"Huh?"

Kakashi blinked, momentarily dazed by the announcement.

Obito ran over and slapped him on the back, snapping him out of it. "Kakashi, you did it! You passed!"

Then, with genuine curiosity, Obito added, "By the way, when did you learn the Great Fireball Technique?"

Obito was genuinely happy for Kakashi. After all, Kakashi was the rival he acknowledged—and one he intended to surpass.

"Oh, I saw you use it once, remembered the hand seals, and got it after a few tries. It's not difficult."

Kakashi's response, as casual as ever, belied the excitement in his eyes that he couldn't fully hide.

"Damn it! If you can't talk properly, don't say anything!" Obito snapped, glaring at him. "I'm going to drop dead before I even get my turn!"

Still fuming, Obito turned to the platform where Kazuyama stood. "Sensei, Obito Uchiha, please teach me!"

With that declaration, he leapt onto the training ground.

Kazuyama nodded and waved casually. "Come on, Obito, show me what you've got."

Nodding firmly, Obito charged straight at him, like a young calf barreling ahead.

No shuriken. No ninjutsu. Just a direct, full-speed Taijutsu assault.

The audience was stunned. Was Obito really this reckless?

Even Kazuyama frowned slightly, watching the unorthodox approach. This guy isn't secretly from Reckless Village, is he?

Flailing his fists and swinging his legs wildly, Obito reminded Kazuyama of someone—Guy?!

"Have you been training in Taijutsu specifically?" Kazuyama asked, deflecting the blows with one hand. "As a Uchiha, this is definitely... unconventional."

Blocking Obito's punches and kicks with ease, Kazuyama finally caught his right leg and flung him away.

But Obito didn't panic. He rolled mid-air and landed firmly, immediately forming hand seals—the same hand seals for the Great Fireball Technique.

"Hoo…"

A tiny wisp of flame puffed out of his mouth. The expected fireball never materialized.

The arena fell silent.

Kazuyama sighed helplessly and ran a hand over his head.

"Obito, why don't you go back and practice?"

Kazuyama couldn't help but sigh inwardly. It wasn't that he wanted to block Obito from graduating, but this performance was just too embarrassing.

"Umm, that was a mistake!" Obito stammered, his face flushed with embarrassment. "Again!"

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

With all eyes on him, Obito's face turned crimson as he hastily formed the seals again. This time, a fireball finally emerged.

But compared to Kakashi's, this one was... pocket-sized.

"Hey..." Kazuyama let out a weary sigh.

Before he could say more, another examiner suddenly appeared behind Obito using the Body Flicker Technique, placing a firm hand on his head.

"Obito Uchiha, your assessment is failed. Work hard for another year."

The words hit Obito hard, and his face fell, frustration written all over it.

The examiner quickly declared the assessment over, signaling the end of the event.

Meanwhile, Kazuyama felt a familiar presence. Without hesitation, he activated the Body Flicker Technique, disappearing from the spot.

When he reappeared, he was standing beside Orochimaru.

"Sensei, you're back," Kazuyama greeted.

Orochimaru gave him a faint smile. "Kazuyama, your modified Wind Release isn't bad. It seems you've truly grasped the scroll I gave you."

"Tomorrow, come to my laboratory. It's time for you to assist me with some experiments."

Kazuyama's eyes lit up. Oh? I can enter the laboratory now? Finally!

He could barely contain his excitement. I wonder what kind of treasures Orochimaru's lab holds. I'll definitely keep an eye out.

Evening, behind Hokage Rock.

Kazuyama sat on a stone, gazing at the sky.

"Kazuyama, do you still have the habit of looking at the scenery?"

A voice suddenly came from behind him.

"Lord Sakumo, is it really a good idea for you to be so unpredictable?"

Kazuyama had already sensed someone approaching—his keen senses made such things easy. When he heard the voice, he knew it was none other than Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo.

"Haha, just a habit left over from the battlefield," Sakumo replied.

Kazuyama turned slightly, his tone shifting to one of curiosity. "I wonder what business Lord Sakumo has with me? Surely, this isn't just a casual visit."

"As they say, no one visits a temple without a reason," he added, his skepticism clear.

"Thank you for what you did today regarding Kakashi. I could tell you held back."Sakumo's tone carried gratitude.

"Kakashi and I are very much alike, and he's ready to graduate. A genius who can use the Shadow Clone Technique and manipulate chakra nature transformations—anyone with eyes can see he's far beyond a Genin's level."

Hearing Kazuyama praise Kakashi, Sakumo gave a small nod. "He still has a long way to go," he said, shaking his head lightly.

After a moment, Sakumo shifted gears. "Kazuyama, what's your opinion of Sunagakure?"

Here it comes, Kazuyama thought. This must be the main reason he's here.

"Sunagakure? A village in decline, always coveting the fertile lands of Konohagakure," Kazuyama began. "Weren't they the ones who tried to invade us in the last two Shinobi World Wars?"

Sakumo nodded in agreement. Kazuyama's analysis was spot on. The Land of Wind's harsh environment and lack of fertile land created a difficult living situation. It was no surprise that Sunagakure sought war to gain better territory for survival.

"You handled Kumogakure well," Sakumo said. "But today, I've come to discuss a matter regarding Suna."

"In the near future, the Third Shinobi World War may break out. Before that happens, we need to gather intelligence on Suna. I'd like to invite you to join my team for this mission."

Kazuyama frowned slightly. He wasn't against the mission itself; rather, he was thinking about Sakumo's fate.

In the original timeline, this mission led to his downfall. He abandoned the mission to save his comrades, was blamed by the village, and eventually took his own life. Judging by the timing, this must be the mission.

Sakumo noticed Kazuyama's hesitation and assumed it was due to concerns about the mission's difficulty. He offered reassurance.

"Don't worry, this mission is primarily about intelligence gathering, so it won't be too dangerous. Besides, with your concealment skills and my presence, are you really concerned?"

Kazuyama chuckled, masking his unease. "Ah, it's not that. I'm just worried my little brother might have trouble without me around for too long, haha."

He straightened and nodded. "Since you, Lord Sakumo, have personally invited me, how could I refuse? When the mission begins, just let me know, and I'll rejoin the team immediately."

He paused briefly before adding, "Though for now, I'm under Lord Orochimaru's tutelage and need to assist him. I'll coordinate with him in the meantime."

I've never been to Sunagakure, Kazuyama mused. Let's see if I can find some side opportunities there. Kumogakure was generous with provisions and money last time.

Too bad I missed out on anything valuable in Takigakure because I was busy stealing the Seven-Tails. What a waste!