"Third Hokage, I also want to train him. I previously invited him to join the ANBU, but he hasn't come to see me or you these days. It seems he has no intention of joining."
"Heh heh, Kakashi, take a look at this."
The Third Hokage's eyes were squinting with a smile.
"What is it?"
Kakashi took the document from him.
It wasn't a scroll but an application form.
What's this?
He examined it carefully.
A medication for rapid fatigue relief and accelerated nutrient absorption…
If this is developed, it could significantly enhance physical conditioning.
"Did Kai create this?"
"Yes."
The Third Hokage nodded lightly, leaning back in his chair with a sigh. "Kakashi, if I were ten years younger, I wouldn't hesitate and would take him as my disciple immediately."
"…"
I suspect you're hinting at something.
Kakashi thought to himself.
He picked up the application form again, reading through it several times. "What about the costs?"
"That child has tested five formulas. The ones submitted are the two most cost-effective. While their effectiveness is somewhat lacking, they are affordable. Even a genin could manage the cost."
The Third Hokage was most satisfied with this aspect.
Kai, coming from a common background, didn't just consider the efficacy of the medicine but also the price. This was evident from his previous work with soldier pills and now with the medicinal bath.
Kakashi was somewhat conflicted.
He was indeed very impressed with Kai. The kid's strength, character, and intelligence amazed him, and he was one of the most desired candidates for him to take as a disciple.
"If you're worried about Naruto, I think you needn't be."
The Third Hokage smiled.
"Why?"
Kakashi was puzzled.
"I'll give you some leeway. You won't need to follow the usual procedures. I'll give you a year. Do you have confidence in training Kai to become a qualified chunin?"
"This…"
Kakashi understood the Third Hokage's intention.
One year.
Train Kai to be a competent chunin, and then he could retire with success. If Naruto still wasn't up to par, he could return and take on this team.
That didn't sound too bad, did it?
As he pondered, the Third Hokage added, "Though I am old, I can still offer some guidance from time to time. You'll need to handle other aspects yourself."
The Third Hokage was concerned about Kai going astray.
In terms of talent, Kai was only lacking in nature transformation and genjutsu, but his talent in other areas was exceptional, comparable to the Second Hokage in his prime.
As long as he received proper guidance, he wouldn't turn into someone like Orochimaru.
Kai wasn't suitable for the kind of rough education that Guy would provide.
"I understand. Then I'll handle the assessment."
...
"Kitaishi-senpai."
"Currently, there's a project that requires a week of continuous observation and experimentation…"
"What project?"
Everyone immediately gathered around.
Kusao, being a bit slower, ended up at the back of the crowd.
Kitaishi gave a brief overview.
"It's a medicinal bath formula project that has been approved by the Hokage. We're allowed to conduct experimental trials. If the tests are stable, we can start selling it."
"A formula?"
They had heard of medicinal baths, but most were used by the nobility and didn't seem very effective.
They quickly gathered around.
After reading through it, they exchanged glances.
No wonder Kai had been frequently visiting the Nara clan lately; it turned out he was working on this. So, this formula must have something from the Nara clan as well?
There's an opportunity!
Although they could only get a portion of the profit, this business was bound to succeed. Their role would mainly be in experimentation and subsequent formulation, which was not too demanding.
Everyone's enthusiasm skyrocketed.
"Kai is so smart. It's a pity he doesn't know medical ninjutsu."
"Yeah, indeed."
"Comparing ourselves to him makes one feel quite insignificant!"
others murmured.
Kusao chuckled.
Compete?
You're still thinking about competing?
That guy is a modern-day Second Hokage. Comparing yourself to him is just asking for trouble.
He thought to himself and then silently started copying the formula for experimentation.
By the time Kai arrived at the hospital, everyone was already in full swing. The entire medical team's laboratory was filled with medicinal smells, even stronger than the changing room from that day.
Everyone was so enthusiastic!
He was quite pleased.
That meant he wouldn't need to be overly concerned.
Kai sat down, contemplating what to do next and visualizing the patterns of the Bodhi seed in his mind.
One pattern, two patterns...
Indeed, another pattern had appeared!
It was still quite shallow but noticeably broader than the narrow pattern from the soldier pills.
So.
Does the length represent potential benefits?
It seemed so.
This pattern's potential matched that of the chakra needles, though it was unclear what the benefits would be.
Kai wandered around the hospital, not finding any targets he was interested in, and decided to go out for a run instead.
The next few days were rather monotonous for him.
Reading, exercising, and sleeping were his main activities, but he noticed that his classmates had become more studious recently. Even Lee had started focusing on his studies.
Could there be an exam coming up?
Passing by the school, Kai checked the time and decided to take a look.
Indeed.
The school was silent, with everyone diligently taking exams. However, there were a few familiar faces in the sports field, including Ten Ten.
Kai looked around and then walked over.
"Ten Ten."
"Eh, Kai? What are you doing here? Aren't you at the hospital today?"
Ten Ten looked surprised.
Previously, Kai would come to the school weekly to submit reports, but after becoming a special ninja, his reports were exempted from the school, leaving him only the occasional visit.
So.
Ten Ten felt as if Kai had already graduated, and seeing him again felt somewhat out of place.
"Just passing by on my way to exercise. I noticed that Lee hasn't been training much recently and guessed there might be an exam coming up. How did it go?"
"It was, well, okay. Graduation isn't an issue."
Ten Ten smiled slightly.
"That's good. What about Neji?"
Kai looked around, not seeing Neji's figure.
During their school days, he didn't see Neji often, but Neji's grades were just below his. He wouldn't still be taking exams, would he?
"He graduated early, last month. You might have been busy and didn't know."
Ten Ten said.
Kai thought for a moment.
He had been focused on reading and researching the medicinal bath formula at that time.
No wonder he didn't know.
"Forget it. That guy has become a bit strange. He gets angry every time he hears your name. Let's not talk about him. What are you up to lately? Still at the hospital?"
Ten Ten spoke with a mixed expression about Neji.
Kai didn't know what to say for a moment.
Is this an unexpected turn?
He hadn't intentionally targeted Neji!
Well.
If it weren't for him, Neji would definitely be first, and now there aren't many who remember that he's also a genius.
It does seem…
He shook his head, not thinking too much about it.
"Lately, I've just been wandering around the hospital. I only go there when needed. Mostly, I read, train, and research. It's quite relaxing."
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