Konoha: Tsunade, I am the Hokage

Chapter 81 Hiruzen: Was I really wrong?

More than an hour later, at the Hokage Building in Konoha.

Maruhoshi Kosuke wept bitterly, his eyes red and swollen, his good eye bloodshot from crying.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was completely dumbfounded.

From childhood to adulthood, apart from that one time he made a mistake, he had never seen Maruhoshi Kosuke cry like this.

Hey?

Is it really that much pressure to just give Kyohiko some pointers?

Or perhaps something happened this morning that I'm unaware of.

How could such a serious incident have occurred in just one morning without surveillance footage?

He blankly helped Maruhoshi Kosuke up.

"Kosuke, what's wrong with you?"

"Hokage-sama, I want to become a Jonin!"

"what?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi put his pipe aside, his face a mixture of bewilderment and shock, completely unable to believe what he had just heard.

Become a Jonin?

you?

day!

Since becoming Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi had been plotting how to resolve Kosuke Maruboshi's inner conflict, never expecting that it would come true now. But why did this happen...?

He knew nothing about it.

What happened?

Do people who spend time with Kyohiko all undergo drastically different changes?

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into deep thought for a long time.

Then, he gestured for Maruboshi Kosuke to sit down: "Can you tell me why? You never wanted to become a Jonin before, and you wanted to atone for your past mistakes."

"I……"

Maruhoshi Kosuke hesitated for a moment before speaking.

Being enlightened or lectured by an eight-year-old child is not a very honorable thing, but when he thought of Jingyan's words, he immediately put aside his shame.

Compared to the meaning of "inheritance" and "protection", what does one's personal shame matter?

He said seriously, "I've been lectured by a child!"

He then recounted his conversation with Kyohiko.

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent after hearing this.

Guardians, inheritors, the will of fire.

Honestly, he couldn't have spoken better than Kyohiko. The key point is, as far as he knew, Kyohiko not only thought this way, but also acted on it; it wasn't just empty talk.

dust.

Information about this organization, which was as insignificant as its name suggested, had been delivered to him by the Anbu. Hiruzen Sarutobi had gained a preliminary understanding of the organization's ideology and situation.

Help each other to make progress and jointly protect Konoha.

That child really looks so much like the second-generation adult!

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent.

After a long pause, he sighed, "Kosuke, with your abilities and strength, you've already reached the standard of a Jonin. You could easily be promoted to Jonin or even lead a team, but you've always had a mental block and refused to accept it, so there's nothing I can do..."

"I have to thank Kyohiko; he saved a Jonin for me and for the village!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said solemnly.

Maruhoshi Kosuke felt ashamed. As expected, he had been shirking his responsibilities all along, indulging in self-righteousness and self-pity, without truly atoning for his sins.

He lowered his head.

"Lord Hokage, I have another request."

"explain."

Seeing him turn around, Hiruzen Sarutobi was already very happy.

He would accept any request, whether it was one, two, or three.

Kosuke Maruhoshi said, "I want to write down my experiences and feelings as a case study and include them in a book to warn children and genin, so that they understand the responsibility of leading a team and the consequences of wrong command."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was surprised, and then couldn't help but say, "Kosuke, you don't have to do this..."

If that's the case, Kosuke Maruboshi's story will become a "pillar of shame," and when the next generation mentions his name, the first thing they'll think of isn't his contributions, but rather his past arrogance and mistakes.

How could he bear to do that?

Maruhoshi Kosuke shook his head.

"This is the price I must pay. And if my insignificant personal sacrifice can help the next generation of children and ninjas understand the responsibility and significance of a team leader, I will die willingly!"

He was not afraid to sacrifice himself.

I'm afraid I won't even know what I should do, and will drift aimlessly like I have for the past two or three decades.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was deeply moved.

There was no precedent for this in Konoha in the past.

but.

If some of these mistakes could be compiled into a book to warn ninjas, even if the impact on each individual is small and insignificant, the cumulative effect could be significant.

He remained silent for a long time before finally nodding.

"This is your courage and will, and I have no reason to refuse."

Given Maruhoshi Kosuke's thinking, he definitely wouldn't have thought of this; it must have been Kyohiko who gave him the idea behind the scenes.

It does not matter.

Importantly, Kyohiko's decision was beneficial to Konoha.

Then it's worth doing!

only……

Such cases should be based on the other party's agreement, but not everyone has the courage of Kosuke Maruhoshi. In the short term, his case alone is not enough to fill a book.

"I'll seriously consider how to handle this matter, so you don't need to worry. As for the Jonin thing, it just so happens that the Ninja Academy graduation exams are approaching. Would you like to take care of the kids next year?"

"I will follow the village's arrangements."

Maruboshi Kosuke stood up straight.

Just as the child said, a true Jonin, the Will of Fire, is not only about protection but also about inheritance.

It's ridiculous that I'm in my forties and still need a child to point out my shortcomings.

"Okay, then I'll arrange for you to take care of your three children this year."

Hiruzen Sarutobi could hardly contain his smile.

Kosuke Maruboshi was injured in one eye during a mission with him, and even so, he still charged into battle and only took on the most difficult missions.

Although he remained brave, in his view, Maruboshi Kosuke's value went far beyond that.

Passing on skills is also an important task.

Coincidentally, there is a team that is currently facing restructuring.

……

[Psychological therapy was provided to help a ninja resolve his inner conflicts and overcome his difficulties.]

With your help, he became a Jonin and will take on even more important responsibilities!

[Reward: Konoha Style - Willow Upgrade]

No wasted breath!

Jingyan breathed a sigh of relief.

What was he after, chasing all the way from the outskirts of the village to the memorial monument? Wasn't it just for this "meager" reward?

Finally, the hard work paid off.

Konoha Style: Willow - Upgraded by 1 level.

He tried to integrate and understand the new memories in his mind, and then a look of surprise appeared on his face.

This is--

Leaf Style: Willow?

It seems a bit different from Kosuke Maruboshi's.

Upon reaching a proficient level, Konoha-ryu: Willow can channel even stronger illusionary effects after performing hand seals with one hand.

The illusion's effect has become even stronger!

such as……

He himself had the idea of combining the Crescent Moon Dance with the Leaf Style: Willow, and had previously shown a half-finished version of it, but now he can fully realize the state he wants.

and many more?

"In my opinion, the essence of willow is to guide illusion through movement, while hand seals are merely a process of strengthening and simplifying the technique. Could a similar method be used to complete the Dark Travel Technique?"

Jingyan was deeply moved.

If the Dark Travel Technique can be combined, it will definitely be a powerful tool for assassination. Even if it cannot be combined, if the movements can be combined to form a hand seal to complete a short spell, it will be very effective against the Uchiha clan in the future.

Further exploration and experimentation are possible.

Everyone has their own methods that suit them, and it's not necessary to demand that they be exactly the same. Perhaps this approach is more suitable for oneself.

……

The Land of Wind.

Yekura stood before the Third Kazekage, head bowed, not daring to speak.

The atmosphere was deathly silent.

After a long while, the Third Kazekage sighed.

"Fine, I won't punish you."

"I should be able to see through Lady Chiyo's intentions, but..."

"Don't blame yourself. This was Elder Chiyo's choice. Even if you had noticed, it wouldn't have mattered."

The Third Kazekage gently comforted her, "She only has one grandson, and she was already prepared when she demanded the body back."

He patted Yekura on the shoulder.

Don't take it to heart.

"yes!"

Yekura's voice was slightly choked with emotion.

The ninjas of this generation in Sunagakure all had some connection with Chiyo, or had received treatment from her.

How could she not grieve when Chiyo passed away?

and so.

She couldn't understand it at all.

As a grandson and the one who was saved, Sasori of the Red Sand was able to remain so indifferent, which was simply inhuman.

The Third Kazekage gazed towards the Land of Fire.

Put aside hatred, just to let Scorpion live.

Chiyo, I hope your grandson lives up to your expectations!

He sighed softly.

Then, the Third Kazekage raised an eyebrow.

"Where is Elder Chiyo's body? She should be returned to the village so that the entire village can bid her farewell."

"Oh."

With a flick of his finger, Scorpion revealed a human-shaped object wrapped in cloth behind him.

The Third Kazekage's gaze sharpened.

"You won't even spare your own grandmother?"

"This is timeless art!"

Scorpion answered calmly.

The Third Kazekage's eyes were sharp, and his face wore an expression of disbelief.

Scorpion scoffed, "What happens after death is meaningless. Let's save that pomp and circumstance for the living. I'll return to the village, but if you try to stop my research..."

"I will not allow you to research human puppets. This is a dangerous and forbidden technique! Especially our own people. If you dare to kill our own people for research, even if it means betraying Elder Chiyo, I will still kill you."

The Third Kazekage remained steadfast in his stance.

Scorpion put away the puppet on his back and turned to leave.

"There's really nothing to talk about with fools. It's my fault for thinking you were different."

Xion sneered.

The next moment, the Third Kazekage said, "If you want to provoke the people of Konoha, I advise you to give up that idea."

"Oh?"

"The one guarding that side is Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin."

The Third Kazekage revealed the information he had obtained.

He withdrew his left hand, which had formed a hand seal, and concealed the slight surprise on his face.

Just now……

He used the power of Magnet Release to sense that the package on Sasori's back was not actually a human puppet, but an ordinary puppet made of iron and other materials.

Scorpion may not be as he thinks.

"Elder Chiyo wouldn't want you to continue researching human puppets."

The Third Kazekage said earnestly, "Chiyo must have passed on the Chikamatsu Ten Puppet Masters to you. With your skill and talent, you can definitely create even better puppets."

"The Ten Ninja of Chikamatsu..."

A trace of reminiscence and pain appeared on Sasori's face.

Their steps faltered.

He held a scroll in his hand, on which were written the words "father" and "mother".

Surpass Chikamatsu ten people?

A smile appeared on his face, followed by a cold snort, and he said in a low voice, "I will return to the village, but I advise you not to have any expectations."

The scorpion looked up at the sky.

"The eternal beauty I pursue is something you fools can't understand, so don't bother me unless it's absolutely necessary!"

After saying that, he opened the scroll and sealed the puppet behind him inside.

With the scroll in hand, Sasori entered the desert step by step, heading towards Sunagakure Village.

The third generation of Kazekage remained silent.

The loss of Chiyo was exchanged for the gain of Sasori of the Red Sand.

Chiyo hoped that Sasori was the future of Sunagakure, but is an uncontrollable top genius really a blessing for Sunagakure?

"Scorpion, why can't you be like that kid from Konoha...?"

They are both top-tier geniuses.

According to intelligence from the Sunagakure's ANBU, the boy from Konoha is said to be a Jonin at just over eight years old, and his conduct is widely praised, making him the complete opposite of Sasori.

"Why!"

A heavy sigh echoed from the sand dunes.

……

Near the Muye Tea Street, in front of a flower shop, Yuzuki Uzumaki stopped.

She looked into the room, her eyes bright.

"It's a flower shop!"

Jingyan looked at the house name.

Mountain flower shop.

"This is the Yamanaka family's property. What, you like flower arranging?"

"I like it, but..."

She smiled and didn't mention anything that made her unhappy.

After looking around for a while, she sighed and said, "It's a pity they're not hiring. I'm quite talented in this area."

"Are you cooking?"

Jingyan suddenly asked.

Yuzuki thought for a moment, then said with a hint of excitement, "When I was little, I often cooked for my grandma, and she loved my cooking! Back then..."

Her voice stopped abruptly, and her mood turned somber.

"Never mind, I don't like cooking."

"Then I'll ask around for you."

As Jingyan spoke, he walked into the "Mountain Flower Shop".

A young, beautiful, and incredibly gentle woman was pruning branches in the flower shop when she heard footsteps and immediately stood up.

"Oh, it is..."

Rino Yamanaka glanced at Kyohiko and vaguely remembered the child's identity.

She looked outside.

"Looking to buy flowers?"

"Boss, are you hiring? Apprentices, helpers, etc. My friend really likes flower arranging and would like to learn and work at your shop."

Jingyan introduced Yuzuki Uzumaki behind him.

Rino Yamanaka glanced at the other person.

A strange girl.

but.

The hair color looks familiar...

Ok?

It resembles the hair of the Whirlpool Clan.

She immediately recalled the rumors about the village's housewives' club.

A girl from the Uzumaki clan has arrived in Konoha.

A friendly smile appeared on her face.

"I'm very free when I'm free, and very busy when I'm busy, so one more person won't hurt. Come on in and let's chat."

"Thanks!"

Yuzuki bowed.

Jingyan stepped aside to let her into the house.

After a short while, the two were chatting happily, seemingly having endless things to say about flower arranging, but Jingyan showed little interest in it.

He wandered around aimlessly, looking at the flowers in the shop.

After waiting for a moment, Jingyan's eyes suddenly sharpened, and he turned his head to look at a certain spot outside the door.

He walked out the door as if nothing had happened.

Immediately, he stretched and secretly formed a hand seal with his left hand.

Konoha Style: Willow!

The core of this kind of technique lies in "illusion" rather than the sword; it can be used as long as the conditions are met.

The next instant, he vanished.

When it reappeared, it was already on a rooftop, and it drew its blade and held it to a person's throat.

"Who are you?"

"Jonin Kyohiko, my name is Yamanaka Miri, and I'm responsible for monitoring and protecting Uzumaki Yuzuki..."

The voice belonged to a woman.

So fast!

In that instant, she saw a crowd of people moving in the street and immediately sensed something was wrong, but unexpectedly—

The next moment, a knife was pressed against his body.

She didn't dare to move.

"Miri Yamanaka?"

If you dare to name him, he must be one of Hiruzen Sarutobi's subordinates.

"Yes, I am acting on the orders of the Hokage to protect Yuzuki Uzumaki."

"Misunderstand."

Jingyan calmly sheathed his sword.

He thought it was Danzo's subordinate who wanted to take this opportunity to intimidate him.

Since he's Hiruzen Sarutobi's subordinate...

That's fine.

Compared to Danzo, Hiruzen Sarutobi follows some rules and doesn't act recklessly.

Just as he was about to speak, a figure appeared instantly.

Wearing an animal mask and dressed in all black.

Anbu ninja!

"Jonin Kyohiko, the Hokage requests your presence."

"Okay, I understand."

Kyohiko glanced at the location of the flower shop, then looked at Yamanaka Miri, who was wearing a mask, and said, "Thank you for your help."

"I'm glad you don't mind."

How could Miri in the mountains dare to put on airs?

If this had happened on a battlefield, she would have been dead from that single blow.

What a powerful young man!

Jingyan nodded, then instantly went down to say goodbye to Youxi. Youxi did not try to stop him, but waved goodbye.

He voluntarily disbanded his shadow clones.

……

Konoha, Hokage Building.

"Lord Hokage."

"Kyohiko, cough cough, sit down!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi composed himself, then opened the window to dispel the smell of smoke in the room.

Then, he bowed slightly.

"Kyohiko, I want to thank you!"

"What are you doing?"

"I've always wanted to resolve Kosuke's matter, but I didn't know how. I didn't expect you to do it."

Hiruzen Sarutobi expressed his sincere gratitude.

Kyohiko shook his head: "I just can't bear to see a powerful ninja wallowing in self-pity because of some psychological problems, and ultimately wasting his time."

"psychology……"

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed softly.

Previously, he hadn't taken his "mental" illness seriously.

Looking back now, he might have been wrong!

of course.

He hasn't shown it yet.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took out a scroll.

"Take a look."

"Yes."

Jingyan took it.

Upon opening it, his expression immediately turned serious.

The document written above is a report about "Kurokawa".

"Transformation into an immortal?"

"Um."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "This is a unique physique that has never been seen before, but currently, we haven't found a solution. Even sealing techniques can only control a small part of it."

Sealing techniques mostly seal chakra clusters, targeting a specific chakra meridian in the human body.

In reality, Kurokawa did not know how to refine chakra. His "Sage Chakra" was formed spontaneously after absorbing natural energy, which meant that the sealing technique could not work perfectly.

Jingyan pondered for a moment.

"Could we consider having him learn ninjutsu and chakra manipulation, so that he can reach a level where he can control chakra?"

"Yes, that's what we're doing for now..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was about to speak.

Outside, there was a knocking sound at the door.

Immediately following, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed softly.

"Go wait in the Jonin waiting room for a moment. I have another task for you to handle later."

"yes!"

Jingyan opened the door.

Outside, a man with a cold expression looked down at him.

The two looked at each other.

The other person nodded slightly and then made way for them.