Kyōichi, Konoha’s Life Mentor

The next day, at the ninja academy. 

The graduating students gathered together for the last time. 

"I can't believe even Obito graduated."

Genma, with a senbon between his teeth, looked at Obito and Shisui arriving last and couldn't help but make a sarcastic comment.

Obito's face immediately turned red. "Hey, what's with you, senbon chewer? I'm a genius!"

"Heh heh."

Shisui passed by him.

A genius? 

With Obito rushing in late by two minutes and barely passing the exam under Kyōichi-sensei's supervision, him passing was probably just sensei going easy on him.

Simply embarrassing!

He didn't say anything, but those two laughs said everything.

"Hmph, when I... never mind, I can't be bothered explaining to you."

Obito was about to habitually mention the "Sharingan", but thinking about Shisui's talent, he probably wouldn't even awaken his Sharingan before Shisui, so he lost his confidence.

Moreover.

Even if he awakened the Sharingan, he wouldn't necessarily become a "genius".

With Kyōichi's guidance and Shisui's advice, Obito finally understood one principle.

To forge iron, one's self must be hard!

Without a solid foundation, even if he had the Sharingan, he still wouldn't be a match for others.

Of course.

This was generally speaking.

The Uchiha sometimes activate their "cheat codes" in ways that defy normal logic, but Kyōichi's principle remained true.

"You all seem full of energy!"

"Sensei?"

A familiar voice.

All the children's eyes lit up.

Kyōichi-sensei?

Why was he here?

Many children didn't know the situation, assuming Kanda Kyōichi was just a temporary teacher who would leave after the war ended, unaware of his subsequent promotion to jonin and becoming a genin sensei.

"You've all done well. Obito, although you were embarrassing, you somehow passed... But you, young man, being late to the exam - when you become a ninja, you must change this habit, otherwise you're being irresponsible to your teammates... This applies to everyone!"

"In any case, I don't want to see any of your names on the Memorial Stone."

Kyōichi's tone became serious.

Although he had only taught them for a month, they were still his students.

The classroom atmosphere grew heavy.

Some were deeply moved, like Namiashi Raido and Yamashiro Aoba.

To be frank.

The ninja techniques Kyōichi taught them were advanced jonin-level skills, real life-saving knowledge on the battlefield that these civilian-background students might not learn even after being assigned to different teams.

Now, Kyōichi's words were truly heartfelt.

"Alright, Team One - Uchiha Shisui, Sarutobi Asuma, Yuhi Kurenai, come with me."

"???"

Rin and Obito naturally knew that Kyōichi had recently participated in the jonin exams, but most people were unaware.

"Team One?"

Namiashi Raido was stunned for a long time.

Only when Shisui, Asuma, and Kurenai stood up and walked towards Kyōichi did they come to their senses.

Wow!

"I thought sensei was here to give us a final lesson."

"I didn't expect sensei to be promoted to jonin!"

"Damnit, i want to be in sensei's team as well."

"..."

The classroom erupted in discussion.

They knew Kyōichi was strong, but he had previously been a chunin. They didn't expect him to become a genin sensei so quickly.

Moreover.

Based on the assigned students, many understood that the village held Kanda Kyōichi in high regard. Otherwise, they wouldn't have assigned talented students like Shisui and Asuma to him.

This was an elite squad!

Could it be...

The sensei was actually an elite jonin?

They speculated among themselves.

"Everyone, see you around."

Kyōichi waved to everyone and then left the classroom.

Shisui, Asuma, and Kurenai followed behind. After walking a bit, Kurenai couldn't help but laugh.

"Hey!"

Asuma was a bit anxious.

Laughing at sensei? Does she want to get kicked out?

"It's fine. You can laugh if you want. After all... you're not my disciples yet!"

Kyōichi looked at the three with a smile.

The three instantly became dazed, looking up at Kanda Kyōichi.

Not yet...

A disciple?

"Don't worry too much. There will be a small test. I've heard that traditionally, there are all kinds of tests. The Third Hokage's test for his disciples was to steal bells."

Kyōichi paused here, scanning the three with his eyes.

They all looked serious.

Stealing bells?

They had heard about it. It did sound tricky.

"I haven't prepared bells, so we won't steal them. If you can just manage to injure me, you'll pass. How's that?"

He smiled warmly, looking almost harmless.

Shisui and Asuma exchanged a glance with Kurenai. After a moment's hesitation, their eyes quickly became determined.

Injuring a jonin was difficult.

But.

It couldn't be harder than stealing bells from a jonin. At least there was still a glimmer of hope.

"Let's go. Gather at the Death Forest."

As soon as Kyōichi finished speaking, his figure disappeared instantly.

Body Flicker Technique!

Shisui's eyes went wide.

Asuma and Kurenai ran a bit, noticing Shisui wasn't following, stopped in confusion: "Shisui, what's wrong?"

"Sensei's Body Flicker Technique has gotten stronger. No, he probably never used full power before."

Shisui took a deep breath.

"Uh, really?"

Asuma scratched his head.

Stronger?

He didn't notice anything.

"Let's go."

Shisui didn't elaborate further.

His Body Flicker Technique was probably top-tier among the graduating students, but compared to Kyōichi, it was like a child's play. This time especially...

No ripple at all.

Nearly instantaneous disappearance, almost like teleportation.

However, Kyōichi wasn't moving at full speed, instead secretly observing Asuma, Kurenai, and Shisui's conditions - Shisui remained at the back, while Asuma charged ahead.

Outside the Death Forest.

The Team One gathered.

Kyōichi sat there, looking calm and collected. The three landed in front of him, slightly out of breath.

Their taijutsu was quite average.

Kyōichi had a clear assessment, looked at the three, and spoke: "Shisui, you were always at the back observing and maintaining formation. This is a habit from your guard corps. Very good. Even if you don't pass the test, I'll keep you."

"Ah?"

Asuma was stunned.

Traveling counted?

He had just been running headlong, not thinking much.

"So it was you just now, sensei."

Kurenai breathed a sigh of relief. "I couldn't find your trail. I wondered who it was..."

"Kurenai, your perception is excellent. Your positioning when approaching was also centrally supportive. Good. I allow you to pass."

Kyōichi smiled.

He wasn't surprised that Kurenai could detect him. Ninja skilled in genjutsu often have good perception. And in the original storyline, the team she led was a reconnaissance team.

How could a reconnaissance team leader lack perception skills?

Kurenai blushed and smiled, then noticing Asuma's expression, quickly suppressed her smile.

At this moment, Asuma was completely stunned.

He looked at Shisui and Kurenai chatting, then at Kanda Kyōichi.

What the hell.

They were supposed to test together, but these two had already answered the questions?

Honestly, he felt like the test was over before it even began.

"Shisui, Kurenai, you've already passed. Do you still want to take the test? Especially you, Kurenai. If you don't pass the test, I'll ensure Shisui stays, but I might not keep you."