Yuichi wasn't really listening to what was being said.
In truth, he was still half-asleep.
Then, the system prompt echoed in his mind:
[Daily selection enabled]
[Please choose:]
Release chakra for testing → Reward: Water Style – Water Dragon Bullet
Refuse to release chakra → Reward: Wind Style – Gale Palm
Reveal Wood Style → Reward: Explosion Style
The moment the options appeared, Yuichi instantly sobered up.
He lowered his head, glancing at the chakra test paper in his hand, puzzled.
Why was the chakra nature test being held today of all days?
"Hurry up, Yuichi, just release your chakra. After the test, we still need to pick up missions. Don't waste time."
His teammate urged impatiently.
Yuichi frowned, unsure of what to choose.
He had three chakra attributes. Not all five, but even so — three was already rare enough. Among all shinobi, only a handful possessed such talent.
It wasn't monstrous… but it was definitely something worth attention.
If he revealed all three attributes during the test, could he really afford the risk?
And option three… showing Wood Style? That was suicide. Even if the reward was Explosion Style, once Wood Style appeared, would Danzo stay quiet? Could Sarutobi keep his calm?
Forget it. I won't gamble my life on others' mercy.
"Good thing I don't have all five attributes… otherwise I'd be in real trouble." Yuichi thought bitterly.
In the end, he sighed and released his chakra.
[Congratulations! Host has obtained Water Style – Water Dragon Bullet]
The test paper in Yuichi's hand instantly changed — one half soaked with water, the other half hardened like stone, and the center split apart as if cut by wind.
Futa and Jidou blinked in confusion at the strange paper that crumbled from Yuichi's hand.
"Kazuya-sensei, what's Yuichi's chakra attribute? It didn't burn or wrinkle like ours… it's totally different!"
But Kazuya had no answer. His eyes were wide, staring blankly at the test paper.
Three… three attributes…!
This boy, Nagano Yuichi, actually possesses three chakra natures!
He never imagined that one of the three civilian brats assigned to him would have such monstrous talent.
Wind… water… earth… the paper was cut, drenched, and petrified. There's no mistake. He has all three at once.
"Teacher Heya? What's wrong?"
Futa and Jidou looked nervously at their frozen sensei.
Their voices finally brought Kazuya back to his senses. He stared at Yuichi as though he'd discovered a priceless treasure.
"Yuichi!" He suddenly clapped Yuichi's shoulder with excitement.
Yuichi's expression twisted slightly. That impatient gaze from before was now replaced with burning enthusiasm.
"Do you understand what this means? You have three chakra attributes at the same time!"
Kazuya's voice trembled.
Yuichi only nodded calmly in response.
Such a flat reaction left Kazuya at a loss. "Yuichi, listen carefully. Most shinobi are born with only one chakra nature. Even if they later train to use another, it's never as natural or efficient as their main attribute. Having two is already rare. But you… you have three!"
Yuichi forced a small, awkward smile to mask his indifference.
Futa and Jidou finally grasped the situation.
"Sensei, are you saying Yuichi's a rare genius?"
"Of course! Three chakra attributes is almost unheard of!" Kazuya exclaimed.
"Congratulations, Yuichi! I didn't expect you to be so talented."
"Yeah! With three attributes, you'll definitely become a powerful ninja someday."
Though their words carried genuine joy, their eyes still betrayed a trace of envy.
Even Kazuya nodded firmly. "As long as you work hard, Yuichi, becoming a Jōnin will be the least of your accomplishments."
His attitude toward the civilian-born trio had clearly shifted.
"Alright, let's go take on a mission now."
Futa and Jidou were excited for him, but Yuichi only sighed quietly.
Talent without background is dangerous in Konoha.
The day's mission turned out to be as dull as Yuichi expected—picking up trash, sweeping streets, menial chores. Work that would normally be given to cleaners had been dumped onto Genin teams.
By the time Yuichi dragged himself home, he was exhausted and frustrated.
And yet… somewhere unseen, eyes were already on him.
Inside the Hokage's office, Kakashi stood beside Hiruzen, watching Yuichi through the Third Hokage's crystal ball.
"Is this the boy? The one with three chakra attributes—wind, water, and earth?"
Sarutobi nodded. "Yes. Jōnin Kazuya reported it today."
Kakashi's single visible eye narrowed. "That is… rare indeed. Born with three chakra natures…"
His gaze lingered. Could this be the same Water Style user Sasuke encountered?
Sarutobi exhaled a puff of smoke. "Perhaps. But what interests me more… is that this boy trains somewhere outside the village. Today's mission kept him from going."
He set down his pipe, eyes thoughtful.
"Tomorrow, I'll have Kazuya dismiss them early. Kakashi… I want you to take a closer look."
Normally, such surveillance would be left to Anbu. But if Sarutobi was personally assigning Kakashi… then clearly, this was no ordinary matter.
Kakashi's gaze shifted back to the crystal ball, where Yuichi's irritated face filled the view.
"Three chakra attributes alone shouldn't be this suspicious…" Kakashi murmured. "There's something more to this kid."