Chapter 28: Is This Really the Water Wall Jutsu?

Words : 1252 Updated : Sep 20th, 2025

Chapter 28 of "I, Konoha's Sage of Life" opens with dynamic events: The Third Hokage’s residence. "Lord Third, it seems you don’t need to worry about Kyoichi anymore.... Read on for more!

The Third Hokage’s residence. "Lord Third, it seems you don’t need to worry about Kyoichi anymore. You might need to worry about my daughter and Asuma instead…" Yūhi Shinku’s expression was complicated. Kyoichi was indeed remarkable! The "test" hadn't even officially started, yet he had already set up various psychological challenges. It was even more grueling than the Third Hokage’s bell-grabbing exercise. Pass? What a joke! If Shisui and Kurenai chose not to participate, all three of them would be sent back to the Academy. “Haha, Shinku, don’t worry so much. You need to have faith in your child. Look at me—Asuma’s in this, and yet I’m perfectly calm.” The Third Hokage laughed heartily, taking a puff of his pipe. In front of him was a crystal ball displaying the scene of Kyoichi with Shisui, Asuma, and Kurenai. Indeed, Kyoichi was pulling no punches. The psychological tests he designed aimed to assess their understanding and recognition of their teammates. If they couldn’t pass this stage, they weren’t fit to be shinobi. Of course, not everyone would view things this way, but Kyoichi’s intentions seemed clear. “You’re right, Lord Third. My concern stems from care.” Shinku nodded, attempting to reassure himself. He wanted to trust his daughter’s judgment. However, as for the Uchiha kid… He wasn’t as optimistic. The Uchiha clan was often distant from the rest of the village. Yet… In the next moment, his worries proved unnecessary. “We’ll take the test!” “Of course we will…” “T-Thank you!” Asuma bowed deeply. He didn’t know the specifics, but he understood one thing—based on their teacher’s words, Shisui and Kurenai were only participating in the test because of him. “So, all of you want to proceed?” Kyoichi’s tone grew sharp, and his gaze carried a hint of menace, pressing down on the trio. Their expressions wavered, but none of them retreated. “Very well. You have until this sand timer runs out. If you can’t land a hit on me, everyone but Shisui will be sent back to the Academy.” Kyoichi smiled and pulled out a sand timer, flipping it over. Whoosh— In an instant, all three disappeared using the Body Flicker Technique. Not bad… At least they’re not fools. Kyoichi stretched lazily, strolling leisurely toward the forest. If they had confronted him head-on, he would have seriously considered sending all three back to the Academy for retraining. --- “Time is short. For now, let’s make Shisui the temporary leader. What’s the plan for hand signals and tactics?” Kurenai spoke up, recognizing that she wasn’t cut out to lead. However… Asuma clearly wasn’t either. That left Shisui as their only option. “Me?” Shisui was stunned. He was only five years old, and now he was being thrust into the role of temporary captain… The pressure was immense! But… Taking a deep breath, he quickly collected his thoughts. Let’s stick to the police force’s methods! “Hand signals will be simple gestures. I’ll explain a few basics. As for tactics, you two will engage him directly while I move around for an opening. Don’t worry about hurting Sensei—” “Worry? I’m more worried we can’t hurt him.” Asuma smiled bitterly. He just didn’t want to be the one dragging them down. “Alright, that’s settled. Let’s set up some traps first. Later, we’ll use genjutsu to create an opening and assess the situation from there. Once we engage, we can’t hesitate or think about retreating.” Both Shisui and Kurenai excelled in genjutsu, so it was an indispensable part of their strategy. As for withdrawing or trying to evade Kyoichi… They knew better than to think they could outmaneuver a jonin like him. That would be pure fantasy. “Not bad. They’re organized.” Kyoichi smiled faintly. Among the trio, Kurenai was responsible for sensing and scouting, while the other two handled tactical discussions. As he walked through the forest, he hadn’t spotted their whereabouts. Of course, that was because Kyoichi wasn’t trying too hard. If he truly wanted to locate them, one chakra-sensing sweep would suffice. This was a test, not an actual assassination. Like a cat playing with mice, it was meant to be gradual and methodical. As he wandered through the woods, Kyoichi’s path seemed to align perfectly with the direction Shisui’s team had retreated. Asuma gripped his kunai tightly, his palms already sweaty. Even though Kyoichi hadn’t acted yet and wasn’t even close, the sense of impending danger loomed, shrinking their breathing room with every step. “Should we act?” Kurenai signaled. However… Shisui quickly stopped her. Now wasn’t the time. Acting now would only lead to certain failure! They needed a better opportunity. Kyoichi continued his leisurely stroll, closing in step by step. Eventually, Kurenai became his first target, her position inevitably exposed as she tried to withdraw. “Go!” “Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death!” Kurenai immediately formed hand seals, activating her genjutsu. Kyoichi froze in place, seemingly caught in the illusion. Seizing the moment, Shisui joined Asuma, and the two performed their seals in tandem. Moments later, a massive fireball engulfed Kyoichi’s position, amplified by a Wind Release technique. “Above!” Kurenai’s voice came through immediately. The illusion had been dispelled! Kyoichi’s new position left her stunned. Substitution Jutsu? Too fast! Asuma was dumbfounded. At this speed, was there really any chance they could land a hit? “Scatter!” Shisui shouted, ordering a swift retreat. But Kyoichi closed the distance in a flash. Asuma barely managed to raise his kunai before Kyoichi’s immense strength sent him flying. In mid-air, Asuma hastily executed a substitution, narrowly avoiding further injury. Too fast! Shisui threw down a smoke bomb to cover their retreat. However, Kyoichi didn’t pursue. Instead, he began forming hand seals. “Water Release: Water Wall!” A massive wall of water rose, enclosing the area and cutting off Kurenai’s escape route. From his hidden vantage point, Yūhi Shinku was speechless. “This Water Wall… it’s ridiculous!” The range alone could encircle the Hokage building. There was no way anyone could escape if they hesitated even slightly. Kurenai panicked. Despite her best efforts to retreat, she was still isolated. “As a support ninja, you must always be mindful of your position and safety in battle. Remember, the enemy’s first target will often be you.” Whoosh— Kyoichi’s kick came swiftly, forcing Kurenai to use substitution to evade. Yet, before she could react further, a kunai appeared at her neck. “You’re out.” Water trickled down as the Water Wall dissipated. Asuma and Shisui, who had started to return, froze upon seeing the scene and quickly retreated. But… “Sword Technique: Iaido Slash!” In an instant, Kyoichi closed the gap, his blade grazing Asuma’s shoulder with the blunt edge before he could even react. Now, only Shisui was left. “Now for the Genjutsu segment…” Sword light flashed. Shisui’s vision blurred as dizziness overtook him. A genjutsu? Sёarᴄh the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He quickly dispelled it, but when his vision cleared, Kyoichi’s blade was already at his throat. The gap was overwhelming! “Well, I’m unscathed, which means you didn’t complete the mission. Kurenai, Asuma, you’ll need to return to the Academy. Unless… Shisui, you’re willing to give up your spot. If so, I might consider giving you three a second chance.” Kyoichi’s smile was serene, but the atmosphere was suffocating. The gap was too vast. So this is the power of a jonin…

Chapter 28: Is This Really the Water Wall Jutsu?

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