Kyōichi, Konoha’s Life Mentor

Kurenai and Asuma stopped questioning. 

The team of four continued eastward through the Land of Fire. 

Along the way, Kyōichi noticed faint traces of shinobi activity. 

Where there's movement, there's evidence.

Even meticulous ninjas left clues in minor details—crushed leaves underfoot during travel, for instance. 

"Sensei, is this from Kiri shinobi?"

"Unclear for now. Keep observing as we move."

Kyōichi avoided hasty conclusions—these traces could belong to allies. 

They followed the trail. 

Shisui, Asuma, and Kurenai stayed hyper-alert, scanning their surroundings. 

Thanks to the survival-exam training, their teamwork and skills had sharpened. 

They maintained defensive formations while tracking, ready to support each other. 

Further along, they found more clues—subtle marks on tree branches. 

The trail led them forward until… 

"Sensei, we've tracked them, but it seems to be allies."

Kurenai's sensory skills detected Might Guy. 

"Let's catch up and ask."

Kyōichi nodded, suspecting the other team might also be tracking targets. 

Ahead, a green blur launched a flying kick from the trees. 

Bam!

Might Guy was sent flying by Kyōichi's counter. 

"Kyōichi-sensei?! I was hiding behind the tree and couldn't see—I thought you were an enemy!"

Guy rubbed his head, unfazed—years of Might Duy's "tough love" had hardened him. 

He stood, dusted off, and glanced at the others, struggling to recall their names. 

"Were you tracking here or patrolling this area?"Kyōichi cut to the chase. 

"We followed traces, but the trail went cold. They cleaned up thoroughly."

As Guy spoke, rustling leaves signaled more arrivals. 

Hayama Shirakumo, Ebisu, and Shiranui Genma emerged. 

Kotetsu sighed, already piecing things together. 

"Guy, confirm targets before attacking. What if you hurt allies when you're stronger?"

"Seems this isn't his first blunder," Kyōichi chuckled, recalling Guy's infamous forgetfulness—like failing to recognize Tobi during the Chunin Exams. 

A small price for his power.

"I'll do better next time!" Guy vowed, sheepishly. 

Shisui and the others stifled laughs.

Despite being a chūnin, Guy remained endearingly chaotic—making Kurenai seem far more competent by comparison. 

"Hayama-san, brief us on your findings."

Hayama, a former Anbu, explained that their team had tracked from another side, but all traces vanished here. 

"The cleanup suggests a Kirigakure rendezvous point. No evidence remains."

"Could they return here?" Kyōichi asked. 

Hayama shook his head. "Assassination squads avoid patterns. Waiting here's pointless."

"Unfortunate."

Kyōichi frowned, his chakra sensing revealing nothing beyond their teams. 

But Kirigakure ninjas excelled at hiding—submerged underwater or using techniques like the Hōzuki clan's Water Transformation. 

No Lightning Release users in either team. 

He briefly wished Kakashi were here but dismissed it—the boy's post-exam angst wasn't worth the hassle. 

"Search the area thoroughly. We'll regroup and strategize."

"Yes!"

Hayama obeyed without hesitation, loyal to Sandaime's command. 

The teams spread out but stayed within support range.

Kyōichi, however, strayed toward the river—prime hiding spots for Kiri ninja. 

Disguised as a generic chūnin with a mask and silver hair, he resembled an older Kakashi. 

Bait.

Hayama recognized the ploy but said nothing. 

Kyōichi's senses sharpened as he neared the water. Suddenly— 

A faint ripple. 

There.

Without hesitation, he formed hand seals. 

Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!

Twin barriers erupted, blocking the river's flow.

His hands blurred again— 

Earth Release: Earth-Style Rampart!

The entire riverbed and surrounding land surged upward, isolating the section. 

"What the…?!" 

Might Guy gaped at the colossal earthwork. 

This was no ordinary jutsu.