Kazuyama was not best at fighting or scientific research, but at spying and hiding. With his Transparent Escape Technique and Flying Thunder God Technique, he stood at the pinnacle of espionage. Even Orochimaru had to admit this; otherwise, he wouldn't have allowed Kazuyama to plunder his research results under his nose.

Although they were just potions, they were crafted with Orochimaru's heart and soul. Thinking about this, a hint of sadness crept into Orochimaru's mind.

"Kazuyama, you're right. Even though you can't help me with my scientific experiments," he said, "your role is still very important. If I were to ask you to infiltrate another village and retrieve rare materials or techniques, would you be willing?"

Kazuyama thought to himself, I was just talking casually. Why did you take it so seriously? Still, it wasn't entirely impossible. If he went on a mission, he might pick up a few things along the way.

"Yes! For your research, Sensei, I will do anything!" he said with enthusiasm. A mischievous grin appeared on his face. "Tell me, Sensei, do you want the pipe and crystal ball of Lord Third Hokage? I'll get them for you!"

Orochimaru's expression turned incredulous. "Damn it, have you gone up against Lord Third Hokage? What's the use of a pipe and crystal ball?"

Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought. "Forget it. It's enough that you're willing. For now, just focus on your training. If I need something, I'll let you know."

He handed Kazuyama a scroll. "Take this. It's like the two scrolls I gave you before, but this one contains basic Fūinjutsu. Learning it will still benefit you."

Kazuyama glanced at the scroll marked with the character for "Seal," feeling a twinge of emotion. Without Orochimaru's darker tendencies, he wasn't such a bad person. Still, Kazuyama had already managed to trick Jiraiya into teaching him Fūinjutsu, and this scroll likely covered similar basics. Oh well, he thought. It's still a gift from Orochimaru.

"Yes, Sensei. Then I'll take my leave!" he said, bowing before activating the Flying Thunder God Technique.

In an instant, he appeared on the roof of the Ninja Academy, smiling as he glanced at the marker he'd placed there. "I've earned a lot in these past three months," he muttered. He leapt down and headed to class.

During this time, all the villages seemed to have entered a state of hibernation. There were no battles or significant contact, but everyone knew this was just the calm before the storm. Konohagakure was preparing intensively—recalling ninjas stationed outside the village and reducing the number of external missions.

This drop in missions significantly impacted the income of the village's ninjas, especially ordinary ones who relied on mission rewards to make a living.

Konoha Mission Hall

"Ugh, missions are getting scarcer by the day."

"At this rate, my son and I will be living off nothing but air and rain!"

Two ninjas, both clad in green tights, couldn't help but complain as they eyed the mission board. Their words drew nods of agreement from several others gathered around.

"Yes, there have been far too few missions lately."

"And outside of the Land of Fire, there have been almost no missions to other countries."

Among the crowd, some more knowledgeable individuals tried to offer words of comfort:

"There's nothing we can do about it. Recently, things haven't been right in the three neighboring ninja villages."

"Didn't the Land of Lightning send Kumo ninja here not long ago? I heard some of our ANBU even died in that skirmish."

For a while, the large mission hall buzzed with chatter and complaints, turning the space into something of a teahouse.

Hokage Building.

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen frowned as he observed the scene in the mission hall through his crystal ball.

"People's hearts have been a bit fickle lately," he muttered.

Seated behind him were Konoha's veteran advisors: Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and Danzō Shimura.

"There's no other way," Homura said, his expression serious. "The signs of war are growing stronger. If we send out too many ninjas on missions now, and they're defeated one by one, it would cripple the village's overall strength."

Koharu nodded in agreement.

"Hmph." Danzō let out a sharp snort, breaking the silence. "Hiruzen, if you're referring to me, we should have started preparations long ago."

He leaned forward, his voice sharp. "It's obvious war is imminent. Both the Uchiha and Hyūga clans should have been mobilized earlier."

His reasoning was straightforward: with their powerful Dojutsu, the Uchiha and Hyūga were well-suited for defensive roles.

Hiruzen took a slow drag from his pipe, remaining silent. His thoughts mirrored the discussion. Should Konoha begin preparations for war? Yet, as always, the village's precarious position—surrounded by potential enemies—made the choice fraught with risk. If they took the first step, it might ignite the very conflict they sought to avoid.

"What are you hesitating about, Hiruzen? If you're not confident, just send ANBU to gather intelligence again."

"Kumo is not needed, just focus on Iwa and Suna."

"Isn't there someone suitable? Didn't Sakumo volunteer to go to Suna?"

Danzō's expression remained unchanged, as if sending someone into a foreign land for intelligence gathering carried no risks at all.

However, Homura and Koharu nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, information is most important at the beginning of a war."

"If Sakumo wants to go, then let him go."

"If I remember correctly, he also invited Kazuyama of the Gekkō Clan."

Hearing the name Kazuyama, a faint gleam flashed in Danzō's eyes.

"With his Transparent Escape Technique and Flying Thunder God Technique, he is perfect for intelligence missions."

"And just where did he learn the Flying Thunder God Technique? For now, we won't hold him accountable for picking it up elsewhere, but he still has a duty to the village."

Danzō's pointed words placed Kazuyama squarely in the spotlight.

Hiruzen's face tightened. He could hear Danzō's underlying meaning—this was a calculated move to make Kazuyama atone for his so-called transgressions.

Hmph. Is Danzō scheming something with Kazuyama? He's my grand-disciple now.

"The Gekkō Clan is running out of talent. Unless it's absolutely necessary, it's best not to use Kazuyama," Hiruzen said firmly.

His words sparked dissatisfaction in the room.

"Isn't this an absolutely necessary moment? When else would it be? Are we supposed to wait for the other ninja villages to attack?"

Danzō's relentless pressure caused a flicker of anger to cross Hiruzen's face.

"Hmph, Danzō, I am the Hokage."

"Sakumo's mission will begin shortly, but you need not worry about the candidate!"

With Hiruzen's sharp rebuke, the meeting ended in discord.

However, Sakumo Hatake's mission was also on the verge of being officially added to the agenda.