Ambush! Attack!

High up in the trees, two figures followed in secret.

One let out a silent, dry chuckle.

The other's facial muscles twitched, his expression looking quite distorted, nearly causing the blond-haired ninja struggling to hold back his laughter to burst out loud.

An Extreme Training competition...

To think this "junior brother" could come up with such an idea.

If that competition really were to develop, the future of Konoha would truly be spectacular!

Below, Kyohiko heard the faint sound of laughter, and his heart stirred instantly.

Someone was there?

He hadn't sensed them, but he could identify their location by sound.

This was also an ability gained after improving his Body Flicker Technique.

Since the Kirigakure ninja squad had finished their negotiations and left Konoha shortly after that day, the ones tailing them were certainly Konoha ninja, so there was no need to worry too much.

Training concluded, and the three members of the original squad gathered together.

"Kyohiko, Kurenai, the teacher hasn't returned yet. Have you two decided who you'll be going to Yugakure with?"

"Don't worry, the teacher will definitely have an arrangement. We just need to train and get stronger."

Kyohiko said.

No matter how unreliable Jiraiya was, he wouldn't forget about something like this.

Kyohiko looked up at the trees.

Still not moving?

Or had they already left?

He hadn't heard any movement, so they shouldn't have left.

"Senior in the tree, aren't you going to come down and catch up?"

In the tree?

Kakashi and Kurenai looked around.

They hadn't sensed anyone at all!

After a moment, a red-haired woman jumped down from one of the trees: "How did you discover me? I should have been hiding quite well, with no flaws at all."

"There was laughter."

Kyohiko replied.

He looked up—

Hmm, her hair was very long, reaching almost to her waist.

Kushina Uzumaki's eyes widened slightly in disbelief, then she couldn't help but chuckle, eventually bursting into uproarious laughter.

"Hahaha, Minato, you've exposed your position, aren't you coming down?"

"..."

Minato Namikaze jumped down from the tree, a look of embarrassment on his face.

It was he who had laughed out loud just now.

Being discovered in his hiding spot by a junior was certainly nothing to boast about.

However.

Even though he hadn't been able to hold it in, the sound of his laughter had been extremely faint. At the time, Kyohiko had been talking to the others; how could he have heard his faint laughter at the same time?

Minato Namikaze could not hide his astonishment.

"Is your hearing innate?"

"No, it's trained."

Kyohiko explained the purpose, process, and insights of his blindfolded training. He fabricated a fairly complete story, extending the training time for sound and hearing to over a year, so he didn't fear anyone doubting him.

As for Kakashi.

Don't ask.

If you ask, it's just innate talent.

Minato Namikaze was deeply shocked as he listened.

He had never imagined...

That one could actually use such methods to improve, using them to compensate for the flaw of eyesight being unable to keep up at high speeds.

Minato Namikaze's face was full of wonder.

"Kyohiko, did you think of all this within the last year or two? That is truly... truly amazing!"

He was a commoner as well.

Minato Namikaze knew well that a civilian without many ninjutsu or books to study would only have the Three Basic Transformations and the common Body Flicker Technique to research.

For him to have researched the Body Flicker Technique to such a level at this age...

He was far inferior!

"You all, if you have any insights, we can discuss them on the way back. They're very tired today, let them go back and rest early."

"On the way?"

"Teacher is still in the Land of Hot Water. Tomorrow, Minato will escort you to Yugakure."

The next day, at the entrance of Konoha, the four of them gathered.

After waiting for a moment, Kakashi arrived with a series of Body Flickers. "Phew, good thing you didn't leave."

Minato Namikaze's gaze swept over them, and he noticed Kakashi carrying a sword and holding a sword, which made him ponder.

"I'll go register. Finish your business quickly."

Minato headed towards the entrance.

Kakashi handed the sword in his hand over. "Kyohiko, this sword is like a practice blade, but it's sharpened and tougher. It will be useful to you."

"Thank you."

Kyohiko didn't refuse. After receiving the sword, he tested it out.

Although he didn't know much about swords, it felt very comfortable and suitable for him to use.

Clearly.

Kakashi had put a lot of thought into finding this sword.

"It's nothing. Keeping a sword requires effort for maintenance, so it's better to give it to someone who needs it."

Kakashi smiled.

Guy was doing a handstand nearby, training, while Kurenai Yuhi was reading a book.

Everyone was busy.

"Let's go."

Minato Namikaze finished registering and led them out of the village.

As they were preparing to leave.

A group ran past the village entrance. Leading them was Genma Shiranui, with several younger children following behind him.

They shouted out their lap counts and then rushed past the entrance.

Kakashi's eyes flickered, and finally, under the strange gazes of everyone, he gritted his teeth and joined the running group.

[Under your guidance, the spirit of "Extreme Training" has been promoted and recognized on a small scale.]

[Reward: Eight Inner Gates (Beginner)]

"Genma really brought a group to train together!"

Kyohiko chuckled in surprise.

"Hahaha, this is youth!"

Might Guy was extremely excited.

He felt as if his spirit was spreading within the village.

Immediately, Guy ran a long distance ahead and then returned doing a handstand, full of energy.

Minato Namikaze's smile was stiff.

"Is he always like this?"

"Pretty much."

Kyohiko nodded, while secretly observing the system.

Eight Inner Gates.

This was indeed related to "Extreme Training."

And—

Did this mean that Guy was already practicing the Eight Inner Gates?

Kyohiko looked at Guy in front of him, his thoughts carefully sensing the new memories in his mind.

Eight Inner Gates.

The beginner level only included the principles of the Eight Inner Gates, and the methods and techniques for opening the Gate of Opening and the Gate of Rest. However, the conditions and price for opening them still required the body to reach a certain level.

Just like the beginner level Strength Enhancement Technique.

Kyohiko remembered...

The first time I used Strength of a Hundred, my hands bled.

However, with my abilities, opening the Gate of Opening and the Gate of Healing shouldn't be a problem. I can use them as a trump card.

The four of them moved forward together.

Along the way, Minato Namikaze kept observing.

He noticed...

Whether it was Guy, Kyohiko, or even Kurenai Yuhi, they trained with a kind of madness, exercising and studying whenever they had the chance, never taking a break.

Often, it was he who told the three of them to rest, not to get lost in their training.

"We'll reach the Land of Hot Water soon."

Minato Namikaze smiled.

The scenery ahead changed drastically, from the forests and wilderness they had been traversing to a misty landscape with babbling mountain springs.

This was the Land of Hot Water.

A country filled with hot springs, birdsong, and fragrant flowers.

Kyohiko swept his gaze across the scene and couldn't help but sigh—

Such a beautiful country, no wonder it was a "peaceful" nation.

What a pity.

A so-called land of peace...

As he was lost in thought, a sharp sound suddenly rang out from the shadows.

Kyohiko's hearing was extremely sharp now, and he immediately recognized the sound of a projectile. He shouted, "Watch out for an ambush!"

The next instant.

Whoosh!

Minato Namikaze vanished with a Shunshin.

The enemy was unknown, so Kyohiko didn't attack immediately. Instead, he quickly shot out two Kunai, deflecting two Kunai that had Explosive Tags attached to them.

Immediately after...

Water Style: Water Wall!

Boom!

Explosions echoed, and water splashed everywhere.

Kyohiko instantly drew a large amount of chakra, causing the surrounding water to swirl and dissipate the force, thus protecting those in the center.

At this moment, Guy and Kurenai Yuhi reacted, finally understanding what had happened—

They were under attack!

Outside, screams shook the heavens.

Minato Namikaze had made his move!

Kyohiko blocked the first wave, but at this moment, a faint sound came from underground.

"Watch out below!"

Crack!

The ground collapsed.

A hand shot out from beneath Kyohiko's feet and immediately grabbed him.

However.

The next moment, the original figure disappeared.

It was a Shadow Clone!

Then—

Boom!

A punch landed, cracking the ground, and blood spurted out like a fountain.

"You guys be careful!"

Kyohiko quickly popped a Military Ration Pill into his mouth.

Earth Style.

Were they Iwa Ninja?