The door creaked open.
Inside the classroom, the three held their breaths as they looked toward the entrance.
But...
The person outside still hadn't entered.
*Who could it be?*
*This is really annoying.*
Kyouhiko couldn't help but complain inwardly.
The next moment—
A figure stepped inside.
**"Have you three been waiting long?"**
White hair, a distinctive "oil" marking on his forehead—immediately eye-catching.
His outfit...
*Familiar.*
Yuhi Kurenai's eyes widened.
Kakashi stiffened in disbelief.
Kyouhiko was equally shocked.
*Jiraiya?!*
*One of the Legendary Sannin?*
*Since when did he lead Kakashi's team?*
But then, realization struck.
*The butterfly effect.*
*Perhaps my mere presence has already altered things.*
Suppressing his excitement, Kyouhiko spoke first.
**"You... are Lord Jiraiya?"**
He knew he couldn't act too calm—
Jiraiya was a living legend in Konoha. Any normal genin would be thrilled to meet him.
Jiraiya laughed.
**"Hahaha! For now, you're under my command. Let's talk somewhere more open."**
---
### **On the Academy Rooftop**
Jiraiya sat on the ledge while the three stood before him.
**"You all know me, so no introductions. Just state your names, likes, and dislikes."**
Kakashi spoke coldly.
**"Hatake Kakashi. Chunin. Skilled in kenjutsu and lightning techniques. No likes. I hate rule-breakers."**
Yuhi Kurenai fidgeted nervously.
**"L-Lord Jiraiya, I'm Yuhi Kurenai. I specialize in genjutsu. I like wasabi octopus... and hate cake."**
Kyouhiko answered carefully.
**"Ryomine Kyouhiko. Currently strongest in taijutsu. I like training to get stronger... and hate war."**
His response was deliberate—
*Cultivation and anti-war sentiments fit his background without revealing too much.*
Jiraiya paused, then nodded.
**"Good. Now, listen closely."**
His smile faded.
**"The Hokage thinks you have potential, so he assigned me to train you. But..."**
His gaze sharpened.
**"I'm not convinced yet. Tomorrow morning, you'll report to Training Ground 7 for an assessment. Fail, and..."**
A cold smirk.
**"You're back to the Academy. As for you, Kakashi—you can join another team. Or quit now if you think these two are beneath you."**
Kakashi glanced at the others.
Kyouhiko stayed silent—
*This itself might be a test.*
Yuhi Kurenai bit her lip anxiously.
Kakashi finally spoke.
**"I doubt their skills... but I'll try."**
Jiraiya turned to the others.
**"And you? My test will be harder than anyone else's."**
**"I'll participate."**
Kyouhiko didn't hesitate.
*Being a Sannin's student was a rare opportunity.*
Yuhi Kurenai quickly agreed.
**"Good. Prepare this afternoon—and don't eat breakfast tomorrow. Hehehe!"**
With that, Jiraiya vanished.
---
### **Team Tensions**
Kyouhiko took the initiative.
**"Let's scout Training Ground 7 and practice together."**
Kakashi scoffed.
**"The assessment is a mission. If you can't keep up, I'll leave you behind."**
He disappeared in a shunshin.
Yuhi Kurenai frowned.
**"Why's he like this...?"**
**"He's heading to the training ground. Let's follow."**
Kyouhiko flashed away, forcing Kurenai to chase after him.
Ahead, Kakashi noted their pursuit with hidden interest.
*Ryomine Kyouhiko...*
*Fast. Solid shunshin control.*
*But the girl's lagging.*
Unbeknownst to him, Jiraiya watched from the shadows.
**"That silver-haired brat ignores his teammates. Meanwhile, Kyouhiko could go faster but matches Kurenai's pace..."**
His approval grew.
*Smart. Considerate. Team-oriented.*
*With proper guidance... he could be exceptional.*
---
### **The Chase**
Kyouhiko suddenly accelerated, overtaking Kakashi in a blur.
**"Kakashi, the Forest of Death is dangerous. We should enter as a team."**
A pause.
**"Even as a chunin, the Hokage said teamwork matters. You can't just abandon your squad."**
Kakashi stopped, stunned.
*He slowed down... for Kurenai?*
His gaze sharpened as he reassessed Kyouhiko.
*Since when did our class have someone like him?*
Yuhi Kurenai finally caught up, panting.
Kyouhiko smiled.
**"We're a team. We stick together."**
Kakashi didn't reply—but leaped down toward the training ground.
**"Let's go. It'll be harder to spot traps after dark."**
---
### **End of Chapter**