In Konoha, I collected corpses on the battlefield for ten years

Among the Chunin, there's a specialization that, when developed to its peak in any area—be it ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, or even fuinjutsu, sensory techniques, summoning techniques, or even disguise techniques, kekkei genkai, etc.—reaching the level of a Jonin in one of these areas qualifies one as a Special Jonin.

Being able to cast B-rank ninjutsu multiple times and being proficient in one of genjutsu, taijutsu, or ninjutsu, or having developed a kekkei genkai to a certain extent, qualifies one as a Jonin.

As for the Kage level, it's a very vague concept. It's essentially the strongest few ninjas in the village, a rather general concept derived to distinguish them from other Jonin.

Therefore, the concept of Kage differs in different eras.

Kaze is also making a judgment about his strength based on the current era and the ninja structure of Konoha.

If he were to enter a period of war now and completely expose his strength without concealment, it would not be impossible for him to be promoted to Jonin against the norm.

Simply because the strength of the Shikotsumyaku combined with the Sharingan is unimaginable to others.

These...

He doesn't really value them.

Living comfortably, with a comfortable pace, and steadily improving strength that isn't too slow is the ultimate enjoyment for him.

However, while his pace is slow, the pace of the entire ninja world has entered a period of incredible leaps and bounds.

This day.

Kaze was once again summoned to the Hokage's office by Hiruzen Sarutobi.

But unlike last time, this time, in addition to Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and advisor Danzo, there was also a big shot.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's most proud disciple, one of the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru the Cold-Blooded!

Chapter 23: Orochimaru's Gaze (Seeking Collection and Recommendation)

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was serious.

Causing the atmosphere in the entire office to be slightly subtly quiet.

Seeing Kaze arrive, he silently took a puff of his pipe, exhaled a smoke ring, and slowly stood up.

He walked to the ninja world map hanging on the wall, which detailed the entire ninja world, including the terrain, towns, and even the layout of several outposts along the borders.

He stood silently in front of the map, taking puff after puff, until the tobacco in the pipe burned out, leaving only ashes.

Danzo frowned and said in a deep voice, "Hiruzen, what are you still hesitating about?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi walked back to his desk, gently tapped his pipe to knock out the ashes, refilled it with tobacco, and lit it again.

After doing all this, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke.

"Last night, a ninja squad from Iwagakure launched a surprise attack on our Torimori outpost in the Land of Waterfall. All the ninjas in the outpost are missing. Only at the last moment did they transmit information. The troops guarding the Fire Country border also vaguely saw the traces of Iwa ninjas."

Hearing this, the Konoha ninjas in the office were all shocked.

The same thought flashed through their minds.

Could it be that the Great Ninja War is finally about to begin?

Kaze was a little surprised. Wasn't the Suna the one who started the Third Shinobi World War?

Although Iwa was the most eager to make trouble, Onoki wouldn't be so brainless.

"This is a signal. The Iwa ninjas can't sit still anymore, but they haven't launched a full-scale attack. They're still just probing," Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

During this period, the ninja world was basically in this state, either testing Konoha's bottom line or on the way to testing Konoha's bottom line.

"Hiruzen, are we still going to endure this?" Danzo couldn't sit still anymore.

He stared fiercely at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Now that they're bullying us, how can Konoha continue to sit back and wait for death?

If we continue to be timid and hesitant, I'm afraid next time it won't be a test, but a full-scale attack.

Once the Iwa ninjas make a move, the other hidden villages won't be able to sit still either.

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his hand, stopping Danzo from continuing.

"I know the stakes better than you. The peace that we finally achieved must not be given up so easily."

Saying that, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned to look at Orochimaru, "Orochimaru, take three teams of ninjas. This time, don't hold back!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi can be considered to have gone all out, even transferring Orochimaru, who was stationed in the east, back, just because Orochimaru's actions are ruthless enough.

"Hmph!"

Seeing that Hiruzen Sarutobi still wanted to make a big deal out of it, Danzo slammed his cane heavily on the ground and left the office directly.

During the conversation between the big shots, Kaze shrank into a corner and didn't speak.

He wanted to ask, is it really appropriate to have a Genin like him at this kind of meeting?

Unfortunately, he didn't dare to ask.

One side of Orochimaru's mouth raised, his tongue lightly licking his lips, and he nodded.

Whether it was an illusion or not, Kaze felt that the gazes of the two big shots fell on him.

"Kaze," Hiruzen Sarutobi called out.

"Lord Hokage," Kaze stepped forward and respectfully bowed.

Seeing him, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression softened slightly.

"You go too. You've done a great job during this time. We've received many thanks from the families of the deceased, thanking you for taking care of the bodies of their relatives and partners so cleanly, and thanking you for helping those residents who are having a hard time.

You go bring back the companions from Torimori outpost. Orochimaru and the others will protect you."

Kaze showed a smile that was more ugly than crying.

If he had known this would happen, he would rather not have done those things before.

It was time-consuming, laborious, and costly. In the end, it reached Hiruzen Sarutobi's ears, which instead firmly remembered him, the corpse collector.

There are actually quite a few corpse collectors in Konoha. Although he is the only one willing to take care of the morgue, it doesn't mean he wants to go to the battlefield.

He wanted to say something, but Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't pay attention to him anymore, only discussing mission details with Orochimaru and the other Jonin.

When leaving the office, Kaze looked as if he had no love for life.

"Kaze-kun."