I, Konoha's Sage of Life

"What are you two talking about? I don't understand a word..."

"Nothing, sensei. See you later!"

Shisui waved goodbye.

He still didn't understand, but he was determined to keep searching for answers.

As Kyoichi watched them leave, he let out a silent sigh.

In Konoha, it wasn't just the Uchiha Clan that isolated themselves, forming what was essentially a "village within a village."

There was another clan just like them—the Hyuga Clan!

At least the Uchiha still sent their young to the Academy every year, but the Hyuga Clan rarely did so, preferring to educate their children within the clan itself.

And yet...

Only the Uchiha faced discrimination and targeted policies. The Hyuga were spared from such treatment, not merely because of the Uchiha's supposed "disloyalty."

Even if Shisui became the clan leader and led his people down the path of a "good" Uchiha, Danzo would still likely refuse to sheath his blade.

Danzo's stance toward the Uchiha was far harsher than that of the Third Hokage.

If Shisui couldn't comprehend the reasons behind the rift between the Uchiha and the commoners of Konoha, there was no point delving deeper into such topics with him.

With that thought, Kyoichi turned and headed toward Ichiraku Ramen.

As for the Third Hokage?

What was there to worry about?

The Third wasn't like Danzo.

Kyoichi's actions—encouraging Shisui and Obito to help civilians and perform unpaid tasks—would only earn him the Hokage's gratitude.

Upon arriving at Ichiraku, Kyoichi was just about to sit down when a swift shadow approached.

Whoosh!

An Anbu ninja, masked and imposing, appeared before him.

"Kyoichi Kanda, the Third Hokage summons you to the Hokage's office."

"Me?"

"Yes..."

"Alright, I'll go immediately."

Kyoichi was puzzled but didn't dwell on it.

The Anbu's directness made it clear this wasn't a casual request.

Without delay, he followed the Anbu, both of them using the Body Flicker Jutsu to reach the Hokage's office in mere moments.

"Lord Hokage, Kyoichi has arrived."

"Dismissed."

"Yes, sir!"

The Anbu disappeared, leaving only the Third Hokage and Kyoichi in the room.

The Third Hokage removed his hat, his demeanor warm and casual, like a kindly elder. He stood, smiling as he examined Kyoichi from head to toe.

"It's been years, and look at you now—all grown up!"

"You know me, Lord Hokage?"

Kyoichi was slightly taken aback.

"Of course. Your grandmother and my teacher were close relatives. When you were born, I even held you in my arms."

"This... My grandmother never mentioned it."

Kyoichi scratched his head, offering an awkward laugh.

But in truth...

He knew full well this was likely fabricated.

It was a classic tactic to build rapport. There was no need to expose it, though. The Hokage's efforts to close the psychological distance between them were clear indications of his intent to win Kyoichi over.

This was preferable to outright rejection.

"Hehe, by all accounts, you're like family. Relax, let's just have a chat."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage."

Kyoichi bowed respectfully, sitting only after the Hokage gestured for him to do so.

Lighting his pipe, the Third Hokage smiled and asked, "Since returning to the village, how have you been feeling?"

"Honestly, Lord Hokage, you may not believe it, but ever since recovering from my injuries, I feel like my body has grown stronger, and even my Water Release techniques seem more powerful."

Kyoichi shared some of the truth.

The Hokage's smile widened. Puffing on his pipe, he exclaimed, "You have the blood of the Senju Clan in your veins. This is your Senju heritage awakening."

"Really?!"

"Indeed!"

The Hokage seemed genuinely delighted, puffing smoke as he spoke. Kyoichi's straightforwardness in reporting his condition clearly pleased him.

"By the way, I've heard about your recent work at the Academy. With the wartime chaos disrupting grade levels and graduation timelines, sticking strictly to protocol isn't ideal. Your flexible teaching methods are commendable!"

"Thank you, Lord Hokage!"

Kyoichi smiled, but inwardly, he pondered the Hokage's intentions.

Mentioning the Senju bloodline and praising his teaching—could this be leading to a promotion?

"Don't be so tense. I called you here partly to chat, but also to ask if, with your recent awakening of the Senju bloodline, you'd be willing to participate in the Jōnin Exam?"

The Hokage handed him a form—an application for the Jōnin Exam.

Kyoichi was stunned.

A promotion to Jōnin?

He had expected some sort of reward but hadn't imagined it would be this.

Jōnin...

He fell silent, weighing the pros and cons. Becoming a Jōnin would grant him more authority and freedom but also come with heavier responsibilities and more dangerous missions.

However...

The Hokage's assessment of his strength was already on the table. Refusing the promotion might create unnecessary misunderstandings.

Finally, he scratched his head and said, "Lord Hokage, I'm just a Chūnin. I'm worried I might not be qualified."

"Your strength is more than sufficient. As for other areas, those can be developed with time. Years of war have left us with a shortage of Jōnin. Your promotion would be a great help."

The Hokage sighed.

"If you believe in me, Lord Hokage, then I'll give it a try!"

Relieved, Kyoichi signed the form.

"That's the spirit. Strength can be trained, but the heart and will are what truly matter. Few people these days truly understand the Will of Fire."

The Hokage's smile deepened.

Kyoichi understood the subtext.

Shisui.

See?

He'd said so—the Hokage should be thanking him!

Of course...

The Uchiha Clan was probably livid. A talented young member of their clan, after spending only a few days with him as a teacher, had already shifted his mindset. It wouldn't be surprising if they confronted him soon.

Not that it mattered.

The current Uchiha were weak.

After Madara left, they didn't dare follow him.

When Kagami died and the Third Hokage came to power, they were gradually pushed to the margins of Konoha's political center, yet they still didn't resist.

They only began contemplating rebellion when their situation became untenable.

What were they doing before?

Kyoichi held little regard for the current Uchiha Clan—even less for Fugaku Uchiha.

The man was weak and indecisive.

If Shisui could abandon his naïve ideals and become more pragmatic, he'd already be a better leader than Fugaku.

Leaving the Hokage's office, Kyoichi walked home, reflecting on the encounter.

The Third Hokage's intent was clear: he wanted Kyoichi to align with the Hokage faction.

To that end, he even brought up old connections to the Senju Clan. It was almost laughable but showed the Hokage bore no ill will toward him.

For now, Kyoichi didn't need to worry about the Third Hokage.

In fact...

The Hokage might even shield him from Danzo's machinations.

As for the Jōnin Exam, with the looming war next year, securing a Jōnin position would be highly advantageous.

The only concern was...

"What happens to my system after I become a Jōnin?"

Kyoichi glanced at his Mentor System.

The system seemed designed for teaching. As a Jōnin, staying at the Academy would be unlikely.

Still, he was just a temporary instructor. Injuries or not, his time at the Academy was always going to be short-lived.

With that thought, his mind cleared.

As a Jōnin, he could request a team or roam freely, leveraging his talent for guidance.

Not a problem!

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