Promotion: An Eight-Year-Old Jonin!

Curse Mark!

Jiraiya quickly opened his mouth.

Sure enough, a strange and eerie Curse Mark appeared on the tongue.

The Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal.

This is the mark of the Root, but the Root has not yet surfaced. It is a force secretly established by Danzo under the guise of an "Anbu training force."

but.

These people didn't use any of Konoha's signature Ninjutsu, so their identities couldn't be determined from their abilities.

Kyohiko couldn't explain his background.

Jiraiya examined the object repeatedly, when suddenly the other person's body trembled, and a trace of black blood spilled from their mouth.

Kyohiko immediately crouched down to examine him.

Highly poisonous!

Shibi Aburame raised her hand, and one by one, the Kikaichū flew out.

Upon seeing this, Kyohiko immediately Hand Seals and used the Mystical Palm Technique to maintain the opponent's life force, causing the poisonous Kikaichū to die in large numbers, but the opponent's condition did not improve.

"It's hopeless."

Shibi Aburame called back the remaining antidote insects, feeling very distressed.

Cultivating detoxifying insects is not easy, and many of them died here. We'll have to spend more time and effort cultivating them again.

"Um."

Kyohiko nodded.

The toxin is too potent!

Even if he wanted to save people, he couldn't.

"Such terrifying control methods— Curse Mark, poisons, a determination to die—this kind of ninja..."

Jiraiya remained silent.

The face was unfamiliar; it didn't seem to be from Konoha at all, at least he had never seen the person before.

However, he suspected it was Danzo's men.

An intuition.

and.

In the Land of Fire, who else besides Danzo possesses such abilities?

Furthermore, last time in the Land of Hot Water...

Debts piled up one after another, leaving no room for Jiraiya or second thoughts.

A fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

Danzo!

"Lord Jiraiya, what do you think...?"

"I'll handle this. You guys take your men back first."

He looked into the Cave.

The girl looked at them timidly, her eyes filled with fear.

Let's go back to Konoha first.

Jiraiya glanced at it and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Yuzuki Uzumaki and Konoha didn't have much trust to begin with, so this makes things even more difficult. It will probably take some time for them to get used to each other.

Danzo is such a troublemaker.

To deal with their own people, they dispatched over Jonin and numerous elites...

How despicable and hateful!

"Them"

Shibi Aburame and Gaku Inuzuka looked at the unconscious Minato Namikaze and Choza Akimichi, and hesitated for a moment.

Although neither of them was injured and their condition was slightly better, they had both exhausted a lot of Chakra, making it unsuitable to carry them.

What if we encounter enemies again on the way...

They both looked at Kyohiko and Kakashi.

These two children.

He is indeed very strong, otherwise he could not have become Jiraiya's disciple and be qualified to participate in such an operation, but he is still a child after all, and it is difficult for him to carry two adults on his back.

Jiraiya said, "I'll use a summoning beast to carry them."

After saying that, he bit his finger and summoned Iron-Arm Toad and another large but small Toad, carrying one on his back.

"This is the border; the longer you stay, the more dangerous it becomes."

Jiraiya's expression was serious.

He doesn't have many people he can trust, otherwise he wouldn't have asked Kyohiko and Kakashi for help.

If enemies were to arrive again, he, Kyohiko, and Kakashi would certainly be fine, but Minato Namikaze and Choza Akimichi, who were in a coma, might not be.

"Yes!"

Gaku Inuzuka. "Zongwan, are you able to move? If so, could you please lead the way?"

"Woof!"

The giant dog barked once and then ran outside the cave to wait.

Jiraiya used Sealing Scroll to seal the corpse all the way inside.

Gaku Inuzuka stood to the side, secretly surprised.

He could tell...

Some of the corpses were killed by Jiraiya, but a few were not. All of those corpses were killed with a single, swift, and decisive blow.

Swordsmanship!

He glanced at it and saw the sword on Kakashi's back.

"Are you White Fang's son?"

My name is Kakashi Hatake.

Kakashi answered.

Gaku Inuzuka let out a barely audible sigh, then exclaimed in admiration, "Your swordsmanship is quite impressive!"

"I only killed two; the rest were killed by Kyohiko."

Kakashi said.

"Kyohiko?"

Gaku Inuzuka looked at the other child.

ah?

He couldn't hide his astonishment and said incredulously, "You're not Medical Ninja?"

"No, I only learned a little bit of the Mystical Palm Technique as a side skill."

Kyohiko answered.

Gaku Inuzuka was momentarily at a loss for words.

Cultivating both?!

Of all the ninjas in Konoha, only a few are capable of becoming Medical Ninja, and even fewer have mastered the Mystical Palm Technique.

result.

An eight-year-old child is learning and mastering this skill so proficiently.

He looked like he'd seen a ghost.

Jiraiya laughed, "Hahaha, Kyohiko's specialty is the Body Flicker Technique. He learned Medical Ninjutsu incidentally, but it came in handy this time."

"Young people these days are really something!"

Shibi Aburame sighed.

Jiraiya was so startled that he immediately turned his head, only to notice that there was another person on his other side. This person was dressed in all black, and even the mask only revealed his facial features, making him completely unnoticeable in the darkness.

Those weird faces are terrifying!

You're only about ten years older than them, right?

Gaku Inuzuka turned around and made a comment.

Shibi Aburame: "That's true, but compared to the two of them... I feel old."

Eight years old.

He didn't have that kind of ability when he was eight years old!

In comparison, Kakashi is already Chunin, and quite skilled among Chunin. As for the other one named Kyohiko, judging from the evidence at the scene and his performance just now, he's probably even Jonin.

They are all incredibly talented, each one more impressive than the last.

They were deeply impressed.

With more people around, especially Jiraiya the formidable Jiraiya in charge, the journey back became a bit easier.

Minato woke up halfway through.

He wasn't injured; he just fainted due to excessive Chakra depletion.

After some conversation, Kyohiko listened in and learned the general outline of what had happened.

To avoid conflict, they detoured back to the Land of Fire.

Along the way, they encountered some Grass Ninja and Iwa Ninja who tried to ambush them, but they were all avoided. However, after entering the Land of Fire, they were ambushed by another group of people.

The target was none other than Yuzuki Uzumaki.

Throughout the entire process, Yuzuki Uzumaki remained silent, not uttering a single word.

We're almost at Konoha, everyone sit down and rest.

Yuzuki Uzumaki's face flushed red as she looked around, and Kakashi immediately became alert.

Kyohiko quietly released his Chakra, sensing the fluctuations on the other person through the morning mist. After roughly understanding the situation, he gave Kakashi a "relax" signal gesture.

Kakashi obeyed and immediately released the sword.

Kyohiko said, "Teacher, I'm taking her to take care of something."

"Ah?"

Jiraiya paused for a moment, then suddenly realized what was happening and nodded, "Go, go, but don't go too far."

"Yes."

Kyohiko stood up, Yuzuki Uzumaki followed behind with her head down.

After walking for a while, they reached a dense thicket near the riverbank. Kyohiko said, "Let's stop here. We can't go any further, or it won't be safe."

Then he handed over some papers.

Although it's not specially made toilet paper, it's still much better than tree leaves.

"Thanks."

Yuzuki Uzumaki blushed, took the item, and immediately darted into the forest.

Her hoarse voice wasn't very pleasant, but it could also be because she hadn't drunk water for a long time.

After a moment, she slowly walked out.

On the way back, Kyohiko asked, "Your name is Yuzuki Uzumaki?"

The girl glanced at him, but still didn't say anything.

"Perhaps you have some misunderstandings about Konoha, or there are situations we don't know about, but right now, if you stay in Kusagakure, given your physique and abilities, you probably won't last more than a few years. Once war comes... you might not even survive to raise your child."

Kyohiko said slowly, "Including your child, if she inherits your constitution, then her life will be the same."

At this point in his speech, the girl finally looked up.

What are you trying to say?

Are you willing to communicate?

That's good.

Kyohiko said, "What I'm trying to say is that Konoha may not be the best, but it's certainly not the worst for you. At least here you'll have a group of people protecting you, as well as your clan. You won't be all alone."

The girl fell silent again.

No way!

If the other party is determined not to communicate, no amount of persuasive words or sound reasoning will be of any use.

Take your time.

Kyohiko prepared to continue walking forward.

At this moment, the girl suddenly said, "There's no difference."

"Um?"

"Konoha, you'll die anyway if you come."

She hunched her shoulders and spoke in a low voice.

Perhaps because Kyohiko was the only child there, she wasn't as resistant, but it could also be because he helped her out of the predicament that she was willing to speak.

"Why?"

Kyohiko was shocked and stopped in his tracks.

At the same time, he heard the leaves rustling in the shadows.

It should be Jiraiya.

He hid in the direction he came from.

If something goes wrong here, that location can provide rapid support.

The girl shook her head. "I don't know, that's what the elder said."

Elder?

Kyohiko was taken aback and was immediately unable to answer.

He truly couldn't imagine what role Konoha had played in the destruction of Uzushio Village.

The credibility of the Third Danzo in his eyes is practically zero. To say that it had nothing to do with them is something Kyohiko really doesn't believe. The specific truth of what happened back then is probably only known to those involved.

"So how did you get to the Land of Grass?"

"I clung to the plank and drifted to the shore, only to later learn that it was the Land of Hot Water. After that, I wandered all the way to the Land of Grass, where I was captured by the people of the Kusagakure."

Yuzuki Uzumaki answered.

Kyohiko thought for a moment.

None of the remaining survivors of the Uzumaki Clan fled to Konoha back then, perhaps this elder has something to do with it?

The Uzushio Village was wiped out...

What roles did Konoha, the other ninja villages in the Shinobi World, and Madara play in this disaster?

Kyohiko frowned.

This is troublesome!

"I don't know what happened in Uzushio Village, but I think Tsunade and Kushina will protect you. Stay in Konoha; you don't need to worry about being captured and used to treat others..."

Kyohiko tried his best to calm him down.

The girl didn't respond; she just followed along.

Perhaps she had resigned herself to her fate.

In the early morning, the warm sunlight shone through the hazy leaves.

The group set off again.

Jiraiya noticed that although Yuzuki Uzumaki didn't communicate, she was relatively more cooperative, eating and traveling very diligently.

At her pace, it might have taken her another two hours, but she only walked for an hour.

The physique of the Uzumaki Clan is indeed much stronger than that of ordinary people!

In the distance, the Konoha Gate appeared.

Kyohiko pointed into the distance.

That's our Konoha over there.

Konoha.

A complex expression appeared on Yuzuki's face.

Upon arriving at the entrance, Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze each registered on their own behalf, putting the names on the back of the register.

Jiraiya and said, "Thank you all for your hard work. Leave the rest to me. You can go back and rest."

"Teacher, let me join you."

Minato Namikaze.

Jiraiya shook his head. "No need. Take Yuzuki home and let her meet and talk to Kushina."

As he spoke, he approached and patted Minato on the shoulder.

"You'll probably have a tough time for a while."

"Won't."

Just as Minato was about to speak, a Anbu Ninja Body Flicker Technique.

He immediately shut up.

The other person's voice was deep.

"Jiraiya, Kyohiko Yoshimine, the Third Hokage requests your presence."

"Ah?"

Jiraiya was stunned and looked at Kyohiko.

And Kyohiko?

What is the Old Man going to do?

He frowned.

Kyohiko stepped forward and immediately asked, "Now?"

Kakashi was beside him.

"Yes."

The Anbu Ninja nodded.

Jiraiya couldn't refuse, so he nodded and said, "We'll go right away."

"Yes!"

The other person bowed slightly, then vanished in an instant.

Jiraiya was helpless.

He originally wanted to handle this alone, but it seemed the Old Man wasn't too keen on it.

"Teacher, perhaps the results of the Chunin Ninja Exams are in."

Kyohiko reassured him.

Jiraiya has been clashing with the Third Hokage too many times lately, and he seems to be overly tense.

"Hmm, who knows, maybe starting today, you'll be Chunin, hahaha."

Jiraiya chuckled a few times, then instructed Minato to make proper arrangements for Yuzuki Uzumaki. After thinking for a moment, he pulled Minato Namikaze aside and whispered some instructions.

According to Kyohiko's "eavesdropping," part of it was related to Yuzuki Uzumaki, and the other part was about getting Minato to help guide Kakashi.

Next, he took Kyohiko to the Hokage Office.

Inside the Hokage Office, Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, holding Intelligence Scroll in his hand.

"Knock knock knock!"

There was a knock on the door.

His expression relaxed as he said to the outside, "Come in, the door's unlocked."

Gate of Opening, Jiraiya led Kyohiko in.

"Teacher."

"Lord Hokage!"

Kyohiko bowed slightly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "Kyohiko Yoshimine, this is our second time facing each other."

"Lord Hokage, it is my honor."

Kyohiko was extremely respectful.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and pointed to two chairs in the distance.

"Sit down, Jiraiya. Relax, it's a good thing."

He knew some of Jiraiya's habits.

Jiraiya was tense all over, like a fierce beast protecting its young, which was frightening to look at.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed and said, "First is the Chunin Ninja Exams. After unanimous discussion and evaluation, Kyohiko's strength and overall qualities have reached the Jonin level, so he has been promoted to Jonin."

"What?"

Jiraiya had just sat down when he heard this and jumped up.

Jonin?

He couldn't believe it.

Kyohiko is indeed very strong, but he's too young. How can he Jonin directly?

Isn't this just roasting it on a rack?

"Kyohiko's performance in the Chunin Ninja Exams was outstanding. Not only in our village, but also in other villages, people praised him highly, claiming that he was already qualified to Jonin. Even the Feudal Lord wrote a letter praising him..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi explained, his tone revealing a great deal of helplessness.

They even know his Feudal Lord?

Jiraiya sat down and remained silent for a long time.

Kyohiko stood up. "Thank you for Feudal Lord recognition, Lord Hokage. I will continue to work hard."

"Hahaha, Jonin working hard, he'll become Hokage!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed.

Kyohiko replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Every Konoha ninja should have the heart of a Hokage."

"Oh?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, then asked curiously, "Why?"

"The Hokage is the leader elected by the Konoha Ninja to help govern the village. The Hokage represents the trust and recognition of the villagers. The First Hokage, the Second Hokage, and you are all such people."

Kyohiko answered.

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi so hard he could barely hold the scroll in his hand.

He laughed for a while, then let out a long sigh.

"That's rare indeed! I thought you young people would look down on us old folks..."

He glanced at Jiraiya.

No one dared to respond to that.

Kyohiko and Jiraiya tacitly pretended to be dead.

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't ask for a definitive answer, but continued, "Kyohiko, becoming Jonin at your age is both an honor and a danger, because Jonin missions are more difficult and more dangerous. Do you understand?"

"I understand perfectly."

Kyohiko nodded.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, then said, "I heard that you were the one who gathered the information about the Uzumaki Clan this time?"

"Yes."

Kyohiko reported the facts truthfully.

Hiruzen Sarutobi listened carefully, and then asked, "During the Chunin Ninja Exams, did you fight the Two-Tails Jinchuriki?"

"I don't know much about Jinchuriki, but it seems that Yugito Nii can use the Chakra of the Tailed Beast to form a special Chakra Cloak, which enhances her speed and strength..."

Although it was unclear why the Third Generation asked, Kyohiko still recounted the situation in detail.

"I've heard that the Jinchuriki in our village usually use Sealing Technique to control the Tailed Beast?"

"Um."

Hiruzen Sarutobi.

As Jonin, Kyohiko was qualified to know certain things, so he didn't avoid the question.

Most importantly, he needed Kyohiko's first impression.

Then he tossed the intelligence report he was holding over.

"Take a look at this."

"Yes!"

Kyohiko took it.

It contained information about Killer B, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, and Jinchuriki Yugito Nii the Two-Tails.

He read it once and passed it on to Jiraiya.

Jiraiya.

"Teacher, who is Killer B's partner?"

"The son of the Third Raikage."

Hiruzen Sarutobi answered.

Kyohiko waited a while before saying, "Lord Hokage, I feel that their approach and strategy towards Jinchuriki might be different from ours. Perhaps they are trying to utilize the Tailed Beast even further."

Is that so?

Hiruzen Sarutobi retrieved the Intelligence Scroll.

"I've had the same idea, so in your opinion, shouldn't we give it a try?"

"The situation is different. The power of the Nine-Tails and Eight-Tails far surpasses that of the Two-Tails. We must not try to do what they did."

Kyohiko did not hesitate.

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused for a moment, then put the scroll away.

"I see."

He paused for a moment.

"Tell me about what happened this time."

Jiraiya hesitated slightly, but still truthfully recounted the situation he had encountered.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was initially taken aback, then his brows furrowed.

Finally, his expression calmed down.

"I understand. Thank you for your hard work. Go back and get some rest."

"Yes."

Kyohiko stood up.

Jiraiya had no intention of leaving, but after giving him a wink, Kyohiko didn't linger.

After Kyohiko left.

"Old Man, what are your plans for Kyohiko?"

An 8-year-old Jonin, unprecedented.

How should we allocate and manage resources?

If things go wrong, Kyohiko might face a similar predicament to Kakashi.

"Don't worry, your disciple won't be treated unfairly, and besides, your team was going to be split up anyway."

"Why?"

"Kurenai Yuhi has officially been accepted as Tsunade's disciple. She will need to study under Tsunade for the next period of time. How can she have time to accompany you on missions?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi tossed him an application.

This is Tsunade's application for a temporary transfer of Kurenai Yuhi.

"Ah?"

Jiraiya was completely bewildered.

He really didn't know that!

Tsunade really did take Kurenai as her disciple?

"Minato is very capable, but he lacks coaching and team-leading experience. My current idea is to form an elite team with Kyohiko, Kakashi, Might Guy, and Minato to carry out A-rank missions together."

Hiruzen Sarutobi revealed his true colors after all.

"Might Guy?"

Jiraiya frowned. "Isn't it too early for this child?"

He acknowledged that Kay was talented.

but.

Compared to Minato and Kyohiko, Might Guy's abilities and strength are somewhat weak, and he may not be able to survive high-difficulty missions of A-rank or higher.

"He's a hard-working kid. With Minato and Kyohiko supporting him, carrying out an A-level mission shouldn't be a big problem. Besides, Kyohiko is very good at mentoring others; they can learn from and grow together."

"Okay, then I have no objection."