Outside the training ground, it was impossible to see the full course of the battle.
However—
Even from the fragments they witnessed, everyone could tell that this fight was on an entirely different level compared to the previous one.
And—
"Judging from Kakashi's performance, after his Shadow Clone was destroyed, he became more serious than before, yet still lost a second Shadow Clone."
Mitokado Homura spoke with undisguised astonishment. "This Kanzaki Zhenyan… is remarkably strong!"
His gaze shifted toward Hiruzen Sarutobi, carrying a trace of doubt—not about Zhenyan's strength, but rather…
How had a ninja of this caliber remained unknown until now?
Hiruzen himself was equally surprised.
Zhenyan's performance had completely exceeded his expectations.
With a bit more refinement—stronger physique, greater speed—he might even be able to contend for a full jonin ranking.
Nearby, Inoichi Yamanaka opened his eyes, canceling his secret technique.
"Hokage-sama, based on my observations, I, on behalf of the Intelligence Division, recommend Kanzaki Zhenyan for the position of Special Jonin."
"I agree. Kanzaki Zhenyan should be promoted to Special Jonin."
Shikaku Nara added.
One was the head of the Intelligence Division, the other the leader of the jonin squad—both held significant authority within the village.
With their approval, the result of Zhenyan's assessment was essentially decided.
Off to the side, Ebisu felt an indescribable mix of emotions.
Before this, he had only heard bits and pieces about Zhenyan from a few parents, never paying much attention.
In fact, he knew deep down that he had looked down on him.
But now…
He himself had been easily defeated by Kakashi Hatake, while this chunin named Kanzaki Zhenyan had earned Kakashi's recognition and become a Special Jonin.
The disparity left him conflicted.
The next moment, the two of them walked out from the training ground.
Kakashi gave a slight bow to Hiruzen. "Hokage-sama, after my assessment, I believe Kanzaki Zhenyan meets the standards of a Special Jonin. I recommend him for promotion."
"Good."
Hiruzen nodded with a smile. "You've both worked hard. Zhenyan, you as well. Go get some rest. The remaining evaluations will take place this afternoon."
"Yes!"
Zhenyan responded, then glanced at Ebisu.
Ebisu quickly bowed in respect.
Zhenyan returned a brief courtesy before vanishing with Body Flicker.
He was genuinely exhausted.
Watching his departing figure, Ebisu felt doubt creep into his own ninja path for the first time, standing there in a daze long after.
…
That afternoon, Zhenyan stepped out of the assessment hall in the Hokage Building.
Moments later—
"Congratulations."
"Shikaku-senpai."
Zhenyan came back to his senses and looked at Shikaku Nara walking out.
He was about to bow, but Shikaku waved him off.
"No need. Let's just chat."
He smiled. "I should be thanking you. Recently, Shikamaru has changed a bit—especially his taijutsu. It's much better than before."
"I only enforced things a bit more strictly. Without the village and the parents' support, even with ideas, I wouldn't have been able to carry them out."
Zhenyan answered sincerely.
Shikaku nodded in agreement. "Exactly. The implementation of any policy or initiative depends on everyone working together."
He turned slightly, looking at Zhenyan.
"I believe it won't be long before I see you among the jonin ranks."
"Thank you for your recognition."
Zhenyan bowed lightly.
Shikaku returned the gesture and left with a smile.
Compared to him, Inoichi Yamanaka was less polite, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.
But soon, he concealed it, offered a friendly greeting, and departed.
After seeing off each jonin who came to congratulate him, Zhenyan finally met Hiruzen to complete the final procedures.
"From now on, you are officially a Special Jonin."
Hiruzen handed over the information sheet.
Zhenyan took it.
His title had already been updated—
Special Jonin!
At the moment he received it, lines of text appeared before his eyes.
[You have advanced through training and successfully elevated your role within the story, becoming a Special Jonin.]
[After leveling up, you can participate in more plotlines.]
[The 'Simulation Instance' module has been unlocked.]
[You can repeatedly experience unlocked instances.]
[Current unlocked instance: Special Jonin Combat Assessment.]
Good stuff!
Zhenyan inwardly rejoiced.
Walking out of the Hokage Building, he felt refreshed, as if the world had opened up and his mind had cleared.
But a gust of cold wind quickly sobered him.
"Special Jonin… in the ninja world, that's still nothing. Just a bit stronger than the lower tiers."
"Still, at least the plan has taken its first step."
He quickened his pace.
He couldn't wait to try the "Simulation Instance"!
…
[Loading instance—'Special Jonin Combat Assessment'.]
[Reconstructing scene…]
[Fixing opponent data…]
[Load complete.]
The familiar training ground, the familiar attire.
The difference was that this time, it was only him and Kakashi.
His blade slid free.
"Come, Kakashi Hatake!"
Zhenyan didn't use his previous tactics. He charged head-on.
Moments later—
In reality, he jolted upright from his bed.
"Damn it! In direct combat, he immediately uses Lightning Release chakra to stimulate his body and even brings out Lightning Release: Tracking Fang…"
"Without tactics or explosive tags, even if he holds back, the gap is huge."
"And that's just an elite jonin!"
Zhenyan let out a sigh, then re-entered the instance.
Inside the instance, he didn't have to worry about death. Every fight could be fought with full commitment.
A sparring partner like this was impossible to find.
…
After three battles, the space shattered and the scene abruptly changed.
Zhenyan opened his eyes.
A knocking sound echoed at the window.
A ninja bird tapped the glass with its claws. After he opened the window, it hopped inside and extended its leg.
A small bamboo tube was tied to it.
After he removed it, the bird flapped its wings and disappeared into the night sky.
Zhenyan opened the note.
"Use Uchiha Sasuke to make more contact with the Uchiha clan. Monitor their movements."
"Report any information immediately."
Zhenyan crumpled the note and burned it in the candle flame.
As expected.
Only by increasing his strength could he draw attention from above and gain access to matters he previously had no right to touch.
He toyed with a kunai, then re-entered the "Simulation Instance."
Continuing combat training!
Within the instance, Zhenyan constantly moved through the forest, shifting angles of attack, refining the Dance of the Crescent Moon and techniques like presence concealment.
Until, after being "killed" three more times—
He fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning—
[Konoha Style: Dance of the Crescent Moon: Proficient]
[Body Flicker Technique: Perfect]
These were his greatest gains from the previous night.
Especially the latter.
Although the Body Flicker Technique was only a D-rank ninjutsu, it was easy to learn but difficult to master. Reaching the "Perfect" level meant his mastery had hit the theoretical limit.
Beyond this…
He would need to innovate and break past the limit!
['Low-Level Skill Upgrade Card' has been used.]
['Body Flicker Technique' level increased!]