Kazuyama Gekkō stared at the two brats in front of him, fuming with disappointment. If it were just Obito acting like this, he might have let it slide.
But even Shisui Uchiha? How could he be this reckless?
Did they not understand where they were? To speak so freely in a place like this?
That punch he threw earlier had some force behind it—enough to leave both brats clutching their heads and wailing in pain. Ignoring them, Kazuyama bit his finger.
"Summoning Technique."
With a puff of smoke, five dark brown snakes appeared on the floor.
"Hissss..."
"Go. Scout the area around this room. If anything's off, notify me immediately. Then take up positions around the perimeter."
The snakes slithered off quickly in different directions. Kazuyama knew just how tricky the Daimyō's Manor could be. These were rattlesnakes, specially trained to send him signals through unique vibrations.
Soon enough, five distinct vibrations confirmed the area was clear.
Only then did he turn his attention back to the Uchiha brats.
"Did you two forget where you are?"
"This is the Daimyō's Manor! Don't you know the current relationship between the Manor and the village?"
"You just spout off without thinking. What did I teach you in class?"
"Wait... Shisui, you probably never took my class. You went straight to the battlefield, didn't you?"
"But you, Obito—you did take my class! You little brat!"
Seeing Kazuyama raise his hand again, Obito immediately backed up.
"Sensei, I was wrong!"
His genuinely apologetic look was enough to make Kazuyama ease up a little. Then he turned his gaze to Shisui.
That fierce stare made Shisui shudder as he quickly said, "Captain Kazuyama, I know I was wrong! It won't happen again!"
"Again? You're already thinking about 'next time'?"
"No way. Looks like you still need some discipline."
"Secret Taijutsu Technique!"
He formed the familiar tiger seal. Obito instantly recognized it and almost bolted—until he realized the target wasn't him.
In the next instant, he lunged forward and grabbed Shisui, stopping him from escaping.
"Shisui, this is Sensei's tough love. How can you run?"
"Damn it, Obito Uchiha, you—!"
Shisui's instincts and combat sense were sharp. The moment he saw the tiger seal, he knew things were about to go south.
But it was too late. Obito's grip locked him in place—he couldn't even struggle.
He suddenly realized just how strong Obito's grip was. He couldn't even resist?
"Hmph. Obito's trained in Taijutsu with Old Master Chen and the Might Guy. His physical strength far surpasses yours."
"A ninja doesn't become strong just through ninjutsu or genjutsu. Taijutsu is just as crucial."
Kazuyama had already appeared behind Shisui.
One Thousand Years of Death—activated!
"Aaagh!!"
It hurt—really hurt.
There was no special enhancement this time, just a plain, classic One Thousand Years of Death. But that technique... it targeted such a terrifying weak point.
Even Obito, watching from the side, winced as if he'd taken the hit himself.
It was a pain that words couldn't describe.
[Ding! Detected host teaming up with Uchiha Obito to perform One Thousand Years of Death on Uchiha Shisui, instilling immense fear in Shisui.]
[Special reward: Genjutsu Resistance Enhanced!]
[Ding! With two resistance boosts, host is now immune to all Genjutsu below B-rank.]
Huh? Genjutsu resistance enhancement?
He just nailed Shisui with One Thousand Years of Death—shouldn't that technique get a boost?
This damn system's getting stingier by the day.
[Nonsense! Do you want the reward or not?]
[Keep whining and I'll revoke it!]
Tch, now the system was throwing tantrums too.
Kazuyama shut his mouth and turned to Shisui, who was crouched on the floor sweating buckets in agony.
"Shisui, remember this day. As a ninja, you must stay alert at all times."
"Even a moment of carelessness will cost you—just like today."
"Here. Eat this. Once the pain's gone, go patrol with Obito."
He casually tossed a small medicine bottle—inside was a potent painkiller he'd gotten from Orochimaru.
Obito caught it and fed one to Shisui.
And sure enough, the medicine worked fast. The intense pain in Shisui's body quickly faded.
"Come on, Shisui. Let's go on patrol."
"...Yeah."
Even though the pain had mostly subsided, Shisui still flinched when he looked at Kazuyama.
Who the hell invented that technique? It was just cruel.
"Don't look at me. That technique was created by Konoha's pillar—White Fang, Sakumo Hatake."
"If you want to learn it, I can teach you."
Shisui was speechless.
Why did powerful ninjas always come up with such bizarre moves?
Learn it? Yeah right. That technique...
The two brats headed off to patrol around the Daimyō's Manor, while Kazuyama left behind a clone and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to disappear.
He trusted Obito and Shisui enough to leave them alone. As long as they didn't clash with the Daimyō, they'd be safe.
With Chōmei supplying chakra, Kazuyama warped straight to the Land of Frost to unwind.
After all, what could be better than soaking in a hot spring while snowflakes drifted down?
...
Meanwhile, on the other side of the residence, Kazuma was meeting with Hōgen along with a few colleagues.
"Kazuma, Kazuyama Gekkō has arrived at the Daimyō's Manor."
"You know your task."
"After tonight's dinner, find a chance to probe him."
Kazuma nodded, but before he could respond, Locust behind him couldn't hold it in.
"Let me go. I'll find him and pick a fight!"
"I've been dying to test him out."
Hōgen nodded, pleased. It didn't matter who acted, as long as someone did.
"But remember, don't overdo it. His Excellency the Daimyō is very fond of Kazuyama Gekkō."
"If he joins us, it'll be a huge asset."
"Got it?"
Hōgen's words left a few of them uneasy. They were powerful ninja themselves.
These days, anyone strong carried a bit of pride. Konoha's Twin Stars? Hmph. Who knew how strong they really were without a proper fight?
"Yes, Lord Hōgen."
"But I'm curious—are you sure he'll really join the Daimyō's Manor?"
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
[email protected]/PinkSnake