"Wait a second! I remember Killer B, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, can transform into Gyuki. If I directly absorb the Eight-Tails' power, wouldn't that give me all the Nine-Tails' abilities and let me unlock several types of otherworldly flames at once?"
"No way! That would disrupt the chakra balance in your body. You have to absorb the Tailed Beasts' powers in order, from One-Tail to Nine-Tails!"
"Oh, got it. Fair enough."
Hearing the system's explanation, Kazama reluctantly abandoned his shortcut plan.
"With Naruto training under Jiraiya and Sasuke training with Kakashi in Konoha, Orochimaru won't be able to snatch Sasuke anytime soon. That gives me some time to head to the Land of Lightning and visit Kumogakure. I'll find the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, Yugito Nii, and absorb her Two-Tails power. That'll let me tap into the Three-Tails' power and score two types of otherworldly flames in one go. Then, the Fallen Heart Flame will be within my reach. Sweet!"
With that plan in mind, Kazama headed straight to the mission hall to pick up a task in the Land of Lightning. His goal? Meet Yugito Nii, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki. As for the Three-Tails through Seven-Tails, he'd have to rely on Itachi's intel.
"There aren't any missions in the Land of Lightning right now, but Kumogakure is hosting a Chunin Exam. Interested in joining?" the Third Hokage said with a smile, noticing Kazama's interest in the Land of Lightning.
"What? I thought the Chunin Exams were only held in our Land of Fire, in Konoha. Why's Kumogakure holding one? Are they trying to one-up us or something?" Kazama asked, puzzled.
"You've got it wrong, Kazama. All five great nations can host Chunin Exams, and the participants come from their allied or vassal states. For example, our Land of Fire's Chunin Exam included ninjas from nearby vassal territories and our ally, the Land of Wind."
"Oh, I see," Kazama said, nodding as the Third's explanation clicked.
"Hold on a sec!" Kazama suddenly paused, a thought striking him. "If no Land of Lightning ninjas participated in our Chunin Exam, doesn't that mean they're not our allies? And if they're not allies, aren't they basically enemies?"
With a helpless expression, Kazama turned to the Third Hokage. "Come on, Lord Hokage! I saved you and Konoha, and now you're sending me to a potentially hostile nation's Chunin Exam? Isn't that like throwing a sheep into a tiger's den?"
"Haha! You're no sheep, kid—you're fiercer than any tiger! While it's true we're not allies with the Land of Lightning, we're not enemies either. Our relationship's just… a bit chilly. That won't stop you from joining their Chunin Exam. Plus, you love taking on strong opponents, don't you? The Land of Lightning is crawling with elite shinobi. With your skills, you'll crush the competition, show off Konoha's pride, and handle your own mission on the side!"
Though the Third didn't know exactly why Kazama wanted to go to the Land of Lightning, he figured the kid had his reasons. This was a win-win: Kazama could pursue his personal goals while showcasing Konoha's strength to intimidate Kumogakure.
"Hmm, you make a good point. Alright, I'm in for the Land of Lightning's Chunin Exam!" Kazama agreed.
"I'll arrange for Anbu to escort you—"
"No need! The Land of Lightning's nothing I can't handle on my own. Just wait for the news of me dominating in Kumogakure, Third!" Kazama said confidently.
"That's the spirit! I knew you wouldn't let me down!"
As Kazama walked off, the Third Hokage nodded with a satisfied smile. Kumogakure might be packed with powerhouses, including the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, but the Third was certain Kazama's strength would overwhelm them all. That's why he sent Kazama to represent Konoha—to show the world the might of their village's genius.