Rasengan

The Hokage's office: the center of power for the entire Konoha Village. Many ninjas yearned for this position, but only a select few could achieve it. Kazuya walked slowly into the office, where Sarutobi Hiruzen stood by the window, puffing on his pipe.

"Kazuya..." The Third Hokage turned around, his expression one of gratitude. "You handled this mission very well. Orochimaru's defection is still my responsibility as his teacher. You've done a commendable job. However," Hiruzen continued with a smile, "in the future, when you uphold justice, ensure you also pay attention to your own safety. Don't risk yourself unnecessarily."

"Even if you are prepared to burn yourself to light up the whole village, you must strive to survive. Only by living can we make greater contributions to the village. Do you understand?"

Kazuya nodded seriously, his mind only partially on the Hokage's words. His attention was mostly on the golden light emanating from Hiruzen.

[You picked up 100 Chakra points] 

[You picked up 100 Chakra points] 

[You picked up 80 combat experience points] 

[You picked up 50 points of Water Style talent] 

[You picked up 50 points of Wind Style talent]

A plethora of golden lights; the quality befitting the Third Hokage. But Kazuya felt it was a shame the Hokage was not more proactive.

"Master Hokage..." Kazuya quickly adjusted his expression, his eyes red. He wasn't entirely sure what had just been discussed, but he needed to appear moved.

Hiruzen sighed inwardly. Kazuya... had a tough life. His only sister, Rin Nohara, had died for the village, and he had dedicated himself several times for Konoha. Perhaps his words had struck a chord, stirring up memories for Kazuya. What a good boy, thought Hiruzen.

"By the way," the Hokage suddenly patted Kazuya on the shoulder, "I'll give you some time off. I have a mission for you in the Land of Hot Water."

"The Land of Hot Water?" Kazuya's curiosity was piqued.

"Go there and find Tsunade. Ask her to be your teacher."

"Ah?" Kazuya was stunned. Tsunade as his mentor? What could she teach him? He thought about her formidable skills and was slightly intrigued.

"Don't worry," Hiruzen reassured him. "I've already spoken to Tsunade about this, and she agreed. Consider it a training period, a sort of vacation."

"However," Hiruzen's tone grew serious, "this break may not last long. There's been increased activity from the Cloud Village. Reports indicate they have organized an elite ninja force crossing the border of the Land of Frost, heading southwest."

Kazuya nodded. The peace agreement between Konoha and Cloud Village didn't eliminate all conflict. Recently, under Kazuya's influence, Hyuga Hizashi had survived a previous incident, but a Cloud ninja had died in Konoha. This situation demanded an explanation, and now Cloud Village seemed ready to escalate tensions.

The shadow of war loomed again, but this time, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt more prepared. Thanks to Kazuya's insight into Cloud Village's plans and his repelling of the Fourth Raikage, Konoha had a strategic advantage. The border guards were mobilized, ready for any provocation.

Hiruzen's appreciation for Kazuya deepened. He saw in him a talented, strategic, and loyal ninja, a true asset to the village.

Kazuya left the Hokage's office, planning to head home. As he descended the stairs, he encountered Jiraiya, waiting for him.

"Kazuya-kun!" Jiraiya waved casually. "Long time no see!"

"Senior Jiraiya," Kazuya greeted him warmly. He had a good impression of Jiraiya.

Jiraiya's expression turned serious. "Kazuya-kun, I must thank you. Please accept my gratitude." He bowed deeply. During a previous mission, Kazuya had saved Jiraiya from a severe injury by Orochimaru.

Kazuya helped Jiraiya up, smiling. "Senior Jiraiya, you are my companion. No matter who the enemy is, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing."

Jiraiya was moved. "Kazuya-kun, you truly are the teacher's favorite. Now, I like you even more!"

Kazuya made a disgusted face. "My sexual orientation is normal, thank you."

Jiraiya laughed heartily, his spirits lifted. After a moment, he pulled out a scroll and handed it to Kazuya.

"What's this?" Kazuya asked.

"It's the method for cultivating Rasengan," Jiraiya explained. "A powerful ninjutsu developed by Minato. Combined with the Flying Thunder God Technique, it is seamless. Given your talent, I believe you can learn it quickly."

Kazuya hesitated. "Is it really okay to learn the Fourth Hokage's technique?"

"Absolutely," Jiraiya insisted, pushing the scroll into Kazuya's hand. "Practice hard. The village will depend on you in the future."

"Alright," Kazuya reluctantly agreed. Rasengan? He could see its potential. As expected of Jiraiya, even in downtime, he offered valuable gifts.