I, Konoha's Sage of Life-Chapter 132: Sometimes, Lowering the Barriers Helps

The rewards for an A-rank mission varied.

As for Black Rain Jutsu, the key factor determining the reward was how effectively it could be combined with Fire Release. If the synergy was strong, the reward would naturally be higher.

And as for the system...

Kyoichi had no intention of teaching the technique one by one. There were simply too many shinobi in Konoha—he couldn't possibly instruct them all individually. The best approach was to transcribe the technique onto a scroll and let the shinobi distribute, study, and teach it among themselves.

After all, Black Rain Jutsu wasn't exactly some high-level secret technique.

Kyoichi didn't even need to leave his tent. He immediately wrote down the details of Black Rain Jutsu, along with its principles and various techniques. He even included an analysis of how Water Release could be transformed into oil-based techniques.

Unfortunately...

The oilification process of Black Rain Jutsu was still quite crude. If he wanted to reach the level of Steaming Danger Tyranny (Jōki Bōi), more research was needed.

Once he finished writing the scroll, he left the tent and sought out Shisui and Asuma.

"Sensei..."

"It's fine. Just use a jutsu on me. Asuma, attack me with Wind Release first."

Kyoichi specifically told him not to use Fire Release.

Last time, when he had Samehada absorb Tailed Beast chakra, the little guy sulked for days. It took multiple days of feeding it Water Release chakra before it calmed down. But in a way, this reassured Kyoichi—Samehada clearly liked his chakra.

As long as there weren't any unexpected circumstances, he didn't have to worry about it betraying him.

However...

Other types of chakra? No problem.

Asuma nodded, formed hand seals, and gathered his chakra. A moment later, he exhaled a Vacuum Wave.

Kyoichi swung Samehada.

The Wind Release chakra was instantly absorbed into the blade. But this time, it didn't dissolve into Samehada—instead, the chakra immediately transferred to Kyoichi himself.

It worked!

Kyoichi quickly activated this newly acquired chakra. With his left hand, he drew his sword and slashed forward.

Zzt!—

A faint sound.

A narrow sword mark appeared on the ground!

"It worked!"

Asuma was even more excited than Kyoichi.

Absorbing and converting it into a jutsu—Wind Release worked, so in theory, Lightning Release should work too.

However...

Kyoichi wasn't that optimistic.

After thinking for a moment, he turned to Shisui. "Try using Lightning Release."

"I only know Ground Current."

"That's fine, as long as it works."

Kyoichi nodded.

If it were a stronger Lightning Release jutsu, he wouldn't dare let Shisui test it—Lightning chakra was notoriously volatile, and even he wasn't completely confident in handling it.

Shisui formed hand seals, then pressed his hands to the ground, sending a current of electricity surging toward him.

Samehada absorbed it again.

The next moment...

Kyoichi drew his blade.

Zzt—!

Lightning crackled around the blade, but it quickly dissipated—the amount of chakra transferred from Ground Current was too small.

Even so...

This at least proved that Kyoichi's theory worked when combined with Samehada.

But...

The technique required extremely precise chakra control, as well as a deep understanding of Fire Release and Lightning Release chakra properties.

If it weren't for the system rewards that granted him experience with Chidori and Lightning Release nature transformation, he wouldn't have been able to execute it so quickly and proficiently. After all, mastering one's own chakra nature was already a difficult task.

Using chakra one didn't naturally possess? Normally impossible.

"Sensei, how did you do that?"

Shisui was in disbelief.

He had spent a long time just scratching the surface of Lightning Release nature transformation—

And Ground Current was one of the simplest Lightning Release techniques.

If Kyoichi had a Lightning Release affinity, Shisui wouldn't have been so surprised. His teacher's talent was well-known, and it wouldn't be shocking if he mastered Lightning Release.

But he didn't.

"This isn't mastery—just a crude transfer and application."

Kyoichi shook his head.

Chidori's Lightning Release nature transformation focused on piercing power. But in truth, his slash didn't even utilize that. It was simply raw Lightning Release chakra.

Of course...

That wasn't because he couldn't use it—Shisui had just provided too little chakra.

It seemed that relying purely on "absorbing" chakra had its limitations.

Kyoichi temporarily shelved the experiment.

The method was feasible, difficult, but not impossible. However, after considering everything, it could only serve as a temporary measure, not a consistent battle strategy—

Unless he absorbed chakra from his teammates.

That was an option.

But he couldn't expect his allies to "recharge" him at all times.

It seemed he would have to explore the Yin Seal further.

Tailed Beast chakra...

Could it be sealed elsewhere?

Even if it couldn't be accessed instantly, temporary storage should be possible.

It should work!

If this theory was viable, who knew? Maybe one day, he could even create a pseudo-Ten-Tails of his own.

Kyoichi entertained the thought.

But...

That goal was far off.

After all, combining the nine Tailed Beasts' chakra wasn't as simple as mixing them together to form Ten-Tails chakra.

For now, it was just an idea—no need to rush into action.

"Sensei, what's the name of this technique we just used?"

"Lightning Release: Kirin."

Kyoichi didn't completely steal the technique—

At the very least, he respected Sasuke's naming rights.

Shisui sighed regretfully.

Everyone could tell—

This technique wasn't strictly a combination jutsu. It had the potential to be guided and executed by a single user.

Unfortunately, Shisui's Lightning Release proficiency lagged far behind his Fire Release, Wind Release, and Genjutsu. Otherwise, he might have pushed himself to see if he could perform it alone.

"If it's not your strength, there's no need to force it."

Kyoichi didn't want him to overthink it.

Kakashi had multiple chakra natures, but he mainly focused on Earth Release and Lightning Release.

Unless someone trained as "hard" as Kyoichi, mastering everything was unrealistic.

Shisui nodded.

He understood the logic—he was just envious.

The effects of Lightning Release: Kirin were enough to make Onoki wary. At the very least, he wouldn't dare to recklessly push forward for a while. If he encountered a thunderstorm and got struck, all his efforts could go up in smoke.

The Kirigakure specialized in aggressive assaults.

According to Onoki's calculations, the eastern front of Konoha was under immense pressure. In fact, Konoha might even have to pull reinforcements from the west. If that happened, then would be their real opportunity.

Of course...

That wasn't Onoki's original plan.

His initial thought was to clash head-on with Konoha.

But...

After witnessing this jutsu, he abandoned that idea.

Under normal circumstances, a cautious approach was reasonable.

What Onoki didn't expect, however, was that Konoha had already begun pulling elite ninja from the east—forming a squad to flank them from behind.

After finishing his experiment, Kyoichi took Asuma and the others on a patrol before returning to the main camp. He was just about to resume training them when...

He sensed several familiar chakra signatures.

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Might Duy, Obito, Rin... and Might Guy?

What the hell?

Bringing the whole family?

Kyoichi was puzzled. Then a possibility crossed his mind.

Could it be that after forming his elite squad, Minato sent the remaining fresh graduates to the western front?

This was...

Did they think this side was a daycare or something?

It wasn't long before he saw them approaching the camp—one after another.

A Jonin vest. A full green bodysuit.

Currently, only two people in the village dressed like that.

One was Might Duy.

The other was Might Guy.

However...

The moment Kyoichi saw the entire group, he realized he was wrong.

It wasn't just the two of them.

Obito was also wearing the bodysuit.

As everyone's eyes focused on him, Obito's face turned red. He wanted to dig a hole and bury himself.

Taking a deep breath, he kept telling himself—

"For the sake of getting stronger, this is worth it!"

"Kyoichi-sensei..."

"I didn't expect you to personally escort them, Duy-senpai. Ahem, Hokage-sama is over there. You can deliver the supplies first. I'll take care of them for now."

Kyoichi wasn't sure what to say.

Enthusiasm was contagious.

He never believed it before. But after seeing Obito, he almost believed it now.

"Yes, sir!"

Might Duy saluted and left.

Technically, he was a Special Jonin, a rank below Kyoichi. And more importantly...

Back on the eastern front, Kyoichi had been the battle commander.

Once Duy left, Obito noticed Shisui and the others staring at him strangely. He covered his face, then, blushing furiously, muttered, "I... I think this outfit is great for Taijutsu combat!"

The atmosphere fell silent.

A few seconds later, Kurenai whispered, "Obito, no one said it wasn't."

"Be confident, young man! With this outfit, you too can master the Eight Gates!"

Might Guy flashed his signature thumbs-up and dazzling smile.

Looking at Guy's expression, Obito suddenly realized—

Wearing this might have been a mistake.

...Even if it was breathable and flexible.

"It takes courage to wear that. At least it proves you've let go of a lot of unnecessary concerns."

Kyoichi patted his shoulder.

Then, he led them into the camp.

Five rookies.

So Kakashi was the only one taken by Minato?

That explained it.

No wonder Obito was willing to sacrifice his pride—Minato's choice must have stung.

But...

Minato wasn't wrong.

That elite squad wasn't a place for Obito. Even Kakashi barely qualified with his Lightning Release.

"Sensei, what's the situation here? What's our mission now?"

After settling in, Obito, unable to contain his curiosity, asked eagerly.

Of course...

The others were just as curious, but they managed to hold back their questions.

"Now that you're here, your job is to fight the Iwa-nin. From now on, you're all under my command. During future battles, you must stay within my range—understood?"

"Yes!"

The group responded with enthusiasm, looking as if they were ready to take on Iwa-nin right then and there.

Kyoichi had a headache.

If there were anywhere else to assign them, he would have gladly passed these kids off to someone else.

But...

Right now, in this camp, he was the most suitable person to take them in.

He had the experience. He had the ability.

The other jonin already had their own subordinates to manage. Adding a few more kids to their squads would be too much.

As for the eastern front, that was out of the question.

With their elite forces pulled away, Konoha had to maintain enough combat strength to withstand Kumo's fierce assaults. Casualties were inevitable, which was precisely why these kids had been sent to the western front—where it was relatively safer.

However...

This situation wouldn't last long. If their plan succeeded, they would be able to inflict heavy losses on Iwa-nin in a short time, forcing Ōnoki into negotiations.

At that point, Konoha would regain the initiative.

So, this was only temporary.

He just had to treat it like the old days at the Academy.

Kyoichi glanced at them.

"There won't be any battles for the next few days. What have you all been training recently?"

"Taijutsu!"

"Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

"Uh..."

"Uh... how to awaken the Sharingan?"

Obito answered with complete seriousness.

Shisui glanced at him, hesitating to mention that he'd accidentally awakened his Sharingan after being scared out of his wits not long ago.

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