-----
-----
But still.
"Next time, I'll definitely fight alongside you!"
Kurenai's promise was firm, her voice resolute against the backdrop of the setting sun.
She wasn't angry about being left in the dark—she was angry at her own helplessness.
Kakashi stayed silent.
The recent battle kept replaying in his mind.
Hidden Mist's jonin, a genius like Hōzuki.
Even after two and a half years as a ninja, chances to spar with someone like this were rare.
And thinking back, he realized—
Leo's speed and reflexes had improved significantly. Especially today, his reactions and strikes were noticeably faster than before.
Or rather—
His control over his speed was sharper, more refined.
Kakashi considered his own struggles, hesitated a moment, then spoke.
He wasn't as arrogant as he used to be.
And besides—
The boy in front of him had started slower but now showed talent that rivaled his own.
There was no shame in learning from someone else.
Failing on the battlefield? That would be shameful.
"Leo, can I ask—how do you train your reflexes?"
"My reflexes?"
Leo paused, thinking. "I hung a dozen or so sandbags in the academy and trained by reacting to the chaos they create. It helps me practice sensing movement through wind, judging distances, and responding quickly. Though honestly, I'm not sure how effective it is yet."
"It works. Your reflexes and speed control are way better than before. I'll try this method when I get back. Thanks, Leo."
Kakashi said, thoughtful, already planning a return favor.
"You're serious about sword training?"
"Of course I am. My idol is the Second Hokage. I heard he trained with swords too, so I want to as well. And… I can really feel myself improving."
Leo's answer was perfect.
Whether or not the Second Hokage actually said it, or whether Leo truly idolized him, once you linked it to Senju Tobirama, no one would doubt it.
At least, Kakashi wouldn't.
He nodded.
"When we get back to the village, I'll get you one of my father's old swords. You can't really master a skill without a real sword."
He paused, quickly clarifying, "It's not a chakra weapon, just a normal katana. But it's fine for training and everyday use—if you don't mind."
"How could I mind?"
Leo's excitement spilled over.
Even though it wasn't the age of samurai, a reliable sword was expensive and hard to come by—he couldn't afford one yet.
After a moment, he added, "I'll borrow it for now. I'll pay you back once I have the money."
"No need."
Kakashi shook his head. "I don't even use that many swords myself. Just pick the one that feels best to you."
"Alright then."
Leo thought for a moment but didn't argue further.
It wasn't a throne; no need to insist three times.
Better to exchange skills and grow together than argue over a sword.
Kurenai spoke up. "I think we should do what Leo suggested earlier—regular knowledge exchange. That way, we all improve together."
"Like a library?"
Kakashi added.
Leo's eyes lit up as if he'd just had an idea. "One tree doesn't make a forest, and one leaf can't spark the Leaf Village fire. This shouldn't just be for the three of us. Anyone willing to join should be able to share knowledge."
"Oh, that's actually really cool!"
Kurenai's eyes sparkled.
Limiting it to just their team would only recycle a few techniques and bits of knowledge.
Everyone was comrades. Teaching each other wouldn't hurt.
As Leo said, knowledge only proves its worth when it's used.
And if more people adopted this approach, the value of what they learned would grow even more.
"Only for members?"
Kakashi asked.
Leo nodded. "Of course. Sharing knowledge is meant to make us stronger, not let people leech off others. That would kill everyone's motivation to improve and innovate."
"I get it."
Kakashi understood.
As the three talked, laughter came from outside.
"Good idea."
"Sensei."
Leo, Kakashi, and Kurenai all stood.
Jiraiya sat in the hall, waving them over. He picked up a tea cup and drank a few mouthfuls. "Alright. Tomorrow, we escort Matsuyama back home and then head straight back to Konoha. Don't want any accidents."
"Yes!"
…
The next morning.
The inn was a wreck. The owner had done his best to repair it, but traces of yesterday's fight were still visible.
Ichiro Matsuyama shivered at the sight and decided leaving early was wise.
Money can always be earned later.
He still couldn't understand.
"Jiraiya, who exactly is Kado? How did he get so many Hidden Mist ninjas involved?"
Matsuyama wasn't a ninja but knew enough to understand the situation.
Jonin were rare even in top villages.
A chance to cheaply hire a team led by someone like Jiraiya was almost unheard of.
Two jonin.
And if they'd stolen his goods… the payout would never cover their cost, right?
Jiraiya cleared his throat, unwilling to go into details.
He couldn't exactly say—
Those Hidden Mist jonin weren't planning to interfere at first.
But, after a little baiting, the two big fish took the hook and moved against him and his students.
From the employer's point of view, that wasn't exactly fair.
Still, he had gathered some information about Kado.
"Kado has deep ties with the Water Country nobility. Many wealthy merchants connected to him are quietly supporting him."
Jiraiya explained.
Matsuyama fell silent, thinking it over. Then his eyes widened.
"They want to monopolize the shipping business!"
"Monopolize sea trade?"
Jiraiya blinked in surprise.
Matsuyama Ichirou's expression was serious.
"Yes. Most of the maritime trade between the Land of Water, the Land of Fire, and the Land of Lightning passes through shipping routes, and the Land of Waves plays a crucial role in all of it."
Jiraiya wasn't a businessman.
In this area, he wasn't nearly as sharp as Matsuyama Ichirou.
But still…
The moment Matsuyama mentioned it, Jiraiya immediately understood. Controlling the Land of Waves would be a huge advantage for the Land of Water—and the same went for the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning.
In the short term, the Land of Waves could become the center of a major power struggle.
Jiraiya frowned.
If that happened, Konoha, the Land of Fire…
He trailed off, lost in thought.
Matsuyama spoke quietly. "Jiraiya, are you really not considering taking action in the Land of Waves? If you're even a little interested, I can help contact a few families in Kyoto."
If someone from the Land of Water was eyeing the Land of Waves, it was only natural that the Land of Fire would be interested too.
But…
They didn't have the strength to take over the Land of Waves' trade on their own. They'd need Konoha's cooperation to make it happen.
Jiraiya hesitated, thinking it over.
Finally, he shook his head.
"Matsuyama, this kind of decision has to come from the Hokage. If you want, I can pass it on to him—but I can't say whether he'll approve."
"Ha! If your Third Hokage were willing, would I even need to ask you for help?"
Matsuyama's voice dropped even lower.
Jiraiya had no reply.
He understood the logic perfectly, but his words carried no weight. He couldn't even push through a simple reform at the Ninja Academy, let alone make a move on the Land of Waves given the current situation.
"All I can promise is to report everything about the Land of Waves up the chain."
"That's fine. But if there's even the slightest chance, Jiraiya, you have to let me know. There are quite a few families in Kyoto… cough cough… well, you know what I mean."
"Yeah."
"....."