Hiruzen: Could I really have been wrong?

More than an hour later, at the Hokage Building in Konoha.

Maruboshi Kosuke wept bitterly, his eyes red and swollen, his healthy eye bloodshot from crying.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was completely dumbfounded.

From childhood to adulthood, apart from that one time he made a mistake, he had never seen Maruboshi Kosuke cry like this.

What's wrong?

Is it really that much pressure to just give Kyohiko some pointers?

Or perhaps something happened this morning that I'm unaware of.

How could such a serious incident have occurred in just one morning without any CCTV footage?

He blankly helped Maruboshi Kosuke up.

"Kosuke, what's wrong with you?"

"Lord Hokage, I want to Jonin!"

"Ah?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi put his pipe aside, his face a mixture of bewilderment and shock, completely unable to believe what he had just heard.

Jonin?

you?

Sky!

Since becoming Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi had been plotting how to resolve Maruboshi Kosuke's inner conflict, and he never expected that it would come to fruition now. But why did this happen...?

He knew nothing about it.

What happened?

Do all people who spend time with Kyohiko undergo drastically different changes?

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into deep thought for a long time.

Then, he gestured for Maruboshi Kosuke to sit down. "Can you tell me why? You never wanted to become Jonin before, to atone for your past mistakes."

"I..."

Maruboshi Kosuke hesitated for a moment before speaking.

Being lectured or reprimanded by an eight-year-old child is not a very honorable thing, but when he thought of Kyohiko's words, he immediately put aside his shame.

Compared to the significance of "inheritance" and "preservation," what does one's personal shame matter?

He said seriously, "I've been lectured by a child!"

He then recounted his conversation with Kyohiko.

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent after hearing this.

Guardians, inheritors, the Will of Fire.

Frankly, he couldn't have spoken better than Kyohiko. The key point was that, as far as he knew, Kyohiko not only thought this way but also acted on it; he wasn't just talking the talk.

Dust.

Information about this organization, which seemed so insignificant in name, had been delivered to him by the Anbu. Hiruzen Sarutobi now had a basic understanding of the organization's ideology and situation.

Let's help each other, make progress together, and jointly protect Konoha.

That child really looks so much like the Second Hokage!

Hiruzen Sarutobi silent.

After a long pause, he sighed, "Kosuke, with your abilities and strength, you've already reached the standard of Jonin. You could easily be promoted to Jonin or even lead a team, but you've always had a mental block and refused to accept it, so there's nothing I can do..."

"I have to thank Kyohiko; he saved a Jonin for me and for the village!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi solemnly.

Maruboshi Kosuke felt ashamed. Indeed, all along, he had only been shirking responsibility, indulging in self-righteousness and self-pity, without truly achieving "atonement."

He lowered his head.

"Lord Hokage, I have another request."

"Explain."

Seeing him turn around, Hiruzen Sarutobi was already very happy.

He would accept any request, let alone one, or even two or three.

Maruboshi Kosuke said, "I want to write down my experiences and feelings truthfully as case studies and include them in a book to warn children and Genin, so that they understand the responsibility of leading a team and the consequences of wrong command."

Hiruzen Sarutobi surprised, and then couldn't help but say, "Kosuke, you don't need to do this..."

If that's the case, Maruboshi Kosuke's story will become a "pillar of shame," and when the next generation mentions his name, the first thing they'll think of isn't his contributions, but rather his past arrogance and mistakes.

How could he bear to do that?

Maruboshi Kosuke shook his head.

"This is the price I must pay. Moreover, if my insignificant personal sacrifice can help the next generation of children and ninjas understand the responsibility and significance of a team leader, I will die willingly!"

He was not afraid to sacrifice himself.

I'm afraid I won't even know what I should be doing, and will drift aimlessly like I have for the past two or three decades.

Hiruzen Sarutobi deeply moved.

There was no precedent for this in Konoha in the past.

but.

If some of these mistakes could be compiled into a book to warn ninjas, even if the impact on each individual is small and insignificant, the cumulative effect could be enormous.

He remained silent for a long time before finally nodding.

"This is your courage and will; I have no reason to refuse."

Given Maruboshi Kosuke's thinking, he definitely wouldn't have thought of this; it must have been Kyohiko gave him the idea behind the scenes.

That's not important.

Importantly, Kyohiko's decision was Konoha.

Then it's worth doing!

only...

Such cases should be based on the other party's agreement, but not everyone has the courage of Maruboshi Kosuke. In the short term, his case alone is not enough to fill a book.

"I'll seriously consider how to handle this matter, so you don't need to worry. As for the Jonin thing, it just so happens that the Ninja Academy graduation exams are Jonin soon. Would you like to take care of the child next year?"

"I will follow the village's arrangements."

Maruboshi Kosuke stood up straight.

Just as the child said, a true Jonin, the Will of Fire, is not only about protection but also about passing on traditions.

It's ridiculous that I'm in my forties and still need a child to point out my shortcomings.

"Okay, then I'll arrange for you to take care of your three children this year."

Hiruzen Sarutobi could hardly contain his smile.

Maruboshi Kosuke was injured in one eye during a mission with him, resulting in him losing sight in one eye. Even so, he still charged into battle and only took on the most difficult tasks.

Although he remained valiant, in his view, Maruboshi Kosuke's value went far beyond that.

Passing on skills is also an important task.

Coincidentally, there is currently a team that is facing restructuring.

[Psychological therapy was conducted to help a ninja resolve his inner conflicts and overcome his difficulties.]

[With your help, he became a Jonin and will take on even more important responsibilities!]

[Reward: Konoha Style - Willow Upgrade]

No wasted breath!

Kyohiko breathed a sigh of relief.

What was he after, chasing after the Memorial Stone all the way from the outskirts of the village? Wasn't it just for this "meager" reward?

Finally, the hard work paid off.

Konoha Style: Willow - Upgraded by 1 level.

He tried to integrate and understand the new memories in his mind, and then an uncontrollable look of surprise appeared on his face.

This is--

Konoha Style: Willow?

It seems a bit different from Maruboshi Kosuke's.

Upon reaching a proficient level, Konoha Style -ryu: Willow can channel even stronger Genjutsu effects after performing hand Hand Seals with one hand.

The Genjutsu's effect has become even stronger!

for example...

He himself had the idea of combining the Dance of the Crescent Moon with the Konoha Style: Willow, and had previously shown a half-finished version of it, but now he can fully realize the state he wants.

etc?

"In my opinion, the essence of willow magic is to guide Genjutsu through actions, while Hand Seals are merely a process of strengthening and simplifying the magic. Could a similar method be used to complete the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique?"

Kyohiko was deeply moved.

If the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique can be combined, it will definitely be a powerful tool for assassination. Even if it cannot be combined, if the movements can be combined to form a hand Hand Seals to complete a short spell, it will be surprisingly effective against the Uchiha Clan in the future.

Further exploration and experimentation are possible.

Everyone has their own methods that suit them, and it's not necessary to demand that everyone be exactly the same; perhaps one approach is even more suitable for another.

The Land of Wind.

Pakura stood before the Third Kazekage, head bowed, not daring to speak.

The atmosphere was deathly silent.

After a long silence, the Third Kazekage sighed.

"Fine, I won't punish you."

"I believe I understand Chiyo Chiyo's intentions, but..."

"Don't blame yourself. This was Elder Chiyo's choice. Even if you had noticed, it wouldn't have mattered."

The Third Kazekage gently reassured her, "She only has one grandson, and she was already prepared when she demanded the body back."

He patted Pakura on the shoulder.

Don't take it to heart.

"Yes!"

Pakura's voice was slightly choked with emotion.

The ninjas of this generation in Sunagakure all had some connection with Chiyo, or had received treatment from Chiyo.

How could she not grieve over Chiyo's passing?

so.

She couldn't understand it at all.

As a grandson and the one who was saved, Sasori of the Red Sands's composure was utterly inhuman.

The Third Kazekage gazed towards the Land of Fire.

Let go of hatred, just so that Scorpion can live.

Chiyo, I hope your grandson lives up to your expectations!

He sighed softly.

Then, the Third Kazekage raised an eyebrow.

"Where is Elder Chiyo's body? She should be returned to the village so that the entire village can bid her farewell."

"Oh."

With a flick of his finger, Scorpion revealed a human-shaped object wrapped in cloth behind him.

The Third Kazekage's gaze sharpened.

You won't even spare your own grandmother?

"This is timeless art!"

The scorpion answered calmly.

The Third Kazekage's eyes were sharp, and his face wore an expression of disbelief.

Scorpion scoffed, "What happens after death is meaningless. Let's save that pomp and circumstance for the living. I'll return to the village, but if you try to stop my research..."

"I will not allow you to research Human Puppet; this is a dangerous and forbidden art! Especially not our own people. If you dare to kill your own people for research, even if it means betraying Elder Chiyo, I will still kill you."

The Third Kazekage remained steadfast in his stance.

Scorpion put away the puppet on his back and turned to leave.

"Foolish people are really not worth talking to. It's my fault for thinking you were different."

Scorpion sneered.

The Third Kazekage said the next moment, "If you're thinking of provoking the people of Konoha, I advise you to give up that idea."

"Oh?"

"The one guarding that side is Sannin, one of the Orochimaru."

The Third Kazekage revealed the information he had obtained.

He withdrew his left hand, which had formed a hand seal, and concealed the slight surprise on his face.

Just now...

He used the power of Magnet Release to sense that the package on Sasori's back was not actually Human Puppet, but an ordinary puppet made of iron and other materials.

Scorpion may not be as he thinks.

Elder Chiyo wouldn't want you to continue researching Human Puppet.

The Third Kazekage said earnestly, "Chiyo must have passed on the Chikamatsu Ten Puppets to you. With your skill and talent, you can definitely create even better puppets."

"The Chikamatsu Ten Puppets..."

A trace of reminiscence and pain appeared on Sasori of the Red Sands's face.

Their steps faltered.

He held a scroll in his hand, on which were written the words "father" and "mother".

Surpassing the Chikamatsu Ten Puppets?

A smile appeared on his face, followed by a cold snort, and he said in a low voice, "I will return to the village, but I advise you not to have any expectations."

The scorpion looked up at the sky.

"The eternal beauty I seek is beyond the comprehension of you fools, so don't bother me unless it's absolutely necessary!"

After saying that, he opened the scroll and sealed the puppet behind him inside.

Carrying the scroll, Sasori entered the desert step by step, heading towards Sunagakure.

The Third Kazekage remained silent.

The loss of Chiyo was exchanged for the Sasori of the Red Sands.

Chiyo hopes Sasori is the future of Sunagakure, but is an uncontrollable top genius truly a blessing for the Sunagakure?

"Scorpion, why can't you be like that kid from Konoha...?"

They are both top-tier geniuses.

According to intelligence from the Sunagakure's Anbu, the boy from Konoha is said to be Jonin at just over eight years old, and his conduct is widely praised, making him the complete opposite of Sasori.

"Why!"

A heavy sigh echoed from the sand dunes.

Near the Konoha Mingcha Street, in front of a flower shop, Yuzuki Uzumaki stopped.

She looked around the room, her eyes bright.

"It's a flower shop!"

Kyohiko looked at the house name.

Yamanaka Flower Shop.

"This is the Yamanaka Clan's property. What, you like flower arranging?"

I like it, but...

She smiled and didn't mention anything that made her unhappy.

After looking around for a while, she sighed, "It's a pity they're not hiring. I'm quite talented in this area."

"Are you cooking?"

Kyohiko suddenly asked.

Yuzuki Uzumaki thought for a moment, then said with a hint of excitement, "When I was little, I often cooked for my grandma, and she loved my cooking! Back then..."

Her voice trailed off abruptly, and her expression turned somber.

"Never mind, I don't like cooking."

"Then I'll ask around for you."

Kyohiko said as he walked into the "Yamanaka Flower Shop".

A young, beautiful, and incredibly gentle woman was pruning branches in the flower shop when she heard footsteps and immediately stood up.

"Oh, it is..."

Yamanaka Rino glanced at Kyohiko and vaguely remembered the child's identity.

She looked outside.

Are you here to buy flowers?

"Boss, are you hiring? Apprentices, helpers, etc. My friend really likes flower arranging and would like to learn and work at your shop."

Kyohiko introduced Yuzuki Uzumaki behind him.

Yamanaka Rino glanced at the other person.

A strange girl.

but.

That hair color looks familiar...

Um?

It looks like the hair of the Uzumaki Clan.

She immediately recalled the rumors circulating about the village's Housewives Association.

A girl from the Uzumaki Clan has arrived in Konoha.

A friendly smile appeared on her face.

"I'm very free when I'm free, and very busy when I'm busy. One more person won't hurt, come in and let's chat."

"Thanks!"

Yuzuki Uzumaki bowed.

Kyohiko stepped aside to let her into the house.

After a short while, the two were chatting happily, seemingly having endless things to say about flower arranging, but Kyohiko showed little interest.

He wandered around aimlessly, looking at the flowers in the shop.

After waiting for a moment, Kyohiko's gaze suddenly sharpened, and he turned his head to look at a certain spot outside the door.

He Lightning Style: Earth Flash the door as if nothing had happened.

Immediately, he stretched and secretly Hand Seals with his left hand.

Konoha Style: Willow!

The core of this kind of technique lies in "Genjutsu" rather than the sword; it can be used as long as the conditions are met.

In the next instant, he Body Flicker Technique.

When it reappeared, it was already on a rooftop, and it drew its blade and held it to a person's throat.

"Who are you?"

"Kyohiko Jonin, my name is Yamanaka Miri, and I'm responsible for monitoring and protecting Yuzuki Uzumaki..."

The voice belonged to a woman.

Wow, so fast!

In that instant, she saw a crowd of people moving in the street and immediately sensed something was wrong, but unexpectedly—

The next moment, a knife was pressed against his body.

She didn't dare to move.

"Yamanaka Miri?"

If you dare to name him, he must be one of Hiruzen Sarutobi's subordinates.

"Yes, I am acting on the Lord Hokage's orders to protect Yuzuki Uzumaki."

"Misunderstand."

Kyohiko calmly sheathed his sword.

He thought they were Danzo's subordinates who wanted to use this opportunity to intimidate him.

Since he's Hiruzen Sarutobi's subordinate...

That's alright then.

Compared to Danzo, Hiruzen Sarutobi follows some rules and doesn't act recklessly.

Just as he was about to speak, a figure Body Flicker Technique.

Wearing an animal mask and dressed all in black.

Anbu Ninja!

"Kyohiko Jonin, the Lord Hokage requests your presence."

"Okay, I understand."

Kyohiko glanced at the location of the flower shop, then looked at Yamanaka Miri, who was wearing a mask, and said, "Thank you for your help."

"I'm glad you don't mind."

How could Yamanaka Miri dare to put on airs?

If this had happened on a battlefield, she would have been dead from that single blow.

What a powerful young man!

Kyohiko nodded, Body Flicker Technique down to say goodbye to Yuzuki Uzumaki. Youxi did not try to stop him, but waved goodbye.

He voluntarily disbanded his Shadow Clone.

Konoha, Hokage Building.

"Lord Hokage."

"Kyohiko, cough cough, sit down!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi himself, then opened the window to dispel the smell of smoke in the room.

Then, he bowed slightly.

"Kyohiko, I want to thank you!"

What are you doing?

"I've always wanted to resolve Kosuke's matter, but I didn't know how. I never expected you to do it."

Hiruzen Sarutobi his sincere gratitude.

Kyohiko shook his head. "I just can't bear to see a powerful ninja wallowing in self-pity because of some psychological issues, ultimately wasting his time."

"Psychology..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed softly.

Previously, he hadn't taken his "mental" health issues seriously.

Looking back now, he might have been wrong!

certainly.

He hasn't shown it yet.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took out a scroll.

"Take a look."

"Yes."

Kyohiko took it.

Upon opening it, his expression immediately turned serious.

The document written above is a report about "Kurokawa".

"Sage Transformation?"

"Um."

Hiruzen Sarutobi. "This is a unique constitution unlike any we've ever seen before, but currently, we haven't found a solution. Even Sealing Technique can only control a small portion of it."

Sealing Technique mostly seal Chakra clusters, targeting a specific Chakra pathway in the human body.

In reality, Kurokawa didn't know how to refine Chakra. His "Sage Chakra" was formed spontaneously after absorbing Natural Energy, which meant that the Sealing Technique couldn't work perfectly.

Kyohiko pondered for a moment.

"Could we consider having him learn Ninjutsu and Chakra manipulation, so that he can reach a level where he can control Chakra?"

"Yes, that's what we're doing right now..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was about to speak.

Outside, there was a knocking sound at the door.

Following closely behind, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed softly.

"Go wait in the Jonin Waiting Room for a moment. I have another task that I need you to handle later."

"Yes!"

Kyohiko Gate of Opening.

Outside, a man with a cold expression looked down at him.

The two looked at each other.

The other person nodded slightly and then stepped aside to make way.

Kyohiko politely returned the greeting and walked towards the waiting room.

The next moment, he heard a familiar conversation coming from inside.

"Hiruzen, leave that guy to me."

"Danzo..."