I, Konoha's Sage of Life

"Jonin Kyoichi…"

After leaving the Hokage's office, Kyoichi was about to take a moment to check his system panel. He had heard the notification sound earlier during the meeting but hadn't had a chance to look.

However…

Before he could, he heard someone calling from behind.

That voice…

Namikaze Minato?

Kyoichi turned around and, sure enough, saw the golden-haired Minato walking toward him.

"Minato-senpai, do you need something from me?"

At this point in time, Minato wasn't the Fourth Hokage yet.

However, after the Battle of Kikyo Pass, he had started to gain some renown in Konoha—completely different from a newly promoted jonin like Kyoichi.

"I wanted to ask why you included medical basics in the training curriculum. Medical ninjutsu is a vast field, and even among jonin, not many are proficient in it, right?"

Minato was puzzled.

Konoha's medical system was the most advanced in the ninja world, yet even so, not every squad had a dedicated medical-nin. The requirements to become one were simply too high!

In particular, the medical-nin in a four-man squad wasn't just responsible for healing but also had to ensure their own safety while being targeted by enemies.

As such…

He couldn't understand why basic medical training was part of a mere month-long training program. It seemed too brief to be effective.

However…

He also felt that Kyoichi must have his reasons.

"Minato-senpai, I don't mean to train them into full-fledged medical-nin. Rather, I want them to learn basic medical knowledge, such as bandaging wounds and stopping bleeding with medicine."

Kyoichi explained.

He had noticed a significant issue with Konoha's otherwise strong medical system—it relied too heavily on medical-nin.

Does that mean without a medical-nin, no one can treat injuries?

Emergency first aid could often save a ninja's life!

"True. Many genin don't even know these basics."

Minato reflected deeply.

In Konoha, only experienced veteran ninjas typically knew these techniques. Such valuable battlefield knowledge had never been widely disseminated, which was a major oversight.

It should be promoted!

His doubts dissolved, and he admired Kyoichi even more. With heartfelt respect, Minato said, "Kyoichi-san, you're truly a genius. I've heard of your prowess in teaching and your strength, but I didn't expect you to have insights into medical training as well."

"Just a bit of knowledge, really!"

Kyoichi wasn't being humble.

His medical knowledge came from the system. Apart from the Mystical Palm Technique, he only had some basic understanding.

It really was just a bit.

"Kyoichi-san, do you have any suggestions for organizing a four-man squad? To be honest, the Hokage has assigned me to lead a team, but I have no experience."

Minato scratched his head.

This was the real reason he approached Kyoichi.

Kyoichi, like him, was a very young jonin, but he was clearly more knowledgeable about training others.

Minato felt he could relate better to a peer.

"Konoha's four-man squad system is already very mature. I'm a newly promoted jonin myself and will meet my team tomorrow.

If I were to suggest a composition based on combat styles, I'd say each squad should have one for frontal assault, one specializing in infiltration or assassination, and one for support."

"Assault, infiltration, and support?"

Minato pondered.

It made perfect sense!

All of Konoha's squads followed this principle, even if it wasn't explicitly summarized like this before.

"Exactly. Even the Ino-Shika-Cho formation follows this pattern."

That said…

The infiltration role in the Ino-Shika-Cho team was rather unique.

As the concept solidified in his mind, Minato's admiration for Kyoichi deepened. This young man was far more thoughtful than even many seasoned jonin.

A genius like this was truly a blessing for Konoha!

The two continued discussing topics, including ninjutsu—particularly the Body Flicker Technique.

Both were masters of the technique.

However…

Their styles were distinct.

Minato's Body Flicker focused on pure speed, while Kyoichi's leaned more toward Shisui's style—quick and unpredictable.

Different styles, different techniques.

After exchanging insights, both were quite satisfied.

The only awkward part?

Minato felt like he had profited immensely. He had asked Kyoichi so many questions and originally planned to repay him by offering pointers on the Body Flicker Technique.

But it turned out Kyoichi was already a master, with understanding on par with his own.

Awkward indeed.

Kyoichi, however, didn't mind.

"Wool comes from sheep, after all," he thought. Teaching Minato a few things was enough to earn him system rewards.

And he wasn't wrong.

Back home, after checking his rewards, Kyoichi couldn't help but grin ear to ear.

His Body Flicker Technique proficiency had maxed out, and he gained a deeper understanding of Wind Release chakra.

Not bad at all!

But that wasn't even the main prize.

The real reward came from something else.

[Task Completed: Graduation Training Program]

[Evaluation: Outstanding!]

[Rewards:

1. Wind Release: Rasenshuriken

2. Leaf-Style Willow Sword Technique

3. Four Symbols Seal (Choose Two of Three)]

Another two-out-of-three choice.

Kyoichi wished he could have them all but had to let one go.

Even with an "Outstanding" evaluation, it was still a tough decision.

But this time, it wasn't hard to decide.

The Rasenshuriken was the first to go. Without Sage Mode, it wasn't practical.

Besides…

He already knew how to train for the Rasengan and its advanced forms. With Sage Mode in the future, he could create it himself!

As for the other two…

The Leaf-Style Willow was an S-rank genjutsu-based sword style, unparalleled in its uniqueness.

The Four Symbols Seal had limited immediate use but came with extensive knowledge of sealing techniques.

Both were incredibly valuable!

[Reward Claimed Successfully]

Mastery of both techniques flowed into Kyoichi's mind.

As a system-provided reward, it required no prolonged study—he grasped the skills almost instantly.

The sealing knowledge, however, came in an overwhelming flood, leaving his head slightly aching.

It was astonishing how much information even a single technique like the Four Symbols Seal involved. Learning it manually would have taken an extraordinary amount of time and effort.

But the benefits were undeniable—

Having sealing techniques meant he no longer had to fear jinchuriki encounters.

As for the Leaf-Style Willow…

Kyoichi's swordsmanship had mostly come from his grandmother's "family heirloom" notes, which focused on theory and practical basics.

The Leaf-Style Willow represented theory brought to life, combining genjutsu with swordsmanship. It was both a powerful weapon and an intriguing research subject.

In its current state, it was already strong enough for battle, especially against groups.

However…

Kyoichi was eager to modify it further, perhaps integrating it with moves like the Iaido Slash. Even a brief distraction caused by genjutsu could make a decisive difference.

But achieving that level of mastery would require much deeper knowledge of genjutsu.

For now, the Leaf-Style Willow was more valuable for research than immediate use. Even so, its practicality in battle was undeniable.

With his upgrades complete, Kyoichi felt confident.

This round of improvements had been fruitful, filling in gaps in his swordsmanship and preparing him well for leading his new team.

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