At this moment—
Inside the Hokage Building.
"Ishikawa Kiyoshi, has he returned?"
In the Hokage's office.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who looked visibly older than two years prior, with age spots dotting his face, puffed on his pipe.
He gazed into a crystal ball, which showed a scene on the streets of Konoha—a girl, Ino, embracing Kiyoshi.
"And that girl from the Uzumaki clan." A faint smile played on Hiruzen's lips. "Tsunade really has trained two fine talents for Konoha."
The Third Hokage's eyes lingered on Kiyoshi as he recalled the boy's actions from two years ago at Konoha Hospital.
This boy had clearly concealed his true abilities while at the ninja academy.
"His close bond with Kurenai, almost like siblings. In these past two years, she's advanced remarkably, even recently passing her Jonin evaluation to become a Konoha Jonin."
Hiruzen's eyes glinted as he mused to himself, "And reports indicate that she has even mastered the A-rank Genjutsu, the Infinite Darkness Jutsu, which she openly attributes to her connection with Kiyoshi."
Hiruzen had once made inquiries about it.
Thanks to Kiyoshi's foresight, Kurenai, who had already gained his approval, hadn't withheld anything.
She explained openly that she'd learned it from her "sworn brother" Kiyoshi.
He had inherited an illusion technique from his grandmother, Ishikawa Azumi, who received it from his great-grandmother Senju Toka.
At that moment, Hiruzen realized he had underestimated Kiyoshi's potential. Once again, he instructed others to investigate his performance at the ninja academy.
Through this investigation, they uncovered something interesting.
It turned out that, as a genius student, Kiyoshi had shown extraordinary promise in the academy.
Not only was he gifted in chakra capacity and control, but he also possessed a natural talent for Genjutsu, though this was overshadowed by his brilliance in ninjutsu.
At the time, this hadn't garnered much attention.
Therefore, he had a general understanding.
This young man's abilities were far from what they seemed on the surface.
He most likely had an innate aptitude for Genjutsu, potentially mastering some advanced techniques.
Otherwise, it wouldn't be likely for him to so freely pass down such an important Genjutsu inheritance.
Now, after two years of training with Tsunade.
His skills must have reached an even higher level.
"A true prodigy, huh?"
For a moment—
Hiruzen murmured to himself, his clouded old eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation.
After two years, how much stronger had this young man grown?
Although Kiyoshi seemed primarily focused on medical ninjutsu, that didn't mean he lacked combat ability.
Tsunade was the best example of that.
"Tenzo."
"Lord Hokage."
At Hiruzen's call—
A masked figure appeared abruptly in the office.
Kneeling on one knee before the Third Hokage, he bowed respectfully.
"I want you to test Ishikawa Kiyoshi's skills."
The Third Hokage addressed the masked Anbu in front of him.
Taking a puff from his pipe, he said, "But make sure to hold back—do not harm him."
"Ishikawa Kiyoshi?"
Hearing the Third Hokage's orders, the Anbu ninja codenamed "Tenzo" or most commonly known as Yamato was visibly surprised. "That famed medical prodigy? Tsunade-sama's disciple?"
By now, Kiyoshi's name was no longer obscure in Konoha.
As the direct disciple of one of the Sannin, Tsunade.
Two years ago, at just eight years old, Kiyoshi had displayed astonishing talent in medical ninjutsu at Konoha Hospital, treating numerous patients without a single failure.
With Tsunade's guidance, his medical ninjutsu progressed at an astonishing pace in less than half a month.
He saved many gravely injured patients from the brink of death, and his skill was said to surpass even the Jonin of the medical corps.
He was lauded as the medical prodigy, truly Tsunade's successor.
Even Tenzo in the Anbu had heard of his deeds.
"Yes, Tsunade's student is no ordinary person." Hiruzen smiled, offering a reminder.
"Don't underestimate him because of his age. Kiyoshi possesses the Senju clan's bloodline, naturally holding far more chakra than the average person and with extraordinary chakra control.
Not only is he well-versed in medical ninjutsu, but he's also mastered Tsunade's mighty chakra enhanced strength."
"Additionally, he is rumored to have a rare talent in Genjutsu, likely knowing some advanced, hard to defend illusion techniques. Do not take him lightly."
"I understand Hokage-sama."
Tenzo's eyes sharpened with alertness.
With a wave from the Third Hokage—
He vanished from the office.
"Ishikawa Kiyoshi. let's see just how far you've come."
---
Atop the Hokage Rock.
Kiyoshi was brought here by Ino.
He wasn't in a rush to head to the ninja academy to find Tenten.
Thanks to his keen sensing abilities, he already knew that the Third Hokage was watching him through the Telescope Technique.
However, he didn't pay much mind to it.
Sitting with Ino on the Third Hokage's statue above, Kiyoshi looked down at the familiar sight of Konoha Village, enjoying the cool breeze.
He felt calm, relaxed, and refreshed.
He definitely hadn't intended it this way.
"Hehe."
Gazing at Kiyoshi, Ino smiled dreamily, somewhat entranced.
"What's on your mind?"
"Nothing, I'm just... happy."
Ino beamed as she tightly clung to Kiyoshi's arm, leaning close.
If Tenten found out that she was the first to meet her "Kiyoshi-nii" she'd definitely be red with envy.
"Who's there?"
Suddenly—
Kiyoshi sharply turned his head.
He dodged several senbon that shot toward him like lightning.
Without a second's hesitation, he grabbed Ino and leapt away.
They narrowly avoided a sword slash, its blade veering slightly as if to avoid causing injury.
"Shhh..."
The sudden attack startled Ino, and she instinctively looked over, her eyes contracting.
A masked figure, brimming with killing intent and holding a ninja sword, rushed at them relentlessly.
However, Kiyoshi's lips curved into a faint smile.
Holding Ino, he leaped to the right, dodging the assailant's pursuit once again.
Yet the figure seemed oblivious, charging straight toward the edge of the Hokage Rock.
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[A.N: For anyone confused, Tenzo and Yamato are the same person. Tsunade gave him a new name when was assigned the task of leading Team 7. So, right now his name should still be Tenzo.]