Kazuyama Gekkō looked at his first batch of students and felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
Thanks to his guidance, their fates had completely changed. Kakashi had grown into a powerhouse, Obito had become a notorious Uchiha gambler, Rin Nohara had become one of Konoha's most skilled Medical-nin, and though Shisui's time under him had been short, he'd risen to become an exceptional ANBU.
"So, you're all here."
"Why do I get the feeling that bastard Minato knew I was in Sunagakure and deliberately sent you to escort Tsunade?"
At his question, everyone exchanged amused glances and laughed. Seeing their smiles, Kazuyama's expression said it all: I knew it.
"That bastard Minato. At least he didn't send Pakura along too, huh."
"Alright, let's finalize this alliance already. And for the record, the three brats I'm teaching now are just as capable as you were back then."
"Once we're done here, I'll introduce you to them."
As part of Konoha's delegation, Kazuyama followed Tsunade and the others to the Kazekage's office. When they arrived, Rasa was already waiting, accompanied by advisors Chiyo and Ebizō.
"Well, if it isn't Granny Chiyo. Still not dead yet?"
"Hmph. Sharp-tongued as ever, Princess Tsunade."
The two women were long-standing rivals—Chiyo had once sought to poison Konoha, while Tsunade's medical skill had repeatedly thwarted her efforts. Their meeting in the Kazekage's office immediately sparked tension thick enough to feel like static in the air.
"Whoa, a showdown between two powerhouses."
"Now this is entertaining."
Kazuyama, ever the troublemaker, couldn't resist stirring the pot, instantly redirecting both women's irritation toward him.
"Hmph. The brat who once made a fool of me has grown into quite the formidable ninja."
"Konoha truly never lacks talent."
Even Chiyo had to admit, when it came to producing geniuses, Konoha was far ahead of Sunagakure. Without Rasa as the Fourth Kazekage, Sunagakure would have long entered a generational decline.
Even Shukaku, the One-Tail, had been killed during the war—only recently revived. Yet the revived beast had completely forgotten who had slain him, leaving Sunagakure's leadership in uncomfortable silence.
Considering the village's survival, Chiyo knew that, like it or not, forming an alliance with Konoha was the smartest move.
"Alright, Chiyo, that's enough out of you."
"Kazuyama Gekkō, Tsunade—did you bring the agreement?"
As the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa had many calculations in mind. From the moment Kazuyama mentioned an alliance, he'd been strategizing how to secure the greatest benefit for Sunagakure.
Kakashi, standing behind Tsunade, immediately retrieved a scroll from his robe and placed it on Rasa's desk.
"Konoha's White Fang!"
"No—wait, you're fatter than White Fang! You must be his son?"
The moment she saw Kakashi, Chiyo nearly lost her composure. Her weary eyes suddenly gleamed with fierce energy, but the intensity quickly faded when she realized the difference. This Kakashi was much more muscular and exuded a rugged, commanding presence.
"My student, Hatake Kakashi. White Fang's son."
"Well, Granny Chiyo? Not bad, huh? My teaching clearly paid off. He's nothing like his old man—specializes in Lightning Release. With a body like his, even the Fourth Raikage wouldn't intimidate us."
Kakashi stood tall, his physique solid and imposing.
"Hmph."
Chiyo snorted coldly at Kazuyama's words and said nothing more. Meanwhile, Rasa unrolled the scroll and began to read.
It had to be said, the terms written by Minato Namikaze were impressive enough to move him.
The Land of Wind was vast but barren, lacking many basic resources. However, it did possess things few other nations had—rare medicinal herbs and valuable ores. This alliance could open up entirely new trade routes between the two villages, fostering commerce and mutual benefit.
"Not bad. It seems this alliance is sincere."
"In that case, I see no reason to refuse."
Satisfied, Rasa immediately confirmed the alliance. The talks proceeded smoothly and without conflict.
Soon after, Kazuyama led Kakashi and the others to meet his three new disciples.
They arrived at the familiar training ground—only now, four Konoha jōnin stood alongside them.
"Whoa, so these are your new students, Sensei?"
"They're really young."
Obito Uchiha looked the three over with obvious curiosity. The kids stared back at them.
Two Uchiha, one big guy, and a beautiful woman—it was a strange lineup.
"Temari, Kankurō, Gaara—come meet your seniors."
"These were my first students back when I became a team leader. Now they're all accomplished ninjas in their own right."
"Hey, you three—take a cue from Obito. Be a little more enthusiastic. Introduce yourselves."
Kazuyama sat nearby, watching his old students meet the new generation, grinning so widely it nearly split his face.
"Obito Uchiha, Konoha Jōnin. We're officially from the same school now. If you ever visit Konoha, come find me—I'll show you two a different kind of fun!"
Hearing that, Kazuyama almost kicked him off the field—but then thought better of it. If Obito actually managed to corrupt one of the three kids, that would be impressive in its own right.
"Rin Nohara, Medical-nin, Konoha Jōnin. Temari, right? From your expression, I doubt you'll follow the medical path—it's a shame. But don't worry, your teacher's strength will more than make up for it."
Rin, a loyal supporter of Kazuyama, wasted no time promoting her teacher. That earned her a look of approval from him.
"Shisui Uchiha. I joined late, but I have to say—Sensei's got a great eye for talent."
Shisui's gaze lingered subtly on Gaara. Something about the boy caught his attention, and Kakashi seemed to share the same thought.
"Kakashi Hatake. My specialty is Lightning Release."
Both men's eyes focused on Gaara, making the boy visibly uncomfortable.
"Hey, you two idiots, stop staring at Gaara like that."
"Careful, or I'll make you eat sand."
Kazuyama quickly stepped in to break the tension. Though Gaara was already a Jinchūriki, his emotional stability was still shaky. The last thing anyone wanted was for Shukaku to lose control.
Still, with Kakashi and the others around, Kazuyama's workload lightened considerably. He let the two groups of students train and teach each other freely.
And to his surprise, the results were actually impressive—at least in his eyes.