The Ninja Academy exam was a breeze for Kiyosuke. Under Orochimaru's guidance, the test—which wasn't particularly difficult to begin with—was easily cleared. He passed with flying colors and received his shinobi forehead protector, grinning from ear to ear.
He was now an official Genin of Konohagakure!
And Genin from the Leaf were no joke. Just look at the kind of damage they could do in a fight—devastating enough to level landscapes. Think of someone like a Jonin... cough, cough—on second thought, better not bring up Kakashi and Guy's scuffles.
...
Hokage's Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe as usual. Sitting across from him was Orochimaru.
"Are you really not interested in taking on a team?" Sarutobi asked. "Jiraiya's last student, Minato Namikaze, has already become an excellent Jonin. He even mastered the Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique and can use it with ease."
Orochimaru replied calmly,
"Jiraiya's disciple will always be his disciple. It has nothing to do with me. Kiyosuke-kun's talent is acceptable. If he can fully develop his kekkei genkai, becoming an elite Jonin shouldn't be an issue—assuming he doesn't die on a mission first."
"If he does die, there's nothing to be done. Dying on a mission is par for the course. That's the fate of a shinobi." Sarutobi shook his head. Living a life in the shadows, death was always just around the corner—even for someone like him.
"How's his understanding of the Will of Fire?"
"He's prepared to sacrifice himself," Orochimaru answered, sharing Kiyosuke's mindset with his teacher. Sarutobi fell silent for a moment. It was an extreme view, but oddly reminiscent of Orochimaru himself.
Still, considering Kiyosuke was only nine, perhaps it was time to assign him two teammates... and a responsible Jonin instructor. With the right guidance, maybe his personality could shift.
At the very least, someone with a bit more sunshine. Not another dark, brooding type like Orochimaru. Sarutobi was beginning to regret letting Kiyosuke spend so much time with his former student. After all, proximity to ink darkens you, and this child seemed to be affected.
"You're sure you don't want to do it?"
Sarutobi still hoped his student would change. But once again, Orochimaru refused.
"Sarutobi-sensei, I'm very busy. I have no interest in babysitting brats. And Kiyosuke-kun isn't someone who needs coddling. Mentally, he's already an adult."
The door shut behind him.
Sarutobi took a deep drag of his pipe and muttered,
"Why are all these brats so hard to handle...?"
...
Academy Rooftop
A middle-aged man with a long face and reddish eyes stood with arms crossed and a sword strapped to his back, expression stern.
"I'm Yuhi Shinku. Starting today, I'll be your Jonin instructor. You can introduce yourselves—what you like, what you hate, your hobbies. It's up to you. And outside of missions, I don't care what you call me. But during team activities, I expect to be addressed as Shinku-sensei."
He gave off a strict and serious vibe, but Kiyosuke—already used to Orochimaru's presence—felt no pressure at all.
Among the trio, Yuhi Kurenai was the most familiar with her own father. She went first:
"My name's Yuhi Kurenai. My favorite food is wasabi octopus. I hate cake. My dream is to become an excellent kunoichi. I enjoy flower arranging with my mom."
Aw, that's my precious little girl!
Shinku nodded approvingly.
Next was Asuma.
"I'm Sarutobi Asuma. I like sausages. I hate asparagus. I enjoy shogi. As for dreams... I don't really have one right now."
Still figuring things out, huh? Fair enough.
Kiyosuke showed up in a wide-sleeved short top and cropped pants that reached just past the knees, legs wrapped in bandages. Compared to a year ago, he'd grown taller. Though his face still carried a trace of childhood, there were hints that a good-looking young man was in the making.
He stood up, emotionless, and spoke in a calm, flat voice:
"My name is Asakawa Kiyosuke. I'm nine years old. I live at 16 Konoha... Street. Single. Just became a ninja. I usually train during my free time and get home around six. I don't smoke or drink. I go to bed at ten every night. Before sleep, I refine chakra for twenty minutes and drink a cup of hot milk to aid growth. I get eight hours of sleep—never carry fatigue into the next day. Orochimaru-sensei says I'm perfectly normal."
Asuma: I didn't catch all of that... but it sounded impressive!
Kurenai: When did Asakawa become so weird?
Shinku: This kid... seems like a handful.
And did he just say "Orochimaru-sensei"? Don't tell me that's the Orochimaru?
Everyone knew Kiyosuke trained under Orochimaru, but Orochimaru had never officially admitted to taking him as a student—even if most people already assumed it was the case.
"I've got a good idea of your abilities now. Let's head to the Konoha training grounds for your first mission."
"Yes, sir." ×3
...
The trio followed Shinku to a small river at the training grounds.
With his back to the water, Shinku pulled out two bells.
Kiyosuke: "..."
Do all Jonin test their Genin the exact same way?
"Show me what you've got. If you can't get a bell, you don't eat lunch." Shinku added, "You have one hour. Weapons are allowed."
He set a clock to the side and started the timer.
Asuma and Kurenai sprang into action, dashing off to set traps and plan ambushes. Kiyosuke, on the other hand, charged straight in without hesitation.
"..." Shinku stared blankly. Why didn't you take a page from Asuma or Kurenai? Is this reckless rush really how a ninja fights?
But the next instant, Kiyosuke closed the distance with lightning speed.
Shinku dropped his casual attitude, only to see Kiyosuke open his mouth and release a torrent of flame that filled his vision.
The fire roared toward his face. Shinku leapt back immediately and formed hand signs.
"Water Style: Wild Water Wave!"
A stream of water shot out to clash with the flames, steam billowing into the air. Shuriken and kunai sliced through the fog.
Shinku dodged nimbly, but then noticed something unsettling—the surrounding temperature was steadily rising.
"Flame Jet!"
Another jet of fire surged forth. Relentless attacks forced him to keep retreating.
When did kids get this powerful?
Asuma: Not me!
Kurenai: Not me either!
"Where did he go?"
Kiyosuke blinked—Shinku had vanished.
From his sleeve, a small white snake poked its head out, flicking its tongue in one direction.
"There, huh? Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"
From his wide sleeve, several venomous snakes shot out, following the white snake's lead.
They slithered into the tall grass—and a surprised yelp rang out.
Kiyosuke yanked his hand back, and a shadow came flying at him.
Instinctively, he caught it—and realized he was now cradling Asuma in a full princess carry.
"..." Kiyosuke.
"..." Asuma.
Yeah... this was getting awkward.
They locked eyes.
And just like that, the atmosphere suddenly turned uncomfortable.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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