"Teacher, these two Water Release techniques only require basic elemental affinity. As long as you have the corresponding element, you can use them. That's why I was able to pick them up so quickly. But I still have a long way to go..."
Kyohiko summarized his thoughts.
He knew.
The Water Release: Water Wall used by the Second Hokage could rotate, making its defensive capabilities even stronger.
Other versions of Water Wall could also be taller and larger.
In comparison.
His Water Release skills were just the basics.
The system's evaluation panel also confirmed this.
Two glaring "Beginner" ratings.
Kakashi couldn't help but say, "You're already incredibly skilled!"
He thought about himself...
When he first used Lightning Release, he wasn't able to pull off a B-rank technique as effortlessly as Kyohiko.
Kakashi was starting to understand how his peers must have felt when they looked at him back then.
It really stung!
Kurenai's feelings were even more complicated.
Both Kyohiko and Kakashi were undeniably geniuses. It made sense for them to become Jiraiya's subordinates and students.
But what about her?
She stared blankly, lost in thought.
At the academy, Kurenai had always been at the top of her class. But after graduating, she couldn't help but compare herself to Kyohiko and Kakashi, and her confidence took a hit.
Jiraiya glanced at her and sighed inwardly—
Kurenai wasn't bad by any means, but being around Kyohiko and Kakashi was bound to make her feel inadequate.
However.
What surprised and pleased Jiraiya the most was how mature Kyohiko was.
Most genin, after mastering a B-rank technique on their first try, would be strutting around with their noses in the air.
But this kid?
He didn't need Jiraiya to humble him—he was already critiquing and reflecting on his own performance.
All Jiraiya needed to do...
Was hand him the jutsu scrolls and teach him how to practice and learn.
So easy!
Jiraiya sighed inwardly, but on the surface, he nodded calmly.
"You're right. This level is still far from a true genius. When I first used Water Release at this level, my teacher would've asked if I was even paying attention."
"Understood."
Kyohiko bowed his head, feigning respect while holding back a laugh.
Jiraiya was definitely not talking about himself—he was referring to Orochimaru.
Back in the day, Orochimaru had been even more monstrous than Kyohiko and Kakashi, which was why Hiruzen had such high hopes for him.
Jiraiya, unfazed, cleared his throat and turned to Kakashi and Kurenai.
"Kakashi, if you have any questions, you can ask me later."
"Yes."
Kakashi replied respectfully.
Finally, it was Kurenai's turn...
Jiraiya's expression turned serious.
He hadn't chosen Kurenai just because she seemed like a good fit.
As a genjutsu user, her chakra control was impeccable. Combined with her family's genjutsu heritage, she had the potential to excel in medical ninjutsu as well.
"Kurenai, focus on improving your physical conditioning for now. After that, study this technique."
He handed her a scroll.
Kurenai opened it—
It read, Ninja Art: Wild Lion's Mane Technique.
"This is..."
Kurenai's eyes widened in disbelief.
She had heard of this technique.
It was one of Jiraiya's signature moves, and it had played a key role in their test earlier.
"As a genjutsu user, your chakra control is excellent. It's only a matter of time before you master this. Also, if you have the time, consider studying medical ninjutsu."
Jiraiya spoke earnestly. "You don't need to become an expert, but I'll write you a recommendation."
"Thank you, teacher."
Kurenai bowed deeply.
Wild Lion's Mane Technique.
Genjutsu.
Medical ninjutsu.
This path would make her a versatile support ninja.
"Believe in yourself. You have the potential to become a ninja like Tsunade, which is why I chose you."
Jiraiya poured on the encouragement.
Kurenai nodded excitedly.
The three continued their training.
Kyohiko was still practicing his Water Release techniques.
As he had said.
While he could perform the techniques, he was far from mastering them.
At the very least—
He needed to get Water Wall to the "Proficient" level.
"Alright, everyone, keep training. Starting tomorrow, we'll begin taking on missions."
...
By evening, the team split up.
That night, many in Konoha couldn't sleep.
Jiraiya had taken on a new team, including the prodigy from the Hatake clan and a civilian-born ninja.
People began asking around, but in the end, they were left puzzled.
Who was Ryoho Kyohiko?
Those with children in the academy asked around, but the answers were all the same—
No one really remembered him.
How could someone so unremarkable suddenly become Jiraiya's student?
Especially Kyohiko's former classmates—many of them lay awake that night, trying to figure out how someone who had been so average had suddenly become a "genius" they could only dream of reaching.
...
The next day, at the academy, in Kyohiko's old classroom.
"Did you hear? After graduating, Kyohiko's team is being led by Lord Jiraiya."
"What?"
"Really?"
"My dad mentioned it yesterday."
The classroom buzzed with excitement.
The Sannin.
To them, they were legendary figures. But now, someone they knew had become Jiraiya's student, making it all feel surreal.
"That's nothing. I heard Kakashi is on the team too!"
Another student chimed in.
Asuma Sarutobi's eyes flashed with envy.
He hadn't chosen to graduate this year.
If he had known Jiraiya would be teaching, if he had known Kurenai would graduate this year and become Jiraiya's student...
"Ugh!"
The young boy sighed, sitting by the window, gazing out wistfully.
The children's thoughts varied.
But one thing was the same.
On this day, the previously unknown "Ryoho Kyohiko" became the talk of the school.
However.
On this very day, the much-discussed Ryoho Kyohiko was in the Hokage's office, arguing with Jiraiya over missions.
"I'm the team's teacher. I think we can take on C-rank missions right away!"
Jiraiya slammed the table.
Hamura Ritsu, the mission desk clerk, broke out in a cold sweat but mustered his courage.
"Lord Jiraiya, new teams must start with D-rank missions. That's the rule. Even you can't bypass it."
He was just a chunin.
Facing one of the Sannin, it took a lot of nerve to say this.
Jiraiya wanted to argue further.
Kyohiko, who had been standing by the mission board, walked over and said, "Teacher, D-rank missions are fine. After all, it's all for the village's sake."
"That's exactly right! No matter the rank, all missions serve the village. Lord Jiraiya, please don't make this difficult for us."
Hamura Ritsu pleaded.
Jiraiya clicked his tongue and reluctantly nodded. "Fine. Let's start with a water-carrying mission."
After leaving the Hokage Building.
"Our team has Kakashi. We could easily handle C-rank missions. I was even planning to go talk to the old man..."
Jiraiya was still disappointed.
Kakashi and Kurenai didn't respond.
The former was fine with following the rules.
The latter had no objections.
Kyohiko whispered, "Teacher, it's not good to make exceptions right away. Let's just do more D-rank missions. Once we've done enough, we can move up to C-rank. Besides, we can still train during D-rank missions. There's not much difference."
"Alright."
Jiraiya waved his hand. "Let's get to it!"