Hokage's Office.
The Third Hokage placed his hand on the crystal ball, observing the movements of Kakashi, Kyohiko, and Kurenai.
At that moment—
"Boom!"
A strange noise echoed. The Third Hokage immediately pressed down on the crystal ball and turned toward the window.
Then…
He caught himself.
Wait, why am I scared?
Hiruzen cleared his throat and glared at the window, scolding, "Jiraiya, can't you ever use the front door?"
"Heh, this is faster."
Jiraiya, as unrefined as ever, glanced over before his expression turned serious. "What are you watching? How's it going?"
The Third Hokage held his pipe with one hand.
"Yoshimine Kyohiko is quite impressive. Most importantly, his awareness and mindset—this kid is mature. But children raised in war… the more mature they are, the more dangerous they become. Like Kakashi, he needs proper guidance."
Jiraiya leaned in, peering into the crystal ball alongside him.
In the image, Kyohiko and Kakashi were running while exchanging blows, testing each other's taijutsu.
At first…
Kyohiko was at a clear disadvantage, but his speed allowed him to evade danger and avoid direct clashes.
However…
As the fight progressed, even through the crystal ball, both he and the Third could see it—
Kyohiko's taijutsu was improving at a visible rate!
How is that possible?
This…
Does such a genius truly exist?
Jiraiya nudged the Third Hokage.
Clatter!
The pipe fell.
"Ah, my treasure!"
The Third quickly reached out to catch it, but the tobacco inside spilled everywhere.
Still…
Now was not the time to worry about tobacco.
The Third's expression hardened as he stared intently at the crystal ball.
This rate of improvement…
If he hadn't known for certain that Kyohiko was a descendant of the Senju, he might have suspected the boy had activated the Sharingan and was copying Kakashi's taijutsu.
"Jiraiya, have you met him before?"
"Old man, I've run into him several times over the past year. I can assure you—this kid trains harder than anyone. His progress is absolutely earned. He probably just never had real combat experience before, so he's breaking through his limits now."
"Hm."
The Third nodded.
He believed it. He had just been too shocked—
A child he'd never heard of before, yet possessing such talent and perseverance.
Truly remarkable!
---
"Hah… Hah…"
Kakashi panted heavily.
He could hardly believe that someone could improve so quickly in the middle of a fight.
A genius?
But then—
What does that make all my years of effort and training?
Kakashi refused to believe that any innate talent could allow for such rapid growth.
The more likely explanation was that Kyohiko had only ever trained in isolation, never engaging in real combat until now. That was why he was finally unleashing his true strength.
Not only that…
His speed seemed to be increasing unconsciously.
He's still getting stronger!
Kakashi wasn't overwhelmed yet, but his shock was undeniable. And as Kyohiko's "power" grew, their battle became increasingly intense.
However…
Kyohiko knew the truth.
Without the "gifts" he'd taken from Might Guy earlier, there was no way he could have improved his hand-to-hand combat so quickly.
Besides—
Fighting was the fastest way to internalize knowledge and abilities!
"Stop fighting! If this keeps up, neither of you will benefit!"
Kurenai shouted from behind them.
But…
Neither listened.
Gritting her teeth, she formed hand seals.
"Genjutsu: Falling Cherry Blossoms!"
Pink petals fluttered down from the sky.
Kyohiko and Kakashi, seeing this, immediately recognized the danger. They disengaged, landing on the ground and focusing on dispelling the illusion.
After a long moment, both opened their eyes.
Of course…
They hadn't broken the genjutsu themselves—Kurenai had released it quickly.
She bowed deeply in apology.
"I'm sorry! But you two were escalating, and I don't know medical ninjutsu. If either of you got seriously injured in the Forest of Death, it would be dangerous."
"Kurenai, we should be thanking you."
Kyohiko replied.
Kakashi said nothing.
To think a genjutsu of this level could be used by someone her age…
Kurenai's illusions were truly extraordinary.
No wonder Lord Jiraiya chose her.
Fortunately, his mask hid his expression, preserving his aloof demeanor.
Kyohiko didn't press further.
"We're a team. That fight helped us understand each other's strengths. It'll make planning for tomorrow's exam easier."
Team… Partners…
Kakashi replied coldly, "Just don't drag me down."
Kurenai's blood pressure spiked.
She was usually gentle, but the "genius" Kakashi kept shattering her expectations.
How can someone be this insufferable?
She took deep breaths, but when she looked at Kyohiko, he remained completely calm.
Did he already expect this?
That made sense.
The two had been classmates.
Unlike her, who was a year younger.
But then—
Kurenai froze.
"Maybe you weren't going all out earlier—after all, you still have your sword. But no matter how strong you are, do you really think you can defeat Lord Jiraiya alone?"
Kyohiko said flatly.
Kakashi turned his head, silent, but his gaze was sharp.
"The point of teamwork is to nurture bonds. If you disregard your comrades' safety, whether we pass the exam or not, we'll just be tools in your eyes. If you want to work alone, you should join the Anbu. You didn't come back after graduating two years ago for no reason. The way you treat others is how they'll treat you. No one will ever want to be your teammate if you stay like this."
Kyohiko finished coldly. "Kurenai, let's scout the terrain. We might need it tomorrow."
So…
He wasn't prepared—he was just holding back until now.
Such sharp words!
Isn't he afraid Kakashi will snap?
Kurenai stared at Kyohiko in shock, then at Kakashi.
The silver-haired boy's eyes burned with anger, fists clenched.
But…
Kyohiko didn't regret it, nor did he plan to apologize.
With someone like Kakashi, gentle persuasion wouldn't work. Even if he might change someday, it would probably take a teammate's sacrifice…
He didn't want to be Obito.
And even if he were, there was no guarantee a "Madara" would save him.
Besides…
"Redemption" was too slow. Kyohiko wanted to "clear" Kakashi as a "boss" quickly to reap the rewards. He had no time for a long emotional game.
Of course…
He didn't expect to succeed in one attempt.
But if once wasn't enough…
Twice or thrice would still be faster than waiting for Kakashi to "see the light."
Step one: Make him understand that respect goes both ways.
Kyohiko might be weaker individually, but that didn't give Kakashi the right to keep spouting his nonsense.
Step two—
Well, that depends on whether Jiraiya plays along.
Kyohiko thought to himself.
Kurenai hesitated before catching up to him.
"Kyohiko, wait for me."
"I'm not great at detecting traps. Could you help? Preferably without triggering them."
"Sure."
The two headed deeper into Training Ground 7.
Behind them, Kakashi seethed with rage.
Further back, Jiraiya's shadow clone sighed silently.
That silver brat really has no respect for others. No wonder so many people complained about him!
Still…
Kyohiko's outburst had been fierce—his words struck Kakashi's weak point, leaving the boy silent.
Kids will be kids.
No matter how mature or restrained, anger still got the better of him.
Jiraiya couldn't help but chuckle.
Now that's more like a child!
But…
What will you do about tomorrow's exam?
---
Evening. The three went their separate ways.
After the argument, a clear rift formed between them, and they barely spoke afterward.
"Was that really the right thing to do?"
Kurenai asked softly.
Kyohiko's words had also shattered the impression she'd formed of him in just half a day.
Turns out he was just bottling it up!
"Kakashi is like this for a reason. I understand—I was similar once. But solving the problem doesn't mean indulging him. That just enables him."
"I see…"
Kurenai murmured.
Kyohiko stopped walking.
"We're near your house. I'll leave you here."
"Huh?"
Kurenai blinked, looking around. They were already at the street leading to her home.
'I was so lost in thought…'
She had been replaying the day's events, analyzing the person beside her.
"See you tomorrow. Let's do our best."
"Yes! Thank you, Kyohiko. I learned a lot today."
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Extra Chapter: On Every 50 powerstones
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