Konoha Hospital.
Inside the ward, Shinji lay on the bed with a helpless expression.
"Sensei, I've really recovered." Shinji said again in a tone of utter despair.
"Just stay put and get some good rest." Hiruzen, wearing his Hokage robe, stood by the window and said without turning his head.
"But I feel like I've almost fully recovered." Shinji sat up, twisted his body around, and spoke.
"You should be grateful you only sustained these injuries after fighting the Eight Inner Gates." Hiruzen turned his head, annoyed.
He had come directly after receiving the Anbu's message. Hiruzen understood the power of the Eight Inner Gates. If this Taijutsu wasn't so demanding to the user, often leading to death, he would have arranged for many people to train in it long ago. Even Kakashi only succeeded to the First Gate and didn't continue further.
"Uh, I think Guy-senpai might be in a more serious condition." Shinji said with a hint of uncertainty.
Guy had completely collapsed from exhaustion whereas he, due to his recovery ability, only looked worse on the surface.
"Guy has already left the village for a mission." Hiruzen walked over and sat by Shinji's hospital bed, saying.
"Huh?" Shinji was a little disbelieving.
Given Guy's level of exhaustion, he should have at least rested first.
"He said that after fighting you, he felt he needed to work harder and complete missions to strengthen himself." Hiruzen shook his head.
Kakashi had gone with him this time too.
Shinji's lips twitched. If anyone should have been taught a lesson, it should have been him, right?
How did it turn into Guy saying he needed to work hard and be so competitive?
In the final moments, he could sense that Guy had held back. Otherwise, he wouldn't be like this now.
Although Eternal Fist was powerful, he had only recently learned it. It couldn't compare to Guy's Eight Inner Gates, which was the result of over a decade of consistent training.
Hiruzen said in an exasperated tone, "Oh right, within a month at the latest, you must come and tell me you want to be promoted to Jonin."
Not long ago, he had heard his young disciple say his strength was just about there. But today, he gave him a big surprise.
"Mhm, no problem." Shinji nodded.
This battle with Guy was not without its rewards. On the contrary, he had finally succeeded in being evaluated as a Jonin by the system, something that hadn't happened before.
Guy's words had enlightened him. Perhaps due to the previous decade or so, even with the system, he hadn't changed his old way of living.
It wasn't apparent on the surface but previously, when Shinji performed missions, he almost always acted only when he was confident.
"It seems you've understood." Seeing Shinji nod, Hiruzen burst into laughter.
He knew his disciple, even if he was busy, more or less. However, Hiruzen would not demand the same from Shinji as he did from Jiraiya and the others. He wanted to see if Shinji, without interference, could avoid the same fate as Jiraiya and the others after growing up. Now, it seemed pretty good.
"Mhm, I have to thank Guy-senpai for this." Shinji nodded.
If it weren't for Guy, he probably would have needed more time to understand.
"It's good that you've understood. I'll head back now."
Hiruzen had just stood up when he suddenly remembered something. He pulled a few pearls from his pocket and handed them to Shinji, saying, "These are shinkirou pearls. I was going to have the Anbu bring them to you."
"Thank you, sensei." Shinji's eyes lit up, and he reached out to take them.
"No need for that. Just stay in the hospital for a few days as a rest." Hiruzen waved his hand and said.
"Walk slowly, sensei."
After seeing Hiruzen off, Shinji then observed the shinkirou pearls in his hand. They looked very ordinary, but Shinji could sense the Fuinjutsu formula within them. And the material that compressed Chakra particles seemed very unusual.
Shinji, rubbing the outer layer of the shinkirou pearl, was curious about this material that could compress Chakra particles, but after looking for a long time, he couldn't figure anything out. He could only put them away helplessly.
"Sensei!"
A voice rang out, and Naruto pushed the door open.
Behind him, Ino's voice followed closely. "Naruto, you can't do that, you have to knock."
"Uh, I forgot. Next time for sure."
Shinji chuckled, watching his disciples rush in, and said, "Come on in, and close the door."
"Yes, sensei." Hinata, who was walking at the very back, replied and closed the door.
"Where have you all been? Why are you only coming now?" Shinji asked curiously.
Naruto came to Shinji's bedside, put down the fruit basket, and then spoke, "Uh, Sasuke said he wanted to ask that white-haired uncle for a clear explanation, so we followed along."
"White-haired uncle?" Shinji paused, then realized Naruto must be talking about Kakashi.
Shinji reached out and patted Naruto's head, saying, "Naruto, according to seniority, you should call him older brother."
Naruto was shocked and exclaimed in disbelief, "Eh? Older brother?! That white-haired pervert!"
Shinji's lips twitched upon hearing this.
Did Kakashi's Icha Icha Paradise not get hidden well, and Naruto saw it?
Sasuke asked, "Sensei, Kakashi said his Sharingan was given to him by his best friend. Is that true?"
Kakashi had said so directly, and even mentioned they could ask his father. Then he had immediately left the village with that lively Jonin in the green jumpsuit.
"Mhm, it was during the Third Great Ninja War, at the Battle of Kannabi Bridge. However, if you ask your father about this, he'll be clearer."
Shinji didn't say too much. After all, it was Kakashi and Obito's matter. And, regarding Naruto, it was best not to mention that person too much for now. Minato should tell Naruto about this himself later.
Sasuke nodded upon hearing this. Since Shinji had said so, it was basically certain. Moreover, the person was a Jonin. It was already rare for an Academy student like him to be told the reason.
Seeing that none of his disciples had any injuries, Shinji knew that during his fight with Guy, Kakashi had protected them.
He said with relief, "These next few days, you all just train well. Finals are approaching."
"No problem, sensei."
Naruto, who had witnessed Shinji's battle, was even more convinced that with diligent training, he too could become as strong as his teacher one day.
"Understood, sensei." Shikamaru nodded.
With Shinji absent, he was the one leading Naruto and the others.
Shinji said to Shikamaru, "Mhm, Shikamaru, that matter I mentioned to you a while ago should have some results soon."
With his Jonin level strength, the summoning scroll could also be activated.