Graduation and Return, Not Without Reason

Hokage's Office.

The Third Hokage placed his hand on the crystal ball, observing the movements of Kakashi, Kyohiko, and Kurenai.

At this moment.

"Bang!"

A sudden noise came, and the Third Hokage immediately pressed down on the crystal ball, looking towards the window.

Then...

He realized.

No, what was he afraid of?

Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly, looked at the window, and reprimanded, "Jiraiya, can't you come in through the front door?"

"Heh, this way is faster."

Jiraiya remained unceremonious, glanced around, and then his expression turned serious, "You're watching? How is it?"

The Third Hokage held his pipe with one hand.

"Kyohiko Yoshimine is indeed good."

"Most importantly, his awareness, his mindset, this child is very mature. But children under war, the more mature they are, the more dangerous. Like Kakashi, they both need guidance."

Jiraiya leaned in, joining the observation of the crystal ball.

In the image, Kyohiko and Kakashi were running while exchanging blows, sparring in taijutsu.

Initially...

Kyohiko was always at a disadvantage, but relying on his speed, he could always turn danger into safety and avoid the brunt of the attacks.

However.

As they fought, even through the crystal ball, he and the Third Hokage could see—

Kyohiko's taijutsu skills were constantly improving!

How could this be?

This...

Could there truly be such a genius in the world?

Jiraiya nudged the Third Hokage.

Clatter!

The pipe fell.

"Ouch, my precious!"

The Third Hokage immediately reached out to catch it, but the tobacco in the pipe scattered.

However.

Clearly, now was not the time to fret over spilled tobacco.

The Third Hokage's expression was solemn, his gaze fixed on the crystal ball.

This rate of progress?

If he hadn't been sure the opponent was a descendant of the Senju, he would have thought Kyohiko had awakened the Sharingan and was imitating Kakashi's taijutsu.

"Jiraiya, have you seen him before?"

"Old Man, I've encountered him over the past year. I can guarantee you, this child is extremely hardworking. It's all from his own effort. He probably hadn't fought anyone before, so he's been accumulating strength and is now progressing at an astonishing speed."

"Hmm."

The Third Hokage nodded.

He believed him. He had just been too surprised—

A child he had never known before possessed such talent and perseverance.

Truly remarkable!

"Hoo! Hoo!"

Kakashi panted heavily.

He truly found it hard to believe that there was someone in the world who improved so quickly.

A genius?

But—

What about his years of effort and hard work?

Kakashi absolutely refused to believe that any talent could lead to such rapid progress in a short period.

This person before him was more likely someone who had only trained in seclusion before, thus not knowing how to fight, and was only now unleashing his true strength.

Not only that.

The opponent's speed seemed to be increasing imperceptibly.

He was still getting stronger!

Although Kakashi was not exactly flustered or unable to contend, the shock in his heart was unavoidable; furthermore, as Kyohiko's "strength increased," the battle between them became increasingly perilous.

However.

Kyohiko understood it himself.

Without the "wool" he had plucked from Guy earlier, he would never have been able to improve his hand-to-hand combat skills so rapidly.

Besides—

Combat is the fastest way to integrate knowledge and ability into oneself!

"Please, stop fighting! If you keep going, it won't do either of you any good."

Kurenai Yuhi urged from behind.

But.

No one listened.

Gritting her teeth and steeling herself, she formed hand seals.

Falling Cherry Blossom Illusion Technique!

Petals of cherry blossoms drifted down from the sky.

Seeing this, Kyohiko and Kakashi immediately realized something was wrong; they landed and ceased fighting, then quickly began to break the illusion.

After a while, both of them opened their eyes at the same time.

Of course.

It wasn't that they had broken the illusion, but rather that Kurenai Yuhi had quickly dispelled it herself.

Kurenai Yuhi hurriedly bowed in apology.

"I'm sorry! But the fight was getting more and more intense, and since I don't know medical ninjutsu, it would be very dangerous if something happened here in the Forest of Death."

"Kurenai, we should be the ones thanking you."

Kyohiko said.

Kakashi remained silent.

To be able to use an illusion of this level at such an age!

Kurenai Yuhi's illusionary arts were truly remarkable.

It was no wonder she had been chosen by Lord Jiraiya.

Fortunately, he was wearing his mask, so others couldn't see his expression, which saved his cool and aloof image from being ruined.

Kyohiko didn't rub salt in his wounds.

"We are teammates. The fight just now allowed us to understand each other's strength, which will help us better coordinate our tactics for tomorrow's assessment."

Teammates, partners...

Kakashi said coldly, "Just don't hold me back."

Kurenai Yuhi's blood pressure spiked.

She was usually gentle, but the genius Kakashi she had in mind kept shattering her perceptions.

How could this guy be so insufferable?

She took several deep breaths, but when she looked at Kyohiko, she found him to be quite calm.

Was Kyohiko prepared for this?

That made sense.

The two had been in the same class.

Unlike her, who was a grade behind Kakashi.

However.

The next moment, Kurenai Yuhi was stunned.

"Perhaps you didn't use your full strength just now, since you still have your blade, but no matter how skilled you are, can you really defeat Lord Jiraiya all by yourself?"

Kyohiko said indifferently.

Kakashi turned his head, not speaking, but staring at him.

"The meaning of cooperation is to cultivate bonds. If you ignore the safety of your teammates, then regardless of whether we pass the assessment or not, we are nothing more than passersby or tools in your eyes..."

"If you want to act alone, you might as well join the Anbu."

"There's a reason you graduated two years ago and are back here now. The way you view others is the way they will view you. Someone like you will never find anyone willing to be your teammate."

After finishing his sentence, Kyohiko said calmly, "Kurenai, let's go scout the terrain. We might need it tomorrow."

So...

It wasn't that he was mentally prepared, but rather that he had suppressed his emotions, and they had only finally erupted now.

What sharp words!

Was he not afraid of a fight breaking out?

Kurenai Yuhi stared blankly at Kyohiko, then looked at Kakashi.

At this moment, Kakashi's eyes were filled with rage, his fists clenched tightly.

But.

Kyohiko did not regret his words, nor did he intend to apologize.

In Kakashi's situation, talking nicely wouldn't work. Even if he could change someday, he might end up sacrificing a teammate...

He didn't want to be Obito.

And even if he were, there might not be a Madara to save him.

Moreover.

"Reforming" him was too slow. Kyohiko was counting on quickly defeating Kakashi, this "boss," to reap some rewards. He didn't have the leisure for a slow emotional game.

Of course.

He didn't expect to win him over in one go.

If it didn't work once...

Twice, three times, it was still better than emotional appeals.

The first step was to make this guy understand that respect was mutual.

His individual strength was indeed inferior to the other party's, but that didn't mean Kakashi could repeatedly spew his "outrageous remarks."

The second step--

It would depend on whether Jiraiya could cooperate tacitly.

Kyohiko thought to himself.

Kurenai Yuhi hesitated for a moment, then caught up to Kyohiko.

"Kyohiko-kun, wait for me."

"My trap detection ability is average. Please help me observe, and preferably don't touch them."

"Okay."

The two walked deeper into Training Ground 7.

Kakashi was very angry.

Behind them, Jiraiya's Shadow Clone sighed silently.

This silver-haired brat really didn't respect people. No wonder so many people complained about him!

However.

When that kid got angry, he was fierce. His words had directly hit Kakashi's sore spot, silencing the silver-haired brat.

He was still just a kid!

No matter how mature or self-controlled he was, he would still get angry, fly into a rage, and be unable to remain completely calm.

Jiraiya couldn't help but smile again.

Now that's more like a child!

But.

What would they do for the assessment tomorrow?

In the evening, the three parted ways.

After the argument, a clear rift formed between them, and they barely communicated afterward.

"Is this really okay?"

Kurenai Yuhi asked in a low voice.

Kyohiko's words just now had also overturned her first impression of him formed within half a day.

So he was just more patient!

"Kakashi is like this for a reason. I understand it very well. I was once in a similar state. But to solve a problem, one cannot simply indulge him. That is wrong."

"So that's how it is..."

Kurenai Yuhi murmured to herself.

Kyohiko stopped.

"We're near your house up ahead. I won't escort you further."

"Huh?"

Kurenai Yuhi jolted awake, looking around only to realize she had already reached the street corner where her home was located.

Just now...

She hadn't been paying attention at all, lost in thought about the day's events and pondering the person standing before her.

"Goodbye, let's do our best tomorrow."

"Yes! Thank you, Kyohiko-kun, I gained a lot today."