On his way back, Kazama was so engrossed in studying the technique to fuse divine artifacts that he lagged behind the messengers from Kumogakure. Naturally, he had no idea that his clan had received rewards from the Third Hokage and the Daimyo of the Land of Fire because of his deeds.
Truth be told, Kazama never cared much for gold or treasures. What he craved were techniques and weapons that could boost his strength.
"Susanoo!"
After thoroughly researching, Kazama found a secluded spot and unleashed his Perfect Susanoo. He successfully fused the Kusanagi Sword and Samehada into his Susanoo. Instantly, the massively enlarged Kusanagi Sword and Samehada appeared in the other two hands of his Susanoo.
As their size grew, the power of these weapons scaled up proportionally while retaining their original abilities. The Kusanagi Sword could extend infinitely, and Samehada could absorb an opponent's chakra.
Seeing his Perfect Susanoo become even more formidable, Kazama burst into hearty laughter.
"Now my Perfect Susanoo wields four weapons! Just two more, and my three-headed, six-armed Susanoo will be fully armed!"
According to the book Kazama had, the Land of Snow hid a divine artifact called the Gyokukyo Ice Mirror. Like the Yata Mirror, it could deflect all attacks in the world.
Without hesitation, Kazama decided to head to the Land of Snow right after returning to Konoha.
"What?! Kakashi and the others went to the Land of Snow?"
As soon as he reached the outskirts of Konohagakure, Kazama heard the report from his subordinate, Zabuza, and others.
"Yes, we heard it's an escort mission. They left for the Land of Snow about three days ago. We didn't dare follow them, fearing we'd expose our tracks," Zabuza replied.
"Well done," Kazama said approvingly.
It dawned on him—Naruto and the others were escorting the Land of Snow's princess, Kazahana Koyuki, which explained their trip. Since their destination aligned with his, Kazama wasted no time and set off for the Land of Snow.
After all, he was part of Team 7 too. Plus, he could seize the chance to absorb the Ice Release abilities of the Land of Snow's big boss, Kazahana Doto.
"You brats from Konoha dare act cocky in front of us Snow ninja?!"
At that moment, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura were being overwhelmed, pushed back by Doto's underlings in the Land of Snow. Kakashi was tied up, held back by another Snow ninja, Fubuki Rangiku, unable to come to their aid.
Naruto's trump card, the Nine-Tails' chakra, had been sealed by the chakra armor developed by Doto. Team 7 was locked in a desperate struggle.
"A bunch of Genin daring to defy the ruler of the Land of Snow? You're in over your heads!"
"Pfft! Kazahana Koyuki is the true heir to the Land of Snow, not your usurping lord!"
Though Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura were being beaten back, they refused to yield.
"You little punks, still talking big when death's knocking? Fine, I'll send you to the afterlife!"
The three Snow ninja fighting Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura unleashed their ultimate techniques.
"Is this the end? If only Kazama-kun were here, maybe…"
Sakura closed her eyes in despair.
"Water Release: Water Severing Wave!"
"What?!"
Hearing that familiar voice, Sakura's heart soared. Her white knight had finally arrived, riding on a cloud of seven colors to save her.