Maruboshi Kosuke: Second Hokage, I'm Guilty!

"Aren't we discussing things together?"

Kyohiko immediately helped him up.

Maruboshi Kosuke shook his head, then sighed, "Your idea is quite peculiar. An old man like me really can't keep up with the times; I've lost the ability to innovate. Alas!"

You don't need to say that...

This turn of events completely baffled Kyohiko.

He had only made a conjecture; he never expected it to actually come true.

Although the results were not quite the same.

According to Maruboshi Kosuke, his improved Water Dragon Bullet is not Hard Whirlpool Water Blade, but the effect is similar, only the power is much weaker.

If you had to describe it, it's more like a modified version of the Water Dragon Bullet Technique.

Even so.

Such Ninjutsu would be just as difficult for Kyohiko.

At least for now, Kyohiko is not yet able to properly integrate the two transformations of "compression" and "rotation" and combine them perfectly with the Water Dragon Bullet Technique.

After explaining, Maruboshi Kosuke exclaimed, "I'm not entirely sure which Ninjutsu the Second Hokage's Hard Whirlpool Water Blade was based on, but it's stronger and more powerful than this technique, and it doesn't require Hand Seals."

"The Second Hokage is truly a genius!"

Kyohiko sighed.

Water Style: No Seal

Few in the entire Shinobi World could compare to Senju Tobirama's research in Water Style techniques.

If one wants to achieve something in Water Style, his research and notes are indispensable.

However, the Hard Whirlpool Water Blade is still a technique from back then.

If one wants to create Water Style without a seal now, the best choice is not the Hard Whirlpool Water Blade, but the Rasengan incorporating the nature transformation of Water Style.

Kyohiko was pondering his future path, while Maruboshi Kosuke was facing a dilemma.

He came here mainly on the behalf of the Third Hokage and Jiraiya to teach Kyohiko the Water Dragon Bullet Technique and its techniques. Unexpectedly, Kyohiko had already mastered it without a teacher and reached a very high level.

Moreover, the opponent's understanding of Water Dragon Bullet was extraordinary, surpassing even his own.

It seems he can't teach much about Water Style techniques.

Maruboshi Kosuke sighed, then looked at Kyohiko.

"You teach me a skill, and I'll teach you one too. I heard you know how to use a knife?"

"Yes, I trained with Kakashi."

Kyohiko nodded.

"You drew your sword at me!"

Maruboshi Kosuke smiled kindly.

Kyohiko was stunned for a moment, then said, "Really?"

"Yes, go ahead and draw your sword with confidence. Show me your full swordsmanship skills. I'll be fine."

Maruboshi Kosuke was full of confidence.

Learn from Kakashi?

It wasn't that he looked down on Kakashi, but rather that Kakashi's swordsmanship and overall strength were indeed inferior to his.

"Although I'm just a Genin, I did go on missions with Sakumo and learned swordsmanship, so don't underestimate me."

"Yes, please be careful."

Kyohiko nodded.

Then, he drew his sword, Body Flicker Technique forward, and in an instant, his figure covered more than ten steps, appearing beside Maruboshi Kosuke. Then...

Choke!

Maruboshi Kosuke, though arriving later, struck first, drawing his blade to block the attack.

but.

The next second, Kyohiko formed a hand Hand Seals, and two figures split off from his side, one on the left and one on the right, their blades like crescent moons striking in both directions.

What?

Maruboshi Kosuke was startled and ducked, swinging his sword to block.

Ta-da!

The sound of two swords clashing rang out in succession. Kyohiko drew his sword, its blade shimmering with a deep blue light, while lightning crackled across the other sword.

Cannot accept!

Maruboshi Kosuke dared not be careless and immediately dodged Body Flicker Technique, the blade flashing as he swung his arm.

Before Kyohiko could react, he saw a flurry of willow branches dancing in the air.

Oh no!

He immediately closed his eyes, simultaneously dispelling the Genjutsu and Body Flicker Technique retreating.

but.

Maruboshi Kosuke did not give chase.

His back was also covered in sweat.

Good heavens!

This kid's playing dirty!

It's said that Kakashi taught him, but then he started using hand Hand Seals, techniques resembling the Dance of the Crescent Moon, and later even incorporated a Iaijutsu and Dual Blade Style, combining two types of Chakra...

If it weren't for Konoha Style: Willow, we would definitely have failed this time!

He coughed lightly to cover his embarrassment and said, "Your swordsmanship is quite good. Did Kakashi really teach you?"

"I've also seen some of the Second Hokage's book collection."

Kyohiko answered.

Maruboshi Kosuke remained silent.

Reading...

Most of the books in Kyohiko's hands are basic, without complete techniques. He has mastered his current level simply by reading books to broaden his knowledge, combined with the swordsmanship he has learned and the experiences he has gained.

This guy is a monster!

He took a deep breath and said, "Were you interested in the swordsmanship you just witnessed?"

"Action-Triggered Genjutsu are indeed very interesting."

In his previous life Kyohiko had seen this move in an anime.

At the time, I thought that any Genjutsu needs some kind of triggering medium, so as long as I didn't look at it, it would be fine, right?

In reality, many actions in battle are unexpected, and this move had already put him under the Genjutsu the moment he saw Maruboshi Kosuke's arm swing; the subsequent actions only deepened the Genjutsu's effect.

Even if one can dispel the Genjutsu, it's still difficult to avoid Body Flicker Technique strike.

Unless the speed of solving and the reaction are both fast enough!

The core of Senju Tobirama's swordsmanship philosophy is to create opportunities and deliver a swift and decisive blow; this is embodied in techniques such as the Flying Thunder God Slash, Dance of the Crescent Moon, and Willow Blade.

"As you guessed, this technique is essentially Action-Triggered Genjutsu..."

Maruboshi Kosuke explains the core and secrets of the writing technique.

Kyohiko listened attentively.

After listening to the explanation, he roughly understood how to perform action-based Genjutsu.

Disaster!

However, with some practice, you should be able to master it.

Kyohiko began to ponder.

Maruboshi Kosuke breathed a sigh of relief.

We have lived up to your expectations!

Evening, Hokage Building.

How is the child?

"That's too powerful, I almost couldn't hold my breath!"

Maruboshi Kosuke felt extremely ashamed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi. In fact, he had seen part of the situation using his Telescope Technique, but he hadn't seen the beginning, which must have given Kosuke quite a fright.

certainly.

If Kosuke goes all out and uses his various abilities, he can definitely defeat Kyohiko.

The third generation had no doubt about this.

Kosuke sighed, "In a few years, I might not be his match. Such a junior is truly shameful! No wonder Jiraiya teach him Water Style and entrusted you to let me do it."

Water Style?

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused for a moment, "What Water Style? That kid only knows two Water Style Ninjutsu before: Water Wall and Water Wave, right?"

"Yes, I've been teaching myself Water Dragon Bullet lately, and my skill level is already quite high. I've even benefited from him..."

Maruboshi Kosuke recounted what he had learned.

Hiruzen Sarutobi Sarutobi's pipe trembled.

The Water Dragon Bullet is at least a B-rank Ninjutsu, and the simplified Hand Seals are extremely difficult. How could it be so simple in Kyohiko's hands?

He was stunned for a moment.

Then, he looked at Maruboshi Kosuke.

"So that means..."

"I'll teach him the Konoha Style: Willow. Once he masters it, I shouldn't have anything else to teach him."

Maruboshi Kosuke remarked with a sigh, "Jiraiya must have been under a lot of pressure."

"This... maybe."

Hiruzen Sarutobi.

When he taught Orochimaru, it seemed to be in a similar state.

If we use Orochimaru as a model...

"Kosuke."

"Um?"

"I think you can go see Kyohiko again tomorrow. I feel like he'll have already mastered Konoha Style: Willow by tomorrow, or even tonight."

"Huh?! Absolutely impossible! I studied this technique for a long time before I mastered it!"

Maruboshi Kosuke was dumbfounded.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed. "Very likely."

"Um, Jiraiya free?"

No at the moment.

Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed.

"What a chore!"

Maruboshi Kosuke sighed and had no choice but to bid farewell to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took out a scroll from the drawer.

A peculiar constitution.

Kurokawa.

"Sigh! I hope we won't repeat the same mistake!"

This research should have been done by Orochimaru, but given Orochimaru's actions, he simply cannot hand Kurokawa over to him at this time.

We have no choice but to send Jiraiya.

The next day, on the same riverbank.

Kyohiko continued practicing his Water Dragon Bullet Technique.

He had already mastered the basics of Konoha Style -ryu, but like Naruto, he used a shortcut—

He failed to trigger the action.

so.

Based on his previous knowledge of Water Wall and Water Dragon Bullet, as well as Maruboshi Kosuke's Hand Seals and Senju Tobirama's Genjutsu Notes, Kyohiko combined various techniques...

finally.

Last night, he reversed the Hand Seals of Konoha Style -ryu-ryu and used them to create a one-handed hand Hand Seals.

In the short term, he couldn't think of a way to improve.

so.

Perhaps we should first practice the Water Dragon Bullet Technique.

This technique...

He felt that he was about to be promoted.

As I was practicing diligently, several figures ran past, greeting me one by one.

It was Might Guy and his group.

but.

Kyohiko turned his head and saw a figure that was both strange and familiar—

In the crowd, one person was running frantically with their head down.

Isn't that Asuma?

Seeing how he interacted with Genma Shiranui and Ebisu, Kyohiko understood the situation. Just as he was about to greet them, they had already run off with their heads down.

Uh, never mind.

Back in the village, everyone was working hard to train and cultivate themselves, cherishing every second to improve themselves.

This was true for Kyohiko, and even more so for Guy and Kakashi.

Currently practicing.

"Kyohiko!"

Kushina Uzumaki waved from afar.

Beside him, Minato Namikaze awkwardly tried to strike up a conversation with Yuzuki Uzumaki, but she clearly didn't care, her gaze fixed on Kyohiko.

Her eyes shone brightly, and a new radiance finally appeared on her face.

Um?

Minato Namikaze followed the route.

Good heavens!

His eyes darted around, and an idea came to him.

"Kushina- senpai, Minato- senpai..."

"Hey, don't call me 'senpai,' it makes you sound old. We're only a few years older than you. You and Minato are both Jonin, and you were both our Teacher's students. Just call me by my name from now on."

Kushina laughed.

Before Kyohiko could answer, Minato Namikaze said, "Kyohiko, we have a favor to ask of you."

"What's up?"

Kyohiko looked over, puzzled.

"Could you take Yuzuki for a stroll around Konoha? Kushina and I have something urgent to attend to and need to see the Lord Hokage."

Explanation of Minato Namikaze.

Kyohiko paused for a moment, then looked at Kushina.

Kushina was completely bewildered at that moment, and was about to speak when Minato.

She was stunned for a moment, then nodded and said, "Oh, right!"

"That's not a big problem, but I might have to wait for a senior colleague..."

Yesterday, Maruboshi Kosuke's arrival was quite unexpected. Kyohiko guessed that the other party might have been asked by Jiraiya to come and teach him Water Style techniques.

Unfortunately, he had already learned it himself, and ended up teaching Konoha Style -ryu: Willow.

They might come to inspect it today.

"It's okay, I'm not in a hurry."

Yuzuki said.

Minato nodded emphatically. "Yes, no rush. You can chat all you want. Kushina and I will go find the Lord Hokage first, and we'll come back to see you later if we have time."

"Mmm."

Kushina understood as well, nodded repeatedly, and then took off running.

Kyohiko was helpless.

Now it was his turn to laugh awkwardly.

"How are things in Konoha? Are you alright?"

"Hmm..."

Yuzuki Uzumaki and said, "I don't know, I rarely go out."

Then, she began to recount her experiences after arriving in Konoha.

It's simple: eat, drink, sleep, and then give Kushina the cold shoulder.

Kyohiko listened attentively from the side.

That's amazing.

The other party was unwilling to communicate with Kushina, a member of their own clan, but was willing to communicate with a stranger like me...

Just because of previous contact?

However, it's actually a good thing.

"Your current situation is that you don't know how or what identity you should have in Konoha. You don't hate it here, but you're afraid that others have ulterior motives, so you feel less comfortable in Kusagakure, Kusagakure at least you know what they want."

Analysis by Kyohiko.

The girl remained silent for a while, propping her head up and looking at Kyohiko before nodding.

"I just thought about it, and you might be right."

Want to hear my opinion?

"Um."

Yuzuki Uzumaki nodded.

Kyohiko sat cross-legged and said seriously, "You don't need to think about these things. If you want to become a ninja, go to school. If not, just be an ordinary civilian and settle down in Konoha for now."

"Let's be civilians for now. War... it's too exhausting."

Yuzuki Uzumaki said.

"If you don't like Kushina, then why don't you move out and support yourself?"

Kyohiko said.

Yuzuki Uzumaki thought for a moment and said, "Then I need to earn some money first."

"Um."

Kyohiko nodded.

Just as he was about to speak, he heard a slight noise and immediately looked towards the woods on his right. "Senior, is that you?"

"Ahem, I didn't mean to bother you."

Maruboshi Kosuke looked extremely embarrassed.

"Nothing."

Kyohiko smiled.

Yuzuki Uzumaki stood up, dusted herself off, and said, "Thank you for your encouragement. I'd like to take a walk around the village and see if there's any work to do!"

"I'll have my Shadow Clone accompany you."

Kyohiko created Shadow Clone.

He wasn't clear about the power struggle between Tsunade and the Third Hokage, but Danzo was definitely at a disadvantage. Danzo anywhere in the village now, making it extremely dangerous for her to be alone.

After seeing him off, Kyohiko looked at Maruboshi Kosuke.

"Senior, I haven't mastered your technique yet; I've only reached the level of single-handed hand Hand Seals."

Then he gave a demonstration.

One-handed hand Hand Seals--

Draw your sword!

He drew his sword and slashed.

With each movement, Genjutsu arose, and countless knives appeared before his eyes.

Maruboshi Kosuke was stunned for a moment.

Konoha Style: Willow?

Then he understood.

Since Kyohiko couldn't release the power without hand seals, he came up with a method of combining hand Hand Seals with movements, which was a clever trick.

No wonder he said he "didn't learn it".

but.

It took me several years to hone myself step by step!

This Second Hokage is actually praising himself!

but...

Even nitpicking, there are still some flaws.

"Aside from the need for Hand Seals, it is indeed the same as Liu, but it lacks the element of surprise, and its effects and functions are quite different."

"Yes, so I thought about integrating it into other techniques."

Kyohiko spoke, he once again Hand Seals with one hand.

He immediately created Clone Technique.

The next moment, Hand Seals and swung his sword.

Several sword shadows suddenly appeared before Maruboshi Kosuke's eyes, attacking him simultaneously with his movements.

He broke the Genjutsu.

Only one figure remained before my eyes, along with two afterimages.

"Combined with the Clone Technique..."

Maruboshi Kosuke understood Kyohiko's idea.

Using Genjutsu, the willow is combined with the Dance of the Crescent Moon.

It is essentially still Konoha Style: Willow, but its function and effect are completely different.

He fell silent again.

The third generation was right, but not entirely.

In just one day, Kyohiko not only learned the Konoha Style: Willow, but also innovated and came up with new ways to play.

young people...

That's a really sharp mind!

Yesterday, he intended to teach some detailed tips and tricks, but now it seems they're completely useless.

Given Kyohiko's abilities, it's best to let him gradually master it; his own understanding is simply outdated dross.

Maruboshi Kosuke exclaimed, "No wonder you became Jonin at the age of eight..."

"You're mistaken, senior."

Kyohiko sheathed his sword.

Maruboshi Kosuke was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "How was I wrong?"

"Becoming Jonin isn't solely based on strength. Someone as strong as you is only a Genin, isn't he? I know another one who's been Genin twenty years, but he's also very strong."

Kyohiko said.

Maruboshi Kosuke knew that Kyohiko was referring to another Genin—

Might Duy.

I have been studying the Eight Inner Gates for over a decade.

If it weren't for Might Guy's use of it during the Chunin Ninja Exams, the village wouldn't even know who he was.

but.

What he was more concerned about was...

What is Jonin in your eyes?

"Jonin not only needs strength, but also the ability to unite team members and the judgment to handle missions..."

Kyohiko spoke about his understanding of Jonin.

Maruboshi Kosuke stood frozen in place.

What I spent over ten or twenty years and paid a huge price to understand, the other person already understood at the age of eight, and understood it more thoroughly than I did.

It's unbelievable that such a precocious person exists in the world!

He couldn't help but think of Jiraiya's commentary--

The mindset of the Hokage.

That's no exaggeration at all!

"Senior, I have a question for you. Why are you still Genin?"

Let me tell you a story. I have a friend...

Maruboshi Kosuke recounted the past of his "friend".

Kyohiko didn't expose him.

After listening, he said, "In my opinion, your friend is very timid."

Maruboshi Kosuke raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Although he always rushed to the front lines, undertaking the most difficult and dangerous missions, that was all reckless courage. If he became Jonin, he could teach the next generation, passing on his experience, abilities, and insights. At the very least, he could write a book to warn the world..."

As Kyohiko spoke, he looked at Maruboshi Kosuke, "Or is it that your friend is afraid of damaging his reputation and dares not reveal his past? Or are you afraid of making the same mistake again?"

"How is that possible!"

Maruboshi Kosuke seemed to feel insulted and flew into a rage.

But soon...

He became dejected.

Because he also felt that what Kyohiko said seemed to make some sense.

Perhaps one could do more if Jonin?

and.

He was indeed afraid.

"I think the Second Hokage taught your friend Ninjutsu in the hope that he would learn from his mistakes and strive to improve, and that he would pass it on. Passing it down from generation to generation, the flame never dies—I think that's part of the Will of Fire."

Kyohiko shared his thoughts on the matter, saying, "If he truly believes that Genin is punishment, then he's merely making excuses for his cowardice and shirking responsibility."

Maruboshi Kosuke remained silent, his expression momentarily dazed as he watched the Kyohiko Yoshimine speak.

At that moment, he almost thought the Second Hokage was standing right in front of him.

"Senior?"

"Ah? Oh, I, I'll think about it, let me think..."

Maruboshi Kosuke looked dazed, as if he had lost his soul, and walked step by step in one direction.

That is...

Memorial Stone.

After a long while, he stood before the Memorial Stone, where the name "Senju Tobirama" was prominently displayed. In the distance was the Hokage Rock, with the second portrait on it looking incredibly lifelike.

"Second Hokage, that child... I almost thought it was you standing in front of me, lecturing me like you always have, and I even felt like he was right."

"Inheritance, preservation."

"It turns out I've never truly understood your will all along."

He knelt before the monument, weeping bitterly.

"I'm not punishing myself, I'm just indulging in self-pity, in my cowardice and escapism!"

Lies don't hurt, but the truth is the sharpest knife.

These repeated, brutal blows were too much for Maruboshi Kosuke to handle. Recalling the past, he realized that he had never understood Senju Tobirama's intentions at all, and had been running away from them all along, even feeling self-satisfied that he had atoned for his sins.

In reality, Maruboshi Kosuke sobbed, his heart filled with regret.

After crying for a while, he heard a sound behind him.

"You don't need to feel guilty. Without your past experiences, you wouldn't be who you are today. Just like without war, I wouldn't be who I am today."