From outside the training grounds, the full scope of the battle was obscured. However, even from these fragmented glimpses, the spectators could tell that this skirmish was on an entirely different level compared to the previous match.
Furthermore…
"Judging by Kakashi's performance," Mitokado Homura observed, unable to suppress his amazement, "he clearly became more serious after his first Shadow Clone was destroyed. Yet, he still lost a second clone. This Yagyu Masahiko… his strength is quite formidable."
He turned his gaze toward Sarutobi Hiruzen, his eyes holding a trace of questioning skepticism. It wasn't a doubt regarding Masahiko's strength, but rather amazement that such a capable shinobi had remained nameless for so long.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was equally astonished. Masahiko's performance had completely exceeded his expectations. With this level of skill, if he were to polish his physical conditioning and speed just a bit more, he could arguably make a run for the rank of Jōnin.
To the side, Yamanaka Inoichi opened his eyes and released his sensory technique. "Hokage-sama, based on my observations, I represent the Intelligence Division in recommending Yagyu Masahiko for the rank of Special Jōnin."
"I concur," Nara Shikaku added, his tone steady. "Yagyu Masahiko should be promoted to Special Jōnin."
One was the head of the Intelligence Division, the other the Jōnin Commander. Both held significant positions and influence within the village. With their joint endorsement, the result of Masahiko's assessment was essentially set in stone.
Standing nearby, Ebisu felt a complicated mix of emotions. Before today, he had only heard passing mentions of Masahiko from a few parents, but he had never paid the man much attention. In fact, Ebisu realized that subconsciously, he had somewhat looked down on him.
But now…
He had been effortlessly dispatched by Kakashi, while this Chūnin named Yagyu Masahiko had earned Kakashi's acknowledgment and a promotion to Special Jōnin. The sheer gap in their performance left a bitter taste in his mouth.
A moment later, the two combatants emerged from the training ground.
Kakashi bowed slightly to Sarutobi Hiruzen. "Hokage-sama. Following my assessment, I believe Yagyu Masahiko has met the standards of a Special Jōnin. I wish to formally recommend his promotion."
"Good." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded gently, a benevolent smile on his face. "Thank you for your hard work. You as well, Masahiko. Go back and rest; the subsequent assessments will continue in the afternoon."
"Understood!"
Masahiko responded crisply, then cast a brief glance at Ebisu.
Ebisu hurriedly bowed, showing his respect. Masahiko returned a shallow, polite bow before vanishing instantly with the Body Flicker Technique. He was, truthfully, exhausted.
Watching the empty space where Masahiko had stood, Ebisu questioned his own Nindō—his Ninja Way—for the first time. He remained rooted to the spot, unable to snap back to reality for a long while.
That afternoon, Masahiko stepped out of the assessment hall in the Hokage Residence.
"Congratulations."
"Shikaku-senpai." Masahiko snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Nara Shikaku, who had just walked out of an office.
Masahiko moved to bow, but Shikaku waved a hand to stop him. "No need for formalities. Let's just chat."
The Jōnin Commander smiled. "I actually need to thank you. Shikamaru has changed recently. His Taijutsu, in particular, is much stronger than before."
"I was merely a bit strict with the training," Masahiko replied with practiced sincerity. "Without the support of the village and the parents, I wouldn't have been able to implement my ideas, no matter how good they were."
Shikaku nodded, appreciating the sentiment. "Indeed. The implementation of any policy or event requires the concerted effort of everyone, from the top down." He turned sideways, looking Masahiko in the eye. "I trust I will see you in the Jōnin Council very soon."
"Thank you for your recognition." Masahiko bowed slightly.
Shikaku returned the gesture and walked away with a smile.
Compared to Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi was less casually polite. His gaze held a complex mix of emotions, though he quickly suppressed them, offering a courteous greeting before departing.
After seeing off the various Jōnin who came to offer their congratulations, Masahiko finally met with Sarutobi Hiruzen to complete the final procedures.
"From this moment on, you are a Special Jōnin of Konoha."
Sarutobi Hiruzen handed over the dossier. Masahiko accepted it. The document had already been updated with his new title: Tokubetsu Jōnin.
The instant he touched the dossier, lines of text floated into his vision.
[Through your advancement training, you have successfully elevated your character's position within the series, becoming a Special Jōnin.]
[Due to the rank increase, your potential participation in the plot has expanded.]
[Module Unlocked: 'Performance Instance'.]
[You may repeatedly experience unlocked instances.]
[Currently Unlocked Instance: Special Jōnin Practical Assessment.]
Jackpot!
Masahiko cheered internally. Walking out of the Hokage Residence, he felt refreshed, his mind clear and the world seemingly wider. However, a gust of cold wind quickly sobered him up.
'Special Jōnin… in the grand scheme of the Ninja World, this is nothing. It just means I'm slightly stronger than the fodder in the middle and lower tiers.'
'But at least the plan has taken its first step.'
Masahiko quickened his pace. He couldn't wait to test out this new "Performance Instance."
[Loading Instance — 'Special Jōnin Practical Assessment'...]
[Recreating Scene...]
[Solidifying Opponent Data...]
[Loading Complete.]
It was the familiar training ground, with the familiar attire. The only difference was that this time, it was just him and Kakashi.
Blades unsheathed.
"Come at me, Hatake Kakashi!"
Masahiko didn't choose his previous hit-and-run tactics. Instead, he charged in for a direct confrontation.
Moments later.
In reality, Masahiko sat up in his bed with a start.
"Sh*t! A frontal assault... he instantly stimulated his body with Lightning Chakra and used the Lightning Beast Tracking Fang..."
"Without tactical planning or paper bombs, the gap is massive, even if he holds back."
"And that's just an Elite Jōnin!"
Masahiko sighed lightly, then immediately re-entered the [Performance Instance].
Inside the instance, he didn't need to fear death. Every battle could be fought with everything he had. A sparring partner like this couldn't be found even if you searched the entire world with a lantern.
After three attempts, the space dissolved, and the scene shifted abruptly.
Masahiko opened his eyes in the real world.
Thump, thump.
Something was tapping against his window.
A ninja bird was pecking at the glass. When he opened the window, the bird hopped inside and extended its leg, revealing a small bamboo cylinder tied to its claw.
Masahiko removed the cylinder, and the bird immediately spread its wings, disappearing into the night sky.
He unfurled the small strip of paper inside.
"Through Uchiha Sasuke, increase contact with the Uchiha Clan. Monitor the clan's movements. Report any news immediately."
Masahiko crushed the paper and burned it to ash over a candle flame.
Just as he thought. Only by increasing his strength could he attract the attention of the higher-ups—specifically Danzō and the Root—and participate in events he previously had no qualification to touch.
He toyed with a kunai for a moment before diving back into the [Performance Instance].
The combat training continued!
Inside the instance, Masahiko sprinted through the dense forest, constantly shifting his assassination angles, honing the Dance of the Crescent Moon and his stealth techniques.
He fought until he had been "killed" three more times... only then did he fall into a deep sleep.
The next morning.
[Konoha-Style: Dance of the Crescent Moon: Mastery]
[Body Flicker Technique: Perfect]
This was his greatest harvest from the previous night.
Especially the latter. Although the Body Flicker Technique was only a D-Rank jutsu, it was easy to learn but incredibly difficult to master. Raising it to "Perfect" rank meant his execution of the technique had reached the theoretical limit of what was possible.
To go any higher…
He would have to innovate. He had to break the limit!
['Low-Rank Skill Upgrade Card' used.]
['Body Flicker Technique' level increased!]