I, Konoha's Sage of Life

The next day, at the Ninja Academy.

The graduates gathered for one last time, sitting together in the classroom.

"Can't believe even you managed to graduate, Obito," said Genma Shiranui, a senbon dangling from his lips. He couldn't resist teasing as Obito and Shisui walked in last.

Obito's face instantly turned red. "Hey, what's that supposed to mean, toothpick guy? I'm a genius!"

"Heh…"

Shisui passed by without a word, but his smirk spoke volumes.

A genius?

Given that Obito had nearly failed the day before, arriving two minutes late to his exam, only scraping through under Kyoichi-sensei's leniency, it was more of a miracle than a display of talent.

Shisui didn't say it outright, but the laugh made his opinion clear.

"Hmph, just you wait—I'll… never mind, I'm not wasting my time on you guys."

Obito initially wanted to retort with his usual boast about unlocking the Sharingan, but then thought about Shisui's raw talent. If Shisui activated his Sharingan first, Obito would lose even that shred of leverage. Suddenly, he wasn't so sure of himself.

Besides...

Even if the Sharingan awakened, it wouldn't instantly make him a genius.

Thanks to Kyoichi's guidance and Shisui's mentoring, Obito had finally understood a hard truth: skills speak louder than potential.

Without a solid foundation, the Sharingan alone wouldn't make him a match for others.

Of course…

This was the general rule. With Uchiha bloodline quirks, one could occasionally defy logic. However, Kyoichi's teachings emphasized self-reliance.

"Looks like everyone's full of energy today!"

"Sensei?"

A familiar voice echoed through the room, and the students' eyes lit up in surprise.

Kyoichi-sensei?

What was he doing here?

Many students thought Kyoichi had only been a temporary instructor during the war, stepping down afterward. They weren't aware he had been promoted to jōnin and was now a team leader.

"You've all done well. Obito, although you embarrassed yourself, at least you passed... But seriously, showing up late for an exam? That's a bad habit. Fix it, or you'll be letting your teammates down. This goes for everyone!"

He paused, his expression becoming solemn.

"I don't want to see any of your names carved onto the Memorial Stone."

Kyoichi's words carried weight, and the room grew heavy with emotion.

For many of them—especially non-clan students like Raidō and Aoba—Kyoichi had been more than just a teacher. He had imparted advanced techniques, life-saving skills they wouldn't otherwise have learned.

This heartfelt warning struck a chord with them.

"Alright then, Team One: Shisui Uchiha, Asuma Sarutobi, and Kurenai Yūhi. Follow me."

"Wait, what??"

Rin and Obito immediately perked up.

They were well aware that Kyoichi had recently passed the jōnin exams, but most of the class had no idea.

"Team One?"

Raidō blinked in confusion.

It wasn't until Shisui, Asuma, and Kurenai stood up and moved toward Kyoichi that the others finally realized what was happening.

Whoa!

"I thought Sensei was just here for a farewell lesson!"

"Turns out he's been promoted to jōnin!"

"Damn, he really got us there…"

The classroom buzzed with chatter.

Everyone knew Kyoichi was strong, but to go from being their teacher to leading a team so quickly? That was next level.

And judging by his squad—Shisui, Asuma, and Kurenai—it was clear the village held him in high regard. This was an elite team!

Could it be…

Was Kyoichi a tokubetsu jōnin or even an elite jōnin?

Speculation ran wild.

"See you all later."

Kyoichi waved casually as he left, the three students following behind.

As they walked, Kurenai couldn't help but laugh softly.

"Hey!"

Asuma shot her a sharp look.

Was she seriously laughing at their teacher? Did she have a death wish?

"Don't worry. Laugh if you want," Kyoichi said with a smile. "It doesn't matter—after all… you're not officially my students yet."

The three of them froze mid-step, staring at Kyoichi in surprise.

Not… yet?

"Don't overthink it. We'll be doing a small test. From what I've heard, there are all kinds of weird initiation tests for new teams. The Third Hokage's test involved stealing a bell."

He paused, glancing at them with an amused expression.

All three instantly straightened, their expressions serious.

The bell test, huh?

They had heard of it before—it wasn't an easy trial.

"But I didn't bring any bells. So instead, let's make it simple: if you can land a hit on me, you pass."

He smiled, his expression calm and harmless.

Shisui, Asuma, and Kurenai exchanged glances. After a moment of hesitation, determination filled their eyes.

Making a jōnin take a hit? That was no small feat.

Still, it didn't seem as impossible as stealing bells. At least there was a glimmer of hope.

"Let's meet at the Forest of Death," Kyoichi said, disappearing with a sudden blur.

Body Flicker Technique!

Shisui's eyes widened.

Asuma and Kurenai, already running ahead, stopped when they noticed Shisui lingering behind.

"What's up, Shisui?"

"…Sensei's body flicker is even stronger now. No—maybe he was never using his full speed before."

Shisui took a deep breath.

"Is it? I didn't really notice…" Asuma scratched his head, confused.

"Let's go," Shisui said, choosing not to elaborate further.

Among this year's graduates, Shisui's mastery of the Body Flicker Technique was unmatched. Yet compared to Kyoichi's, it felt like a mere parlor trick—especially now. Kyoichi's movements had been so seamless, it was almost like teleportation.

Meanwhile, Kyoichi silently observed the trio from the shadows.

Shisui lagged behind, clearly assessing the situation. Asuma, on the other hand, charged ahead without hesitation.

---

At the edge of the Forest of Death, Team One gathered.

Kyoichi sat calmly, waiting as the trio arrived, slightly out of breath.

Physically, they were still lacking.

"Shisui, you stayed in the rear to observe and maintain formation. That's a good habit from your family's police force. Even if you fail this test, I'll still keep you on the team."

"Huh?"

Asuma blinked, startled.

Even something like that mattered?

He had been too focused on running, not considering anything beyond speed.

"Sensei, so that presence earlier… that was you?" Kurenai asked, exhaling in relief. "I couldn't pinpoint it and thought it might've been someone else…"

"Your sensory skills are impressive, Kurenai. During the approach, you maintained a central position, providing support to your teammates. Well done. I'm willing to let you pass."

Kyoichi smiled.

Kurenai's aptitude didn't surprise him. Ninjas specializing in genjutsu often had strong sensory abilities. In the original timeline, Kurenai led Team 8, a squad focused on reconnaissance. Without decent sensory skills, she wouldn't have qualified.

Kurenai blushed slightly but quickly composed herself upon noticing Asuma's expression.

At that moment, Asuma felt completely defeated.

He glanced at the others before turning to Kyoichi, feeling utterly helpless.

Damn it…

Wasn't this supposed to be a test? How had these two managed to preemptively answer the questions?

Honestly, Asuma felt like he hadn't even started the test, yet it was already over.

"Shisui, Kurenai, since you've already passed, you're free to participate in the test. But Kurenai, if you fail, I'll fight to keep Shisui, but I might not do the same for you."

**********************************

Read advanced chapters ahead of everyone else on my P@treon.

p@treon/GodDragcell