Naruto: I am the Hokage

Hokage's Office.

The Third Hokage placed his hand on the crystal ball, observing the movements of Kakashi, Kyohiko, and Kurenai.

At that moment.

A strange noise came from the window, and the Third Hokage immediately pressed the crystal ball, looking toward the source.

Then...

He realized.

Wait, why am I scared?

Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed lightly and looked at the window, scolding, "Jiraiya, can't you just use the door?"

"Hey, this is faster."

Jiraiya, as carefree as ever, glanced inside, then his expression turned serious. "You're watching? How are they doing?"

The Third Hokage held his pipe.

"Ryoho Kyohiko is indeed impressive."

"Most importantly, his awareness and mindset. This kid is very mature, but children who grow up in war are often the most dangerous. Like Kakashi, he needs guidance."

Jiraiya leaned in, peering at the crystal ball together.

In the scene, Kyohiko and Kakashi were running while exchanging blows, testing each other's taijutsu.

At first...

Kyohiko was at a disadvantage, but his speed allowed him to evade Kakashi's attacks.

However.

As they fought, even through the crystal ball, both Hiruzen and Jiraiya could see—

Kyohiko's taijutsu skills were improving rapidly!

How is this possible?

Is there really such a genius in the world?

Jiraiya nudged the Third Hokage.

The pipe fell.

"Ah, my treasure!"

Hiruzen quickly reached out to catch it, but the tobacco inside spilled everywhere.

But.

This wasn't the time to worry about tobacco.

The Third Hokage's expression turned serious as he stared at the crystal ball.

This rate of improvement?

If he hadn't known Kyohiko was a descendant of the Senju, he would have thought the boy had awakened the Sharingan and was copying Kakashi's taijutsu.

"Jiraiya, have you seen him before?"

"Old man, I've run into him several times over the past year. I can assure you, this kid is incredibly hardworking. His progress is definitely due to his own efforts. He probably never fought anyone before, so he's just now unleashing his potential."

"Hmm."

The Third Hokage nodded.

He believed it. He was just too shocked earlier—

A kid he had never noticed before actually had such talent and determination.

Truly remarkable!

...

Kakashi was panting heavily.

He couldn't believe that someone could improve so quickly.

A genius?

But—

What about all the years of hard work and effort he had put in?

Kakashi refused to believe that any talent could allow someone to improve so rapidly in such a short time.

The person before him was more likely someone who had trained in isolation, never having fought before, and was only now showing his true strength.

Not only that.

But Kyohiko's speed seemed to be increasing subtly as well.

He was still getting stronger!

While Kakashi wasn't overwhelmed or unable to fight back, he couldn't help but feel shocked. As Kyohiko's "strength" grew, their fight became more intense and dangerous.

However.

Kyohiko knew the truth.

Without the rewards he had gained from Gai earlier, he wouldn't have been able to improve his taijutsu so quickly.

Additionally—

Combat was the fastest way to internalize knowledge and skills!

"Stop fighting! This isn't good for either of you."

Kurenai tried to intervene from behind.

But.

No one listened.

She gritted her teeth, made a hand seal, and activated her genjutsu.

Cherry Blossom Confusion Technique!

Petals of cherry blossoms began to fall from the sky.

Kyohiko and Kakashi, seeing this, immediately realized the danger and landed, breaking the genjutsu.

After a while, both opened their eyes.

Of course.

They hadn't broken the genjutsu themselves; Kurenai had released it.

Kurenai quickly bowed in apology.

"I'm sorry! But you two were getting too intense, and I don't know medical ninjutsu. If something happened in the Forest of Death, it would be dangerous."

"Kurenai, we should be thanking you."

Kyohiko said.

Kakashi remained silent.

At this age, she could already use such a high-level genjutsu!

Kurenai's genjutsu was truly impressive.

No wonder Lord Jiraiya had chosen her.

Fortunately, he wore a mask, so no one could see his expression, preserving his cool demeanor.

Kyohiko didn't rub salt in the wound.

"We're a team. The fight just now helped us understand each other's strengths, so we can plan better for tomorrow's test."

Team... partners...

Kakashi said coldly, "Just don't hold me back."

Kurenai's blood pressure spiked.

She was usually gentle, but the genius Kakashi she had imagined was completely different from the reality.

How could he be so awful?

She took deep breaths, but when she looked at Kyohiko, she found him remarkably calm.

Did Kyohiko already expect this?

Probably.

They had been classmates.

Unlike her, who was a year behind Kakashi.

But.

The next moment, Kurenai was stunned.

"Maybe you weren't going all out earlier since you didn't use your sword, but no matter how strong you are, can you really defeat Lord Jiraiya alone?"

Kyohiko said calmly.

Kakashi turned around, silent but staring at him.

"The point of teamwork is to nurture companions. If you ignore your teammates' safety, whether we pass the test or not, we're just tools to you..."

"If you want to go solo, you might as well join the Anbu."

"Graduating two years ago and coming back now isn't without reason. How you treat others is how they'll treat you. No one will want to be your teammate if you keep this up."

Kyohiko finished, then said calmly, "Kurenai, let's scout the area. We might need it tomorrow."

So...

He wasn't just prepared; he had been holding back his emotions, only now letting them out.

Such sharp words!

Isn't he afraid they'll fight?

Kurenai stared at Kyohiko, then at Kakashi.

Kakashi's eyes were filled with anger, his fists clenched.

But.

Kyohiko didn't regret it, nor did he plan to apologize.

With someone like Kakashi, being nice wouldn't work. Even if he might change one day, it could cost a teammate's life...

He didn't want to be Obito.

And even if he were, there might not be a Madara to save him.

Besides.

"Redemption" was too slow. Kyohiko wanted to quickly "defeat" Kakashi, this "boss," and reap the rewards. He didn't have time for emotional games.

Of course.

He didn't expect to succeed in one try.

If once wasn't enough...

Twice or thrice would be better than trying to win him over emotionally.

The first step was to make Kakashi understand that respect was mutual.

He might not be as strong as Kakashi, but that didn't mean Kakashi could keep spouting his "nonsense."

The second step—

It depended on whether Jiraiya would play along.

Kyohiko thought to himself.

Kurenai hesitated but eventually followed Kyohiko.

"Kyohiko, wait for me."

"My trap detection skills aren't great. Please help me check for traps, but don't trigger them."

"Alright."

The two walked deeper into Training Ground 7.

Kakashi was furious.

Behind them, Jiraiya's shadow clone sighed silently.

That silver-haired brat really doesn't respect others, no wonder so many people complained about him!

But.

That kid really knows how to hit where it hurts. His words struck Kakashi's weak spot, leaving him speechless.

Kids will be kids!

No matter how mature or restrained they are, they'll still get angry and lose their cool.

Jiraiya couldn't help but smile.

Now that's more like a child!

But.

What will you do in tomorrow's test?

...

In the evening, the three went their separate ways.

After the argument, a clear rift had formed between them, and they barely spoke afterward.

"Is this really okay?"

Kurenai asked softly.

Kyohiko's earlier words had also shattered the impression she had formed of him in just half a day.

Turns out, he was just better at holding back!

"Kakashi is like this for a reason. I understand because I've been in a similar state before. But to solve the problem, we can't just go along with him. That's not the right way."

"I see..."

Kurenai murmured.

Kyohiko stopped.

"We're near your house. I won't go further."

"Huh?"

Kurenai snapped out of her thoughts and looked around, realizing they were already at the entrance to her street.

Just now...

She hadn't noticed, too absorbed in thinking about the day's events and the person before her.

"See you tomorrow. Let's do our best."

"Yes! Thank you, Kyohiko. I learned a lot today."