Kyōichi, Konoha’s Life Mentor

"Secret technique?"

The Third's heart stirred as he thought of the Eight Gates that Kyōichi had used during the exam.

Moreover, he remembered that Kyōichi had mentioned this was Might Duy's technique?

Who is might Duy...

The Third fell into deep thought.

After thinking for a few seconds, he looked up and asked, "Did you create the Eight Gates together with Might Duy?"

"No, that was his own creation after twenty years of hard training. It has nothing to do with me. My technique is called the Seven Heavens Breathing Method, which I came up with while studying medical knowledge."

As Kyōichi spoke, he explained the principles of the Seven Days Breathing Method and the First Activation.

"Body activation? You actually developed such a high-level body technique!"

The Third was shocked after hearing this.

Absorbing oxygen to activate the body was indeed a good approach, but the Third quickly understood that this technique also placed high demands on the body.

If one's physical condition wasn't sufficient, absorbing too much oxygen could lead to poisoning.

He thought for a moment, then took a deep breath and said, "This technique of yours is classified as an S-rank forbidden jutsu. Unless absolutely necessary, you must never use it!"

"I understand. Currently, Might Duy and I are working on modifying it, lowering its requirements and functions, to see if it can be somewhat popularized as an A-rank forbidden jutsu."

Kyōichi took the opportunity to explain his and Might Duy's ideas.

S-rank forbidden jutsu were prohibited from circulation, while A-rank forbidden jutsu could be taught to elite chunin and above.

If they could adapt it, it would be a great achievement!

Good deeds deserved recognition.

Moreover, they might be able to apply for research funding.

"The idea is good, but implementing it will be quite troublesome."

The Third said with a headache.

"Please rest assured, Lord Hokage. I will modify the breathing method so that even if others obtain the regular activation technique, they won't be able to figure out the Seven Heavens Breathing Method."

After saying this, Kyōichi thought for a moment and added, "If we can develop it, at least our ninja will suffer fewer casualties in the next war."

"You make a good point. We shouldn't let one fear stop everything... In that case, let's not record the First Activation yet. Submit it after you and Duy develop the A-rank version."

The Third took out a scroll from below.

After making hand signs to unseal it.

A sword appeared on the desk.

Sword Of The Thunder God!

"Actually, this sword was forged at my teacher's request years ago. Although powerful, its material is very fragile, so you must use it carefully. No need to return it, I just hope you'll treat it well."

The Third handed over the sword.

Kyōichi hadn't expected the Third to give it to him instead of just lending it.

Not only that, but after thinking for a moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen also said, "You can visit the archives in the Hokage Tower more often. Although there are no jutsu there, the knowledge inside is certainly more complete than what you've gathered piece by piece."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage!"

Kyōichi was overjoyed.

His original plan was to steal one or two swords from the Seven Ninja Swordsmen later, but now the Third had directly given him the Thunder God Sword, which was an unexpected blessing.

Of course.

He still planned to take the Seven Ninja Swordsmen's weapons.

Who would complain about having too many swords?

Not just the Seven Swordsmen's weapons, he was also interested in the Kusanagi Sword, but he didn't know where the Kusanagi clan was. Otherwise, he would have already tried to get the Kusanagi Sword instead of coming to see the Third.

"Remember to attend tomorrow's exam and team assignments the day after."

Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled.

After Kyōichi left, he pondered for a long time, then started searching through files, but couldn't find what he was looking for.

With no choice.

He called for an ANBU ninja.

"Help me find Duy's records."

"Lord Third, Duy is a genin. You won't find him in the chunin records."

"What?"

Duy was a genin?

Sarutobi Hiruzen was bewildered.

He didn't doubt the truth in Kyōichi's words. The Eight Gates were extremely dangerous, and researching this technique required not only theoretical foundation but also persistent training.

This process was very long, taking no less than ten years to complete.

How old was Kyōichi?

Therefore, the Eight Gates couldn't possibly be his original creation. It must indeed have been created by this Duy.

However.

How could a ninja capable of creating such an S-rank forbidden jutsu be just an ordinary genin?

At this moment, the Third felt he had been very negligent in his work.

The village had such talent, yet he hadn't discovered it until someone repeatedly pointed it out—yes, he had figured it out now, Kyōichi was deliberately recommending Duy, which was why he kept mentioning him.

He had the ANBU ninja help find Duy's information, and after reading it carefully several times, he finally understood why he couldn't remember such a person.

Unlike Kosuke.

Duy truly lived as a genin, constantly doing D-rank missions, never even attempting C-rank missions except during wartime.

This...

He could create the Eight Gates?

"I've failed in my duties, failed!"

The Third sighed.

Konoha had been at war for years and was always short of chunin and jonin, yet such great talent had been buried among the genin by his oversight.

...

Kyōichi left the Hokage Tower with the Sword Of The Thunder God.

Twice now.

If the Third hadn't realized it by now, then he was truly getting senile and should step down early.

The current Duy was somewhat different from the original story.

Although he still specialized in the Eight Gates, he had also learned one or two of the complementary body techniques that Guy had created, and had mastered all the Leaf Whirlwind series techniques.

The current Duy could definitely qualify as a jonin.

This was even without having developed super-regular body techniques like Morning Peacock and Daytime Tiger that required opening six gates. If he developed those, he could rank among the top elite jonin.

So.

How could such a strong ninja be left to gather dust?

The Third was being too foolish.

Of course.

This wasn't his first foolish act. Previously, when Hatake Sakumo committed suicide, he hadn't stepped in to stop the public criticism, allowing the situation to deteriorate to that point.

If it was intentional, that was sinister.

If unintentional, then it was incompetence.

Either result proved the Third wasn't a good person.

Even for himself.

Becoming a jonin would be simple.

But if he wanted to compete for the position of Hokage, there would likely be various obstacles and conflicts.

Kyōichi laughed coldly inside.

"Forget it, don't worry about these things for now."

The Hokage position was far away from him. Currently, surviving the next wave of war and the Nine-Tails incident was key.

The next day.

After finishing his training, Kyōichi headed to the ninja academy.

Today was the exam.

Those taking the early graduation exam basically had no problems, it was just a formality, but Kyōichi had to attend—apparently the Third had directly appointed him as the main jutsu examiner.

However, besides him, the examination panel was also impressive.

Tekuno and Yuhi Shinku.

It showed how high the Third's expectations were for this class.

Soon, the examinees entered.

The first one...

Obito?

He wouldn't be late this time too, right?

Sure enough.

Two full minutes after the start, there was a knock on the door.

"Sensei? I..."

Obito entered and immediately trembled upon seeing him.

Unexpected.

The main examiner was actually his teacher!

Moreover.

He had damn well been late again!

"As usual, Transformation Jutsu and Clone Jutsu will be tested together, then we'll test the Substitution Jutsu later."

"Yes!"

Obito took a deep breath.

Can't embarrass sensei!

He quickly made hand signs, and after a chakra fluctuation, two clones appeared beside him. Simultaneously, the clones and his real body transformed into the appearances of Kyōichi and the other two examiners.

"The other two's height and width are different, and as for my appearance, didn't you notice I'm carrying an extra ninja tool today?"