In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage observed Kakashi, Kyouhiko, and Yuhi Kurenai through his crystal ball.
Suddenly—
**"Boom!"**
A strange noise interrupted him. The Third Hokage quickly covered the crystal ball and glanced toward the window.
Then...
He sighed.
*Not this again.*
**"Jiraiya, must you always use the window?"**
**"It's faster this way."**
Jiraiya grinned before turning serious. **"So? What do you think?"**
The Third Hokage puffed his pipe.
**"Ryomine Kyouhiko... is impressive."**
**"His awareness and mindset are exceptional. But children who mature too quickly during war become dangerous—like Kakashi. They need guidance."**
Jiraiya peered at the crystal ball.
Inside, Kyouhiko and Kakashi clashed in a fierce taijutsu exchange.
At first—
Kyouhiko was at a disadvantage, but his speed allowed him to evade critical strikes.
Yet as the fight progressed...
**His skills visibly improved mid-battle!**
*How?*
*Does such a genius truly exist?*
Jiraiya nudged the Hokage.
*Clatter!*
The pipe fell.
**"My tobacco!"**
The Third Hokage scrambled to catch it, but the contents spilled.
Yet now wasn't the time for tobacco.
**"This rate of growth..."**
If not for knowing Kyouhiko was a Senju descendant, he might've suspected the boy had awakened the Sharingan to copy Kakashi's movements.
**"Jiraiya, have you met him before?"**
**"Old man, I've known him for over a year. Trust me—his progress comes from sheer hard work. He's likely never fought seriously until now."**
**"Hmm."**
The Third Hokage nodded.
He believed it—but the shock remained.
*A previously unnoticed child with such talent and perseverance...*
*Remarkable.*
---
### **The Aftermath of the Clash**
Kakashi panted heavily.
*How can someone improve this rapidly mid-fight?*
*Genius?*
*Then what of my years of training?*
He refused to believe talent alone could explain this.
*He must've trained in secret.*
Yet...
Kyouhiko's speed kept increasing subtly.
*He's still getting stronger!*
Though Kakashi wasn't outmatched, the escalation unsettled him.
Meanwhile, Kyouhiko knew the truth—
Without the benefits from Kai, such rapid growth would've been impossible.
*Combat is the fastest way to integrate knowledge.*
**"Stop fighting! This won't help either of you!"**
Yuhi Kurenai's voice cut through.
When ignored, she formed hand seals.
**"Genjutsu: Falling Petals!"**
Cherry blossoms rained from the sky.
Both fighters snapped out of the illusion quickly—thanks to Kurenai dispelling it herself.
Kyouhiko smiled.
**"Thanks, Kurenai. That was getting dangerous."**
Kakashi stayed silent.
*At her age... she can already use this level of genjutsu?*
*No wonder Jiraiya picked her.*
Fortunately, his mask hid his surprise.
Kyouhiko rubbed his wrists.
**"This spar helped us gauge each other's strength. We'll strategize better for tomorrow's test."**
**"Team? Partners?"**
Kakashi scoffed. **"Don't hold me back."**
Yuhi Kurenai's temper flared.
*How can he be so rude?!*
She inhaled deeply, then noticed Kyouhiko's calm demeanor.
*Is he... unfazed?*
But then—
**"Maybe you weren't serious earlier. You still have your sword. But even at full power... can you beat Lord Jiraiya alone?"**
Kyouhiko's tone was light, yet sharp.
Kakashi stiffened.
**"Teamwork builds bonds. If you disregard your comrades' safety—pass or fail—we're just tools to you."**
**"You prefer solitude? Join ANBU."**
**"You didn't return after graduation for nothing. How you treat others determines how they treat you. No one wants a teammate like you."**
After the outburst, Kyouhiko turned away.
**"Kurenai, let's scout the terrain. It'll help tomorrow."**
Yuhi Kurenai gaped.
*So he wasn't calm—just bottling it up!*
*And those words...*
*Is he not afraid of provoking Kakashi?*
Behind them, Kakashi's fists clenched in fury.
Hidden nearby, Jiraiya's shadow clone smirked.
*This silver-haired brat finally met his match!*
*But...*
*What will tomorrow's test reveal?*
---
### **Evening Parting**
The trio split up, tension lingering.
Yuhi Kurenai hesitated.
**"Is this... really okay?"**
Kyouhiko sighed.
**"Kakashi's behavior stems from his past. I understand—I've been there. But indulging him won't solve anything."**
**"I see..."**
At a crossroads near her home, Kyouhiko stopped.
**"This is your street. I'll head back now."**
**"Huh?"**
Yuhi Kurenai blinked, realizing she'd been lost in thought.
**"Goodbye. Let's do our best tomorrow."**
**"Yes! Thank you, Kyouhiko-kun. I learned a lot today."**
---