Kiyohara's control over the jutsu had become even more refined and efficient.
"So this is the effect of talent stacking?"
He rubbed his chin in thought.
No wonder Orochimaru was obsessed with switching vessels—sometimes, things really did feel different.
He clenched his fists, feeling the physical energy brimming inside him.
All of it could be converted into chakra at will.
The old Kiyohara would never have had this much chakra in reserve.
He'd need time to adapt and digest this newfound strength.
"I hope I get a future with a Taijutsu focus next time…"
Kiyohara muttered.
Boosting spiritual energy was great, but if it far outpaced one's physical energy, it could become a problem.
Just look at Kurama Yakumo, Yūhi Kurenai's student. The Kurama clan possessed a Yin Release kekkei genkai, but her spiritual energy was so strong it overwhelmed her frail body.
If spirit and body didn't grow together, chakra growth would be lopsided—and unstable.
Kiyohara even speculated that Hashirama Senju might've died young because of a similar imbalance. After believing he'd killed his closest friend, Uchiha Madara, perhaps his spirit simply broke.
The logic was simple: in the ninja world, vitality mattered.
"Hashirama Cells" were renowned for their vitality. So much so, they were a black-market treasure—every villain seemed to want a piece.
And yet… the source of those cells, Hashirama himself, died in his fifties.
Maybe it was the toll of that final fight with Madara.Maybe Asura's chakra sensed its brother's reincarnation had died and faded with him.
Too many possibilities.But the same question remained:Why did someone that strong die so early?
"I've got a few days before my next mission. Time to find a decent forge and have my ninja tools made."
As for that loan?Yeah… he'd stall that as long as possible.
"Won't be long before Iwagakure collapses, right?"
That thought struck him suddenly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi would soon step down—not because of age, but guilt.
Why?
Because of Kannabi Bridge.
That battle severed Iwa's main supply line, and the rest of their army was crushed by Namikaze Minato. With half their forces annihilated, Iwa was teetering on collapse.
But before they could make their next move, Hiruzen proactively requested a ceasefire—on Konoha's behalf.
He acknowledged Iwa's actions and waived reparations.
It was like being at the enemy's doorstep, about to win the war—only for your leader to suddenly hit surrender and force everyone else to follow.
Even Danzo, who was usually composed, lashed out—calling it a betrayal of all the comrades who had died.
But Hiruzen insisted the responsibility was his alone, and stepped down as the Third Hokage.
It made no sense.
Yet… that was canon.
"Once that's done, they'll start focusing all their forces on Kirigakure."
Kiyohara mused.
After all, Uchiha Madara's hidden piece was Kirigakure.
He'd have to be more careful on upcoming missions.
Several days later – Hokage Tower
It was late afternoon, and the lights in the Hokage's office were still burning bright.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat behind his grand desk, his familiar pipe in hand. Wisps of white smoke curled upward, casting a haze over his stern face.
Knock knock.
The door opened quietly.
Namikaze Minato stepped in, fresh off a mission from the border.
"Lord Third," he greeted with a respectful bow.
"This is the full mission report. Also… word from the front: the Iwa forces have retreated thirty li from the Grass Country front."
"Oh?"
Hiruzen set down his pipe, taking the scroll. A slight smile crept onto his face.
"Well done, Minato. That's good news. If we can stabilize the Iwa situation, we'll be free to focus our forces on the pressure from Kumo and Kiri."
He skimmed through the report, nodding in approval.
"You always bring good news."
Then his gaze shifted toward another document on his desk—the final list of Chūnin Exam promotions.
Picking it up, he paused when he saw one name in particular.
"Kiyohara," he said, handing the list to Minato. "The boy you recommended—he defeated one of the elite Uchiha in the exam."
Minato blinked, surprised.
"Kiyohara participated?"
He quickly scanned the page and found the name.
"I thought his performance during the Kannabi Bridge mission alone would've earned him a direct promotion. But proving himself through the exam might be even better."
Hiruzen puffed his pipe and exhaled a long stream of smoke. The room filled with that familiar scent.
Minato passively inhaled the secondhand smoke—no one came to the Hokage's office without getting dosed.
He briefly wondered: 'how much of Fire Country's tax revenue came from tobacco?'
"Sure, we could've promoted him directly," Hiruzen said, "but sending him through the exam gave us a better look at his potential, temperament, and adaptability in a live setting."
"A report can be impressive, but nothing beats witnessing it firsthand.And now I see… your recommendation was not exaggerated."
Minato understood immediately.
This wasn't a challenge to his judgment—it was a reflection of how seriously Hiruzen took talent development.
Konoha had lost too many capable ninja in the war—especially among its Chūnin and Jōnin ranks.
And someone like Kiyohara—a pure-blooded Konoha orphan whose parents died in service—was the very image of a loyal, worthy candidate.
With impressive ability and promising growth, he was exactly the kind of person Konoha needed to groom for the future.
Hiruzen's intentions were clear: thorough evaluation, then targeted support.
"I understand, Lord Hokage," Minato replied, his voice carrying a hint of admiration.
"Kiyohara really does have potential. More importantly… he has a strong heart. He protects his comrades without hesitation—that kind of spirit is rare these days."
He recalled what Rin had told him—how Kiyohara had stayed behind to hold off enemies, risking his life.
"Pure roots, solid talent, good temperament…"
Hiruzen looked at the list again.
"A seed worth cultivating. Minato, since you're familiar with him, keep an eye on his development."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Minato answered solemnly.
He already admired Kiyohara. With Hiruzen's explicit support, he was more than willing to help guide this rising star forward.