Creak.
The door opened.
Inside the classroom, the three genin held their breath, all eyes fixed on the entrance.
But…
A long moment passed, and the person outside still hadn't stepped in.
Who the heck is this?
What kind of messed-up sense of humor…?
Kyōen couldn't help but complain inwardly.
The next moment—
A figure stepped inside.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
White hair, a bold "油" (oil) kanji on his forehead protector—an unmistakable sight.
And his outfit…
All too familiar.
Kurenai's eyes widened in shock.
Kakashi was dumbfounded, unable to believe what he was seeing.
Kyōen, too, was stunned.
Why is it Jiraiya!?
One of the Legendary Sannin himself? There was never any mention of Jiraiya leading Kakashi's team!
But soon, realization dawned on him.
The flow of the world can change so easily…
Maybe I'm overthinking it, he mused, but just maybe… my presence here—the flap of a butterfly's wings—has already begun altering things.
He drew a deep breath, unable to contain the excitement in his voice.
"A-Are you… Lord Jiraiya?"
Kyōen knew—
He couldn't act too calm.
This man was Jiraiya of the Sannin, a living legend in the village. Countless shinobi idolized him. As an ordinary genin from a civilian background, it only made sense to show awe and admiration upon meeting him.
Jiraiya chuckled. "Hahaha! You'll be under my command for the time being. Come on, let's go somewhere more spacious to talk."
"Yes, sir!"
Rooftop of the Academy
Jiraiya sat casually at the edge. The three stood respectfully in front of him.
His sharp eyes swept across them.
"You all probably know who I am, so I'll skip introductions. Let's hear about you. Your names, what you like, what you hate."
"Kakashi Hatake, chunin. Specializes in kenjutsu and Lightning Release. Likes nothing. Hates those who break the rules."
Kakashi's voice was cool and flat.
Kurenai clutched the edge of her shirt nervously. "L-Lord Jiraiya, I'm Kurenai Yūhi. I specialize in genjutsu… I like wasabi octopus and… I hate cake."
"Ryōmine Kyōen. I'm currently more focused on taijutsu. I enjoy training and getting stronger. I hate… war."
Kyōen replied calmly.
He'd thought carefully about his words.
Likes training, hates war—these answers matched his background, while keeping personal preferences vague. That way, there was less chance of saying something inconsistent or suspicious.
Over the past year, he had trained mostly alone, and it made sense that he would value strength and solitude.
Jiraiya paused momentarily.
"…Alright. I've got a read on you."
His smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. "Now that we've been introduced, let me be clear. The Hokage believes you all have potential, which is why I've been asked to lead your team. However—"
He gave them all a sweeping glance.
"I don't think any of you are ready to be under my command. Tomorrow morning, report to Training Field #7. I'll conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your abilities. If you fail—"
He spoke coldly.
"—you'll be sent back to the Academy. As for you," he looked at Kakashi, "you're already a chunin. You could be assigned to another squad. If you think these two fresh genin aren't worth your time, you're free to walk away now."
Kakashi glanced sideways at the other two.
Kyōen and Kurenai remained silent.
Though for different reasons.
Kyōen had a hunch—this might already be the test. Jiraiya taking command likely had more to do with Kakashi. But why the change?
He couldn't say for sure.
Kurenai, meanwhile, was simply nervous.
After all, Kakashi is already a chunin…
Kakashi didn't reply right away. He observed them carefully for a long moment before finally saying:
"I don't think they have what it takes to pass the test."
Jiraiya's expression didn't change.
"Are you dropping out?"
"No. I want to try."
"…Very well. And you two?"
"If you back out, the village will assign you another instructor. My test will be far tougher—but you might pass with someone else."
"I'll take the test," Kyōen answered without hesitation.
Being a student of a Sannin? That's not something you pass up.
Kurenai nodded as well—there was no reason to back down.
"Good. You have the rest of the afternoon to prepare. Oh, and remember—don't eat breakfast tomorrow… or else, heh heh heh."
In a flash, Jiraiya vanished.
Only the three genin remained on the rooftop.
Kyōen broke the silence. "Let's go scout out Training Field #7. We can train together and get familiar with each other's abilities."
"The test is a mission. If you're not up to it, I won't hesitate to abandon you," Kakashi said coldly before vanishing in a flicker.
Kurenai frowned. "What's his problem…"
"He's heading toward the training field. Let's go."
Kyōen said, then used a body flicker to follow.
Kurenai quickly followed suit.
Up ahead, Kakashi glanced back, noticing they were catching up. He watched them silently.
Ryōmine Kyōen…
Fast.
His Body Flicker Technique is solid. He might actually be strong.
But that girl… she's struggling a bit.
Still, she specializes in genjutsu. That could be useful.
Kakashi sped up.
What he didn't know was—
Jiraiya had been trailing them from the shadows the entire time.
That silver-haired brat doesn't think about his teammates at all… But that other one—the kid—
He could have gone faster. But he deliberately kept pace with Kurenai so she wouldn't fall behind.
Jiraiya's opinion of Kyōen grew more favorable.
A clever and considerate kid who understands teamwork. With the right guidance… he could be another Minato.
But…
If he were led astray…
Jiraiya's heart sank as the image of another old teammate flashed in his mind.
Sigh. I wonder what Orochimaru's up to these days…
Ever since Nawaki died and Tsunade left, Orochimaru's gotten… stranger.
"But this kind of situation… it'll take more than kindness to teammates to survive."
"Red, the area around the training field is dangerous. I'll intercept him. Once I slow him down, the three of us can enter together."
"Intercept him?"
Kurenai blinked.
Then she saw Kyōen vanish in a blur.
In the next breath, he was already tailing Kakashi. In just a few heartbeats, he was right behind him.
Kakashi was shocked.
He'd always believed himself the fastest of his peers—his only real rival being Might Guy, the taijutsu fanatic.
As for Kyōen—
They were in the same class, sure, but barely a year together. He hadn't paid much attention.
But now—
That speed…
His Body Flicker is that strong!?
Kakashi pushed harder, using the technique at full power—just a bit faster than before.
And yet—
Kyōen moved ahead of him in a blur and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Incredible…!
Kakashi's pupils shrank.
Even at full power, he couldn't match that speed.
Unless he used Lightning Release chakra to stimulate his body… but he couldn't control that technique yet—it might do more harm than good.
"Kakashi. The Forest of Death is dangerous. We should go in together."
Kyōen paused slightly.
"Even if you're a chunin, the Hokage made it clear—squad missions aren't about solo heroics. You need to consider your team."
Kakashi was silent.
So he wasn't going full speed earlier… to stay with Kurenai?
He stopped and looked at Kyōen seriously.
Ryōmine Kyōen…
Who knew someone this strong was in our class…
"S-Sorry!"
Kurenai finally caught up, panting, sweat dripping from her brow.
"It's okay," Kyōen said. "We're a team. We move together."
Kakashi said nothing—but leapt down toward the training ground.
"Let's go," Kyōen said. "If we're any later, the forest will start getting dark. We won't be able to see the traps."