"Sensei, isn't that the Nidaime-sama's jutsu?"
"Hmm. You're overseeing the exam this time. How's the third stage progressing?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded.
Watching Kanda Kyoichi use Water Severing Wave, he couldn't help but feel surprised. This young man had mastered a Water Release technique that no one had been able to replicate since Senju Tobirama.
It wasn't unusual for some techniques of the Senju clan to scatter after their decline, but Kyoichi's talent in ninjutsu was astonishing. Not only had he mastered Water Severing Wave, but he had also innovated Body Flicker Jutsu.
Even without the Senju bloodline, Kyoichi was an exceptional talent.
Orochimaru licked his lips and smirked. "Sensei, there's no third stage. I am the third stage. While you gathered others for the exam, the only candidate needing this kind of evaluation is him."
"From chūnin directly to jōnin... and on top of that, he's a combat veteran with insufficient merit. But we're short on skilled personnel, so we have no choice," Hiruzen sighed.
During wartime, ninja promotions were often expedited, bypassing exams entirely. However, Kyoichi's situation was complicated. He had been injured on the battlefield and, while he had achieved notable merit, it wasn't quite enough to justify his promotion to jōnin.
"This time, since you're overseeing the process, I feel assured. Based on Kyoichi's abilities, he's clearly at jōnin level. The key is evaluating his intelligence gathering and battlefield judgment," said Hiruzen.
At the time, Hiruzen had no idea that Orochimaru was secretly researching Hashirama cells. He merely thought Orochimaru was interested in Kyoichi's talent, which had motivated him to volunteer for the role.
Admiration for genius was natural, after all.
However, knowing Orochimaru's connections with Danzo and the Root, Hiruzen added, "Orochimaru, I trust your abilities, but keep your distance from Root."
"Sensei, I only borrowed a few of their people to help organize the exam. After all, this promotion method ensures fairness and respect," Orochimaru said.
"You know what I mean," Hiruzen said, nodding slightly. He didn't elaborate further, but the warning was clear. It was up to Orochimaru to decide whether to heed it.
---
Forest of Death
Kyoichi was still playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Orochimaru.
Orochimaru was persistent, sticking to him like glue. Kyoichi avoided direct confrontation—partly because it didn't align with his mission, and partly because he suspected Orochimaru was after his blood for research.
For now, he had no intention of giving Orochimaru what he wanted.
However...
He soon noticed another presence approaching ahead of him.
Hyuga Natsu.
A member of Root!
Kyoichi's eyes flashed with cold determination.
So, it's as I thought. Danzo and Orochimaru are working together, likely planning to injure me and extract my blood to further their research into Hashirama cells.
Pretending not to notice Hyuga Natsu, Kyoichi continued heading toward Aburame Toji's location. The Aburame had already acquired two scrolls.
Soon enough, Hyuga Natsu appeared in front of him, blocking his path.
"Hand it over," Hyuga Natsu demanded curtly.
Kyoichi sneered but didn't respond. Instead—
Whoosh!
Using Body Flicker Jutsu, he bypassed Hyuga Natsu in an instant.
But the Hyuga prodigy wasn't so easily shaken. Activating his Byakugan, he immediately locked onto Kyoichi's movements, determined to intercept him with precision.
The plan was solid.
However...
As he caught up, Hyuga Natsu suddenly sensed that Kyoichi's chakra was distributed evenly across his body.
What's this?
Earth Spear!
A layer of Earth Release chakra had hardened Kyoichi's body, making it nearly impervious to Gentle Fist strikes. Realizing this, Hyuga Natsu quickly adjusted his strategy, unleashing an Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm.
Yet...
Kyoichi reacted with astonishing speed, dodging the attack effortlessly. Forming hand seals, he summoned a Water Dragon Bullet Technique, sending a roaring dragon of water hurtling toward Hyuga Natsu.
That was only the opening move.
The real attack followed immediately—
As Hyuga Natsu evaded the water dragon, Kyoichi closed the distance with unparalleled speed, appearing directly behind him.
Shadow of the Dancing Leaf.
A devastating kick landed squarely on Hyuga Natsu, sending him flying through several trees. The force of the impact was so great that Orochimaru had to use Earth Release to cushion his fall, or he might have flown even farther.
...Defeated in a single strike?
Orochimaru was stunned.
Hyuga Natsu was an elite member of Root, a shinobi of considerable skill. Yet Kyoichi had incapacitated him with a single move. The sheer power of that strike was terrifying!
It must have been some sort of advanced taijutsu.
Another new technique!
"Kyoichi-kun, you really are full of surprises," Orochimaru said, his tone tinged with excitement.
He almost felt as if he had found a kindred spirit.
"Lord Orochimaru, I presume?" Kyoichi said.
"You recognized me and only left behind a shadow clone? Kyoichi-kun, I am one of the Sannin, after all." Orochimaru chuckled.
Kyoichi had seen Orochimaru on the battlefield before, and his unique habits—like licking his lips—made him easy to identify.
"Still, I must admit... you're quite remarkable."
A giant snake slithered into view, carrying the unconscious Hyuga Natsu away toward another part of the Forest of Death.
"Earlier, that taijutsu—could you enlighten me?" Orochimaru asked, his curiosity evident.
"That wasn't my creation. It's called Eight Gates," Kyoichi replied through his shadow clone.
If Orochimaru didn't want to fight, Kyoichi saw no reason to press the issue. After all, this was a golden opportunity to showcase Might Duy's taijutsu technique.
"Eight Gates? Fascinating... I didn't expect there was a taijutsu genius in Konoha researching such a method. But surely, that's not all there is to it?" Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with excitement.
Despite Kyoichi's attempt to mask his technique, Orochimaru had deduced that opening just the first gate couldn't account for such overwhelming power.
"Gentle Fist, Earth Spear... interesting combination," Orochimaru muttered to himself.
Piecing together the clues, he surmised that Kyoichi had seamlessly blended multiple techniques, further enhancing their effectiveness.
"Nothing escapes Lord Orochimaru's sharp eyes," Kyoichi said.
"Impressive. Maintaining Earth Spear while using Eight Gates... your chakra control is extraordinary," Orochimaru remarked, genuinely impressed.
Kyoichi was, without a doubt, the most talented young ninja Orochimaru had encountered in years—perhaps even more so than Minato Namikaze.
"Kyoichi-kun, next time we meet, let's have a proper sparring match. For now, I'll refrain from going all out as your examiner."
With that, Orochimaru revealed his true form, deciding not to pursue further.
Moments later, the shadow clone spotted a swarm of black insects in the distance. Clearly, Kyoichi was already engaging Aburame Toji.
As he passed Kyoichi's clone, Orochimaru whispered, "Kyoichi-kun, next time, let's talk properly."
Orochimaru had no doubt—Aburame Toji was no match for Kyoichi.
"Understood," Kyoichi replied.
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