As someone who admired strength, Yugito had no fear of snakes. In fact, after witnessing Seirin last time, she had grown even more curious about them.
After all, snakes were top-tier predators—powerful and deadly, aligning perfectly with her pursuit of strength.
"Well, well, kid, how are you?"
"I've seen you before, but you haven't seen me."
Tagitsuhime slid off Kazuyama and slowly coiled herself up.
Her crimson body was undeniably beautiful, but the more beautiful a creature, the more dangerous it tended to be—especially a snake.
"You've seen me? When?"
"But as pretty as you are, you don't look as strong as that big green snake from before."
Yugito stared at the snake, racking her brain, but couldn't recall ever meeting her.
That irritated Tagitsuhime. She was being compared to Seirin?
Their strength and status weren't even on the same level!
"Tch, do you really think Seirin can compare to me?"
With a shake of her body, Tagitsuhime transformed into her human form, floating in midair as she looked down at Yugito.
The sudden shift left Yugito completely stunned.
Kazuyama sighed, watching the two, and decided to cut in.
"Alright, enough. Come help me clean up first."
"Yugito, you've really outdone yourself. I was only gone a few days, and you've already turned this place into a disaster zone?"
Yugito stuck out her tongue, then quickly went over to help clean up.
Once everything was back in order, Kazuyama sat cross-legged.
"Yugito, your training shouldn't stop. Here, take these."
He casually tossed her three books.
They contained fundamental shinobi knowledge. Even though he had taken Yugito under his wing, he still had a responsibility to teach her.
The covers read "Gen," "Tai," and "Nin"—representing the basics of Genjutsu, Taijutsu, and Ninjutsu.
Yugito's face lit up as she accepted them.
"I'll study hard!"
"Tagitsuhime, you'll be staying here with her for a while. She's alone, and you can keep her company—and make sure she trains properly."
Tagitsuhime was dumbfounded.
Wait, what kind of development is this?
Wasn't I sent here to supervise Kazuyama? How did I suddenly get demoted to babysitter?!
She was about to protest, but Kazuyama raised a hand to stop her.
"I know what you want to say, but since you're here, you'll have to listen to me."
"I'm not in a position to start Senjutsu training right now. Once this mission is done and I return to Konoha, I'll begin. But for now, I need you to watch over Yugito."
Yugito was already engrossed in her book, while Tagitsuhime fell silent.
After a long pause, she finally spoke.
"Two baskets of snakeberries a week, or I'm leaving."
"Deal. I'll bring them regularly."
Kazuyama smirked. He never doubted she'd agree—after all, for a foodie, as long as the meals kept coming, she'd be willing to help.
"Fine, in that case, I'm heading back."
"What?! You bastard! You did all this just to dump me here, didn't you?!"
Tagitsuhime was sharp enough to figure it out instantly. She floated in front of Kazuyama and spat at him in protest, making her displeasure clear.
"Hahaha, I'm counting on you, Tagitsuhime!"
"Oh, and make sure you train Yugito properly."
"I expect to see her improve every time I visit. In fact, I'm planning to grant her the contract for Ryūchi Cave."
"Who knows? She might become a disciple of Ryūchi Cave in the future, so you know what to do!"
Hearing this, Tagitsuhime glanced at Yugito. As much as she hated to admit it, Kazuyama had a point.
As a Snake Princess, she could vaguely sense others' conditions through natural energy. Yugito had an intense desire for power—exactly the type of person who would fit well in Ryūchi Cave.
Realizing this, she begrudgingly accepted the arrangement. Shooting Kazuyama a sharp glare, she waved him off.
"Go, go!"
"And don't forget to send food regularly, or else… hmph!"
...
By the time Kazuyama returned to the Daimyō's manor, the sun had already risen. He couldn't help but smile.
After all, sending Tagitsuhime to Turtle Island had killed two birds with one stone—he got rid of his "supervisor" and ensured Yugito received proper training.
"Kazuyama-sensei, you're back?"
Kakashi's voice rang out. He was shirtless, training in the courtyard.
"Oh, Kakashi, up early for training?"
"Yeah, it's a habit. If I stop, my body will become sluggish."
"Not bad. Keep it up. By the way, did anyone from the Daimyō's side come by last night?"
"Yeah, same guy as before—Yanagimura. We told him you were asleep after exhausting yourself in battle. He said he'd come back tomorrow and left."
Kazuyama had already expected this.
After displaying such impressive combat skills, there was no way the Daimyō would simply let him go. On the contrary, he would want him to join even more.
"Got it. Alright, keep training—I'm going to get some rest."
After staying up all night, Kazuyama was beyond exhausted.
He slept straight through until the evening.
If Rin hadn't woken him up, he might have slept into the next day.
...
During dinner, Yanagimura arrived once again. This time, when he saw Kazuyama, a slight smile appeared on his face.
"Kazuyama, you're finally awake."
"Oh, Yanagimura, have you eaten? Want to join us?"
"No, Kazuyama. I'm here to discuss something with you. Shall we talk?"
Kazuyama nodded and led him to a separate room.
"The Daimyō is offering you five million ryo per month to join his forces and serve under him."
"What do you think?"
Straight to the point.
Hiring a shinobi for five million ryo a month—now that was a big offer. Only someone like the Daimyō could afford that.
But Kazuyama?
The man sitting across from Yanagimura had five hundred million in his possession.
Why would he sell himself to the Daimyō's forces for a mere few million?
"Heh, Yanagimura, don't take this the wrong way, but the Daimyō is a little stingy."
"Five million ryo? I could earn that in just a few missions. Why would I tie myself down?"
"Or do you think a Konoha shinobi can be swayed by money?"
Yanagimura didn't seem offended. Instead, he smiled and added,
"What if we include an endless supply of beautiful women?"
"You should know, the Daimyō's manor has no shortage of wealth or beauties. If money isn't enough, how about women?"
"I guarantee your satisfaction."
Kazuyama paused.
Damn. This bastard is offering quite a bit.
Now, the real question is… what kind of "beauties" are we talking about?
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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