"Teacher, these two Water Release techniques only require basic elemental affinity. As long as one possesses the corresponding affinity, they can be used. That's why I was able to grasp them so quickly. In truth, I'm still far from mastering them..."
Kyohiko summarized his thoughts.
He knew.
Tobirama Senju's Water Wall could rotate, significantly enhancing its defensive capabilities.
Other variations of the Water Wall could also be taller or wider.
Compared to that, his own application of Water Release was merely at a beginner's level.
The attribute system on his status panel confirmed this fact.
Two glaring "Beginner-level" evaluations stared back at him.
Kakashi couldn't help but interject, "You're already incredibly skilled!"
He thought back to his own experience...
When he first used a Lightning Release ninjutsu, he hadn't been able to immediately execute a B-rank technique like Kyohiko had.
Kakashi was beginning to understand how his peers must have felt when they looked at him back then.
It was truly frustrating!
Kurenai's emotions were even more complicated.
Both Kyohiko and Kakashi were undeniably geniuses. It was only natural that they became subordinates or disciples of Lord Jiraiya.
But what about her?
Her gaze grew distant, lost in thought, and she remained silent for a long time.
At the ninja academy, Kurenai had been an excellent student, consistently ranking at the top of her class. But after graduating, she couldn't help but compare herself to Kyohiko and Kakashi, and her confidence took a severe blow.
Jiraiya glanced at her and sighed inwardly—
Kurenai wasn't bad by any means, but being around Kyohiko and Kakashi was bound to make her feel inadequate.
However, what surprised and pleased him most about Kyohiko was that the boy was far more mature than he had expected.
If it were any other genin, mastering a B-rank ninjutsu on their first attempt would have gone straight to their head.
But this one?
Before Jiraiya could even offer criticism, Kyohiko had already begun self-reflecting and summarizing his shortcomings.
All Jiraiya needed to do...
Was hand him the ninjutsu scrolls and teach him how to train and study.
'So effortless!' Jiraiya marveled inwardly, though his expression remained calm as he nodded.
"It's good that you understand. At this level, you're still far from being a true genius. If I had performed Water Release like this back then, my teacher would've asked if I was even paying attention."
"Yes."
Kyohiko lowered his head, feigning reverence while suppressing a laugh.
Jiraiya definitely wasn't talking about himself—he was referring to Orochimaru.
Back then, Orochimaru's performance had been even more monstrous than Kyohiko's or Kakashi's. Otherwise, Hiruzen wouldn't have held such high expectations for him.
Jiraiya didn't bat an eye.
He cleared his throat and turned to Kakashi and Kurenai.
"Kakashi, if you have any questions, you can ask me later."
"Yes."
Kakashi replied respectfully.
Finally, there was Kurenai...
Jiraiya's expression turned serious.
When he had chosen Kurenai, it wasn't just because he found her agreeable.
As a genjutsu specialist, her chakra control was undoubtedly excellent. Combined with years of training in her family's genjutsu techniques, she was the perfect candidate to also study medical ninjutsu.
"Kurenai, focus on improving your physical conditioning for now. After that, study this technique."
He handed her a scroll.
Kurenai unfurled it—
Written on it was Ninja Art: Wild Lion's Mane Technique.
"This is..."
Kurenai's eyes widened in disbelief.
She had heard of this technique before.
It was one of Jiraiya's signature jutsu, and it had played a crucial role in the morning's assessment.
"As a genjutsu user, your chakra control is outstanding. Mastering this should only be a matter of time. Additionally, if you have the opportunity, I'd like you to study some medical ninjutsu."
Jiraiya spoke earnestly. "You don't need to master it immediately—I'll write you a letter of recommendation."
"Thank you, Teacher."
Kurenai bowed deeply.
The Wild Lion's Mane Technique.
Genjutsu.
Medical ninjutsu.
With this path, she would become a well-rounded support-type ninja.
"Believe in yourself. You have the potential to become a kunoichi like Tsunade—that's why I chose you."
Jiraiya showered her with encouragement, as if it cost him nothing.
Kurenai, moved, nodded repeatedly.
The three continued their training.
Kyohiko was still honing his Water Release techniques.
As he had said, while he could now perform the jutsu, true "mastery" was still a long way off.
At the very least—
He needed to raise his Water Wall to "Proficient" level, right?
"Alright, everyone, keep training. Starting tomorrow, we'll begin taking on missions."
---
As evening approached, the team dispersed.
That night, many in Konoha found themselves unable to sleep.
Jiraiya had taken on another team, enlisting the genius of the Hatake clan under his wing—along with a civilian ninja.
Many began making inquiries, only to end up baffled.
Who was Yoshimine Kyohiko?
Those with children in the academy asked around, but the answers were all the same—
No one had any impression of him.
How could a ninja like that become Jiraiya's disciple?
Especially among Kyohiko's former classmates, quite a few spent the night tossing and turning.
They racked their brains, unable to comprehend how a previously unremarkable, invisible classmate had suddenly become an untouchable "genius" in their eyes.
---
The next day, at the academy, inside Kyohiko's former classroom.
"Did you hear? After graduating, Kyohiko's team leader is Lord Jiraiya himself!"
"What?!"
"Seriously?!"
"That's what my father said yesterday."
The classroom erupted in chaos.
The Sannin.
To them, these were legendary figures beyond reach. Yet now, someone they knew had become their disciple—it was unbelievable.
"What's the big deal? I heard Kakashi's on his team too!"
Another student chimed in.
Asuma Sarutobi's eyes flickered with envy.
He hadn't chosen to graduate this year.
If only he had known Jiraiya would be teaching, if only he had known Kurenai would graduate this year and become Jiraiya's disciple...
"Tch!"
The boy's face darkened with regret as he sat by the window, gazing outside despondently.
The children's thoughts varied.
But one thing was the same—
On this day, the previously unknown "Yoshimine Kyohiko" suddenly became the talk of the entire school.
Yet, on this very day, the much-discussed Yoshimine Kyohiko found himself in the Hokage's office, locked in a heated debate with Jiraiya over missions.
"As the team's instructor, I believe we can take on C-rank missions right away!"
Jiraiya slammed his fist on the table.
Hamura's forehead beaded with sweat, but he mustered his courage.
"Lord Jiraiya, all new teams must start with D-rank missions. Those are the rules—even you can't bypass them."
He was only a chunin.
Standing up to one of the Sannin took considerable resolve.
Jiraiya was about to argue further when—
Kyohiko, who had been studying the mission board for some time, finally walked over and said, "Teacher, D-rank missions are fine too. After all, it's all for the village's sake."
"This young man speaks the truth! No matter the rank, all missions serve the village. Lord Jiraiya, please don't make this difficult for us."
Hamura pleaded desperately.
Jiraiya clicked his tongue but relented. "Fine. Then let's start with a water-carrying mission."
---
After leaving the Hokage's office.
"Our team has Kakashi. Handling C-rank missions would be no problem at all. I was even planning to take it up with the old man..."
Jiraiya still seemed disappointed.
Kakashi and Kurenai didn't respond.
The former followed rules and was fine either way.
The latter had no objections.
Kyohiko lowered his voice. "Teacher, it's not good to demand special treatment right away. Why don't we grind through some D-rank missions first? Once we've done enough, we'll qualify for C-ranks. Besides, we can still train during D-rank missions—there's not much difference."
"Fair enough."
Jiraiya waved his hand. "Then let's get grinding!"
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Extra Chapter: On Every 50 powerstones
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