⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯Chapter 209 : Chapter 209 Hiruzen, shouldn't Kurenai be promoted to Jonin? [3/3]
Chapter 209: Hiruzen, is it time for Kurenai to be promoted to Jonin? [3/3]
Body Flicker Technique!
Masahiko subconsciously leaned sideways to avoid the attack and pressed his palm down. At the moment of impact between fist and hand, he twisted his palm, coordinating with Chakra to retract backward.
A look of surprise flickered in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.
Between the block and the pull, his force was repelled by a gentle power, then it sank inward, as if—he had struck the surface of water.
In the next second, Masahiko's right fist traced an arc, smashing down from above.
Hiruzen Sarutobi shrunk back to retreat, but—
Though the punch missed, Masahiko's shoulder instantly arched. His muscles and bones exerted power, and his speed exploded in an instant.
Caught by surprise, Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly refined Chakra for protection, crossing his hands to parry.
Bang!
He flew backward, shedding the powerful impact.
But at the same time, Masahiko arrived with a flying kick.
"A pity!"
A hint of wonder flashed in Mitokado Homura's eyes.
In terms of constitution and physical strength, Masahiko was not the strongest in Konoha, but that series of Taijutsu strikes just now was truly exquisite!
Unfortunately, his strength training was insufficient.
Beside him, Ebisu couldn't help but ask: "What do you find a pity, sir?"
"If it were Might Guy, Hiruzen would definitely be unable to move after that sequence. Masahiko specializes in Nintaijutsu, and in terms of pure strength, he is slightly inferior after all."
Mitokado Homura replied.
Then, he couldn't help but smile: "Of course, it's also possible he held back."
Ebisu looked down at the field, a trace of envy showing in his eyes.
Mitokado Homura was only joking, but he had truly projected himself into the situation.
If he were Masahiko—
He might not have been able to block that sequence of attacks from the Hokage.
Thinking back to the old days, he had once competed on the same stage as Masahiko, but now, the gap in strength between the two was no longer just a small amount.
The most irritating thing was—
As a teacher, he also couldn't compare to Masahiko!
Masahiko Yagyu's name seemed to have magic within the Ninja Academy; superiors and colleagues praised him, and students revered him.
In contrast, after Ebisu arrived at the school, he wasn't very well-liked.
This had once made him question his life.
Now, seeing Masahiko trading blows with Hiruzen Sarutobi with such passion and excitement, he suddenly felt—
Masahiko had actually been working hard and training all along, making himself stronger and better.
Not discouraged when at a low point, not arrogant when in a high position.
That was the man's charm!
Ebisu also began to admire this junior a bit.
On Hiruzen Sarutobi, Masahiko was constantly testing newly learned Taijutsu techniques, trying to integrate them into his own combat system.
Hiruzen Sarutobi also grew more delighted as the battle progressed.
He could feel the other's progress, which made him feel as if he had returned to his prime, to the days when he led his three disciples.
That kind of excitement—
Hiruzen Sarutobi increased his speed again. Masahiko was "unable to dodge in time" and tried the same trick again, only to be easily countered by Hiruzen Sarutobi's Konoha Whirlwind.
Masahiko was kicked away and fell from the platform, but fortunately, he landed steadily.
"As expected of you; even in just Taijutsu, I am still no match for you!"
Masahiko was extremely respectful, forming the Seal of Reconciliation.
Hiruzen Sarutobi panted slightly, pointed at Masahiko with his finger, finally smiled, and also formed the Seal of Reconciliation.
Cheers immediately erupted from below.
Although it was just a sparring session and Hiruzen Sarutobi only used Taijutsu without any Ninjutsu, still—
The opponent was Hiruzen Sarutobi!
The Third Hokage, even if old, was still a Hero and a powerhouse in many people's hearts.
Masahiko was actually able to go back and forth with him!
Even if it was just a performance, it required immense strength, enough to make many people marvel.
"Then let us begin. All classes and teachers, pay attention to maintaining order and ensuring the safety of the students."
"Yes!"
Soon—
Various events were categorized and launched on the playground.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked over, a bright smile on his face: "Masahiko, the children's enthusiasm is very high. You really do have a way!"
"As the Head of the Education Department, it is only right for me to think and plan carefully."
Masahiko replied.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was about to offer some words of encouragement when cheers rang out from afar.
Looking up, Hyuga Neji was extremely fast, even faster than many upperclassmen, sprinting across to the finish line in one go.
He looked back at Sasuke, then at Masahiko who was watching, the corners of his mouth curling slightly.
"That's Neji, isn't it?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.
Masahiko nodded: "Yes."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly. Suddenly, another cry of surprise came from the distance.
Over there—
Naruto was sprinting wildly, far in the lead!
"Is that the boy—is his physical stamina this strong now?"
Mitokado Homura was somewhat surprised.
"He trains hard every day, but right now, there should be some kind of incentive involved."
Masahiko looked from afar, having some guesses in his heart.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was initially very happy, but after hearing Masahiko's wording, he suddenly had some rather unpleasant memories.
The corner of his mouth twitched slightly: "It couldn't be, right?"
"Hokage-sama, should I go down there for a moment?"
Masahiko asked in a low voice.
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand and said, "Iruka will go. This child—how many times have I told him, you can't drink expired milk!"
He had watched Naruto grow up, and similar things had happened before; at this moment, he wasn't surprised at all.
But at the same time, he also felt a bit of guilt.
This was all because Naruto had no parents to teach him, and he himself couldn't guide Naruto's daily life at all times, leading to various situations.
If Naruto's parents were still alive—
He sighed deeply, his mood turning somewhat somber.
Seeing this, Masahiko said, "Hokage-sama, speaking of Naruto, I just thought of something I'd like to ask your permission for."
"What is it? Feel free to speak."
"I want to sponsor several Orphanages in my own name. Additionally, if those children have suitable backgrounds, could they be allowed to enter Konoha to study?"
Masahiko said.
Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Masahiko and smiled: "I thought it was something else. Sponsoring is of course no problem, and the Village will also increase its support efforts."
He paused for a moment.
"This funding will be invested into the Orphanages in the name of social practice course cooperation. At the same time, I also hope that through living and cooperating together, the children can strengthen their sense of collective identity."
"I plan to select the outstanding ones among them and allow them to enter the Ninja Academy to study."
Hiruzen Sarutobi voiced his thoughts.
"So you already had this idea; it seems I spoke out of turn."
Masahiko said respectfully.
Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "Not at all, I only thought of it because you mentioned it—"
He couldn't help but lament.
"There is still so much work to be done!"
"Yes!"
Masahiko stepped aside. Mitokado Homura watched from the side, sighing inwardly again and again.
Koharu Utatane had always believed it was Hiruzen Sarutobi who couldn't tolerate Danzo.
But if Danzo had such self-awareness, would he have fallen to his current state?
To put it simply, Danzo could never let go of certain obsessions, eventually losing himself and leading to today's outcome.
None of it could be blamed on others.
In comparison, he also liked Masahiko more.
Capable, resourceful, and consciously understanding what needed to be done.
Thinking of this, Mitokado Homura's heart stirred, and he said, "Hiruzen, speaking of which—Kurenai has been performing tasks quite excellently lately, and her ability has improved significantly. Isn't it about time she was promoted to Jonin?"
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