The Third Hokage had lived a long life;
After the first wave of shock and disbelief, he quickly recovered.
But…
Souma's praise was almost too much to bear.
After all…
only Hiruzen himself knew exactly what kind of "initial intention" he had when inventing the Telescope Technique.
Being flattered for that felt… complicated.
He cleared his throat and asked:
"So, you have an idea for improving it?"
"A simple example," Souma said.
"You don't practice medical ninjutsu, but you understand it, right?"
"Of course."
Souma grabbed pen and paper and began sketching.
A moment later, he handed the diagram to the Hokage.
A simplified diagram of a surgical procedure.
Nothing complicated—
anyone who understood the basics of surgery could follow it.
Souma's point was clear:
Use the Telescope Technique to locate injuries internally, allowing quicker identification of the target area.
Was it possible?
Definitely.
With proper modification, the core concept was entirely feasible.
Most jutsu seemed complex only because no one had bothered to think in that direction.
And once the idea existed, even the Hokage could adjust it with some effort.
"…I see."
The Third rubbed his forehead and sighed.
"All right, then this technique—"
"No reward needed," Souma said cheerfully.
"Just develop the modified version for me and we're good."
Hiruzen stared at him.
He had never agreed to anything.
And besides—
He was the Hokage.
Was he really going to sit here researching auxiliary medical ninjutsu?
"…As Hokage," Souma added lightly, "isn't it your duty to set an example?"
"…Enough.
You brat talk circles around me better than I do.
If you're done—get out."
Hiruzen scribbled a few notes describing the fundamental changes and tossed the slip of paper at him.
If the conversation continued,
he felt his old heart truly would break.
But Souma raised a hand.
"Hold on, I have one more thing.
That new technique is good, but it doesn't compare to the value of my taijutsu method."
Hiruzen looked at him strangely…
then sighed.
"…Fine. One more A-rank credit.
State your request."
Souma grinned.
"I want to learn Five Elements Seal and Five Elements Unseal."
"That's two techniques."
Hiruzen's mouth twitched upward.
"So this time I'll be recording two debits."
"Deal."
Souma immediately agreed.
Things like Shuriken Shadow Clone, Kakashi definitely knew—
those weren't worth wasting Hokage-taught slots on.
Only techniques Kakashi didn't know needed to be requested here.
After reading the scrolls twice, Souma memorized them fully.
There was no reason to take them home and waste time returning them later.
A few days passed.
News of the Hokage's "Jutsu Innovation Initiative" began circulating among the ninja—
especially among chunin and jonin who knew more of the inside story.
Hiruzen planned to create a "Book of Innovation"
to mirror the "Forbidden Scroll."
Any jutsu inside could only be learned by:
—making significant contributions, or
—creating a new jutsu.
And rumor had it…
A powerful, extremely practical taijutsu was already inside.
Konoha had many inventive shinobi,
but historically, anyone who created new techniques tended to hoard them.
Why share?
Rewards weren't good enough.
Unless the payout justified it,
no one was handing over their trump cards.
But Hiruzen—the old fox that he was—knew exactly how to motivate people.
The very next day, Asuma appeared at the Hokage's office.
And soon after—
The Hokage formally announced:
Asuma had submitted a new upgraded Fire Release technique—Ashen Burning—
and in return, he acquired "Konoha-Style Taijutsu: Ultra Limit."
Then he publicly demonstrated it in front of the building…
"Souma," Tenten whispered, leaning close.
"Do you think Asuma-sensei actually wanted to come?"
Souma glanced around and whispered back:
"Asuma-senpai has always been loyal to Konoha.
Of course he truly wanted to contribute."
"…I'm not so sure. He looked kind of—"
—cough cough cough!
A violent coughing fit cut her off.
Kakashi had walked over.
"We should focus on choosing a mission," Kakashi said, stopping further speculation.
"Let's take a C-rank!" Tenten declared energetically.
"We've been training forever—it's time to test our strength!"
"Mmm," Kasa agreed softly.
Souma studied with her.
Even now, surrounded by the crowded mission hall, she managed to quietly speak a word—
For her, that was remarkable progress.
Kakashi did not answer them.
Instead he turned to Souma.
"What about you? What mission do you think we should take?"
Souma thought for several seconds.
Truthfully, C-rank missions were too easy for him—
no challenge, no real growth.
He wanted B-rank or higher to face real shinobi opponents.
But realistically, that wasn't happening anytime soon.
Then he remembered—
The Chunin Exams were approaching.
He turned to Kakashi—
—and right before speaking, his mind shifted instantly.
"C-rank works. I want one too."
Kakashi closed his eyes and sighed.
This kid definitely figured it out.
He knew exactly why Kakashi asked.
Yet he deliberately said he wanted C-rank anyway.
Either he had learned too much…
or he was considering his teammates.
Perhaps both.
So Kakashi chose not to speak.
He simply looked at Tenten and Kasa.
"The Chunin Exams are coming soon.
You really don't want to participate?"
"W-we can?" Tenten gasped.
"I thought most teams take the exam in their second year?"
"Normally, yes," Kakashi said.
"But you three are the strongest rookie team I've seen in years.
In the test, you were already at a typical chunin level.
Now you're even stronger."
He paused, voice steady and sincere.
"As your jonin commander,
I believe your team is qualified to take the exams."
"That's amazing! I—wait."
Tenten froze.
"Souma… what do you think?"
Kasa also looked at Souma.
Quiet.
Waiting.
Trusting.
Kakashi smiled beneath his mask.
"You've already gained the first quality of a team captain—trust."
"So my decision determines whether we take the exam?" Souma asked.
Both girls nodded.
Kakashi stepped closer.
"Well? What's your decision?"
Souma exhaled slowly.
"To be honest, having my choice affects two other people's futures…
It's a lot of pressure."
He wasn't afraid of battle—
but this was different.
Kakashi's voice sharpened.
"So? Your answer?"
"We're not participating."
Kakashi's eyes twitched.
After a long silence he asked:
"Why?"
"No particular reason," Souma said calmly.
"Being promoted one year earlier or later doesn't matter.
A chunin title means nothing on its own.
But if my decision put my teammates in danger, I'd regret it."
He smiled slightly.
"To me, my teammates matter far more than a rank."
"You don't trust them?" Kakashi's tone turned cold.
Tenten flinched.
"Sensei! That's not what Souma meant! He was just—"
"Oh?
So you think I don't care about your safety?"
Kakashi's killing intent leaked out—
not aimed to harm,
but enough to shake the two girls pale.
Only Souma remained unmoved.
"Sensei has his view," Souma said gently.
"And I have mine.
Different perspectives don't conflict."
"I'll give you one more chance," Kakashi said.
"No need to test me," Souma replied.
"I'm pretty sure there are two Chunin Exams each year.
If we skip this one, we can take the next."
He stretched lazily.
"And honestly, the next exam will be far better for Tenten and Kasa."
Kakashi's eyes narrowed.
"Oh?
You think I'm testing you?"
"Isn't that exactly what you're doing?" Souma asked with a faint smile.
"If you were in my position,
I believe you would make the same choice."
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