Naruto: I am the Hokage

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi released the crystal ball, a look of relief on his face.

"Phew!"

These three kids definitely couldn't beat Jiraiya.

But.

The fact that they performed so well in the bell-stealing task far exceeded Hiruzen's expectations.

He had originally thought—

If the three could put aside their differences and maintain some level of teamwork, Jiraiya might turn a blind eye and let them pass.

But now, Kyohiko and Kurenai had strategically created openings for Kakashi.

Kakashi, too, had seized the opportunity without hesitation.

There were conflicts, but they didn't affect the test.

One thing at a time.

This was the mindset of a mature ninja.

And the one leading all of this—

Was the kid he hadn't paid much attention to before.

No wonder Jiraiya had specifically picked him out.

...

At the familiar Ichiraku Ramen shop.

The difference was—

Teuchi, the owner, was young and full of vigor, his face radiating youthful energy.

Kakashi had his mask back on.

Jiraiya walked in and shouted, "Boss, four bowls of ramen!"

"Coming right up! Please take a seat."

Teuchi greeted them with a smile.

"You guys sit here. I'll go... buy some barbecue as a treat."

Jiraiya glanced around.

But.

He side-eyed the group, feeling a bit uneasy.

"Kyohiko, come with me. Let's see what you want to eat."

"Yes."

Kyohiko stood up respectfully.

The two left.

Kurenai couldn't help but whisper, "Lord Jiraiya really values Kyohiko."

"Uh..."

Kakashi's gaze was slightly dazed, then he hesitated.

He remembered clearly.

At that moment—

Jiraiya had frozen for a second, distracted, which allowed him to cut the bell's string.

It was something like...

"You don't want to..." or something along those lines.

"Kakashi, do you know something?"

As a genjutsu and sensory ninja, Kurenai immediately noticed Kakashi's odd reaction.

Kakashi thought for a moment, then cautiously replied.

"Maybe they know each other."

"Lord Jiraiya and Kyohiko?"

"Yeah."

...

"Kyohiko, you did well today."

"It's because you went easy on us. Otherwise, we wouldn't have stood a chance."

Kyohiko wasn't Naruto or Obito.

He knew full well that the gap between him and the "Sannin" wasn't small. If Jiraiya had really wanted to stop them, it would've been too easy—

A single Needle Jizo would've shut down any attempt.

But.

From start to finish, the strongest technique Jiraiya had used was Wild Lion's Mane, and even that was just a toned-down version, used more like a rope.

This wasn't just going easy—it was practically handing them the win.

Jiraiya coughed lightly. "It's a genin test, after all. The focus is on teamwork and attitude, not strength. Also, about that thing..."

"Lord Jiraiya, there are some places in the village you should avoid. After all, you're one of the Sannin, representing the image of Konoha's ninjas."

Kyohiko spoke with the righteousness of a young boy.

Jiraiya's face turned red.

He had thought Kyohiko hadn't noticed him lurking around before.

Now it seemed the kid had just been too polite to call him out.

He awkwardly replied, "That was for research purposes. Don't misunderstand."

"Sure."

Kyohiko wore a look of "I totally believe you."

Jiraiya felt even more awkward.

He knew his excuse was hard to swallow.

"Order whatever you want. My treat!"

"Not my wallet, right?"

"You little brat!"

...

After finishing the ramen and barbecue, it was already afternoon.

Jiraiya was uncharacteristically serious.

"From now on, you're officially a team. I hope you can maintain the same level of cooperation as this morning. Also—"

Jiraiya looked at the three of them. "Have you practiced tree climbing and water walking?"

"Yes."

All three nodded.

Jiraiya took out a piece of paper.

"Kakashi and Kurenai have probably already tested theirs. You test yours to see which element suits you best."

"While your teamwork is good, Kakashi's Lightning Release and swordsmanship are suited for assassination, and Kurenai's genjutsu is more for support. What we're missing is a frontline fighter."

Jiraiya's meaning was clear.

Kyohiko was the most suitable to take on the role of the team's frontline combatant.

"Understood."

Kyohiko hadn't been learning ninjutsu because he didn't want to—it was because he hadn't had the chance!

Although he was a descendant of the Senju, his branch of the family had little in the way of ninjutsu reserves. After two generations, even the money was mostly gone, leaving only a small pension. Without scrolls...

Buying test paper would've been a waste of money.

He took the chakra paper.

Soon, the paper grew damp.

Jiraiya explained, "Based on the paper's reaction, you naturally have an affinity for Water Release. Learning water-based jutsu will be the fastest and easiest for you."

While ninjutsu affinities are innate, they can also be developed later.

Kyohiko's natural affinity simply meant Water Release would come more easily to him.

In theory, he could learn other elements too.

"I heard Kakashi is skilled in Lightning Release. If I learn Water Release, it could complement his techniques."

He added with a hint of admiration, "Also, my idol is the Second Hokage. His Water Release is renowned throughout the ninja world, even surpassing the Mist Village!"

The Second Hokage...

Jiraiya's face showed a trace of nostalgia.

That man's Water Release was indeed unparalleled.

It seemed.

Despite the hardships he'd faced, Kyohiko's heart was still firmly with Konoha.

Jiraiya snapped out of his thoughts.

"Alright, I'll teach you Water Release: Water Gun later. Kurenai, your genjutsu is strong, but you need to work on your taijutsu. Kakashi, your issues are the fewest but also the most critical—you need to actively cooperate with your teammates. Understood?"

He gave each of them their feedback.

All three nodded.

While Kurenai and Kakashi stood by, Jiraiya began teaching Kyohiko the jutsu.

"Water Release: Water Gun is a basic Water Release technique, but it's versatile and convenient, and not too difficult. You can start with this."

He then explained the hand seals.

Snake, Ox, Rabbit.

Before Jiraiya could finish, Kyohiko had already formed the seals and—

Water Release: Water Gun!

A stream of water shot from his mouth, turning into a rushing torrent.

Jiraiya blinked, momentarily stunned.

Even with the added complexity of hand seals and chakra manipulation, Kyohiko had executed it flawlessly.

His chakra control was impressive!

For a genin.

Kyohiko's skill level was already quite high.

"So cool!"

Kurenai couldn't help but whisper in awe.

First try...

And he nailed it.

This level of talent was seriously impressive.

But.

Kyohiko knew the truth. His success wasn't due to innate talent but because Water Gun was a relatively simple technique, and the chakra control boost from earlier had made it much easier to perform.

Jiraiya, not wanting Kyohiko to get cocky, thought for a moment and said, "It's a C-rank, just a basic Water Release. Try Water Release: Water Wall next. It's a B-rank defensive technique."

"Alright."

Kyohiko nodded.

He listened carefully to the hand seals, then increased his chakra output, spitting out a stream of water.

Soon—

A wall of water, about the height of a person, formed around him, perfectly shielding him.

Jiraiya was momentarily stunned.

Kid!

How is your chakra control this good too?

It's almost on par with Kurenai's.

That girl's a genjutsu specialist, trained from a young age, and even she doesn't have this level of control!

And Kyohiko?

For the past year, he's been focusing on taijutsu, substitution, and body flicker. His chakra control training probably only included tree climbing and water walking.

How is this even fair?

Thinking back to his own struggles learning ninjutsu, Jiraiya felt a pang of envy and fell into deep thought.