Third Hokage, Your Efforts Are in Vain!

"Lord Hokage, thanks to Kyohiko, otherwise I definitely wouldn't have been able to complete this mission..."

The Shibi Aburame self-aware.

Aburame Tatsuma's abilities are indeed remarkable; otherwise, he wouldn't have been valued by Danzo and become one of the top figures in the Root.

He can defeat his opponent, but catching him is very difficult.

If you're alone, there's a high chance the enemy will escape, and you won't be able to complete the mission.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled.

Then, he looked at Kyohiko and said, "Thank you for your hard work. This mission is all thanks to you."

"It's nothing, it's just that we didn't manage to kill all his men, which might cause trouble later."

Kyohiko said.

Many Root were killed in the bombing, but based on his observations and listening along the way, he also learned that quite a few survived.

These people could become Danzo's new ally.

Furthermore, Hiruzen Sarutobi's actions against Danzo's power will inevitably lead to a loss of popular support, making it virtually impossible for Danzo Hiruzen Sarutobi before.

Unless Danzo like a jerk.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was silent for a moment, then said, "This is a necessary loss, and Danzo's way of doing things is really different from before... Alas! I knew too little about him, which led to such a grave mistake."

He sighed repeatedly, prompting Kyohiko to quickly comfort him, saying that it was due to Danzo's conspiracy, not the Third Hokage's incompetence.

Shibi Aburame followed.

The three of them were having a pleasant time in the office.

After some lighthearted banter, Hiruzen Sarutobi told Kyohiko to go back and rest, but Kyohiko, of course, wouldn't stay and make a fool of himself.

After he left.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Shibi Aburame.

"Shibi, tell me in detail what happened yesterday."

"Yes!"

Shibi Aburame gave a detailed account of yesterday's battle.

Upon hearing about the Water Dragon Bullet Technique, even Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but show a look of surprise on his face.

He had previously heard Maruboshi Kosuke say that Kyohiko's Water Style did not require his guidance. At that time, Maruboshi Kosuke had already praised Kyohiko to the point that "he could teach him everything."

He was somewhat skeptical, wondering what level Kyohiko could have reached after practicing for a while.

Perhaps Maruboshi Kosuke was just being modest.

Now, Shibi Aburame's description truly proves that Kyohiko does indeed possess such abilities.

As a B-rank Ninjutsu, the Water Dragon Bullet Water Dragon Bullet already quite difficult, and the modified version is even more difficult, making it difficult even among A-rank techniques.

and.

Kyohiko will probably only need one or two months, or even less, to learn how to use Water Dragon Bullet.

However, Kyohiko's technique is not complicated.

Adding compression and rotation to the ordinary Water Dragon Bullet is something Hiruzen Sarutobi could easily do with his abilities.

Furthermore, the combination of Shadow Clone can be improved to create the Lightning Water Dragon Bullet Technique, but since the Ninjutsu was improved by Kyohiko, isn't it a bit shameless to just use it directly?

"Lord Hokage?"

"Ah? Oh, that's a very clever change. There might be other integrations in actual combat. Kyohiko's idea is truly remarkable."

Hiruzen Sarutobi out of his daze.

He put aside his distracting thoughts and nodded, saying, "Shibi, you've worked hard too. Go back and rest. Let your family handle Aburame Tatsuma themselves; the village won't interfere."

"Yes, thank you, Lord Hokage!"

Shibi Aburame sigh of relief.

Letting the family handle it is a different way of letting Aburame Tatsuma off the hook.

He bowed slightly, not inquiring about the other two Root members, and left with Aburame Tatsuma.

When I got home, Kakashi was still there.

He read books all night.

Kyohiko's notes are mostly basic, such as Ninjutsu Hand Seals, principles, and nature transformations.

But.

It is precisely these fundamentals that many people overlook, instead directly pursuing so-called "techniques."

Kakashi was the same way in the past.

He pursued the application of Ninjutsu and strived to become stronger, but rarely explored its fundamental basis and core.

They know what it is, but not why it is.

After reading many books, he understood why Kyohiko was so powerful.

Because the other party is on the same path as the Second Hokage, trying to understand the essence of Ninjutsu, and then using that understanding to develop and reverse-engineer, mastering his own Ninjutsu.

What suits you best is the best choice!

Kakashi looked at these books and felt as if they were a treasure trove, containing countless riches.

pity...

The morning sunlight streamed in through the window.

He looked out the window.

It's already dawn!

Kakashi was momentarily dazed, then quickly regained his senses and glanced at the bookshelf.

<Basic Principles of Hand Seals>

In his mind, Kyohiko's one-handed hand Hand Seals and special Water Style Hand Seals appeared.

This must be the reason why Kyohiko can perform hand Hand Seals with one hand and use special Hand Seals, right?

Kakashi turned the page.

Just then, a tremor occurred outside.

Immediately, Kyohiko jumped in through the window.

Seeing Kakashi's astonished expression, he laughed and said, "So engrossed? Take him back to see."

"You're back so soon?"

The task on the side won't take long.

Kyohiko didn't reveal the specifics, only mentioning it casually, then glanced at the book in Kakashi's hand and said, "This book is useful, but it's not basic at all."

Senju Tobirama's skill level was too high; his foundation was slightly different from that of ordinary people.

However, he smiled and said, "You take a look first, maybe you'll find something useful? I need to sleep in this morning, so you can watch the house here for me."

Watching... guarding the house?

Kakashi's expression froze, but Kyohiko didn't wait for his reply before going inside to get his clothes, seemingly preparing to take a shower and go to bed.

He wanted to put down the book to show his integrity, but he couldn't bear to.

Books are so wonderful!

Let them watch, what's wrong with making a few jokes?

Kakashi picked it up and continued reading.

Kyohiko went inside to take a shower and glanced at the system.

There's no reward.

That's normal.

Although Root is independent, it is ultimately a force of the Land of Fire. Destroying Root's base is considered a civil war, so it's good that it didn't lose points.

but.

True progress still comes from real-world experience!

The idea of manipulating the dragon head to turn and accelerate today came to me on a whim.

And this also makes --

[Water Dragon Bullet (Mastery)]

The difference between mastery and proficiency lies in complete control over the dual changes of rotation and compression, eliminating the need for Shadow Clone as before, and allowing for much more freedom of control.

However, neither has yet reached its full potential.

If both variations can be pushed to their limits, aside from the inability to Hand Seals, the effect should be quite similar to Senju Tobirama's Hard Whirlpool Water Blade.

We still need to work harder!

In the afternoon, the sun was blazing.

Kyohiko woke up, went out for a meal, and came back to warm up and exercise.

Kakashi is still upstairs.

He couldn't possibly finish reading that book in a short time.

It's difficult!

At that time, Kyohiko used his Shadow Clone for several days, but gained nothing.

Kakashi is stronger than he was when he first obtained the book, but his strength in Hand Seals is limited, making it impossible for him to understand Senju Tobirama's notes.

really.

As evening approached, Kyohiko finished his workout.

Kakashi still looked worried.

Hearing footsteps, he rubbed his temples.

"You're right, this book is anything but basic. I've been reading it all day and I'm completely lost; my head is aching."

Kakashi was exhausted.

He hasn't slept for a day and a night.

Kyohiko said, "Even the basics are profound and obscure for us, given the Second Hokage's level. To master them, we need to break them down further and understand the deeper levels of fundamental techniques."

"Thanks!"

Kakashi bowed deeply.

Kyohiko immediately helped him up.

"No need for thanks. Besides, Scorpion might not be dead."

"Resurrection magic?"

Kakashi pondered for a moment, clearly also aware of Chiyo's strange request.

although...

As family members, it's normal to ask for a complete corpse, but Chiyo was willing to become an enemy of Konoha and Amegakure, wanting to use puppets to kill them all.

The attitude was too resolute.

Kyohiko nodded, then smiled and said, "However, the price of resurrection is definitely not small, otherwise it would be commonplace by now. Even if Chiyo to be replaced by Sasori, you would still only have one enemy."

"My father killed many Sand Ninja back then, perhaps including Chiyo's relatives..."

Kakashi was used to it.

The Sand Villagers are enemies; they fight on the battlefield, and there is no right or wrong among them.

As for revenge...

Back and forth, and then it's over!

"Scorpion is a madman, he's completely irrational. If he goes back to Sunagakure, there might be another war in the future, so we need to prepare in advance."

"I see."

Kakashi nodded.

He was eager to become stronger because he felt a sense of urgency and dared not relax in the slightest.

After seeing him off, Kyohiko went out for a night run.

The removal of Danzo's stronghold did not cause much of a stir in the village.

Jiraiya and Tsunade have also fallen silent.

Even Kyohiko hadn't seen them for half a month, and figured they were hiding in the Anbu, so he didn't bother looking for them.

The village was well-organized.

At the Ninja Academy, everyone was working enthusiastically, busy with their studies and graduation preparations.

but.

People like Asuma, who had already passed the exam, did not need to take it again this time.

Konoha Hospital.

Kurenai Yuhi focused intently on her treatment.

She has been training with Tsunade for quite some time, and can visit and learn from various departments, but recently there have been five more people following her.

"This patient has a very typical Kunai wound, not too deep, but everyone should pay attention to the location..."

Explained by Kurenai Yuhi.

Suddenly, she sensed Kyohiko's presence and looked up out the window.

Rin Nohara and Kanpo also saw it.

She suppressed a laugh.

The Kurenai Yuhi fading in Kyohiko's eyes, before he continued his explanation.

However, after explaining the problem in the ward, she left and told them to go find Shizune, while she walked out of the hospital.

Looking for me?

"Hmm, your Teacher shouldn't be here."

Kyohiko said.

Kurenai Yuhi nodded. "She's been rarely at the hospital lately. She might be there tomorrow because there's a rather important surgery scheduled for tomorrow."

"If you see him, please pass me a note."

Kyohiko spoke, he slipped the note over.

Kurenai Yuhi took it, then looked up. "May I see it?"

"Casual."

Kyohiko smiled and waved, "I won't disturb your cultivation. I'll go continue my training too."

"Good."

Kurenai Yuhi took it.

Upon unfolding the note, it read, "Don't forget the important matter."

ah?

She didn't quite understand, but she still put it away, intending to bring it to Tsunade the next day.

Kyohiko's purpose was very simple.

Before Tsunade, she took a series of measures that significantly restored her popularity and fame within the village, completely reversing the disadvantages she had faced when she left.

but.

Recently, however, things have fallen silent, without a single word or movement...

If she has no interest in the Hokage position, that's fine, but if she intends to compete for the Fourth Hokage, then this approach is unacceptable.

not to mention.

Kyohiko is waiting too!

His Strength Enhancement Technique has indeed improved, but the progress is slow. At this rate, it will probably take him two or three years of honing his skills to reach "mastery".

However.

If Tsunade makes some progress, she might just go straight up there!

Moreover, if the Strength Enhancement Technique can be improved, other techniques related to Chakra control may also see some progress and breakthroughs.

so.

Kyohiko had no choice but to turn his attention back to her.

His Lightning Release Ninjutsu hasn't improved much.

Of course, this is also related to Kyohiko's needs. He studies Lightning Style mainly for the purpose of Lightning Style attribute and nature transformation, in combination with swordsmanship and Water Style in combat.

Ninjutsu isn't important.

In addition, regarding physical health, daily exercise and adequate nutrition have led to steady improvement, but further progress cannot be achieved through other means.

As for "Dust".

Whenever they are in the village, everyone gathers regularly, even when Kyohiko, Kakashi, and Guy are not there.

Once the rules are established, things become much easier.

However, they remain cautious in hiring and have not expanded blindly.

Kyohiko valued them quite a bit.

These people will be the backbone of the company in the future!

The following evening, after taking a bath, Kyohiko waited in the study.

finally--

Thump!

Tsunade jumped in through the window without warning.

Then she closed the window.

Looking for me?

"Sister, you've been working in the Anbu lately, haven't you?"

Seeing that she didn't understand, Kyohiko had no choice but to directly remind her, "Although you are Sannin, and your reputation and prestige are already very high, if you want to compete for Hokage, you still need to show everyone that you can continuously achieve results."

Tsunade paused for a moment after hearing this, then said, "I was working on something, but it needed to be kept secret... However, it recently came to an end, and I won't be needed for the follow-up."

"Is it related to Kurokawa?"

Kyohiko understood.

With Orochimaru gone, there aren't many trustworthy research talents left in the village. The Third Hokage will definitely have Tsunade participate, which will also allow Tsunade to disappear from the public eye for a while.

Killing two birds with one stone.

Old man!

He was about to remind her again, but thankfully it wasn't necessary; Tsunade herself had figured it out.

The affairs of the Anbu are not suitable to be made public, so from the public's perspective, she hasn't actually achieved anything significant during this period.

Her face looked rather pale.

"Despite all the precautions, we still fell for the Old Man's trick!"

"Not really."

Kyohiko reassured him, "Kurokawa is indeed important. Oh, and I was also ordered to capture someone and destroy the Root's base..."

He exchanged information with Tsunade.

Tsunade then realized that the Old Man had done so many things while he was luring her into the Anbu.

She frowned.

What is the Old Man trying to do?

Completely sever ties with Danzo?

this...

Tsunade was somewhat at a loss for what to do.

With a quick glance at Kyohiko, Tsunade immediately had an idea.

"Good brother, you asked your sister to come, so you must have a way, right?"

"Maruboshi Kosuke has been promoted to Jonin."

Kyohiko, speaking of completely unrelated information, smiled slightly, "I played a small part in this."

Maruboshi Kosuke?

Tsunade's eyes lit up.

This guy was a real expert. My Second Grandfather had always wanted to promote and train him, but he couldn't get him to let go of his resentment until his death.

How did you do that?

"It's not difficult..."

Kyohiko also recounted his own experiences.

Tsunade was incredibly excited, gesturing wildly. "Finding the root of the problem, using words to help the other person out of their predicament! That's psychotherapy!"

"Yes, I think cases like Kosuke's Jonin probably not uncommon, right?"

Kyohiko reminded him.

Tsunade nodded repeatedly, speaking of the shortcomings of her past education—

Over the past decade or so, there has been constant warfare, especially after the death of the Second Hokage. Konoha has been in turmoil, and the training of ninjas has been very rough, making it impossible to proceed gradually.

Things like Kosuke's happen frequently.

Her eyes lit up, and she immediately understood.

"Book, Psychology Department!"

These are two directions.

One need is to collect erroneous cases similar to those of Maruboshi Kosuke, and the other is to promote treatment in this area so that Psychology Department can be fully implemented.

"And then there's the gradual education you mentioned."

Kyohiko reminded him.

Tsunade nodded repeatedly.

They had discussed this point before and even submitted a proposal on it, but it was rejected by the three old men.

Three things...

There needs to be a sequence.

Tsunade's expression immediately turned serious. "Damn it, the Old Man left me in the Anbu, he must have sent someone to do the writing himself. Kyohiko, you should have reminded me sooner!"

She was extremely annoyed.

Despite being very careful, they still fell for the trap.

Kyohiko laughed and said, " With Lord Jiraiya not around, you can't handle multiple tasks at the same time. Besides, do you know who to contact? Do you have that many people's information?"

"I certainly have a lot of information at the hospital, but not as much as the Hokage, and it's too late... Just get involved, the main thing is to push for educational reform and the establishment of the Psychology Department, as well as the complete development of medicine and soothing Ninjutsu!"

Tsunade looked at her own forehead.

As she gradually calmed down, her thoughts became clearer.

Then, she sighed, "But I didn't come away empty-handed. In the past two weeks, in order to appease Kurokawa, I specifically learned that Genjutsu technique and gained some insights into emotions."

By this point in her speech, she was no longer flustered.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was indeed shrewd and knew very well how to use his power to create trouble for his opponents.

but.

She's not without her advantages.

All the efforts of the three generations were in vain, and in the end, they only made it easier for her to implement her own policies!

certainly.

The current situation is...

Kyohiko deserves much credit.

Tsunade's eyes lit up, and she rushed over to hug Kyohiko.

"Good brother, thanks to you!"

"Work hard in the future, and when you grow up, I'll give you the fifth generation."

You're more suited to be Hokage than I am!

Tsunade's expression was serious, without the slightest hint of a joke.

Kyohiko was facing immense terror; his heart was pounding so hard he couldn't speak. It took him quite a while to finally break free of his restraints.

"Hokage? Whatever you do, it's the same as what I do—it's all about serving the village and the people!"

Kyohiko answered in a very serious tone.

Tsunade couldn't help but laugh.

"You're a lot like Orochimaru, but do you know what I admire most about you?"

"Which point?"

"No matter what it is, you can always bring up the village and everyone else, adopting a completely altruistic attitude, and making people believe that this is really what you think and do."

Tsunade couldn't help but laugh, "That's quite a skill!"

Upon hearing this, Kyohiko did not become arrogant.

He's barely gotten anywhere.

That's all.

The two chatted for a while, Tsunade dared not delay any longer.

She has been led astray by three generations of her family for half a month and cannot afford to slack off any longer.

"I need to write down that Genjutsu and my recent insights to see if I can develop it into an emotional Genjutsu system. I can't talk to you any longer."

Rest in peace, sister.