The Akimichi Clan's conditions

Hiruzen Sarutobi moved remarkably fast.

Soon, an ANBU arrived at Kazan's home on Back Mountain with news.

"Kazan, Lord Hokage would like to see you."

"Oh, you've got news already? Understood. I'll be right over."

Kazan sent the ANBU back first, saying he would follow shortly.

A little while later.

Kazan arrived at the Hokage Building again.

This time, he walked properly and didn't break anything.

As he entered, he saw Hiruzen Sarutobi and Torifu Akimichi chatting amiably in the office.

Both were ninja of the same generation. In their youth, they had accompanied the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, to Kumogakure for that meeting.

Now, Torifu Akimichi was the head of the Akimichi Clan and responsible for Konoha's security.

"Kazan, you're here. This is a dear comrade of mine, Torifu Akimichi, the current head of the Akimichi Clan."

"It's a pleasure, Torifu."

Kazan discreetly sized Torifu up. He was no different from the Akimichi ninja Kazan remembered—just as "plump."

"Torifu, this is Kazan, the young man I told you about."

Torifu nodded, his eyes gleaming as he stared intently at Kazan's solid muscles.

"Hello, Kazan. Sarutobi has already told me about your situation."

"As a rule, we don't share our clan's secret techniques with outsiders. That doesn't just apply to you, Kazan. It's the same for everyone."

"I understand."

Kazan spoke with him patiently.

Since the man was willing to sit down and talk, it meant this wasn't truly impossible.

It all depended on what he wanted in return.

"However, Sarutobi told me about your ideals. I, too, deeply wish to see a return to the peaceful days when the First Hokage was alive."

They were among the most senior ninja in Konoha today.

They had lived through the First Shinobi World War and had still been very young when