Chapter 84: Hiruzen, Your Efforts Are Futile!

"Hokage-sama, without Kyohiko, I wouldn’t have been able to complete this mission..." Aburame Shibi was self-aware. Tatsuma’s abilities were indeed remarkable; otherwise, Danzo wouldn’t have valued him so highly, making him one of ROOT’s top figures. Shibi could defeat him, but capturing him was far more difficult. Alone, Tatsuma would likely have escaped, resulting in mission failure. Hiruzen smiled. Then he turned to Kyohiko. "Well done. This mission succeeded thanks to you." "It’s nothing. We just couldn’t eliminate all his subordinates, which might cause trouble in the future." Kyohiko explained. Many ROOT members had perished in the explosion, but survivors remained. These remnants could become Danzo’s new assets. Moreover, Hiruzen’s move against Danzo’s forces would inevitably breed resentment, making their former cooperation nearly impossible—unless Danzo acted foolishly. Hiruzen remained silent for a moment. "Necessary losses. Danzo’s methods have changed drastically... I failed to understand him, leading to grave mistakes." His lament prompted Kyohiko to console him, attributing the situation to Danzo’s schemes rather than Hiruzen’s incompetence. Shibi quickly echoed the sentiment. The three shared a harmonious atmosphere in the office. After some light conversation, Hiruzen dismissed Kyohiko to rest, who gladly obliged. Once Kyohiko left, Hiruzen turned to Shibi. "Detail yesterday’s events." "Yes!" Shibi recounted the battle meticulously. Upon hearing about the Water Dragon Bullet, even Hiruzen couldn’t mask his astonishment. Previously, he’d heard from Maruboshi Kosuke that Kyohiko’s water-style didn’t require his guidance—Kosuke even claimed Kyohiko could teach him. Hiruzen had been skeptical, doubting Kyohiko’s progress. Now, Shibi’s account confirmed Kyohiko’s prowess. As a B-rank technique, the Water Dragon Bullet was already complex—Kyohiko’s modified version approached A-rank difficulty. Moreover, Kyohiko had mastered it in mere months, if not weeks. Though Kyohiko’s technique wasn’t overly intricate—a standard Water Dragon Bullet enhanced with compression and rotation—Hiruzen could replicate it effortlessly. Further combinations, like a Lightning-Water Dragon Bullet, were possible—but directly adopting Kyohiko’s innovation felt unethical. "Hokage-sama?" "Ah! Yes, the modifications are ingenious. Kyohiko’s creativity is remarkable." Hiruzen refocused. "Shibi, you’ve done well. Rest now. Tatsuma’s fate is your clan’s matter. The village won’t intervene." "Thank you, Hokage-sama!" Shibi sighed in relief. Clan jurisdiction implied leniency for Tatsuma. He bowed deeply, refraining from inquiring about the other ROOT captives, and departed with Tatsuma. Returning home, Kyohiko found Kakashi still present—having spent the night engrossed in books. Kyohiko’s notes covered fundamentals—hand seals, principles, nature transformations. Yet—these basics were often overlooked in favor of flashy techniques. Kakashi had been no exception. Previously, he’d focused on technique application, neglecting foundational understanding. Knowing the "how" but not the "why." These books revealed Kyohiko’s strength—following Nidaime-sama’s path, exploring ninjutsu’s essence to develop personalized techniques. Suitability is key! Kakashi saw these books as treasure troves of knowledge. But—morning sunlight streamed through the window. He glanced outside. Already dawn! Kakashi snapped out of his reverie, scanning the bookshelf. Fundamentals of Hand Seals. He recalled Kyohiko’s one-handed seals and unique water-style techniques. This must be the source. Kakashi opened the book—when—thud! Kyohiko leapt through the window. Seeing Kakashi’s stunned expression, he chuckled. "That engrossed? Take it home." "You’re back already?" "Nearby mission. Didn’t take long." Kyohiko avoided specifics, glancing at Kakashi’s book. "That book’s useful but hardly basic." Nidaime’s "basics" were advanced for most. Still, he smiled. "Keep reading. You might gain insights. I need sleep—guard the house for me." Guard the house? Kakashi stiffened, but Kyohiko was already fetching clothes, clearly preparing to bathe and sleep. Kakashi considered leaving the book to assert independence—but its allure was irresistible. Fine. Teasing aside, the knowledge is worth it. He continued reading. Kyohiko bathed, checking his system—no rewards. Expected. ROOT, though rogue, was still a Konoha entity. Destroying their base was internal conflict—no penalties were fortunate. But—true growth came from combat! Today’s dragon-head maneuver was a spur-of-the-moment inspiration. And it elevated—Water Dragon Bullet (Proficient) Proficiency meant mastering rotation and compression, eliminating the need for shadow clones and enhancing control. Yet both aspects remained imperfect. Perfecting them might approach Nidaime’s Water Colluding Wave—more work needed! Afternoon sun blazed overhead. Kyohiko awoke, ate, and began training. Kakashi remained upstairs. That book wouldn’t be finished anytime soon. Its complexity was daunting. Kyohiko’s shadow clones had spent days deciphering it with minimal progress. Kakashi, while more skilled than Kyohiko initially, still struggled with Nidaime-sama’s advanced notes. As evening approached, Kyohiko finished training. Kakashi still frowned in frustration. Hearing footsteps, he rubbed his temples. "You’re right. This book’s not basic. My head hurts from a day of confusion." Exhaustion weighed on him—he’d been awake for over 24 hours. Kyohiko nodded. "Nidaime-sama’s basics are advanced for us. Deeper understanding requires breaking down core principles." "Thank you!" Kakashi bowed deeply. Kyohiko stopped him. "Gratitude isn’t necessary. Also, Sasori might still be alive." "Reanimation?" Kakashi pondered, recalling Chiyo’s strange demands. Though—as family, requesting a body was normal, Chiyo’s willingness to attack Konoha and Amegakure suggested deeper motives. Kyohiko agreed. "Reanimation likely has heavy costs. Otherwise, it’d be commonplace. Chiyo traded for Sasori—your enemy remains singular." "My father killed many Sand ninja, perhaps including Chiyo’s kin..." Kakashi was accustomed to such enmity. War bred enemies—no right or wrong, only vengeance. "Sasori’s insane, lacking rationality. His return to Suna might reignite war. We must prepare." "Understood." Kakashi nodded. His urgency stemmed from an unrelenting sense of impending danger. After seeing Kakashi off, Kyohiko went for a night run. ROOT’s destruction caused minimal village ripples. Jiraiya and Tsunade remained quiet. Kyohiko hadn’t seen them in weeks—likely occupied in ANBU. The village functioned smoothly. At the Academy, students prepared for graduation. However—students like Asuma, having already passed, skipped this exam. At the hospital—Kurenai focused on treatments. She’d trained under Tsunade for some time, rotating through departments. Recently, five students shadowed her. "This patient has a typical kunai wound—not deep, but location matters..." Kurenai explained. Suddenly, she sensed Kyohiko’s presence, glancing out the window. Nohara Rin and others noticed too. Suppressing a smile, Kurenai continued lecturing. After finishing, she directed them to Shizune and stepped outside. "Looking for me?" "Yes. Your sensei’s absent, right?" Kyohiko asked. Kurenai nodded. "She’s rarely at the hospital lately. She might return tomorrow for a major surgery." "Deliver this note for me." Kyohiko handed her a folded paper. Kurenai accepted it. "May I read it?" "Sure." Kyohiko waved, departing. "Back to training for me." "Alright." Kurenai unfolded the note—"Don’t forget the main objective." Huh? She didn’t fully grasp its meaning but stored it for Tsunade. Kyohiko’s intent was simple—Tsunade’s recent efforts had restored her reputation after her absence. But—her subsequent silence was detrimental to her Hokage aspirations. Moreover—Kyohiko awaited her progress. His Strong Fist improved slowly—reaching proficiency might take years. Yet Tsunade’s breakthroughs could accelerate his growth. Thus—he refocused on her. His lightning-style progress was limited—primarily aimed at enhancing his kenjutsu and water-style synergy. Ninjutsu wasn’t his priority. Physically, he trained and ate well, progressing steadily but without shortcuts. As for "Dust"—regular gatherings continued, even without Kyohiko, Kakashi, and Gai. Established routines ensured smooth operations. Recruitment remained cautious, avoiding reckless expansion. Kyohiko valued these members—future village pillars! The next evening, Kyohiko waited in his study post-bath. Finally—thud! Tsunade entered unannounced through the window. Closing it, she asked, "You needed me?" "Sis, you’ve been in ANBU lately, right?" Kyohiko, seeing her confusion, clarified, "Though you’re a Sannin with inherent prestige, competing for Hokage requires visible achievements." Tsunade paused, then replied, "I’ve been working, but it’s classified... Though it’s wrapping up, less involvement needed." "Related to Kurokawa?" Kyohiko deduced. With Orochimaru gone, trusted researchers were scarce. Hiruzen would enlist Tsunade, keeping her occupied—killing two birds with one stone. Crafty old man! He prepared to reiterate his point, but Tsunade had already grasped it. ANBU operations couldn’t be publicized, so from the villagers’ perspective, she’d been inactive. Her expression darkened. "Despite precautions, I fell for the old man’s trap!" "Not entirely." Kyohiko soothed. "Kurokawa is important. Also, I was tasked with capturing someone, dismantling ROOT’s base..." They exchanged information. Tsunade realized Hiruzen’s maneuvers during her ANBU stint. She frowned. What’s the old man planning? Severing ties with Danzo completely? She felt outmaneuvered. Noticing Kyohiko, she had an idea. "Little brother, you summoned me because you have a plan, right?" "Maruboshi Kosuke was promoted to jonin." Kyohiko shared seemingly unrelated news, smiling. "I played a small part in that." Maruboshi Kosuke? Tsunade’s eyes lit up. A skilled ninja, Nidaime had long sought to promote him, but Kosuke’s guilt prevented it until his death. "How did you do it?" "Not too hard..." Kyohiko recounted his approach. Tsunade excitedly gestured. "Identifying the root issue, using words to guide them out of their predicament! This is psychological therapy!" "Exactly. Cases like Kosuke’s aren’t rare, right?" Kyohiko hinted. Tsunade nodded, detailing past educational shortcomings—continuous wars since Nidaime-sama’s death forced rushed ninja training, neglecting gradual development. Cases like Kosuke’s were common. Her eyes sparkled with realization. "Books, psychology!" Two avenues. One involved compiling cases like Kosuke’s, the other advancing psychological treatment integration. "And the gradual education approach we discussed." Kyohiko reminded. Tsunade nodded vigorously. They’d previously proposed this, but the elders rejected it. Three tasks—prioritization was key. Tsunade’s expression turned serious. "Damn, the old man kept me in ANBU while pushing his agenda. Kyohiko, you should’ve reminded me sooner!" She lamented her oversight. Despite caution, she’d been outplayed. Kyohiko smiled. "Without Jiraiya-sensei, multitasking is tough. Do you even know who to approach? Have the necessary data?" "I have hospital records, but not as extensive as the Hokage’s. It’s too late... We’ll intervene partially, focusing on education reform and psychology integration, along with medication and calming techniques!" Tsunade tapped her forehead. Calming down, her thoughts clarified. She exhaled. "But I gained insights. Over the past fortnight, I mastered that genjutsu to soothe Kurokawa, deepening my emotional understanding." She regained composure. Hiruzen’s experience was formidable, adept at leveraging authority to hinder opponents. But—she had her advantages. Hiruzen’s efforts would ultimately facilitate her policy implementations! Of course—Kyohiko’s contributions were pivotal. Tsunade’s eyes gleamed as she hugged Kyohiko tightly. "Little brother, thank you!" "Work hard. When you’re ready, I’ll pass the Fifth Hokage title to you." "You’re more suited than I am!" Her tone was earnest, devoid of jest. Kyohiko, facing overwhelming pressure, struggled to speak, finally breaking free. "Hokage or not, sis, we both serve the village and its people!" He responded solemnly. Tsunade chuckled. "You remind me of Orochimaru, but know what I admire most about you?" "What?" "Your ability to frame anything as village welfare, making it seem genuine and selfless." Tsunade laughed. "That’s a true talent!" Kyohiko remained humble. He was merely scratching the surface. After more discussion, Tsunade departed, unwilling to delay further. Hiruzen’s diversion had cost her half a month—she couldn’t afford more setbacks. "I’ll document that genjutsu and my emotional insights, potentially forming an emotional genjutsu system. Can’t stay longer." "Take care, sis."