I Believe You
"Hmph, the Hannya Clan of the Land of Forests, you are nothing but remnants who escaped the extermination."
Upon seeing the mask on the other person's face, Kazashiro remembered their identity.
Several whooshing sounds rang out, and upon hearing the familiar sound of shuriken flying, Kazashiro grabbed the collar of the person on the ground and used him to block the attack.
"Shimura Kazashiro, pay for my comrades' lives!"
A woman's voice rang out from below, accompanied by the speaker's two arms.
She tried to grab Kazashiro's legs, but Kazashiro kicked her away with great force, then slammed the corpse in her hands to the ground, breaking one of her arms.
"Earth Release Escape Technique: Earthquake"
As the Earth Release Ninjutsu was activated, the flat ground began to rise, exposing the enemy hidden underground.
Kazashiro precisely inserted the Senbon into the opponent's neck, then turned his attention to the group of guys who had just thrown the shuriken.
The Body Flicker Technique was activated, and the sound of leaves rustling against clothing rang out behind the attacker.
Just as the opponent was about to turn around and face the enemy, Kazashiro swiftly snapped their neck.
He casually pulled Kunai from the other person's ninja tool bag and held it to the other person's neck.
"Is there anything else you want to say?"
The cold, clear voice truly carried meaning for him. The man's Hannya Clan's apple bobbed, and with difficulty, he delivered his verdict. "Gulp, kill—"
"Good."
The Kunai through flesh, splattering blood, but not a single drop landed on Kazashiro.
He casually tossed out the Kunai that had just taken a life, and the last member of the Hannya Clan, who had been hiding in the shadows, fell to the ground in resentment.
The Kunai embedded in his forehead.
"A familiar mask."
Back beside the two, Uchiha Hikari had already removed the mask from one of the corpses and was examining it curiously.
"The Hannya Clan of the Land of Forests are the same group who tried to assassinate me when we first met."
Kazashiro shrugged, snatched the mask from Guang's hand, and tossed it far away.
"Stop holding that up. It's something you take from a dead body; it looks really creepy."
Uchiha Hikari pouted and retorted irritably, "Creepy? Don't you want to listen carefully to what you're saying? You're the one who killed these people, and you still think it's creepy?"
"People die when they are killed. They tried to kill me, and I killed them in return. That doesn't contradict being creepy."
Kazashiro defended his actions.
"Tch, that sounds nice, but in reality, isn't that what you're doing?"
Uchiha Hikari found his behavior of wanting to work in the service industry while also building iconic buildings utterly despicable.
"This is the fate of ninjas."
Kakashi, standing to the side, saw things clearly.
"So I want to change this fate."
Kazashiro's tone suddenly became extremely serious, completely devoid of the flippancy from before.
The sudden appearance of the serious man caught both Uchiha Hikari and Kakashi off guard.
"What nonsense are you spouting...?"
Uchiha Hikari stammered, convinced that this was a new way for Kazashiro to deal with the argument.
"I said, I want to reverse the fate of ninjas and free them from their destiny of slaughter."
Kazashiro turned his head and looked directly into Guang's eyes.
Do you believe me?
"I..."
Guang's lips moved slightly, deliberately avoiding eye contact with the other person.
"Alright, let's continue."
Seeing that Guang was unwilling to respond directly, Kazashiro didn't mind.
He said it casually, without much seriousness; it was probably 70% a joke.
"I trust you."
Uchiha Hikari suddenly grabbed Kazashiro's hand.
What did you say?
Feeling the force in his hand, Kazashiro suddenly stopped and turned his head, only to see the seriousness in Guang's eyes.
Help! I casually bragged a little, and someone actually believed it. What should I do? I need help urgently.
This time, it was Kazashiro's turn to actively avoid eye contact.
If you were to say at this point that you were just joking and shouldn't take it seriously, would you be met with a light tap or Ras?
I said, I believe you.
Uchiha Hikari repeated his words.
Oh no, they actually took it seriously!
Kazashiro, who knew the Uchiha very well, knew that he couldn't say anything joking at this moment.
"Heh, humph, then watch out from behind me, the Hokage!"
Somewhat awkwardly, Kazashiro uttered some overly dramatic and childish words, but managed to smooth things over and continue his journey through the Land of Iron with the two of them.
In Konoha.
After confirming that Kazashiro had left, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura immediately summoned their former subordinates to oversee village affairs as advisors.
After offering some completely useless advice, the two, basking in the flattery of others, Hyuga Clan's territory.
"Clan Head, the Advisor Koharu and Advisor Mitokado have gone to the backyard to meet with the elders of the Main Family."
Dekai Hyuga immediately sent the news to Hiashi.
Hyuga Hiashi, who was discussing with Shikaku how to solve the security problem after the expansion of Konoha, was clearly stunned when he heard the news, and then looked at the silent Shikaku.
"Shikaku, this..."
"The two advisors are free to go wherever they want, and the village has not restricted the actions of the elders of the original Main Family. Hiashi need not worry about it."
Although Shikaku said that, Hiashi couldn't help but feel that the other person's expression was somewhat intriguing.
"Regarding the issue of public security, the Hyuga Clan has always stood on the side of the village, and we will do our best to respond to any needs. I think it would be better if you discussed the remaining issues with Captain Fugaku."
After promising that the Hyuga Clan would fully cooperate with Konoha, Hiashi bid farewell to Shikaku in a hurry and then rushed towards the clan's territory with his guards.
"What brings you two here?"
In the clan's territory, Hyuga Munekata was also surprised by the two's visit.
"Since the Fifth Generation Hokage is attending the Kage Summit, we, as advisors, need to understand the needs of each Ninja Clan."
Mitokado Homura gave a selfless reason, while also revealing that Kazashiro was not in the village.
"I see. Please rest assured, advisors, that the Hyuga Clan will stand firmly on the side of the village no matter what."
Hyuga Munekata nodded knowingly and stated his position.