I, Konoha's Sage of Life

After training all afternoon, Kyoichi didn't talk much. He only offered advice when Might Guy asked questions, and Might Duy initially focused on push-ups but eventually joined the training session.

"Kyoichi-sensei, can we train together again tomorrow?"

"I have classes in the afternoon tomorrow, but I'll be training in the morning. You can join me then," Kyoichi replied.

"Yes, sir!"

"Thank you so much, Kyoichi-sensei! Guy, see? There are teachers who don't look down on you. This is what youth is all about!"

"Father!"

Might Duy's eyes welled up with tears, and the two embraced and cried together once again.

Although it was just taijutsu, it held a different meaning for them.

Previously, no one paid attention to them, but now Kyoichi not only didn't disdain them but also willingly shared the taijutsu techniques he had "researched," even explaining the principles of power and chakra utilization.

Even if they might not use it all, the gesture deeply moved them.

Kyoichi was at a loss for words.

This father-and-son duo...

Weird. Yet admirable.

Might Duy, mocked as a perpetual genin, trained in secret and eventually mastered the Eight Gates. Most importantly, his resolve was one of protection.

In the end, Duy fulfilled his promise.

He opened the Eight Gates, saving Guy and the other two young shinobi while killing four of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

A true embodiment of the Will of Fire.

And Might Guy? He almost kicked his way to ending the story.

"Guy!"

"Father!"

"Ugh…" Kyoichi turned and left silently.

Before departing, he glanced at his system panel, where a prompt appeared.

[Taijutsu Lesson Complete.]

[Evaluation: Good.]

[Reward Options:

1. Eight Gates – Gate of Life;

2. Seven Heavens Breathing Method– Third Activation (choose one).]

Rewards?

Kyoichi was surprised.

Was this because Might Duy was among those he taught?

He couldn't be sure, but he noted it for further observation. For now, the choice was more pressing.

Both options were powerful.

The Eight Gates? He admired the manga's depiction of its devastating power. However, the initial gates were relatively easy to learn, and he could always master them later.

The Seven Heavens Breathing Method, on the other hand, was a unique taijutsu developed by Shira. It was exclusive to him, and considering his young age, it was doubtful anyone else in the ninja world knew of it.

In essence, this was one of a kind!

With that realization, Kyoichi made his decision.

"System, I choose the Seven Heavens Breathing Method."

[Reward Claimed Successfully.]

In an instant, the technique's methods and principles—from the first activation to the third—flooded his mind.

He adjusted his breathing according to the first activation's rhythm, and soon, he noticed a subtle transformation.

Of course, techniques like this, which stimulate cellular activity, came with the potential downside of shortening lifespan. However, Kyoichi's Senju bloodline endowed him with enhanced vitality.

Even Tsunade's Strength of a Hundred Technique, which also consumed life force for rapid healing, left her full of energy after repeated use.

Besides, if needed, he could always transplant Hashirama Cells to replenish his life force.

With these considerations, Kyoichi felt confident in his decision.

"Once I get closer to Duy and Guy, I might even trade for the Eight Gates. Perfect!"

He silently praised his own foresight.

---

The next morning, Kyoichi rose early to train, leaving even his shadow clone surprised at his commitment.

This guy was serious!

Outside, he soon ran into Might Duy and Guy.

They trained together for the morning, though Kyoichi received no system rewards since there wasn't much teaching involved. Still, the father-son duo's attitude toward him visibly shifted.

Duy even offered to introduce him to his iconic green jumpsuit.

Naturally, Kyoichi refused outright.

It was too ugly.

Wearing that to school would surely make him the laughingstock of both teachers and students, wiping out any hard-earned respect in an instant.

---

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the village...

"Kanda Kyoichi? Fugaku, this guy must've been sent by the Third Hokage. He's definitely up to no good!"

"Shisui's been skipping classes lately and has a bad reputation."

"Fugaku, you need to discipline him. Otherwise, even the Uchiha's prodigies will end up wasted."

With the war over, the Uchiha clan's shinobi had begun returning to the village. Many elders who were displeased with Shisui's recent behavior gathered at Fugaku's house to voice their concerns.

From a young age, Shisui had been held in high regard. His enrollment in the Academy was largely symbolic. The Uchiha intended for him to study there briefly before applying for early graduation and joining the clan's police force for training.

A team led by a jonin? It couldn't compare to the benefits of training under one's own clan.

However, Shisui's recent actions deviated from their expectations.

The room buzzed with complaints, while Fugaku sat silently, his brow furrowed. He wanted to lash out but was powerless to do so.

These elders were highly respected within the clan, and even as clan head, Fugaku found himself constrained by their authority.

After a deep breath, he finally spoke. "Regardless of whether Kanda Kyoichi is working for the Third Hokage, would any of you care to bring this matter to him?"

The room fell silent.

Talk to the Third Hokage?

How?

Hiruzen might seem approachable, but his diplomacy was sharp as a knife, and Danzo lurked in the shadows. None of the elders were willing to confront him directly.

The atmosphere grew tense.

Fugaku sighed. "I'll talk to Shisui myself. Please, everyone, go home if there's nothing else."

In truth, Fugaku had gleaned plenty of information about Kyoichi.

A descendant of the Senju clan.

Rumored to have awakened his bloodline.

His strength had grown significantly in recent months, and the Third Hokage even mentioned considering him for a jonin promotion.

This strongly suggested that Kanda Kyoichi was favored by the Third Hokage.

Confront him?

Fugaku could only sigh helplessly. He glanced at his toddler son, Itachi, who was learning to walk, before leaving for the Academy to check on Shisui.

---

At the Academy...

All the students stood in the training ground.

The Three Basic Technique tests had just concluded, and most students demonstrated proficient mastery.

For many, their shortcomings stemmed from a lack of exposure to these techniques, not a lack of talent. With guidance from clan heirs like Asuma, they had quickly caught up.

Now, it was time for Kyoichi to fulfill his promise and teach them the Body Flicker Jutsu.

"The Body Flicker Jutsu is classified as a D-rank jutsu but remains useful even at the jonin level," he explained.

"The difference lies in execution. Mastery depends on the details."

"In this class, the best at the Body Flicker Jutsu is Shisui. Shisui, come demonstrate for us."

At this point, Shisui wasn't yet known as "Shisui of the Body Flicker," but his talent in the technique already stood out, surpassing even older students in mixed classes.

Kyoichi signaled for Shisui to step forward. Then...

Whoosh!

In a swift gust of wind, Kyoichi reappeared at another spot, leaving the students awestruck.

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