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I, Konoha's Sage of Life
Chapter 3: Do You Know the Will of Fire?

Chapter 3: Do You Know the Will of Fire?

"Three Basic Technique are the most basic and least chakra-intensive ninjutsu. On the training ground, we can use high-powered jutsu without worrying about chakra consumption, but on the battlefield, it’s a completely different story."

"Saving a bit of chakra might just save your life."

Kyoichi began explaining his own understanding and techniques.

Some of it came from his predecessor, but most of it was knowledge provided by the system on the "Transformation Jutsu."

Everyone listened attentively.

Times were different now.

With the ongoing wars, Konoha was in a precarious position, and more and more children were graduating early to participate in the conflicts—Kakashi and Guy among them.

In this mixed training class, many of the students might have to join the battlefield as early as this year.

Guidance from an experienced veteran was incredibly valuable to them.

Even the usually mischievous Obito didn’t dare whisper during the lesson.

"Sensei, how can we use less chakra?"

"Sensei..."

When it came time for questions, the students eagerly raised their hands, clamoring to ask their queries.

Kyoichi patiently answered each one.

The bell rang.

Class was over!

"Alright, everyone, practice on your own after class. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me after class or during the next lesson. Otherwise, you’re dismissed."

Kyoichi felt a wave of relief.

His first class in the ninja world had gone relatively well.

He’d established his authority early, so the subsequent lessons shouldn’t be too difficult.

However...

It seemed the lesson plan he’d prepared earlier had been unnecessary.

In a real class, there was no way to simply follow a script.

These students weren’t just ordinary kids—many of them were geniuses and future legends. Each had their own way of thinking, and without real substance, he wouldn’t be able to hold their attention.

"Oh, and Obito, tomorrow morning is my class again. If you’re late, you’ll have to run 200 laps around the training field."

"Ah?"

Obito froze in place.

Why this last-minute warning? What if he really was late tomorrow?

"Alright, everyone, see you tomorrow."

After speaking, Kyoichi disappeared with the Body Flicker Jutsu.

Back in his office, the first thing he did was check the system.

He’d heard a notification at the end of class but hadn’t caught it clearly.

[First-Class Completed]

[Evaluation: Excellent]

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[Reward: Water Dragon Jutsu]

Water Dragon Jutsu?

The one with 44 hand seals?

Kyoichi was stunned for a moment.

But...

After claiming and examining the reward, he realized he had underestimated the system.

This was the simplified version created by the Second Hokage, requiring only four hand seals. Combined with the bonus from his recently awakened Senju bloodline, this ninjutsu was an excellent reward.

"I’ll try it out later," Kyoichi thought to himself.

Since activating the system and awakening his bloodline, he hadn’t tested the power of Water Release techniques or fully assessed his current strength.

That wouldn’t do.

---

Konoha Outskirts

After class, Kyoichi arrived at a riverbank area.

First...

Shadow Clone Jutsu!

An identical clone appeared beside him.

"Time is precious. You train in taijutsu techniques while I test out the power of ninjutsu."

"...Seriously?"

The clone wanted to complain, looking utterly speechless.

But...

As a shadow clone, it had no choice.

Resigned, it went off to a nearby forest to practice taijutsu. If it could master techniques like Leaf Hurricane or Shadow of the Dancing Leaf, that would be a win.

Meanwhile, the original Kyoichi checked his chakra reserves.

Still plenty left.

"With this amount of chakra, I can handle three clones working simultaneously. It’s not on Naruto’s level, but it’s far more than an average adult Kakashi."

Kyoichi felt satisfied.

Naruto’s insane chakra reserves weren’t just due to his bloodline; they also came from the Nine-Tails’ chakra and Asura’s lineage—basically, cheats no one else could compete with.

Looking around, he found an open area and quickly formed hand seals.

Water Dragon Jutsu!

In an instant, torrents of water converged to form a massive dragon, roaring as it ascended before crashing down with tremendous force. The ground where it struck was left with a massive crater.

Powerful!

Even though the jutsu’s strength weakened slightly when used away from a water source, the difference wasn’t significant—only a bit more chakra was consumed.

"Now I have both offensive and defensive options," Kyoichi thought.

With techniques like Water Wall, Water Dragon Jutsu, and Water Colliding Wave, his current capabilities had no major gaps.

Of course...

This was only true at the level of chunin or regular jonin.

Compared to elite jonin and above, his skillset was still too limited.

But...

There was time to grow. With the system, the future held endless possibilities.

He prepared to head back for a good meal.

As for the shadow clone?

It could keep training.

Just as he took a step, Kyoichi suddenly sensed a presence nearby. He turned to face the direction it came from.

"Who’s there?"

"Sensei, it’s me."

From behind a tree, a figure slowly emerged.

Kyoichi didn’t need to see his face—he recognized the voice immediately.

Uchiha Shisui.

"Shisui, is there something you need?"

"Yes, I have some doubts and was hoping you could help me."

Shisui bowed respectfully.

Seeing Kyoichi’s kind and patient demeanor, Shisui stepped forward, though he still seemed a bit hesitant.

"Go ahead," Kyoichi encouraged.

"Sensei, I originally planned to graduate early this year, but after sparring with you, I’m worried... Would graduating early burden my teammates on the battlefield?"

Shisui expressed his concerns.

Kyoichi paused for a moment before chuckling softly.

It seemed he’d unintentionally discouraged the young prodigy.

After thinking for a moment, Kyoichi replied, "With your abilities, you’re certainly not weak. You wouldn’t be a liability on the battlefield. However, unless the situation is absolutely dire, I wouldn’t recommend graduating so early."

"Please guide me!"

Shisui bowed deeply.

"Sit down; let’s talk as friends."

Kyoichi sat on the grass and gestured for Shisui to do the same.

Shisui complied.

"Do you know why the First and Second Hokage established the ninja academy?"

Shisui shook his head.

"Do you know about the Will of Fire?"

"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns. The fire’s light will illuminate the village and help new trees grow."

Shisui nodded this time. It was something the Third Hokage had taught them—a core lesson in their ideology classes.

"One of its meanings is that children are Konoha’s future. The First and Second Hokage founded the academy to keep children off the battlefield for as long as possible."

Kyoichi explained.

Shisui seemed deep in thought.

"Battlefields can force people to grow up quickly, but you’re only five years old. If you study for another year or two, your skills and mindset will mature, making you more prepared when you do step onto the battlefield."

Kyoichi added.

The battlefield didn’t lack genin. What it lacked were strong chunin and jonin.

The Third Hokage’s decision to send children into war was essentially a gamble, hoping they would develop rapidly under immense pressure.

"But..."

Shisui hesitated.

He thought of examples like Kakashi, who had graduated at five and was already a celebrated chunin with outstanding achievements on the battlefield.

"War can accelerate growth, but it also takes away a lot. Starting early doesn’t necessarily mean becoming exceptional."

Kyoichi couldn’t help but r

ecall his previous encounters with Kakashi.

The boy had a talent for rubbing people the wrong way, and at this stage, he wasn’t exactly likable.

"I understand. Thank you, Sensei."

Shisui bowed again, his gratitude genuine.

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