Naruto Shadow Mage

"Thank you for your support, Lord Sarutobi!"

"These kids, including Koshino, are the future of our village. I will take good care of them!"

In Konoha, many people could call the Fourth Hokage by his name, such as Koshino's uncle Shikaku Nara, Choza Akimichi, and others who were close to him. Privately, they all referred to the Fourth Hokage as "Minato."

However, only one person in the entire village was able to call the Fourth Hokage by his name and was also respected by him in return.

That person was the Third Hokage, who had trained the Legendary Sannin and was known throughout the ninja world as the "Professor" of ninjutsu.

Although the Fourth Hokage had succeeded him, any plan still required the Third Hokage's approval due to the political landscape established during the Third Hokage's reign.

During the Second Shinobi World War, after the death of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, the Third Hokage inherited the position at a time when the power of the Hokage in Konoha was at its lowest point in history.

The prestigious Senju and Uchiha clans, who had co-founded Konoha, controlled half the village's power when the Third Hokage first took office. Had it not been for the rise of the Sannin, whom the Third Hokage had trained, and the help of friends like Danzo Shimura, he would have struggled to reclaim his rightful authority from the noble clans.

When the Fourth Hokage took office, the situation grew even more complex.

The Senju clan had faded from the historical stage, but the Sannin had also vanished from the village.

With the Uchiha and Hyuga clans vying for power in front and the Konoha Council, who had previously assisted the Third Hokage, now plotting to seize control, the Fourth Hokage's authority within the village was significantly weakened. Despite his prestige, any plan Minato wanted to implement required the Third Hokage's approval to overcome opposition and proceed smoothly.

Thus, regarding the plan about to be executed, the Third Hokage sighed deeply as he looked at the elated Fourth Hokage.

Only the Third Hokage knew the sacrifices he had made for Minato.

But as he shifted his gaze to Koshino, the Third Hokage's frown softened into a faint smile.

"Minato is right. As long as new seeds sprout and bear fruit, any sacrifice is worth it."

"Nara Koshino, I hope Minato wasn't wrong about you."

"After all, Minato's plan centers around you!"

With these thoughts, the figures of the Third and Fourth Hokage vanished from the scene.

Meanwhile, Koshino, unaware of the presence of such formidable figures, continued with his confrontation. After all, they were renowned Kage-level ninjas, while he was merely an elite Genin.

With a stern look at the pig-masked Anbu, Koshino employed tactics that even the Third and Fourth Hokage deemed perfect, forcing the three Anbu to cease their charade. The three Anbu, who had fought Koshino, surrendered without complaint.

However, the Anbu fighting Guy had grown even more aggressive!

As if trying to beat the clock, the Anbu fighting Guy became serious at the exact moment Koshino defeated his opponents. Each strike aimed for Guy's vital points, turning what seemed like a test into a genuine battle!

Seeing Guy in danger, Koshino frowned and formed hand seals to stop the frenzied Anbu.

But before Koshino could intervene, Guy shouted:

"Koshino, don't help me!"

"This is between me and Kakashi. Stay out of it!"

Kakashi?

Koshino was momentarily stunned, not expecting a famous character like Kakashi to be among the attacking Anbu.

Releasing the captured Anbu, Koshino let them disappear without a word and focused entirely on the fight between Guy and Kakashi, silently marveling at Kakashi's prowess.

"Hatake Kakashi is truly formidable! Guy's taijutsu can crush any Chunin at the same level, yet Kakashi, using only taijutsu, isn't falling behind. It seems acquiring the Sharingan hasn't dulled his skills!"

"Ah, Guy, such a pity!"

As Koshino silently assessed Kakashi's strength, he saw Guy narrowly losing the fight, ultimately defeated by Kakashi.

Despite the loss, Guy remained as optimistic as ever.

Extending his right hand to Kakashi, Guy clearly sought a gesture of reconciliation.

But what angered Koshino was Kakashi's dismissive attitude. Not only did he ignore Guy's friendly gesture, but he also cast a disdainful glance at Koshino.

Noticing the Anbu who had lost to Koshino were gone, Kakashi sneered and spoke in a cold tone:

"A bunch of failures, fleeing after defeat, with no courage to face their shortcomings."

Then, with his face hidden behind a mask, Kakashi's icy gaze met Koshi no's angry eyes as he continued:

"You must be Nara Koshino."

"That's me."

"So, you want to challenge me?"

Everyone has their limits, and Koshino, with his straightforward nature, was no exception!

A genius may be proud, but there's a limit to arrogance!

Kakashi's haughty demeanor provoked the group, making even the usually calm Guy awkwardly rub his nose while Koshino's anger flared.

But before Koshino could respond, Kakashi continued, ignoring Koshi no's words and maintaining his cold stare:

"You're Minato-sensei's disciple, so you should address me as your senior. Both you and Guy have passed this test. Report to Training Ground 8 tomorrow."

"I have other matters to attend to. Remember, don't be late! Even as a temporary Anbu, you must adhere to the Anbu rules. Mistakes will be punished!"

Whoosh!

Before Koshino could ask any questions, Kakashi vanished from sight.

Guy, however, seemed unfazed by Kakashi's harsh attitude. Upon hearing they were now temporary Anbu, he was ecstatic, clinging to Koshino in joy.

As for Koshino?

Watching Guy's joy, his mind was filled with complaints!

"Hmph! Temporary Anbu?"

"Isn't that just a fancy term for a temp worker?"