I, Konoha's Sage of Life

[You have completed the teaching of "Body Flicker Jutsu" and "Philosophy."]

[Evaluation: Outstanding!]

[Rewards:

1. Earth Release: Earth Spear

2. Strength of a Hundred Technique

3. Water Release: Water Severing Wave

The host may choose two out of the three.]

Two out of three?

Kyoichi's eyes lit up.

As expected, teaching philosophical insights also came with rewards—and they were generous. Each of these techniques was powerful and full of potential. It was difficult to choose just two.

"This is so tough!"

After much deliberation…

"I'll choose one and three," Kyoichi finally decided.

After awakening his Senju bloodline, his Earth and Water Release techniques had received significant enhancements. He was also approaching promotion to Jōnin, which required mastery of at least two chakra nature transformations.

Kyoichi possessed the chakra natures of Earth, Water, and Wind.

Currently, he had only mastered Water Release. Based on his experience with previous system rewards, learning Earth Spear would likely grant him partial knowledge of Earth nature transformation.

As for the Water Severing Wave…

Its destructive power was undeniable!

[Rewards claimed.]

A surge of knowledge flooded his mind, detailing the two techniques.

At the same time, Kyoichi felt a newfound mastery. Without even practicing, he knew he could execute these techniques flawlessly. His choice, he realized, was perfect.

The Earth Spear required no hand seals, while the Water Severing Wave required only minimal seals yet delivered immense power.

As for the Strength of a Hundred Technique...

"Although I regret not picking it, I could always learn it from Tsunade later. Given my Senju lineage, convincing her shouldn't be too difficult," Kyoichi thought.

Just as he finished selecting his rewards, another notification sounded in his mind.

[You have completed the teaching of "Philosophy" for Uchiha Shisui. He now regards you as his life mentor.]

[Evaluation: Excellent.]

[Reward: Body Flicker Jutsu - Modified Version.]

"Huh?"

Kyoichi froze.

He had expected rewards for technical instruction, but this caught him completely off guard.

A life mentor?

Hadn't he just answered a few questions?

This was a pleasant surprise.

As he pondered, memories of Shisui's earlier questions resurfaced in his mind.

"Does this kid want me to lead his team as his Jōnin instructor?"

Kyoichi couldn't help but chuckle. His first "student" as a mentor turned out to be Shisui.

"Well, I guess it's not so bad. Shisui has potential. With proper guidance, he won't end up as naïve as his original self."

As Kyoichi headed home, a figure suddenly darted around the corner.

"Kyoichi-sensei, let's have a youthful and passionate contest! First to complete 300 laps wins! The loser—"

"Guy, I'm busy. Next time for sure," Kyoichi interrupted, his face darkened.

Damn it…

Training with Guy was one thing, but once these "youthful battles" started, they never seemed to end. He had no intention of becoming Kakashi 2.0.

"Speaking of which, I wonder where Kakashi is…"

Leaning against a wall, Kyoichi extended his senses, chakra pulsing outwards as he scanned his surroundings.

Soon, he smiled. "If you're looking for Kakashi, follow this street to the riverbank. You'll find him there."

"Really? Thanks, Kyoichi-sensei! Kakashi! Let's have a fiery battle of youth!"

Gai dashed off in the direction Kyoichi had indicated, shouting enthusiastically.

Truly, Konoha's Blue Beast.

Relieved, Kyoichi muttered, "Good thing Kakashi's back in the village."

As he continued walking, he sensed someone tailing him.

"Asuma?"

"Uh… sensei… I wasn't trying to follow you. I mean, I…"

"Do you have something on your mind?" Kyoichi asked, surprised. He hadn't expected Asuma to be the one shadowing him.

Asuma scratched his head, his youthful face showing traces of nervousness. Without his iconic beard, he looked surprisingly fresh-faced.

"Come on, let's talk at my place," Kyoichi offered with a nod, leading the way.

He could tell Asuma had questions he wanted to ask but wasn't sure how to begin.

Though still a student, Asuma's thoughts seemed more complex than most his age. This might explain why he hadn't yet graduated as a Chūnin, unlike Obito and Rin, who had achieved the rank at just eleven during wartime.

Asuma's talent wasn't lacking. If anything, the delay suggested his struggles were internal.

Following Kyoichi, Asuma soon recognized the surroundings. After some thought, he exclaimed, "Wait, wasn't this area…"

"The former compound of the Senju Clan," Kyoichi confirmed.

His family's home had been part of the Senju estate until the clan gradually intermarried and dispersed during the First Hokage's later years.

By the Second Hokage's era, the Senju Clan had all but disappeared.

"My grandmother was a Senju, but that's about it," Kyoichi said with a smile as he dispelled the Shadow Clones training in his courtyard. He opened the door and motioned for Asuma to sit.

Though initially stiff, Asuma relaxed after sipping some water. Finally, he hesitated before asking, "Sensei, I have a personal question. Who do you think the 'king' is for us ninja?"

"The 'king'?"

As expected.

Kyoichi wasn't surprised. This question stemmed from the Third Hokage's teachings, yet Asuma's internal conflict had kept him from fully accepting his father's philosophy.

After a moment of thought, Kyoichi smiled and said, "Who the 'king' is doesn't matter. A thousand people will have a thousand different answers. What matters is what you choose to protect."

"A thousand people, a thousand answers… and protect?"

Asuma mulled over the words, feeling they carried deep meaning.

But upon further thought, he felt Kyoichi hadn't really answered his question. After all, protecting the 'king' was a given—if the 'king' fell, the game was over.

"Let me give you an example. Years ago, Sakumo Hatake chose to save his comrades over completing a mission, ultimately leading to his disgrace and suicide. What do you think his 'king' was?"

"Sakumo-sama?"

Asuma struggled to answer. After a long pause, he tentatively said, "His comrades?"

"Exactly. To Sakumo, the lives of his comrades mattered more than the mission. What you choose to protect, that's your 'king.'"

"I see…"

Asuma nodded slowly, feeling he understood—though not entirely.

After some time, he bowed deeply. "Thank you for your guidance!"

"No other questions? Want something to eat?"

"No, my mother's probably waiting for me. Thank you again, sensei! I'll take my leave!"

---

"Come on, Kakashi! Youth and passion won't let you quit with 100 laps left!" Guy shouted as he sprinted.

Kakashi followed closely, his masked face betraying no emotion, though his eyes gleamed with irritation.

"Guy, who told you I was here?"

His hiding spot had been so discreet. Without help, Guy couldn't have possibly found him.

"Beat me, and I'll tell you!"

"Hmph."

Kakashi narrowed his eyes, increasing his speed.

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