I, Konoha's Sage of Life

Kyoichi glanced at Shisui and Obito.

The two of them were polar opposites.

Obito was carefree and unburdened, happy as long as he had food to eat and games to play. His disposition was extraordinarily kind, but he lacked critical thinking.

In contrast, Shisui…

He wasn't exactly a genius either, but ever since meeting Kyoichi, it seemed like his thought process had found the right path, and he didn't seem so clueless anymore. At this moment, he appeared to be deep in thought.

Kyoichi's assumption wasn't baseless.

[You have guided Uchiha Shisui's thoughts and altered the course of his life.]

[Evaluation: Good.]

[Reward: Mist Pavilion Genjutsu.]

This was the first time an evaluation had appeared so mysteriously. Clearly, Shisui had gained some sort of insight just now, and Kyoichi was curious about what exactly he had been thinking.

As for the reward—it was intriguing.

The Mist Pavilion Genjutsu…

Wasn't that the Second Mizukage's summoning technique?

How could this be learned?

Kyoichi was slightly surprised as the principle and knowledge of the technique flowed into his mind. His expression turned odd.

This technique…

How should one put it?

It was a half-finished product.

The Mist Pavilion Genjutsu used dense mist to create mirage-like illusions, thus achieving the effect of genjutsu.

The problem was…

Kyoichi currently didn't know any mist-based illusion techniques.

"Looks like I need to figure out how to acquire the Hidden Mist Jutsu," Kyoichi thought.

If he could obtain it, it would significantly improve his stealth capabilities, especially against Mist Village ninja.

Not that he was complaining about the freebie.

And perhaps…

It could even merge with his swordsmanship?

Illusion Sword Technique…

Kyoichi's mind began spinning with ideas.

Minato Namikaze observed him quietly and couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.

No wonder Kyoichi had become a Chūnin at thirteen and a Jōnin just a year later. His constant habit of pondering and reflecting on tactics and techniques must have helped him accumulate a wealth of knowledge and skill over time.

Unlike himself, who had Jiraiya as a mentor, Kyoichi had no one guiding him.

"Just you wait, Kakashi! Once I awaken my Sharingan, I'll definitely beat you!"

"Hmph, dream on, dead last."

"Obito," Minato said thoughtfully, "there's no such thing as an absolute genius. If you put in enough effort, think deeply, and train diligently, you'll have a chance to surpass Kakashi—even without the Sharingan."

Kyoichi was the perfect example of a hardworking genius.

Of course, Kyoichi wasn't aware of the high regard Minato had for him. At the moment, his thoughts were still on the possibility of combining his swordsmanship with the Mist Pavilion Genjutsu.

Perhaps…

Water-based ninjutsu that generated vapor could also create a mirage-like effect, though it wouldn't be as stable.

But…

The crux of his swordsmanship was speed. If he could confuse his opponent's vision, even for an instant, it could be fatal.

Except against someone like Kamui.

And this was visual misdirection rather than traditional genjutsu. Even the Sharingan might not see through it easily.

There was definitely research potential here!

---

After the meal, despite Kyoichi's efforts, Minato insisted on covering the bill.

Kyoichi didn't mind.

It was just a meal, and he'd been teaching Minato's students for free anyway. He ate with a clear conscience.

As more squads passed their evaluations, the number of teams taking on missions also increased. Kyoichi managed to secure three tasks for his team—though it took some effort.

The routine remained the same.

This time, however, Asuma was assigned to chop wood, while Shisui carried water.

Switching Asuma had a specific purpose.

"You've already mastered Wind Release chakra transformation, haven't you?"

"Yes, Sensei."

"Good. Use Wind Release chakra with your kunai to chop wood. Once you've mastered it, I'll teach you a new technique."

Kyoichi intended to teach him Vacuum Blade.

It was a B-rank technique with considerable power. Since Asuma didn't yet have his custom chakra blades, his combat style was still unfocused. This technique would align well with his future use of the Flying Swallow technique.

Meanwhile, Kurenai was nearby, busy with her own task of catching a cat. Kyoichi left her alone for now, focusing on his own physical training while a shadow clone monitored Shisui, observing and practicing swordsmanship simultaneously.

---

During this time, Kyoichi ran into several familiar faces: Might Guy's team, Team 7, and even Might Duy.

Unlike Guy's team, Might Duy was a veteran Genin who had long surpassed the age for team assignments. For over two decades, he had trained and undertaken missions alone. Today was no exception.

However…

Duy seemed unusually pensive today.

"Duy-senpai, what's with the sighs?" Kyoichi asked from a tree branch.

Logically, Duy should be in high spirits, considering he was on the cusp of a promotion.

Could he actually be troubled by it?

"Ah, Kyoichi-sensei… It's hard to explain."

Duy sighed deeply.

Kyoichi flashed to his side. After a brief chat, he learned that the Hokage had spoken with Duy about the Eight Gates.

Hiruzen didn't demand the forbidden technique from him. Instead, he expressed his intent to promote Duy to the rank of Tokubetsu Jōnin, specializing in taijutsu.

This should have been great news.

But after being a Genin for two decades, Duy had grown accustomed to his role. Suddenly being elevated to Tokubetsu Jōnin left him at a loss, unsure of how to adapt.

So…

Despite the promotion, he still took on a D-rank mission—carrying water.

"Tokubetsu Jōnin is different from Jōnin," Kyoichi explained. "You're being recognized for your unique expertise. There's no requirement to lead teams or take on special assignments unless you want to. You can continue living as you always have."

"Really?"

Duy seemed surprised.

"Of course. Why should it matter if you're doing D-rank missions as a Tokubetsu Jōnin?"

That made sense.

Duy nodded in agreement, though something about it still felt off. Scratching his head, he said, "Oh, right! I modified your Seven Heavens Breathing Method. I wanted you to take a look, but I've been so busy lately that I forgot."

"Oh?"

Kyoichi's interest was piqued. "Let's test it out."

"Alright!"

Duy took a deep breath and launched a kick at Kyoichi.

The force was tremendous!

Kyoichi blocked it with his arm, using chakra to mitigate some of the impact, but it still stung.

"Next…"

Duy's next kick came even faster and harder!

Sensing danger, Kyoichi used Earth Spear to reinforce his arm.

Boom!

The impact forced him back several steps.

"What?"

Kyoichi was shocked. After a moment of thought, he said, "Try it again."

"Alright…"

Duy took another deep breath before attacking once more.

This time, Kyoichi was ready and managed to grab Duy's ankle.

At that moment…

Duy's other leg swung toward Kyoichi's head!

"It's definitely effective. But… are you sure this isn't close to opening the First Gate?" Kyoichi asked.

"When I use the improved technique, I feel the First Gate partially opening on its own. It gives me better control over my body."

Duy nodded earnestly.

His modifications were based on intuition rather than theory. Whether they were good or bad remained to be seen.

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