I, Konoha's Sage of Life

To be precise, this wasn't a ninjutsu or a secret technique, but rather an ability of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.

"Hmm?"

Kanda Kyoichi extended his chakra, quickly sensing a figure hidden in the shadows nearby. From their position, they had a clear view of his courtyard, even parts of the interior of the house.

An Anbu?

Kyoichi didn't turn around. He knew the person was likely watching him right now.

When he extended his senses further, he detected another Anbu in a different part of his house. But beyond that, there were no more.

Two Anbu!

Kyoichi retracted his chakra, thinking for a moment. He understood what was going on.

He had previously been a Chunin, and how strong he was had likely been assessed by those above him. After his injuries, he had made substantial improvements, and his physical condition had also strengthened.

The Third Hokage must have suspected something.

This surveillance was partly precautionary and partly to confirm the situation.

The two Anbu must have been tailing him since yesterday.

"Senju bloodline..."

Kyoichi pondered for a while, narrowing his eyes. He didn't say anything, pretending not to notice the presence of the Anbu around his home.

But…

He was thinking not just about the Third Hokage.

But also about Danzo.

Most of the shady dealings in Konoha were connected to him, with at least nine out of ten schemes bearing his name—there was no injustice there.

That's why Danzo had been called the "Shadow Hokage."

Previously, Kyoichi had felt some sympathy for him, a man who had spent his life taking the blame for the Third Hokage. But now, living in Konoha, he had to consider the effects of Danzo's influence.

That old bastard must have been secretly researching the cells of Hashirama in recent years.

Until now, the true Senju bloodline in Konoha had been almost extinct, with only Tsunade remaining, a powerful figure of great prestige, and Danzo dared not touch her.

However…

Kyoichi was different.

The Kanda family only had him left, a mere Chunin. If something were to happen in secret, no one would dare speak up.

The more Kyoichi thought about it, the more he felt a sense of impending danger.

Konoha was now under the control of the Third Hokage and Danzo, and it was impossible to predict what these two scheming old men might do.

Luckily, he had gained the ability to sense chakra.

With this technique, he could at least anticipate their movements in advance.

"Actually, if I could get my hands on the cells of Hashirama, it would be quite beneficial for me, but dealing with Danzo... it's like making a deal with the devil."

---

"Today's class is over, and many of you still haven't mastered the Three Basic Technique."

"You'll need to continue practicing when you go back."

Another day of lessons had ended.

Kyoichi was feeling a bit exhausted.

There were some geniuses in the class, but still many students had poor chakra control.

As students, they were adequate.

But…

As genin heading to the battlefield, they were still far from ready.

Among them, Obito had made rapid progress.

He could already climb trees!

This kid had talent, but unfortunately, he kept talking about the Sharingan, as if awakening it would bring about the end of the world.

Kyoichi couldn't help but feel powerless in his internal thoughts.

After the class ended, Kyoichi left the school and secretly used his chakra sensing ability.

The Anbu were gone.

"Have they left?"

Kyoichi thought to himself.

If it had been Root, they wouldn't have given up so easily.

It seemed to be the Third Hokage's subordinates.

That was a good thing.

He let out a sigh of relief, patting his pocket, feeling a bit of frustration.

He had originally planned to find someone to forge a sword.

But…

He was broke!

Now he understood Kakuzu.

Because right now, he really wished he could find a fugitive, catch them, and make some money.

The salary of a Chunin was just too low.

Oh well...

He would have to work out for now...

As for the sword, he'd have to wait until his paycheck arrived.

Kyoichi ran down the Konoha roads, heading towards the outskirts.

However…

Not long after, he sensed someone following him.

He walked forward without reacting.

Shisui followed behind, about to catch up, when suddenly, a cold kunai pressed against his neck.

The person ahead turned into a shadow.

A clone!

Shisui was shocked.

"Sensei, you noticed me?"

"What's so hard about noticing you? Aren't you still in class?" Kyoichi joked, then put the kunai away.

Shisui gave a small bow.

He looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated.

"Shall we go for a run together?"

"Yes!" Shisui's face lit up with joy upon hearing Kyoichi's response.

Then…

Shisui followed Kyoichi as they both ran along the road, one ahead and the other behind.

After running quite a distance from Konoha, Shisui finally caught up and whispered, "Sensei, when I got home yesterday, the clan leader hoped that I could graduate this year and then... join the Anbu."

"Your clan leader? Uchiha Fugaku?"

Kyoichi raised an eyebrow upon hearing that.

No wonder he waited until they were this far before bringing this up. At the same time, Kyoichi was surprised that Shisui felt comfortable talking to him about this.

This kid…

He really trusted him.

"Heh, what does he know?"

"Huh?" Shisui froze for a moment.

His teacher…

Would say something like that, and it caught him off guard.

"Shisui, you're a smart kid, and I'm really touched that you trust me enough to talk about these things. Do you know what your clan leader means?"

"I can guess..." Shisui lowered his voice.

Although young, he was sharp and mature for his age, already aware of many things.

For example…

The clan leader's intent was clearly for him to quickly demonstrate his talent and show his inclination to side with Konoha, then join the Anbu to serve the Uchiha clan.

But…

He felt something wasn't quite right about it.

"Shisui, have you had any unpleasant experiences at the Ninja Academy?"

"Unpleasant? Hmm... Not really. It's just that the other students don't want to get close to us Uchiha."

"Do you know why?"

Kyoichi smiled.

Shisui shook his head.

"You're still young, and many things are beyond your control. I might say something you don't fully understand, but you can keep your own thoughts. Observe and think with your own mind."

"As for the problem you're facing, think about the reason. Treat this as an extra question for you, just like skipping class."

After Kyoichi said this, he immediately picked up the pace.

Think about the reason?

Shisui was stunned for a moment, then quickly caught up.

As they ran, he pondered.

But…

Had he really thought about it?

Earlier, he was just thinking that since the other students ignored him, he would just ignore them too.

Anyway, he'd graduate soon.

But…

Why?

He thought about it more carefully, and he did find it quite strange.

Before he knew it, he had run quite a distance and was out of breath. Kyoichi had already slowed down, but Shisui didn't seem to notice, still following him.

Soon…

They returned to Konoha.

"Alright, that's enough for today. When you figure things out, we'll talk again."

Kyoichi smiled.

Class struggles, if he directly explained it to Shisui, he probably wouldn't understand.

Better to let him think it through himself first.

Moreover…

There was a good example right here.

"Yes!"

Shisui nodded gravely.

Kyoichi left, and Shisui, about to head back to the Uchiha compound, casually glanced around and saw someone who surprised him.

Obito!

What was he doing here?

This was a small village on the outskirts of Konoha, mostly inhabited by civilians and elderly people. Obito seemed to get along well with them, chatting and laughing while eating fruit given by the old ladies.

Why?

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