Mission Change, Land of Waves

"Only by facing the enemy head-on can I prove my unyielding spirit!"

"You bastard Kazeka, just you wait until I escape, I'll never forgive you!"

"Scars on your back are the mark of a coward!"

"Kazeka, you better not give me a chance. If I can escape, I'll make sure you pay!"

Huangshi was like a whack-a-mole, helplessly enduring the attacks from Kazeka and the others.

One moment he'd shout that he wouldn't back down, the next he'd threaten to run away, acting like a schizophrenic.

In this state, Kazeka and the other two quickly defeated Huangshi!

"Hmm, the physical injuries are all minor. It's just that my Chakra is depleted, leaving me without the strength to resist.

In this condition, this experimental subject is preserved quite well..."

Kazeka continuously etched seals onto Huangshi's body, while also comforting him:

"Don't worry, these seals will only control your body's movements.

When we return to Konoha, I'll ensure you're in peak mental and physical condition to undergo my surgical experiments.

You're my first Chunin test subject, so five dissection surgeries a day should be sufficient!"

"Kazeka, this Rogue Ninja can't be handed over to you this time..."

Kazeka's experimental methods were incredibly brutal; one could clearly feel it just from his words.

Fortunately, just as Huangshi's expression turned grim, Kurenai Yuhi interrupted him in time:

"They suddenly appeared at the border, likely carrying important intelligence related to the Land of Waves. We must interrogate them first.

Furthermore, as your supervising teacher, I must also dissuade you from your excessively bloody methods. It will only make your personality more violent!"

"It's fine..."

Kazeka stared at Huangshi without blinking, making him shiver all over:

"My experiments are, in some ways, far more intense than interrogation methods. They can make these guys talk much faster.

And as a researcher, I also know some decent first-aid techniques, allowing me to maintain their lives to the greatest extent possible, and also..."

Kazeka looked up, a hint of a bloodthirsty smile on his face.

He gently wiped his cheek with his hand; his blood-stained face looked even more ferocious:

"I won't let my personality become violent. After all, I've always been very warm and kind!"

"Oh, I'm just saying that..."

Seeing the longing on Huangshi's face, Kurenai Yuhi waved her hand dismissively:

"After all, we still have to follow procedures. As for these wicked Rogue Ninjas, there's no need to show them any chivalry!"

Huangshi: "...If I confess now, can I be exempted from the experiment?"

"Don't get your hopes up..."

Kazeka cruelly shattered Huangshi's fantasy:

"There are three of you. Even if you don't talk, the other two will.

The experiment is unavoidable!"

Huangshi: "..."

"Hey, Teacher, is it really okay to just leave Kazeka alone..."

Watching Kazeka summon a Great Snake using a summoning jutsu to swallow Huangshi and the other two, Kiba Inuzuka's eyes flickered with worry:

"You were right earlier, constantly being exposed to bloody and violent experiments will affect one's personality.

We'll face many battles in the future. Will this really not make Kazeka's personality worse and worse?"

"A normal person would, but there are also those whose personalities are already twisted. They only find release for their inner violence through certain special hobbies..."

As a master of genjutsu, Kurenai Yuhi had studied human nature extensively and naturally understood Kazeka's state:

"That's how Kazeka is now. It's also why the Hokage, while annoyed by Kazeka's various misdeeds, tolerates his actions as much as possible. But enough about that..."

Briefly resolving Kiba Inuzuka's confusion, Kurenai Yuhi shifted the topic to the more pressing intelligence:

"These three don't know much, but they can still provide us with some clear information.

Gato, a wealthy magnate, has taken a liking to the Land of Waves' environment and wants to develop there.

However, his methods are brutal. He intends to exploit the people's wealth as much as possible and oppress the citizens to prevent them from building a bridge for trade.

To prevent the villagers from seeking help from our Konoha, they have imposed comprehensive control over the Land of Waves.

And they've stationed ninja at the border to prevent any escapees. What are your thoughts on this?"

"What other thoughts could I have..."

At this moment, Hinata hadn't quite shaken off her spoiled young lady persona. Leaning against a large tree, she said with clear displeasure:

"As for mosquitoes that suck blood by clinging to people, of course, we kill every one we see!"

"I've heard of the Land of Waves; the people aren't wealthy, but overall, they're managing..."

Kiba Inuzuka thought for a moment:

"No matter what, we shouldn't let them be bullied by Gato. Kazeka, what do you think?"

"Gato has built a commercial empire. If he were to use overt methods, slowly encroaching on the Land of Waves through capital, it would indeed be difficult for us to intervene directly.

After all, as Ninja, we can't openly interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. But this guy is an idiot..."

As if he had gained three more experimental subjects, Kazeka's expression seemed quite pleased, and he was willing to analyze the situation further with Kiba Inuzuka:

"Perhaps to save money, he resorted to violent annexation. That alone is enough for the citizens of the Land of Waves to issue a mission to Konoha to expel him.

He must have realized this himself, which is why he sent people to intercept us. However, this brings us to the second point:

He's using Rogue Ninja to set up defenses on our Konoha border. Although the numbers aren't large, it's a provocative act.

We Konoha have grounds to act against him!

I think we should send a message to the Hokage while also heading to the Land of Waves border to assess the situation and decide our next steps!"

"I see, so we have a legitimate reason to act!"

Kiba Inuzuka nodded, but then asked:

"Then, if the other party really uses capital invasion methods as you say, will we have no recourse?"

"Of course not!"

Kazeka replied:

"At that point, it becomes a decision at the national level.

If they truly want to bring down someone like Gato, the Hokage and the Daimyo will step in.

They have plenty of ways to turn Gato from a magnate into a universally reviled villain in an instant.

Then, we'll just bring our weapons and do the fighting..."

In a few words, Kazeka revealed the dangers of power struggles:

"After all, he's just a rich man without backing, a walking wallet!"

"The crushing of power, huh..."

Hinata scoffed disdainfully:

"As ugly as ever!"

"Never mind whether it's ugly or not..."

Kurenai Yuhi put away the special scroll she had just finished communicating with and addressed the three of them:

"I've reported the current situation to the Hokage. I just received a reply:

Kakashi's Team 3 has accepted a mission from the citizens of the Land of Waves to help protect the bridge construction.

We don't need to return to the village; we'll depart directly and cooperate with Kakashi's team, acting as circumstances dictate!"