Living in Konoha: Picking Up Abilities Starting from the Anbu

The Land of Lightning lies northeast of the Land of Fire, so any Hidden Cloud ninjas invading Konoha would be coming from the north. The team moved quickly through the forest, heading toward the northern border of the Land of Fire.

The journey was long.

For over twenty hours after leaving the village, they spent most of the time traveling.

But Kazuya didn't feel the least bit tired. With his Kage-level Chakra reserves, his stamina was excellent. Plus, along the way, he managed to collect some golden orbs, which only added to his satisfaction.

[You have collected 30 points of Taijutsu talent.]

[You have collected 40 points of Body Flicker Jutsu experience.]

[You have collected 50 points of Body Flicker Jutsu experience.]

[You have collected 20 Chakra points.]

[You have collected 30 Chakra points.]

The drops were mostly standard fare, but the sheer volume made up for it.

Before long, Kazuya had collected an additional 3,540 Chakra points and 200 points of Taijutsu talent. His current stats were:

[Chakra: lv4 (13,000/100,000)]

[Taijutsu Talent: lv5 (700/1000)]

As the team took a brief rest, another golden orb suddenly appeared from Jiraiya.

[You have collected 50 points of Body Flicker Jutsu experience.]

[Your Body Flicker Jutsu has increased to Level 4 (30/1000).]

Another upgrade!

Kazuya's Body Flicker Jutsu was now level 4, matching his Substitution Jutsu. Even while traveling, he was making progress.

Not bad at all!

By this time, the group had reached the border region of the Land of Fire, where they could encounter the Hidden Cloud and Hidden Mist ninja squads at any moment.

"Follow the plan!"

"Scatter!"

After a brief rest, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, captain of the First Anbu Division, gave the command.

"Yes, Captain!"

Four Anbu squads responded and quickly dispersed.

The remaining teams included Kurenai's Squad 7, the Hyuga-led Squad 8, and the two main combat squads under Shinnosuke's command.

"Have we received any intelligence?" Jiraiya asked, his white hair catching the light.

"Yes, Lord Jiraiya," Shinnosuke replied gravely. "We received a report from our scouts about traces of enemy infiltration along the border."

Jiraiya nodded and fell silent, closing his eyes to focus. At that moment, the legendary toad sage exuded a commanding presence, very different from the laid-back persona he would adopt in later years. His experience and losses over the years had tempered him.

"Captain Kazuya!" Kurenai suddenly appeared beside him with a Body Flicker, speaking in a low voice. "I found signs left by some ninja."

"Show me." Kazuya stood up, eager for action.

"Yes, sir!" Kurenai led the way, and Kazuya followed close behind.

Seeing their captains head off, Uzuki Yugao and Hayate Gekkō quickly joined them.

"Shinnosuke, let's check it out," Jiraiya suggested.

"Understood, Lord Jiraiya." Shinnosuke turned to his remaining subordinates. "Stay alert and guard this position."

"Yes, Captain!" the Anbu members responded.

A short while later, Kurenai led them to a dense forest. She pointed to some moss on a high tree branch. "I noticed some scuffed moss up there—it could be a footprint. And…"

Kurenai bent down, picking up a few broken twigs from the forest floor. "These branches have been snapped. Judging by the moss marks and the position of the broken branches, their destination seems to be…"

"Toward the village!" Uzuki Yugao exclaimed, eyes wide.

The marks on the moss were over ten meters high—well out of reach for ordinary people. It was clear that a team of ninjas was heading toward the village.

"A long-distance infiltration... Is the Hidden Cloud planning to start another ninja war?" Hayate Gekkō's voice was strained.

Jiraiya, observing the traces, seemed deep in thought.

Kazuya considered the evidence for a moment before speaking. "I don't think the Hidden Cloud would be so bold as to start the Fourth Great Ninja War just yet. And these traces…"

"They seem too obvious."

"Obvious?" Kurenai asked, surprised.

"Yeah, too obvious," Kazuya explained. "Look at where the branches broke—those cuts are too clean. They weren't stepped on; they were cut intentionally. And the footprints—sure, the moss was crushed, but the bark underneath is still damp. That means they left recently."

"Besides, these infiltrators are elites. They wouldn't be so careless with their tracks unless…"

"They were in a hurry," Kurenai guessed, her eyes lighting up. "Captain, do you mean…"

"They're trying to mislead us!"

Jiraiya stepped forward, his expression serious. "They likely detected us from a distance and made a hasty retreat. The rushed nature of their departure left these imperfect traces."

"Exactly," Kazuya agreed. "This squad of infiltrators is highly skilled, with at least one sensory ninja or some other advanced tracking technique. They left false evidence to throw us off."

"They're trying to trick us into focusing on the village while their true target lies elsewhere," Jiraiya said, his voice deepening. "If the clues point toward the village, then their actual objective is probably…"

Kazuya and Jiraiya exchanged glances, both reaching the same conclusion at the same time: "The Daimyo's mansion!"

"What?"

"The Daimyo's mansion?"

Kurenai, Yugao, and the others were stunned.

But it all made sense now. Kazuya's mind clicked into place.

No wonder the original storyline had the Hidden Leaf forced into handing over Hizashi Hyuga's life to settle the incident with the Hidden Cloud's attempted kidnapping of Hinata. Beyond just a military threat, it seemed likely that the Daimyo of the Land of Fire had been directly threatened by the enemy's elite squad.

The Daimyo's mansion was heavily guarded, but to pose a real threat, the Hidden Cloud would need to send their best—perhaps even Killer B… or maybe even the Fourth Raikage himself!

Such a daring move fits perfectly with the personalities of those two brothers.

Great risks for great rewards!

Kazuya couldn't help but be impressed. Becoming a Kage-level leader certainly required a bold spirit.

Jiraiya, too, felt a sense of unease.

Good thing I decided to join the mission after hearing about it from the old man. Without my intervention, this could have turned into a major crisis!

Jiraiya's gaze toward Kazuya grew more appreciative.

This Anbu captain is something special—his strength and strategic thinking are exceptional.

He's not quite on Minato's level, but he's a highly capable ninja.

"Let's move!" Kazuya ordered coldly. "The enemy can't be far!"

"Yes, Captain!" Kurenai and the other Anbu members responded.

Behind his mask, Kazuya felt a surge of determination.

Kazuya's gaze shifted subtly toward Jiraiya, standing nearby. The other side had powerful shinobi in their ranks, but so did the Leaf. This was a prime opportunity he couldn't let slip by.

If both sides could just go all out and beat each other to a pulp, that would be perfect! Kazuya thought eagerly. Where else am I going to find such high-quality drops?!