"Master, these two types of Water Style ninjutsu only require basic elemental affinity, so anyone with the corresponding affinity can use them. That's why I was able to pick them up quickly, but in truth, I'm still far from mastering them..."
Kyōen reflected on his progress.
He knew.
The "Water Wall" technique created by Senju Tobirama could be rotated to increase its defensive power. The other versions of the "Water Wall" could also grow larger and stronger.
Compared to that, his own Water Style techniques were still in their early stages.
The system's attribute panel confirmed that.
The two prominent beginner-level evaluations stood out.
Kakashi couldn't help but say, "You're already amazing!"
He thought back to his own experience…
When he first used Lightning Style ninjutsu, he couldn't even perform a B-rank technique like Kyōen did right away.
Kakashi was starting to understand how others must have felt when they looked at him back then.
It was a bit frustrating!
As for Kurenai, her emotions were even more complex.
Both Kyōen and Kakashi were undeniably geniuses, naturally deserving of becoming Jiraiya's disciples.
But what about her?
Her gaze was distant, lost in thought, as she fell silent for a while.
At the ninja academy, Kurenai had always been one of the top students, but now, after leaving the academy, comparing herself to Kyōen and Kakashi made her confidence falter.
Jiraiya glanced at her, then sighed inwardly.
Kurenai wasn't bad, but being around Kyōen and Kakashi made her feel a bit inadequate.
However, he was most pleased and surprised by Kyōen. Kyōen was more mature than he had imagined.
If it had been any other low-ranking ninja, they would have probably been overconfident after successfully performing a B-rank technique on their first try.
But Kyōen?
He didn't need any words of caution from Jiraiya; he self-criticized and reflected on his performance.
All Jiraiya had to do was hand over the ninjutsu scroll and teach Kyōen how to practice and learn.
What a relief!
Jiraiya thought to himself as he nodded calmly.
"You get it. But this level is still far from the true genius level. When I first tried Water Style, my teacher surely would've asked if I was daydreaming."
"Yes, Master."
Kyōen bowed respectfully, stifling a smile.
Jiraiya wasn't talking about himself, but rather Orochimaru.
Back then, Orochimaru was far more talented than both Kyōen and Kakashi, or else Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't have had such high hopes for him.
Jiraiya maintained his composure, cleared his throat, and then turned to Kakashi and Kurenai.
"Kakashi, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me later."
"Yes, Master."
Finally, it was Kurenai's turn.
Jiraiya's expression grew serious.
He had chosen Kurenai not just because he liked her, but because, as a genjutsu user, her chakra control was impeccable. Having trained in her family's genjutsu for years, she was a prime candidate to study medical ninjutsu as well.
"Kurenai, focus on improving your physical conditioning over the next period, then go back and study this ninjutsu."
He handed her a scroll.
Kurenai opened it, and the words "Ninjutsu: Wild Lion's Mane" were written on it.
"This is..."
Kurenai's eyes widened in disbelief.
She had heard of this technique.
It was Jiraiya's exclusive technique, and it had played a significant role in the morning's test.
"As a genjutsu specialist, your chakra control is already exceptional. Learning this technique should just be a matter of time. Also, if you have the chance, you can study some medical ninjutsu as well."
Jiraiya added seriously, "You don't need to master it right away. I'll write you a letter of recommendation."
"Thank you, Master."
Kurenai bowed deeply.
The Wild Lion's Mane technique, genjutsu, and medical ninjutsu.
With this combination, her path was clear: she would be an all-around support-type ninja.
"Believe in yourself. You have the potential to become a ninja like Tsunade, which is why I chose you."
Jiraiya poured out his encouragement like an endless stream.
Kurenai nodded vigorously, her excitement palpable.
The three continued their training.
Kyōen was still working on his Water Style ninjutsu.
As he had said, while he could already release the technique, he was still far from "mastering" it.
At the very least, the "Water Wall" technique needed to be upgraded to "Proficient."
"Alright, everyone, let's train. Tomorrow, we start on actual missions."
...
By evening, the team broke up.
That night, many people in Konoha couldn't sleep.
Jiraiya had once again taken on a team, bringing in the genius ninja from the Hatake family and even selecting a civilian ninja.
People started asking around, but in the end, they were left confused.
Who was Ryōmine Kyōen?
Those from the same class as Kyōen at the academy all gave the same response when asked—
"I don't remember him."
How could such a ninja become Jiraiya's disciple?
Especially those who were in Kyōen's class—they spent the night wide awake, trying to make sense of it.
A person who was once just a nobody had suddenly become the unattainable "genius" in their eyes.
...
The next day, at the ninja academy, in the classroom where Kyōen had once sat.
"Did you hear? After graduation, Kyōen's going to be leading a team under Jiraiya-sama!"
"What?"
"Is that true?"
"My father told me yesterday."
The classroom was in an uproar.
The Three Sannin.
To them, these were figures beyond reach, but now, one of their own had become their disciple, and it was unbelievable.
"So what? I heard Kakashi's a disciple too!"
Another student chimed in.
Sarutobi Asuma's eyes flashed with envy.
He hadn't chosen to graduate this year.
Had he known that Jiraiya would be teaching, had he known that Kurenai would graduate and become one of Jiraiya's disciples…
sigh
The young man couldn't help but show his dismay as he gazed out the window, lost in thought.
Children have different thoughts.
But what was the same was this—
Ryōmine Kyōen, once a nobody, had suddenly become the talk of the school.
However, on this very day, the same Kyōen, who was the subject of so much gossip, was fighting for the sake of his mission alongside Jiraiya in the Hokage Hall.
"I'm the team's leader. I think we can take on a C-rank mission directly!"
Jiraiya slammed his hand on the table.
Himeno stood, his forehead dripping with cold sweat, but he mustered up his courage.
"Jiraiya-sama, new teams must start with D-rank missions. That's the rule. Even you can't break it."
He was only a Chūnin, but saying this to one of the Three Sannin took quite a bit of nerve.
Jiraiya tried to argue further.
Kyōen stood in front of the mission board, hesitated for a while, then walked over and said, "Master, D-rank missions are fine. After all, they're all for the village."
"Exactly, no matter what rank the mission is, it's all about serving the village. Jiraiya-sama, please don't make it hard for us."
Himeno pleaded repeatedly.
Jiraiya clicked his tongue and reluctantly agreed.
"Alright then. Let's start with a water-fetching mission."
Leaving the Hokage building...
"We have Kakashi on our team, so a C-rank mission would be a piece of cake. I was actually planning to talk to the old man about it…"
Jiraiya still seemed regretful.
Kakashi and Kurenai didn't respond.
Kakashi was fine with following the rules.
Kurenai didn't mind either.
Kyōen whispered, "Master, we can't just get special treatment. How about we complete a few D-rank missions first? Once we've done enough, we should be able to take on a C-rank. Plus, we can still train during the D-rank missions, so it's not much of a difference."
"That works."
Jiraiya waved his hand, "Then let's get started!"