"Teacher, these two water-style jutsus only require basic elemental affinity. Because I already have water chakra, I can learn them quickly. But I'm still far from mastery…"
Kisaragi Haruto summarized his thoughts.
He understood clearly:Senju Tobirama's Water Wall could rotate, making its defense far stronger. Other variations of Water Wall could be even taller and wider.
Compared to that, his water techniques were still at the beginner level.
The system panel's elemental evaluation confirmed this.Two glaring ratings, both entry-level.
Kakashi couldn't help but say, "It's already amazing!"
He thought of himself…When he first used lightning-style jutsu, he hadn't been able to instantly perform a B-rank technique like Haruto.
Kakashi now understood a bit how his peers must have felt watching him back then.
It stung.
Konan's emotions were even more complicated.Haruto and Kakashi were both undeniable geniuses; becoming Jiraiya-sama's students was only natural for them.
And herself?
Her gaze wandered, blank and distant, silence stretching for a long while.At the academy, Konan had always been an excellent student, ranking near the top of her class.But leaving the academy, it was hard not to compare herself with Haruto and Kakashi. Her confidence had taken a serious blow.
Jiraiya glanced at her and sighed quietly to himself—Konan wasn't bad by any means, but compared with Haruto and Kakashi, it was natural for her to feel frustrated.
However…
He was most pleasantly surprised by Haruto—he was more mature than Jiraiya had imagined.
Most Genin, on their first attempt, wouldn't instantly master a B-rank jutsu; they'd be over the moon with pride.
But Haruto?No need for criticism; he self-evaluated and summarized his performance on his own.
All Jiraiya had to do…Was hand him the scroll and guide him on how to practice and learn.So effortless!
Jiraiya nodded calmly, though inwardly impressed.
"You understand. Even at this level, you're far from a true genius. When I first learned water techniques, my teacher would've asked if I was daydreaming."
"Yes," Haruto replied respectfully, suppressing a smile.
Jiraiya clearly wasn't talking about himself, but about Orochimaru.Back then, Orochimaru's skill had been terrifying, far beyond Haruto or Kakashi—otherwise Sarutobi wouldn't have pinned so much hope on him.
Jiraiya cleared his throat and looked at Kakashi and Konan."Kakashi, if you have questions, ask me later."
"Yes," Kakashi replied respectfully.
Finally, it was Konan…Jiraiya's expression became serious.
He hadn't selected Konan just because she was pleasing to the eye.As a genjutsu specialist, her chakra control was impeccable, and with years of family-taught genjutsu, she had the potential to also learn medical ninjutsu.
"Konan, for the next period, strengthen your body, and then study this jutsu at your own pace."
He handed her a scroll.
Konan unrolled it, eyes widening in disbelief.It read: Ninjutsu – Chaotic Lion's Mane Technique.
"This is…"
She had heard of this jutsu—it belonged to Jiraiya himself, and it had played a crucial role in the morning's assessment.
"As a genjutsu ninja, your chakra control is excellent. Learning this should only be a matter of time. Also, if you have the opportunity, study some medical ninjutsu. Not necessarily in depth—I'll write you a letter of recommendation."
"Thank you, Sensei," Konan said, bowing deeply.
Chaotic Lion's Mane Technique. Genjutsu. Medical ninjutsu.Her path would be that of a versatile support ninja.
"Believe in yourself. You have the potential to become a ninja like Tsunade. That's why I chose you."
Jiraiya generously offered encouragement.
Konan nodded repeatedly, thrilled.
The three continued training.Haruto focused on water-style jutsu.As he had said, while he had already learned to cast the jutsu, he was still far from true mastery.At minimum—He needed to practice Water Wall until it reached the proficient level.
"Alright, everyone, train hard. Starting tomorrow, we'll begin our missions."
…
By evening, the team dispersed.Tonight, many in Konoha would not sleep.
Jiraiya once again led a team, taking in the talented Konoha ninja from the Hatake clan and selecting a civilian ninja as well.Many tried to ask questions, but in the end, they were left puzzled.
Who was Kisaragi Haruto?
Peers from the academy had no recollection.How could a previously unremarkable ninja suddenly become Jiraiya's student?
Especially those in Haruto's class—they struggled to sleep all night.
They racked their brains, unable to understand how a previously unnoticed, "average" student suddenly became a seemingly unreachable genius.
…
The next day, at the academy, in Haruto's former classroom.
"Did you hear? After graduation, Haruto's team leader is none other than Jiraiya-sama!"
"What?"
"Seriously?"
"My father said it yesterday."
The classroom buzzed with excitement.
The Sannin—Unreachable legends for them.Yet now, someone from their midst had become a disciple, instantly making it unbelievable.
"So what? I also know Kakashi became his student!" another said.
Asuma Sarutobi's eyes flickered with envy.He hadn't chosen to graduate this year.If only he had known Jiraiya would be teaching, or that Konan would graduate this year and become his disciple…
Sigh!
The young boy, gazing out the window, wore a forlorn expression.
Childhood thoughts differed, yet one thing was the same:On this day, the previously unknown Kisaragi Haruto became the focus of everyone's discussion.
However, on this very day, while everyone gossiped about him, Haruto and Jiraiya were busy in the Hokage's hall, arguing sensibly about missions.
"I'm the team's teacher. I think we can handle a C-rank mission directly!"
Jiraiya pounded the table.
Himeno Binno wiped cold sweat from his brow, summoning courage.
"Jiraiya-sama, new teams must take D-rank missions. It's the rule. Even you cannot overrule it."
He was only a Chunin.Yet to speak so firmly in front of one of the Sannin, he had clearly prepared himself mentally.
Jiraiya intended to argue further.
Haruto paused at the mission board, then approached."Teacher, D-rank is fine too. Either way, it's all about contributing to the village."
"Exactly. Whatever rank the mission is, we're serving the village. Jiraiya-sama, please don't make it difficult for us."
Himeno Binno begged repeatedly.
Jiraiya clicked his tongue, finally nodding."Fine, then. Let's start with a water-carrying mission."
Leaving the Hokage building,
"Our team has Kakashi. C-rank missions would be more than manageable. I was even going to speak to the old man myself…"
Jiraiya sighed with regret.
Kakashi and Konan said nothing.The former, following rules, didn't mind.The latter, no objections.
Haruto whispered,"Teacher, it's not right to go straight to specialized missions. We should do more D-rank missions first. Once we've built up numbers, we could handle C-rank. Also, D-rank missions are still good for training—the difference isn't that big."
"Alright."
Jiraiya waved his hand."Then let's get started!"