I, Konoha's Sage of Life

Time passed quickly.

Kyoichi had been quite busy these past few days.

It wasn't because of Asuma or Shisui—those two were relatively low-maintenance. As long as he gave them a few jutsu and taijutsu techniques to train with, they could figure out the rest on their own.

Besides…

As they trained and improved, Kyoichi's own proficiency in his jutsu and taijutsu techniques also increased.

They were basically reliable sources of progress.

The real headache was Kurenai Yuhi.

Medical ninjutsu wasn't something that could be taught easily.

During this time, Kyoichi had sent a "message" to Tsunade, asking for her advice. Katsuyu had been very cooperative, showing no sign of impatience.

This made Kyoichi appreciate the Slug Sage even more—

Among the three great summoning clans, the Slug Sage was probably the easiest to communicate with.

He had also inquired about the secrets of the Super Strength Technique, mentioning Kurenai. Tsunade hadn't responded all afternoon, but when Katsuyu returned, it brought a scroll with it.

A handwritten Super Strength Technique manual!

Kyoichi mastered it quickly.

His chakra control was already precise to the point that he didn't need any adaptation period.

However, at his current level, the Super Strength Technique was still not as direct as using his sword—unless he combined it with the Seven Days Breathing Method.

Of course…

That was only true for Kyoichi's own swordsmanship.

For Kurenai, even just a beginner's grasp of the Super Strength Technique would be enough to compensate for her weaknesses in close combat as a support-type ninja.

But…

Everything depended on whether Kurenai could fully master the Mystical Palm Technique first.

Fortunately…

"Sensei, I did it!"

"Good. You can go tell Yuhi-senpai the good news—he won't have to keep stocking his fridge with fish anymore."

A smile appeared on Kyoichi's face.

She did it!

Kurenai sat down, feeling slightly dizzy, and quickly popped a soldier pill into her mouth.

"Next, I'm going to teach you a taijutsu technique. You've heard of Lady Tsunade, haven't you?"

"Mm!"

Kurenai nodded repeatedly, her eyes sparkling.

Tsunade was her idol.

As a kunoichi, her greatest goal was to become a ninja as legendary as Tsunade.

So…

She could already guess what technique it would be.

"Lady Tsunade's taijutsu isn't necessarily suited for you. Your physique is relatively weak, so you won't be able to use this technique as a standard move."

Kyoichi spoke seriously.

Although the Super Strength Technique was classified as a mix of ninjutsu and taijutsu, it still required muscle coordination to generate explosive power in an instant.

Kurenai simply didn't have that kind of physical foundation.

"As a trump card, then?"

Kurenai was initially disappointed but quickly understood her teacher's point.

"That's right. And you'll be learning to use it with your legs—your hands are needed for hand seals."

"Understood! Please guide me, Sensei!"

Kurenai bowed deeply.

Kyoichi took out the scroll and handed it to her.

She read through it carefully before beginning her training immediately.

It was hard!

So much so that…

Her ligaments got strained multiple times, but she refused Kyoichi's help, healing herself with the Mystical Palm Technique each time.

She wasn't afraid of hardship.

Not far away…

Yuhi Shinku approached, carrying a basket of food.

"I was worried her mother might feel distressed if she saw her like this, so I brought this myself. Please remind her to eat. Also… thank you very much for your guidance."

Yuhi Shinku bowed deeply.

He knew exactly what Kyoichi was teaching.

The Super Strength Technique!

A Senju Clan secret technique.

"It's nothing. As long as she's willing to learn and endure hardship, I'm willing to teach. She'll go far."

Kyoichi sighed.

This kind of conversation…

In his past life, he had imagined that he might one day use these words when talking to a parent.

He never expected…

That they would actually come in handy in this world.

Yuhi Shinku bowed again before leaving.

If he stayed too long, his daughter would notice.

However…

Kyoichi knew that Kurenai's sensory abilities were strong—she had probably already sensed him.

Because she was training even harder now.

"Alright, time to eat…"

"I can't let them down."

"Effort is the cheapest thing in the ninja world. You're working hard, but so is everyone else. On the battlefield, teamwork and strategy are what really matter."

Except for monsters and madmen.

Kyoichi thought to himself.

Clearly, Kurenai was neither an overpowered genius nor a taijutsu maniac like Might Guy.

—

The past few days, every team had been undergoing intense training.

Shisui had already mastered several vacuum-based Wind Release techniques that didn't require ninja tools.

Recently, he had been focusing on genjutsu, Yanagi, and Kyoichi's self-created Lightsaber Technique.

Although Shisui suspected that ninja tools might be restricted in the Chunin Exams, he still believed that his main focus should be swordsmanship—and he hadn't neglected his Body Flicker Technique either.

Asuma's training was even simpler.

He wanted to keep improving himself without being overly concerned about the exams.

So…

Kyoichi taught him Flying Swallow Technique.

Take from the village, give back to the village!

Of course, Kyoichi gained plenty from the experience as well.

Not to mention an increase in his overall proficiency, he had also mastered another Wind Release technique—

Wind Release: Pressure Damage!

A terrifyingly powerful jutsu, one of the pinnacle Wind Release techniques.

Even though he didn't specialize in Wind Release, having one more technique was always a good thing.

At the same time…

The Chunin Exams were about to begin.

Having received an early briefing, Kyoichi arrived at the exam venue to oversee preparations.

Most resource points were sealed in crates, and repellents were scattered around to keep wild animals from disturbing the area.

Once everything was in place, the Third Hokage arrived.

"Lord Hokage!"

"Kyoichi, is the exam site ready?"

"Yes. The resource maps have already been prepared in advance. Once the first exam is over, they can be distributed to the participants."

Kyoichi took out a giant scroll.

Inside was a detailed map of the exam grounds.

The Third Hokage nodded in satisfaction.

He glanced at the Forest of Death from a high vantage point before clearing his throat.

"Kyoichi, the village is currently short on funds. I promised you an A-rank mission reward, but… money is tight right now."

"Huh?"

Are you seriously trying to weasel out of paying me?!

"Don't misunderstand—I'm not refusing to pay. It's just that we're financially strained. We can compensate you with other things instead, like jutsu or resources."

The Hokage coughed lightly.

Kyoichi's expression clearly showed his misunderstanding.

"That's fine. I was actually planning to make a chakra-infused weapon. Does the village have any Chakra Metal?"

Obviously, they did.

After all, Asuma's trench knives still hadn't been crafted.

"Well…"

The Third Hokage hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"Alright, but you'll have to pay a little extra."

"Deal!"

Kyoichi readily agreed.

Chakra Metal wasn't something you could always buy, even with money—this was a definite win.

"The exams are about to begin. We'll discuss the details later."

The Third Hokage sighed in relief.

As long as they could negotiate, everything was fine.

What he feared most was that this kid would only accept cash.

At this moment, the participating genin were entering the exam venue.

Outside, besides the jōnin instructors, only two people remained—

Kakashi Hatake and Might Duy, who had recently been promoted to Tokubetsu Jōnin.

Duy was currently crying tears of joy, making for a striking scene alongside Might Guy.

The Third Hokage surveyed the area.

There weren't many participants this time.

Many had already been promoted during the war, while others—longtime genin—chose not to register.

This year's exam was mostly composed of genin who had graduated in the past three or four years.

—

"How's Tsunade doing?"

"She's fine. She recently made some money and paid off part of her debt. You don't have to worry about debt collectors showing up in the village."

"Tsunade… made money?"

The Third Hokage looked genuinely shocked, his face full of disbelief.

That's the real teacher's reaction right there.

Kyoichi almost laughed but still clarified,

"Not from gambling."

"Oh, well, that makes sense. With her abilities, as long as she doesn't gamble, she can make money in any field."

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