Asuma: I Despise Sarutobi!

"How about it?"

"The toxin isn't potent, but it can be fatal in the long run. And it's a modified version. Now, using the Delicate Illness Extraction Technique combined with my prepared Antidote to guide the toxic blood, there shouldn't be any danger to his life."

Tsunade sat in the corridor, her hands trembling uncontrollably.

but.

Even so, she persevered to the end, even participating in the entire process of preparing the Antidote, without revealing any major problems.

However.

Medical Ninja like Biwako Sarutobi must have noticed something was wrong, but she just didn't say anything.

If not overcome, it will ultimately remain a weakness.

Kyohiko remained silent.

"Don't worry."

Tsunade whispered, "I will overcome this. I am... Tsunade!"

She took a deep breath.

Then Tsunade said, "By the way, your first aid was crucial; otherwise, he might still have died."

"What about the other senior colleague?"

"His Hizashi. He's probably under investigation right now, but I don't know the specifics."

Tsunade spoke, a look of worry unconsciously flashed in her eyes.

Of the four-man squad Hizashi, only two returned; the other two had been killed.

But.

At this juncture, the Sunagakure suddenly attacked Konoha...

What are they trying to do?

Is war about to restart?

Tsunade frowned, her expression troubled.

In past wars, she was always in charge of the battles against Sunagakure, but given the current situation, she might not be able to go to the battlefield.

Although she has undergone continuous psychological desensitization and is no longer as afraid as she was at the beginning, her current condition is still not suitable for going to the battlefield.

She was well aware of this.

Then, Tsunade came to her senses and realized that she couldn't be too timid in front of Kyohiko...

"I'm leaving. I'll let you know if there's any news."

Tsunade stood up, waved, and left.

Kyohiko nodded, without saying much.

He got up to leave, but in his heart he was pretty sure that the one who did it was most likely Sasori of the Red Sands.

Unless the Sunagakure has gone mad, there's no need for them to provoke them like this.

so.

Scorpion's goal should be the Hizashi, right?

The Byakugan is indeed worth studying in depth. Even with the Caged Bird Seal, the allure of the Hizashi for Sasori remains immense.

The fact that the Third Kazekage is still alive but Sasori has started targeting ninjas with Kekkei Genkai suggests that the Third Kazekage may be nearing his end.

Kyohiko stood at the hospital entrance, feeling as if a storm was brewing.

"Kyohiko, I heard you treated two patients urgently today. How did they go?"

"One was quite serious, but they should be able to recover."

Kyohiko answered.

Kurenai Yuhi breathed a sigh of relief, then let out a soft sigh, "I really envy you. You learn everything so quickly, unlike me, who has been studying for a long time but still doesn't understand anything."

"It's different. I can only provide emergency treatment; I know nothing about further options."

Kyohiko shook his head.

The effects of the Mystical Palm Technique are limited.

For conditions like poisoning and internal bleeding, he can only provide basic treatment and cannot offer further assistance.

After analyzing the situation, Kurenai Yuhi finally felt a little better.

There are still some things that talent alone cannot achieve!

certainly.

Kurenai Yuhi knew very well that with Kyohiko's talent and ability, if he really wanted to delve into Medical Ninjutsu, achieving great success was only a matter of time.

"I need to speak with Lady Tsunade. Also, what about Kakashi... do you want to go check on him tomorrow? I'm still worried he'll be training like crazy again."

"Good."

The next day, at Kakashi's house.

With a series of clanging sounds, the two figures separated.

Kakashi was panting heavily, a bead of cold sweat appearing on his forehead.

Kyohiko's swordsmanship has improved too quickly. Before, he was just at the level of knowing how to use it, but now he is extremely skilled. Combined with his speed, it is too fast to resist unless he uses Lightning Style Chakra to stimulate his body's activity.

but.

That uncontrollable speed, if used improperly, can actually become a weakness.

Fortunately, this is just a swordsmanship contest, and I can still suppress my opponent.

"Want to come again?"

Kakashi wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Kyohiko nodded. "Come on!"

The two then clashed again.

Just as Kyohiko was about to be defeated, he drew his Kunai from his waist, suddenly blocked with his left hand, and then his right hand drew a sword in an arc, swiftly slashing at Kakashi.

Choke!

Kakashi withdrew his hand to block, but the next moment, the Kunai arrived again.

The two weapons clashed in quick succession.

He was overwhelmed, the knife moving faster and faster, and in the blink of an eye, they had exchanged blows more than ten times.

If you keep it for a long time, you will lose it.

A moment later, Kakashi's sword was deflected by Kyohiko's Kunai and sword combined, and then he stabbed at Kyohiko at an angle.

Kakashi immediately retreated.

"Dual swords?"

He was panting, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.

In a real fight, he would have already lost at this point, and might even have lost his life.

So strong!

Dual Blade Style...

Wrong!

The action of drawing the Kunai was extremely fast, like the Iaijutsu in swordsmanship.

Kakashi, holding a sword, removed his mask.

"I'm not playing anymore."

He sat to one side, his face cold and blank, as if he had lost something.

Kyohiko sheathed his sword.

"You doubt that you're suited to using a knife?"

"No, you can't even beat me with a single sword, how could I be unsuitable for using a sword?"

Kakashi stubbornly insisted.

Clearly, he was somewhat on guard.

Kyohiko's swordsmanship has improved too quickly.

Last time they parted, Kyohiko was no match for him, but now he can skillfully wield dual swords and Iaijutsu.

He was indeed doubting whether he was truly suited to practicing swordsmanship.

But I am White Fang's son!

Kakashi stared at the White Fang short sword in his hand, speechless for a long time.

He doesn't hate Hatake Sakumo as much now, or rather, Kakashi has always admired his father in his subconscious.

That's why...

The hatred came so intensely.

If he were from the Uchiha Clan, he would at least Awakening his Sharingan with Two Tomoe at the moment his father committed suicide.

Unfortunately, he isn't.

"I don't know much about Senior Sakumo, but his swordsmanship is definitely more suited to him, and might not be suitable for you."

Kyohiko's intention was not to further damage Kakashi.

Kakashi looked up.

"You mean..."

"You should walk your own path, not become another White Fang, and you can't become another White Fang, neither can I."

Kyohiko sat down.

Kakashi remained silent, then nodded.

Yes, he can't get his White Fang.

but...

My own path.

Kakashi was deep in thought.

Which way is he heading?

Kyohiko smiled and reminded him, "You said before that you still had that idea, how's it going now, have you mastered it?"

"There's been progress."

Kakashi nodded.

Then he pulled out his White Fang dagger and picked up a stone.

Chakra is infused, and the stone is thrown up.

Call out!

The blade slashed down, cleanly cleaving the stone in two with a perfectly neat cut.

Sharp cut!

It possesses a sharpness Killer B's Supervibrating Lightning Release Blade, but not quite to that level. Even so, this technique gives the blade a sharpness comparable to Wind Style.

Kakashi did it.

A hint of surprise flashed in Kyohiko's eyes.

This was an extremely difficult nature transformation, but Kakashi quickly came up with a solution and achieved results in a short period of time...

Genius!

He looked at Kakashi and couldn't help but laugh, "You see, your greatest talent might not be in swordsmanship."

"Ninjutsu?"

Kakashi looked at the sword.

really.

He had practiced swordsmanship since childhood, but in the past year or so, his swordsmanship had almost stagnated. On the other hand, he could still quickly master nature transformations like this in Ninjutsu.

Could it be...?

My talent doesn't lie in swordsmanship?

"Whether it's swordsmanship or Ninjutsu, they are both methods for dealing with enemies; don't be too fixated on them."

Kyohiko reminded him, and then he gathered Chakra in his hand.

Before long, a Rasengan appeared.

"If dual swords can kill, why can't one hand hold a sword and the other Rasengan?"

"This..."

Kakashi was stunned.

Are you getting stuck on a single point?

"Furthermore, since you excel at learning Ninjutsu and nature transformation, you can incorporate nature transformation into your swordsmanship or Rasengan. That's one path too; there's no need to be overly concerned with improving your swordsmanship skills."

Kyohiko said earnestly, "Those are Samurai from the Land of Iron, not our ninjas."

Kakashi's mind reeled as if struck by lightning.

He felt--

Perhaps, Kyohiko is right!

The path his father took was not suitable for him; he couldn't reach his father's level in terms of simple and efficient killing techniques.

What suits you best is the best!

At this thought, countless ideas came to his mind, and inspiration struck him.

The swordsmanship incorporates nature transformation, and since his sword is also Chakra Weapon, he can maximize this effect...

Kakashi's thoughts began to flow.

He then realized that simply mastering Lightning Style was a waste.

perhaps...

I should learn more about attributes and property changes.

In this way, both the Rasengan and sword techniques can be combined with nature transformation to achieve a stronger effect.

certainly.

That's for the future.

In the short term--

Ninjutsu is also a powerful means of defeating enemies.

Kakashi felt as if he had discovered a whole new world.

He was excited and delighted, then asked, "Why are you talking to me about this? Your swordplay today was more menacing than usual, is that related?"

"Because war may be approaching, I want to become stronger to protect more people, but my own improvement is limited, so I want everyone to become stronger as well."

You're already very strong.

Kakashi said.

Among his peers, Kyohiko is undoubtedly number one.

In fact, in his view, Kyohiko already possesses the qualities of Jonin, but he is just too young to be promoted.

"Chunin Ninja Exams, many people joined exchange teams, and they even got a name for it."

What's the name?

Kakashi was curious.

Kyohiko smiled and said, "Dust, Dust gathers to form soil, and we will all be the foundation for Konoha's growth."

"Dust..."

Kakashi repeated it over and over, and then his heart was moved.

He only thought about improving himself.

but.

Kyohiko has already moved ahead--

He wants to improve everyone's abilities, not just his own!

"I understand."

Kakashi looked at Kyohiko, "If it won't affect your internal affairs, may I join?"

He knew he wasn't a sociable person, so he was quite careful with his tone and words.

Kyohiko turned his head. "The beginning of this Dust was our casual chat that day. I just wanted to ask if you were willing, since there wasn't enough time to escalate this without discussing it with you."

"Certainly!"

Kakashi nodded emphatically.

Kyohiko patted his sleeves. "That's fine then."

What's being exchanged inside the Dust? Ninjutsu, knowledge?

"We don't discuss specific Ninjutsu. We can voluntarily exchange skills, knowledge, and directions for becoming stronger, but both parties need to contribute knowledge and skills, and private sharing is not allowed."

Kyohiko said.

Voluntariness, not coercion—that is the motto of Dust.

but.

Don't get something for nothing!

"Fine."

Kakashi thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

When there are many people, rules must be established, otherwise chaos will arise.

Kyohiko's thinking was very comprehensive.

He then bowed deeply.

"Kyohiko, thank you!"

What is this for?

"You've been a great help to me, both regarding my father's affairs and in terms of Ninjutsu and swordsmanship. Thank you!"

Kakashi bowed again with a serious expression.

but.

Kyohiko stopped him.

It's good that you have this intention!

As for Kakashi's feelings, he had already truly sensed them.

Your character and thoughts have captivated a young genius, who trusts you implicitly, is willing to follow in your footsteps, and dedicate himself to you!

[Reward: White Fang Sword Technique level increased]

Proficient!

White Fang Sword Technique has improved once again.

Unable to delve deeper into the concepts and studies, Kyohiko exchanged some insights with Kakashi regarding Ninjutsu and nature transformation. Afterward, he made an excuse to say goodbye and arranged a time to meet.

Next Sunday, he will gather the members who want to participate for a discussion.

Kakashi needs time to learn and reflect.

so.

For the time being, he will no longer train like crazy, but will instead focus more on Ninjutsu.

Kyohiko went out for a run, but his mind was absorbing new memories.

proficient...

That is, Kakashi's current level.

but.

After careful reflection, he realized that his path was completely different from Kakashi's.

Kakashi's path should have been towards improving his skills in assassination, surprise attacks, and swordsmanship itself, but after Kyohiko mastered the "White Fang Sword Technique," he further improved his skills in two-handed combat.

Two-handed sword.

Combat combining Ninjutsu and swordsmanship, with a significant portion dedicated to the technique of "single-hand seals."

"Is it because I need to fight with both hands that I'm heading in this direction?"

Kyohiko pondered.

He has indeed always had the ability to exercise his hands.

Previously, he used it to speed up Hand Seals and perform hand Hand Seals with one hand, freeing up the other hand to do more things. However, he never expected that he would gain so many skills in this area at the mastery level of "White Fang Sword Technique".

Kakashi's condition to his own, he had a vague feeling—

The system is more like an extension of its own capabilities, tailored to its specific circumstances.

It seems that's really the case!

Kakashi is still clueless about the path to becoming a master, and can't proceed by trial and error. However, given the system's improvement, his own approach is definitely sound.

A smile appeared on Kyohiko's face, then he drew his sword and formed a hand seal with one hand.

This is the single-hand seal for the Clone Technique.

"So this is what one-handed hand Hand Seals..."

Based on the techniques in his mind and comparing them with the notes of Tobirama's Notes that he had read before, Kyohiko immediately understood the secret of one-handed hand Hand Seals.

The purpose of Hand Seals is to assist in the generation and release of Ninjutsu.

The ability to form hand Hand Seals with one hand or reduce the Hand Seals essentially means that once the skill level is reached, the practitioner no longer needs this auxiliary effect.

certainly.

Not just any technique can be Hand Seals with one hand, or with fewer hand seals.

Like the Water Dragon Bullet Technique.

Even the Second Hokage only reduced it to four hand seals, making it impossible to form hand Hand Seals with one hand.

Clone Technique...

Shadow Clone, successful.

The Water Wave, success!

Water Wall, failure.

Despite his repeated attempts, Kyohiko was still unable to master the one-handed Water Wall.

"There are too many prints; I can't use one hand to print them all. It seems I need to simplify things first!"

On the same day, Hiruzen Sarutobi had to disguise himself and come to the Ninja Academy.

He heard about the Tree Hole.

because--

The Tree Hole is now a very popular spot throughout the entire Ninja Academy.

People can vent their emotions and tell their secrets in the Tree Hole without worrying about others finding out.

At first, only a few people went.

But later, in just over a day, the "Tree Hole" became even more popular than the toilet.

"Tsunade's handiwork?"

"Yes."

Mitokado Homura nodded helplessly.

He initially thought Tsunade's goal might be to train Medical Ninja in advance, but he didn't expect that in addition to training, she also had psychological objectives.

Tree Hole.

Something unfamiliar and completely incomprehensible is surprisingly popular among children.

This terrified Mitokado Homura.

Hiruzen Sarutobi silent.

He doesn't understand this stuff either!

but.

"Is there any difference between those children going in and coming out?"

"It seems like there's been a change?"

Mitokado Homura pondered for a long time before saying, "Even more relaxed?"

Easier?

Hiruzen Sarutobi was surprised, then glanced into the distance.

Although the newly arrived child had changed his appearance, how could he possibly hide it from him?

That's Asuma!

This child...

Does he have something on his mind too?

Hiruzen Sarutobi silently smoked his cigarette.

"Hiruzen, what should we do? Should we shut it down?"

Mitokado Homura asked in a low voice.

After thinking for a long time, Hiruzen Sarutobi, "Let's seal it off for now. I'll talk to Tsunade and then decide whether to keep it."

"Yes!"

Mitokado Homura breathed a sigh of relief and turned to leave.

Hiruzen Sarutobi also left.

He also has many things to take care of.

but.

At noon, instead of Tsunade, he was greeted by someone he never expected.

Bang!

Why did you do that?

Asuma burst in, her childish voice filled with anger.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was astonished.

This child...

Then, he frowned and scolded, "Asuma, what are you doing?"

Why seal the Tree Hole?

You don't understand.

Hiruzen Sarutobi replied coldly.

"I don't understand? What do you understand?! That place, that place is completely foreign to us... You know absolutely nothing! I loathe the surname Sarutobi!"

Asuma rambled on incoherently, vented his frustrations, and then slammed the door and left.

Hiruzen Sarutobi his hand on the table, his face grim and unsightly, yet also showing a hint of doubt.

Asuma had never spoken to him like this before!

Why?

Ever since Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Kyohiko came into contact, many things have started to spiral out of control, becoming increasingly incomprehensible to him.

Could it be...?

Am I really outdated?

No!

"I did it for the village!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi unconsciously picked up his Pipe, but didn't light it; he just smoked it casually to distract himself from his jumbled thoughts.

Shortly after, Mitokado Homura brought news--

Asuma applied for early graduation.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stared silently at the application form.

disgust.

How could my own child say such a thing...?

He sighed deeply, stopped dealing with official business, and got up to go to Konoha Hospital.

He wants to talk to Tsunade!

5k, there will be another update tonight.

I will try to resume regular updates starting tomorrow.