Konoha: Unable to learn ninjutsu, they had to develop their own.

After leaving the woods, Sasuke felt much better, with a smile and hope on his face.

The Dark Side is at least stronger than it is now!

"I must seize this opportunity!"

"So, you plan to have him join the Dark Division?"

"Not entirely. One reason is that Sasuke is suited for practical combat, and the other is, you yourself don't need to train? Ha, you haven't even mastered Sage Mode yet, have you?"

"Hehe, you're thanking me too soon. I'm not the captain of the Dark Division, and Kakashi-sensei isn't either. I'm just willing to give you a chance."

Kakashi was unable to refute it.

Kakashi has clearly sensed natural energy and can manipulate and refine Sage Chakra, so it's only a matter of time before he completes his Sage Mode training.

Compared to elite Jonin like Kakashi, the Anbu are naturally a bunch of useless people, because Kakashi is a captain in the Anbu and commands the entire Anbu.

This is the hurdle that has kept Kakashi from making any progress for so many months.

Kakashi pondered, "Joining the Anbu isn't as good as teaching, is it?"

It's not that Kakashi is incapable, but that he doesn't have the time.

"Yes, Jiraiya-sama once taught a disciple like the Fourth Hokage, so he must be very good at teaching. He's much more reliable than you in teaching Naruto."

And now.

Chiba chuckled.

result.

This is enough.

Compared to ordinary ninjas, they were elites.

"Yes, I understand."

He looked at Chiba, but honestly couldn't bring himself to ask Chiba to teach him.

Sasuke and Naruto already have a way out, but what about Sakura Haruno...?

Kakashi vaguely understood some of the Third Hokage's thoughts. Uzuki Yugao was quite strong, but she was not quite up to the task of serving as the captain of the Anbu. The Third Hokage hoped that Chiba and Gekko Hayate could participate behind the scenes.

Sasuke clenched his fist and bowed deeply, saying, "Senior, thank you so much!"

Kakashi paused for a moment, then thought of the giant toad and said thoughtfully, "Lord Jiraiya?"

"No, Naruto will have someone to take care of him."

From Sasuke to Naruto and Sakura, they mostly learned some basic and advanced techniques under his tutelage, without achieving any substantial leaps in skill.

To acquire the ninjutsu of the research institute, you either need to join the institute and work together to develop new ninjutsu, or you need to exchange knowledge for it.

Chiba wasn't being sarcastic.

Kakashi turned around and looked at Naruto, who was happily eating ramen, and said, "Even without Sasuke, I would still teach Naruto. It makes no difference."

Chiba uttered a remark and then left the woods.

Chiba said seriously, "Remember, whether you succeed or not depends on yourself!"

Naruto and his friends took up too much of my energy.

Because everything the other party said was true, he realized that he really didn't have much talent for teaching disciples.

In addition, the research institute...

Kakashi remained silent for a while, then suddenly asked, "Do you think Sakura has a future learning medical ninjutsu?"

"Of course."

This was his original profession.

Chiba added from the bottom of his heart.

"Okay, I understand. I'll have Sakura go to the medical class to learn about illusion magic and stuff..."

Kakashi hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

He didn't think illusions had much of a future.

Genjutsu is powerful, but its practical value is limited. It is said that recently the strongest genjutsu ninja in Konoha has started to look for other paths, which shows that genjutsu is just so-so when it comes to its ultimate form.

Chiba didn't know what Kakashi was thinking, but he vaguely felt that Kakashi's change in attitude might be related to Kurenai Yuhi.

Is Kurenai currently training in medical ninjutsu?

He guessed Kakashi's thoughts and couldn't help but chuckle—it seemed that Kurenai Yuhi had started learning medical ninjutsu because of his suggestion.

but.

Same way.

Chiba didn't say much, just smiled, and then said goodbye to Kakashi.

Kakashi felt much lighter now that a worry was gone. He stared ahead for a long time before finally letting out a soft sigh.

It's been a long time since we last saw each other; we're all going our separate ways now.

and.

For some reason, Chiba seemed very anxious and eager to improve everyone's strength.

why?

He frowned, genuinely puzzled.

Kakashi considered himself to be no weakling; there were very few in the ninja world who could defeat him, and he should be considered a top-tier figure.

but.

In Chiba's eyes, however, further training was still needed. While that was certainly true, something just felt off.

This was his intuition as a ninja.

"But he's right, I do need to meditate and cultivate for a while."

"Sage Mode, and this eye."

……

Another place.

After dealing with the surrender of Sunagakure, the Third Hokage was somewhat exhausted, but soon, two pieces of news reached his ears.

First, Danzo died, sealing off a piece of land and a corner of the Hokage Building, almost affecting the Hokage's office.

The second is——

Orochimaru is dead, and his body has been found, but the appearance of the body is not quite what was expected.

Three generations bowed their heads.

This is a woman's appearance, completely unlike Orochimaru's former self.

The art of reincarnation.

"Alas, you have gone astray, which is why this calamity has befallen you."

The third generation said in a low voice.

Then, he waved and walked out.

As he lit his pipe, the Third Hokage looked at the chaotic state of Konoha before him, and thinking of the loss of his disciples and friends, he felt a surge of helplessness.

"Jiraiya, have you gone inside yet?"

"seen it already."

Jiraiya emerged from his hiding place to the side.

Orochimaru's death dealt him a blow, but mostly it left him with a sense of loss and regret. However, upon seeing the Third Hokage, he suddenly felt...

My teacher has really gotten old.

"Jiraiya, help me, hold on for a few more years."

"Teacher, I'm really not suitable. If you want me to be Hokage, you might as well bring Tsunade back."

Jiraiya was speechless.

The Third Hokage pondered for a moment and said, "Tsunade? That's fine, but she left without saying goodbye back then, and I still don't know her whereabouts."

"???"

Jiraiya looked at the Third Hokage and belatedly realized what was happening.

To the Third Hokage, he and Tsunade were no different; they were both just transitional Hokage. As long as Chiba was old enough and his appointment wasn't shocking, that was enough.

but.

Isn't this too obvious?

His lips twitched, and he said, "Old man, with your attitude, there's no way Tsunade will come back."

"Or can you do me a favor?"

The third generation chuckled.

"Me? Forget it, Tsunade seeing me... Sigh, never mind, I'll give it a try, but I have a request."

Jiraiya remembered another purpose of his trip, and his expression immediately turned serious. "I want to take Naruto with me."

"Naruto?"

The third generation was stunned for a few seconds.

He is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki!

Although the Third Hokage allowed Naruto to participate in missions and go out to fight, Jiraiya wanted to take him away, so there must be a reason.

"why?"

"Old man, now...who?"

"I."

Chiba emerged from the shadows and raised his hand.