s nothing I can’t handle on my own. Just wait for the news of me dominating in Kumogakure, Third!” Kazama said confidently. 

“That’s the spirit! I knew you wouldn’t let me down!”  

As Kazama walked off, the Third Hokage nodded with a satisfied smile. Kumogakure might be packed with powerhouses, including the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, but the Third was certain Kazama’s strength would overwhelm them all. That’s why he sent Kazama to represent Konoha—to show the world the might of their village’s genius. 

Chapter 58: The Provocation of the Cloud Ninja  

After leaving the village, Kazama immediately ordered Zabuza, Haku, Yamanaka Fu, and Shino Takanotsume to secretly protect Sasuke. He couldn’t risk Orochimaru kidnapping Sasuke while he was away. After all, he’d promised Uchiha Itachi he’d thwart Orochimaru’s schemes. If Orochimaru succeeded, Kazama would be breaking his word—and letting down both Itachi and Sasuke. 

Using the Body Flicker Technique nonstop, Kazama reached the distant Land of Lightning’s Hidden Cloud Village in just a few days. At first, he subtly gathered intel while traveling through the Land of Lightning, but found no leads on the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, Yugito Nii. With no other options, he decided to join the Chunin Exams hosted by the Cloud Village, hoping to pick up her trail. 

“So this is the Hidden Cloud Village, famous for its swordsmanship and Lightning Style?” Kazama mused, marveling at the village’s towering, cloud-piercing terrain. It wasn’t as cozy as his Konoha, but it had a unique charm. 

Normally, the Cloud Village was completely sealed off, making it nearly impossible for foreign ninja to enter. But with the Chunin Exams underway, they’d opened their gates to ninja from smaller neighboring countries. 

“You’re a ninja from the Land of Fire’s Hidden Leaf Village?” the Cloud ninja at the registration desk asked, double-checking Kazama’s Konoha forehead protector. 

“Is there a problem?” Kazama asked, puzzled by the ninja’s exaggerated reaction. 

“Oh, nothing, nothing!” the Cloud ninja replied with a grin, continuing the registration process. But that smile carried a hint of malice. “Just so you know, if you get injured, maimed, lose an arm, or end up limping in the exams, the Cloud Village takes no responsibility!” 

Kazama couldn’t help but chuckle at the over-the-top warning. “Even if the Chunin Exams are tough, do you have to make it sound that scary? I’m not here for some street brawl tournament. If other ninja heard you, would anyone even dare show up for your exams?” 

“Hmph! Other villages’ ninja don’t get this kind of treatment!” the Cloud ninja shot back, handing Kazama his entry pass. 

At that moment, the surrounding participants—whether they’d overheard Kazama’s exchange or noticed his Konoha forehead protector—began whispering about him. Glancing around, Kazama realized he was the only ninja from the Land of Fire. The rest were either from the Cloud Village or obscure smaller nations. 

“The Third Hokage was right,” Kazama thought. “The Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning really don’t get along. No matter. I’m here for the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, Yugito Nii. If no one bothers me, great. But if anyone tries to mess with me, I’ll show them what a Hidden Leaf ninja can do.” 

“Hmph! A trash Konoha ninja with a death wish, daring to come to our Cloud Village for the Chunin Exams? You must be tired of living!” a scrawny Cloud ninja sneered, stepping right up to Kazama. 

The Hidden Leaf and Hidden Cloud had been enemies during the Third Great Ninja War. Though they’d made peace, the Cloud Village’s younger generation still harbored deep resentment toward Konoha ninja. 

“Well, ask and you shall receive. Someone’s actually bold enough to act tough in front of me!” Kazama thought, turning to face the challenger with a calm but confident look. 

Chapter 59: Kumogakure! The Chunin Exam Begins  

“What’re you staring at?! Keep looking, and I’ll gouge your eyes out, you little Konoha punk!”  

“You can trash-talk me all you want, but I won’t let you insult Konoha!”  

Kazama wasn’t one to stir up trouble, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to back down from someone picking a fight. 

“Quit yapping! I’m insulting you—so what?!”  

The guy let out a furious roar and pulled three long blades from his cloak.  

“Konoha punk, today’s your last day! Watch me, Kusoichiro, carve you into pieces!”  

“Kusoichiro, huh? That name fits your scrawny look perfectly,” Kazama quipped, barely holding back a laugh at the guy’s name and dramatic pose. 

“You’re dead, kid! Kusoichiro’s a master with ninja tools. His three blades never miss!”  

“Get him, Kusoichiro! Wipe out that Konoha brat!”  

Egged on by the crowd’s cheers, Kusoichiro’s confidence soared. He charged at Kazama, blades flashing.  

Kazama, however, didn’t budge an inch, letting Kusoichiro’s blades come right for him. 

“Ha! Scared stiff, huh? Forgot how to dodge? Pathetic!” Kusoichiro cackled. 

“Holy—!”  

Just as Kusoichiro thought he’d slice Kazama to bits, his blades hit Kazama’s body—and both he and his weapons were sent flying backward. Blood poured from the torn skin between his thumbs and fingers, and his three prized blades were shattered into pieces. 

The once-rowdy arena fell deathly silent as Kusoichiro hit the ground.  

No one could believe it. This unassuming Kazama hadn’t even lifted a finger, yet he’d sent Kusoichiro flying and reduced his blades to scraps. It was beyond anyone’s expectations. 

“This can’t be! I, Kusoichiro, have never lost when bullying the weak and helpless. How could I capsize in a ditch and lose to this Konoha punk?!”  

The more Kusoichiro thought about it, the more he felt cheated. He jumped to his feet, yelling at Kazama.  

“You cheating bastard!”  

“Enough whining. When you lose, you own it. When you take a hit, you stand tall. That’s how it works. You lost, so now I expect an apology,” Kazama said calmly. 

“Apologize to your mom! I’m insulting Konoha, so what? The Land of Fire is trash, and Konoha’s the trashiest of the trash. Got a problem? Come at me, idiot!”  

SLAP!  

Before Kusoichiro could finish his rant, Kazama’s ghostly figure flickered in front of him. A single slap sent him sprawling to the ground. 

“I’m giving you one more chance. Apologize to Konoha, or I’ll make you regret it,” Kazama warned. 

Terrified by Kazama’s display of power, Kusoichiro briefly considered backing down. But then he remembered he was on home turf—why should he fear this outsider? Instead of apologizing, he slyly launched a hidden weapon, thinking Kazama’s close range would guarantee a hit. 

Big mistake. The moment the weapon flew, a green flame erupted from Kazama’s body, instantly reducing both the projectile and Kusoichiro’s right hand to ashes.  

Kusoichiro writhed on the ground, screaming in agony. That green flame was the Nether Poison Fire, laced with deadly venom. Within moments, the poison would stop his heart. Kazama, showing a sliver of mercy, let him linger a bit longer—otherwise, he’d have been incinerated on the spot. 

“Pretty bold, huh? A Konoha ninja daring to cause trouble in our Kumogakure!”  

A scarred-faced man stepped forward, and the crowd parted nervously, clearly aware of his reputation. 

“It’s not causing trouble—it’s self-defense. He attacked me with a hidden weapon. Was I supposed to just stand there?” Kazama replied, unfazed by the man’s intimidating presence. 

“Take him away!”  

At the man’s command, his lackeys moved to drag Kusoichiro off. But before they could touch him, Kusoichiro’s legs twitched, and he was gone—dead on the spot. 

“Captain Blackfang, this…” one of the lackeys stammered. 

The scarred man, called Blackfang, glared at Kazama. “Nice move, kid. Using poison, huh? Let’s see how you like what’s coming next!”  

Blackfang shot a glance at the official arranging the match order. The official nodded quickly, swapping Blackfang’s next opponent to Kazama. 

Kazama caught the sneaky exchange and smirked. “Alright, let’s see how you’re gonna ‘make me pay’!”  

When the referee called his name, Kazama strode confidently onto the arena stage. 

Chapter 60: Kicking the Opponent Off the Stage  

The Cloud Village’s Chunin Exams skipped written tests and survival challenges. It was straight-up, no-nonsense arena battles: win and move on, lose and get out. This suited Kazama just fine. 

As he stepped onto the stage, he’d already checked the participant list and spotted the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, Yugito Nii. But to face her, he first had to take down the scar-faced ninja in front of him, Kuroya. 

“Lord Raikage, you’ve arrived!” an attendant said, ushering the Fourth Raikage to his seat in the stands. 

“Any promising fighters this year?” the Raikage asked. 

“Quite a few, actually—Darui, Xi, Yugito… but there’s also a Leaf ninja who showed up today.” 

“What?!” The Fourth Raikage’s eyes widened. “You’re saying Konoha sent a ninja to our Cloud Village’s Chunin Exams?” 

“That’s right. He’s officially registered.” 

“How many? Where are they?” 

The Raikage knew tensions between the Cloud and Leaf Villages were high. He was eager to see what kind of gutsy Konoha ninja would dare enter their exams. 

“Just one, named Sanada Kazama. He’s about to face Kuroya.” 

“Sanada Kazama? Never heard of him. I thought the Third Hokage would send someone from the Uchiha, Hyuga, or Aburame clans,” the Raikage said, disappointed. “And his luck’s rotten, facing Kuroya in the first round!” 

The attendant eagerly hyped up Kuroya’s record. “Kuroya’s the youngest captain of our assassination squad. He’s been on missions for years, missing past Chunin Exams, so he’s still a Genin. But his strength? It’s Jonin-level, no question.” 

“Not bad,” the Raikage nodded, clearly dismissing Kazama as a threat. “I wonder what that old fox, the Third Hokage, is playing at, sending a ninja to our exams. Didn’t Konoha just hold their own Chunin Exams?” 

“I’m not sure, sir. But with our tense relationship with Konoha, if Kuroya accidentally kills this Leaf ninja in the arena…” 

“Send word to the guards below,” the Raikage interrupted. “If the Leaf ninja’s life is in danger, stop the fight immediately. Peace is hard-won—I don’t want a war with Konoha over this.” 

“Understood! But even if we can’t kill the kid, we can cripple him. Show Konoha and the Land of Fire the Cloud Village’s strength!” the attendant suggested. 

“Sounds good!” the Raikage agreed. 

Just as they assumed Kazama was doomed, the referee below signaled the start of the match. 

“Kid, you think you can cause trouble in my Cloud Village? Ready to die?” Kuroya taunted. 

Kazama shook his head, exasperated. “Like I told you, it was self-defense. That Kuruki Ichiro was trying to kill me. If I hadn’t taken him out, I’d be the one dead.” 

“Enough talk! Kuruki Ichiro was a punk, but it’s not your place to deal with him! Lightning Style: Shuriken Clone Technique!” 

With a roar, Kuroya unleashed a storm of shuriken at Kazama, each crackling with Lightning Style, boosting their speed and destructive power to the max. 

“This Konoha kid’s done for. Kuroya’s Lightning Shuriken is his trump card!” a spectator jeered. 

“Yeah, as an assassination squad captain, Kuroya’s killed thousands with that move!” 

“No way around it—the kid’s bad luck for facing our Captain Kuroya first.” 

“You’re dead, brat!” Kuroya snarled. 

In the same instant, he used the Body Flicker Technique to flash behind Kazama, cutting off his escape. 

Against anyone else, this would’ve been a death sentence. But Kuroya was up against Kazama, whose body was fortified by the Indestructible Diamond defense. 

Bang! Bang! Bang! 

A series of sharp clashes rang out. The barrage of shuriken either bounced off Kazama or were incinerated by the Volcanic Stone Flame coating his skin. 

“This… this can’t be!” The crowd below was stunned. 

Even Kuroya, standing behind Kazama, was floored. He’d never seen anyone tank his Lightning Shuriken like that. 

“You’re not my real target, so I don’t have time to waste on you. See ya!” Kazama said. 

Before Kuroya could react, Kazama spun and delivered a swift roundhouse kick, sending him crashing off the stage.