Chapter 44: Sword Demon
Konoha.
Despite war causing havoc everywhere, the village was safe because of the numerous sacrifices made by Shinobi.
The sun was exceptionally bright today dissipating the dark atmosphere caused by the war bringing rays of hope.
Hokage Office.
Sarutobi sat on his seat as he read one file after another, his face was haggard, looking like he aged a lot during this short time of war.
The war has killed a lot of Ninja's of Konoha and the resources required to fight against four different nations, even for Konoha was a difficult thing.
Whether it was with Sand, Mist, Rock, the war with the three of them was at a stalemate.
As for Cloud, Sarutobi didn't have any hope since the Ninja he sent with Orochimaru was far from enough.
It would be a blessing for Konoha if Orochimaru could keep the cloud at bay.
Knock...
As Sarutobi was lost in his thoughts and was smoking to relieve his stress, the door of the room was suddenly knocked.
"Come In..."
Sarutobi immediately straightened up putting the demeanor of Hokage as a Ninja walked in.
Lord Hokage the report from Cloud front line is here
The Ninja came forward as he handed Sarutobi a scroll.
Sarutobi took the scroll while gesturing the Ninja to retreat.
"I hope it isn't a disastrous defeat..."
Sarutobi thought while unsealing the scroll as even though he didn't want Orochimaru to win it doesn't mean he wants him to loose easily.
Sarutobi started reading the scroll with a decadent expression but he soon stopped smoking as his eyes kept getting wide and wide as he read the scroll his breathing fast.
"This..."
Sarutobi was lost for words looking at the content on the scroll.
Kozuki, Kozuki
This name was everywhere on the report announcing his deeds.
Cutting the tails of a Tail beast, Killed Numerous Jonin, Defeated Raikage's Son.
Sarutobi read the scroll again and again hoping it to be an illusion but every time he read it the more shocked his expression got.
"Sigh..."
After a long time, Sarutobi finally sighed emitting a large cloud of smoke accepting the report.
"I thought I overestimated you but I still underestimated you..."
Sarutobi was a bit emotional as such a record was held by someone who was only 10 years old, even the First Hokage would never be so strong at such a young age.
"No, I can't let him stay there anymore"
Sarutobi couldn't let Kozuki stay with Orochimaru as even if it was Kozuki who had the most part in defeating Cloud Village, it couldn't change the fact that Orochimaru was the leader and it will only increase his reputation.
Actually, when Sarutobi thought about it, no matter how much reputation Kozuki get or no matter how much strong he is, he's still a child and can never be a Hokage.
After thinking about it for some more time, Sarutobi send the report of the victory in Cloud to every Main Camp and also the order's of Kozuki's transfer to the Camp near Rock village.
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Jiraya's Camp.
Jiraya had a serious expression on his face unlike his usual wretched smile while looking at the Map in front of him.
Minato and Shikaku also stood beside him debating on there next move against the Rock.
"Report..."
The three of them heard a shout outside the tent as Jiraya let the messenger in.
Handing the scroll to Jiraya the messenger left the camp as Jiraya unsealed the scroll in the curious gazes of Minato and Shikaku.
"Haha, I knew that Kid would make a sensation"
After reading the report, Jiraya started laughing loudly as he handed the scroll to Minato.
"Amazing..."
This was all Minato could say after reading the report as the news on the scroll was too unbelievable.
"Haha, get ready he is coming here we have to welcome him properly"
Jiraya was in a good mood and couldn't wait for the arrival of Kozuki.
Similar scenes also occurred in the Camp near the Sand where Kurenai and Shizune were allocated in the Medical squad to help the injured.
"I knew Kozuki would be famous all over the world"
Kurenai had a big smile on her face as the news had slowly spread throughout the ninja world so she naturally knew of it.
Whether it was an enemy or a for, they all knew that Konoha had a new 10-year-old powerhouse who could change the terrain with just a swing of his sword.
Due to his exceptional Swordsmanship that was seen by the Cloud Shinobi during his fight and even the Raikage's Son who survived after his fight, named Kozuki the only person who was worthy of his respect as an opponent after his father.
He personally gave him the Name "Sword Demon" which was soon famous throughout the Ninja World.