"Hm?"
Holy crap!
Jiraiya's eyebrows twitched, and he was instantly distracted.
At the same time.
A kunai flew toward Jiraiya's waist.
Trying to steal it?
He immediately dodged, but—
Bang!
The Kakashi in front of him turned into a piece of wood.
The next instant, a blade slashed across Jiraiya's waist.
The string of one of the bells was cut!
However.
Almost simultaneously, Jiraiya's hair grew and grabbed Kakashi's hands.
Kakashi gritted his teeth and threw the bell toward the ground.
"Kyohiko!"
Kurenai sprinted below, throwing kunai and shuriken from her hands.
There were no more traps around.
The only thing she could do…
Was to help Kyohiko clear obstacles and find a safe landing spot.
Swoosh!
A spiked wooden board flying toward Kyohiko had its rope shot through by Kurenai's kunai, making a loud noise.
Kyohiko looked back and immediately grabbed the edge of the flying board.
Then—
He exerted force and pushed off.
He leaped upward in reverse, reaching desperately for the falling bell.
Clang!
Got it!
The moment Kyohiko caught it, Jiraiya's hair arrived.
He was wrapped up like a cocoon and hoisted up like a chicken, standing side by side with Kakashi.
Jiraiya glared fiercely at Kyohiko.
If it weren't for that remark, how could he have been distracted and had the bell stolen?
This kid…
Small but cunning, looking like he wasn't paying attention to anything, but actually more calculating than anyone!
"Phew, you brats aren't simple at all. Yesterday you were bickering, and today you're working together?"
"Lord Jiraiya, that was all tactics!"
Kyohiko grinned.
Kakashi's face turned red.
Tactics?
What tactics!
Yesterday was just a fight.
Jiraiya released Kyohiko.
Then, using rope, he performed a technique to tie up Kakashi.
"I said before, the person who performs worst would be tied up with rope by me, and wouldn't get lunch."
Jiraiya carried Kakashi down.
Kyohiko followed closely behind.
Jiraiya chuckled and walked to a medium-sized tree in the distance, tying Kakashi to the trunk.
"Hmph!"
Kakashi turned his head away without defending himself.
Two lunch boxes were placed beside him.
Kurenai also came over and stood with them.
Jiraiya pointed at the two lunch boxes.
"According to the rules I set earlier, you each get one portion, he doesn't get to eat. If anyone dares to share with him, he'll also have to participate in the afternoon assessment."
"But…"
Kurenai was anxious and wanted to argue.
But Kyohiko had already picked one up and started eating with his chopsticks.
She paused, then had no choice but to pick up the other portion.
Jiraiya's lips curved slightly, "Well then, I'll go get some ramen first. You watch over him."
"Yes."
Kyohiko responded respectfully.
Jiraiya left.
Kurenai's mood was complicated as she held her lunch box without much appetite.
"I'm sorry. I was the one who didn't contribute, but in the end you're the one tied up."
"…"
Kyohiko focused on shoveling rice, as if he hadn't heard.
Seeing this, Kakashi had no choice but to awkwardly comfort her, "You performed well too, and besides, you definitely couldn't handle the assessment alone."
Kurenai's Genjutsu provided good cover, and her sensing ability accurately indicated directions.
Not to mention.
The Genjutsu, clones, and trap coverage in between.
So.
She had contributed.
Kakashi knew that he had indeed performed the worst—
As a chunin, it was ultimately Kyohiko who guided the battle's direction, and even considered his presence, leaving him enough space and opportunity to attack.
Without Kyohiko and Kurenai's cooperation, he couldn't possibly have cut the bell's string.
In comparison…
Kyohiko was more like a qualified chunin.
Was he really an unqualified ninja?
Kakashi began to doubt himself, his mood becoming depressed, and just then his stomach made a "gurgling" sound.
He was hungry!
Just as he felt ashamed.
"I ate half. If you don't mind, you can eat my other half. This afternoon we'll take the test together, and our chances will be better."
Beside him, Kyohiko handed over his lunch box.
Kurenai looked down—
He had only eaten half!
She understood.
Kyohiko wasn't holding a grudge against Kakashi, but had already planned to take the test together with him.
She immediately made a decision.
"You two expend more energy in close combat. I'm more of a support role, so I only need to eat a third to recover some stamina. I'll give the rest to you two."
"You're both taking the test together, there's no reason to leave me behind alone."
Kurenai's face lit up with a smile.
Kakashi blinked, unable to speak for a moment, feeling something stuck in his throat.
"Don't misunderstand. I just don't want the team to be short a person, and besides, feeding you while we all participate in the assessment together doesn't violate the rules."
"Right."
Kurenai nodded, then inconspicuously glanced at Kyohiko—
As expected.
The real Kyohiko was very gentle, considerate, and understanding. Even at a time like this, he could think about taking care of Kakashi's feelings.
Yesterday was obviously to correct Kakashi's mistakes.
She reached out.
"Can I remove your mask?"
"Okay—"
Kakashi forced out a single word.
The mask was removed, revealing a handsome face.
Kyohiko handed over the lunch box and fed Kakashi with chopsticks.
Whether the afternoon really required another test or they'd pass directly, they still needed to eat.
Tsk!
Jiraiya was being very cooperative, not coming out until now!
Kyohiko fed him.
While eating, Kakashi also had to suppress the gratitude and bitterness in his heart…
This was the most difficult meal Kakashi had ever eaten.
Just then.
Whoosh!
A figure landed in front of Kyohiko and the others.
"You actually dared to violate the rules. Looks like you want to be tested again, right?"
Jiraiya had a cold expression.
"That's right."
Kyohiko nodded.
Jiraiya sneered coldly, "Fine then, this afternoon I'll use my full strength…"
Kakashi's breath caught, his face pale.
"No, I…"
"To let you all pass."
When Jiraiya finished the second half of his sentence, Kakashi and Kurenai were dumbfounded, and Kyohiko also had a surprised expression.
However.
Jiraiya slapped Kyohiko on the shoulder with a "smack".
"Stop pretending, kid. You guessed it, didn't you?"
"Sort of? Since you're one of the Sannin and willing to serve as a squad leader, you wouldn't give us an impossible test to pass, so I figured we'd definitely have a chance if we passed together."
Kyohiko said.
Jiraiya was somewhat surprised and said, "But you could have also abandoned him. That wouldn't have affected you becoming my subordinates."
"If I could abandon my comrades just to become your disciple, would you dare entrust your back to me?"
"Hahaha."
Jiraiya laughed heartily.
Then, he said seriously, "That's right. In war and missions, sacrifice is inevitable, but how could other ninja dare entrust their lives and missions to someone who doesn't value their comrades' lives?"
Kyohiko and Jiraiya's words…
Thundered in Kakashi's ears.
Comrades' lives?
He fell silent.
Yesterday's words from Kyohiko echoed in his ears again.
"There's a reason you came back after graduating two years ago. How you treat others is how they treat you…"
If yesterday Kakashi felt anger and resentment.
Now there was more reflection.
Could it be—
In past missions, he shouldn't have abandoned trying to save those people?
No!
As a ninja, missions and rules are most important.
In Kakashi's heart, his past principles and current thoughts battled like heaven and man, unable to determine a victor for the moment.
Kyohiko didn't expect to settle it in one battle.
For someone as stubborn as Kakashi, if he were that easy to "reform", he wouldn't have become toxic to teams.
This was just a good beginning.
However, the next instant—
[As Hokage, without deliberately winning people over, you have successfully gained trust through the charm of your character.]
[Reward: Chakra control ability increased]
Hm?
Kyohiko glanced at Kurenai. He wasn't surprised, just felt rather mixed—
He hadn't won over the main target.
But had gained the secondary one…
That works too.
No matter how much chakra control ability improved, it wasn't a loss.
Pure profit!
In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen released the crystal ball, a hint of relief appearing on his face.
"Phew!"
Those three kids definitely couldn't beat Jiraiya.
However.
Being able to complete the bell-snatching task so excellently greatly exceeded the Third Hokage's expectations.
He had originally thought—
If these three could set aside their past grievances and maintain a certain degree of teamwork, perhaps Jiraiya would turn a blind eye and let them pass.
But now, Kyohiko and Kurenai had deliberately created tactical openings to give Kakashi opportunities.
Kakashi also didn't make a fuss, but actively seized the opportunity.
There were conflicts, but they didn't affect the assessment.
Each matter handled on its own merits.
This was the mindset of a mature ninja.
At the same time.
The one orchestrating all this—
Was precisely the child he hadn't taken seriously before.
No wonder Jiraiya had specifically singled him out.
...
The familiar Ichiraku Ramen shop.
The difference was.
Teuchi was now in the prime of his youth, his masculine face full of youthful vigor.
Kakashi had put his mask back on.
After Jiraiya entered, he shouted, "Boss, four bowls of ramen!"
"Right away, please have a seat, all four of you."
Teuchi greeted them with a smile.
"You guys sit here, I'll go… buy some grilled meat, consider it an extra treat."
Jiraiya glanced around.
However.
With a sidelong glance, he felt somewhat uneasy.
"Kyohiko, come with me and see what you'd like to eat."
"Yes."
Kyohiko respectfully stood up.
The two left.
Kurenai couldn't help but sigh softly, "Jiraiya-sama really values Kyohiko!"
"Uh…"
Kakashi's gaze became slightly vacant, then he seemed about to speak but stopped.
He remembered very clearly.
At that moment—
Jiraiya had suddenly frozen for an instant, his attention diverted, which was why he could coordinate to cut the string.
It seemed to be…
Something about "you also don't want" or words to that effect.
"Kakashi, you seem to know something?"
As a ninja skilled in Genjutsu and sensing, Kurenai immediately noticed that Kakashi had seemed somewhat off just now.
Kakashi thought for a moment and answered cautiously and briefly.
"They might know each other."
"Jiraiya-sama and Kyohiko?"
"Mm."
...
"Kyohiko, you did very well today."
"You went easy on us, otherwise we definitely wouldn't have been able to pass."
Kyohiko wasn't Naruto or Obito.
He understood very well that the gap between himself and the "Sannin" wasn't just a little bit. If he really didn't want them to get the bells, it would be too simple—
A single Needle Jizō would put an end to all fantasies.
However.
From beginning to end, the strongest technique Jiraiya had used was merely a Wild Lion's Mane Technique, and not even the full version at that, just using it like a rope.
This wasn't just going easy—it was practically an ocean of leniency.
Jiraiya coughed lightly, "After all, it's a genin assessment. The main thing being tested is teamwork and attitude, not strength. Also, about that matter…"
"Jiraiya-sama, in certain places within the village, you'd best exercise discretion. After all, you're one of the Sannin, representing the image of us Konoha ninja."
Kyohiko displayed the righteousness of a young man.
Jiraiya's old face flushed red.
He had previously thought that Kyohiko had just been passing by and hadn't noticed him lurking.
Now it seemed the other party simply hadn't dared to intervene.
He answered awkwardly, "That was for gathering material, don't misunderstand."
"Oh."
Kyohiko wore an expression that said "I believe you."
Jiraiya felt very awkward.
He also knew these words were really hard to make convincing.
"What do you want to eat? Order whatever, my treat!"
"I'm not paying, am I?"
"You little brat!"
...
After finishing the ramen and grilled meat, it was already afternoon.
Jiraiya was unusually serious.
"Starting now, you are already a squad. I hope you can continue to maintain this morning's cooperative attitude. Also—"
Jiraiya looked at the three of them, "Have you all trained in tree climbing and water walking?"
"Yes."
All three nodded in unison.
Jiraiya took out a piece of paper.
"Kakashi and Kurenai should have already been tested. You test yourself and see what Ninjutsu you're more suited to train in."
"Although you cooperate well, Kakashi's Lightning Release and sword techniques are suited for surprise attacks and assassination, and Kurenai's Genjutsu is more for restraint and support. We're missing someone for frontal combat."
Jiraiya's meaning was self-evident.
Kyohiko was the most suitable squad member to take on frontal combat.
"Yes, I understand."
Kyohiko not training in Ninjutsu—was it because he didn't want to?
It was because he didn't have the opportunity!
Although he was a Senju descendant, having been separated from the clan, there was basically no Ninjutsu reserve. After two generations of inheritance, even the money was down to just survivor benefits. Without Ninjutsu scrolls…
Buying test paper would be wasting money, wouldn't it?
He took the chakra paper.
Before long, a patch of moisture appeared on the paper.
Jiraiya said, "Based on the paper's reaction, you naturally possess Water-attribute chakra. Learning Water Release Ninjutsu will be the fastest and most convenient."
Ninjutsu attributes are innate, but can also be developed later.
The attribute Kyohiko possessed simply meant learning Water Release would be easier for him.
Theoretically, he could also train in other attributes.
"I've heard Kakashi is skilled in Lightning Release. If I learn Water Release Ninjutsu, it can perfectly complement Lightning Release."
As he spoke, a hint of admiration appeared on his face, "Also, my idol is the Second Hokage. His Water Release was famous throughout the ninja world—even Kirigakure Village was no match!"
The Second Hokage…
A hint of reminiscence also appeared on Jiraiya's face.
That man's Water Release was indeed tremendously powerful.
It seemed.
Although this child had suffered setbacks and his personality had changed greatly, deep down he still aligned with Konoha.
Jiraiya sighed for a moment, then came back to his senses.
"Good. I'll teach you Water Release: Wild Water Wave in a bit. Kurenai, your Genjutsu is strong, but you need to increase your Taijutsu training. Kakashi, your problem is the least severe, but also the most critical—you need to actively cooperate with your companions, understand?"
He gave each of them individual feedback.
All three nodded.
With Kurenai and Kakashi to the side, Jiraiya began teaching Ninjutsu.
"Wild Water Wave is a basic Water Release technique, but it has wide and convenient applications and isn't too difficult. You can try learning it first."
Then, he explained the hand seal sequence.
Dragon, Ox, Rabbit.
Jiraiya was still talking when Kyohiko had already followed along with the seals, and then—
Water Release: Wild Water Wave!
Water gushed from his mouth, transforming into a surging torrent.
Jiraiya blinked, momentarily stunned.
Adding the steps of hand seals and Ninjutsu composition, everything was still orderly and methodical.
His chakra control ability is pretty good!
For a genin.
Kyohiko's level was already quite high.
"Amazing!"
Kurenai couldn't help but exclaim softly.
Learning it for the first time…
And mastering it immediately.
This kind of talent was really quite impressive.
However.
Kyohiko himself understood that his ability to succeed on the first try wasn't because his innate talent was so great, but simply because Wild Water Wave was relatively simple, and secondly because he'd benefited from this morning's reward.
After his chakra control ability improved, releasing Ninjutsu had become too easy!
Jiraiya didn't want him to become arrogant, so after pondering for a moment, he said, "That's a C-rank technique, just the basics of Water Release. Try Water Formation Wall now—this is a B-rank defensive Ninjutsu."
"Okay."
Kyohiko nodded.
He listened carefully to the hand seal sequence, then increased his chakra output and expelled water from his mouth.
Before long—
A water wall about the height of a person appeared around him, protecting him perfectly.
Jiraiya was momentarily bewildered and shocked.
You kid!
How is your chakra control ability this strong too!
You're nearly catching up to Kurenai.
That child is a Genjutsu ninja who's practiced Genjutsu since childhood and has talent—that's why she has this level of chakra control ability!
And Kyohiko?
Over the past year or so, he'd focused on training Taijutsu, substitution jutsu, and body flicker technique. His chakra control had probably just been tree climbing and water walking practice.
Is this even reasonable?!
Thinking of his own painful experience learning Ninjutsu back in the day, Jiraiya's composure cracked slightly, and he fell into a long contemplation.