72 Chapter 72

A month had passed, and Kyomu had also mastered a divine technique similar to the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Although the upper limit was vastly inferior, when faced with a siege, the ones who should run, defend, and feel the pressure were the enemies.

Unless a group of people with equal strength to Kyomu besieged him, weaker enemies than him no matter how many came, will be just canon food till Kyomu's physical strength and chakra were exhausted.

The gap between him and Kakashi widened further, forcing Kakashi to think about developing a powerful new technique.

He had to step out of his comfort zone to catch up with Kyomu, who had already surpassed him by far.

However, when Kyomu's new passive skill refreshed at the beginning of the month, Kakashi and the others felt as if they had fallen from heaven into hell.

Kakashi was still fine, but the prodigy who had spent a month withered back to his original state, making him suspicious for several days in a row.

And in that month, Kyomu and Kakashi were assigned a new mission.

"This mission is classified as a B-rank mission, but it could escalate to an A-rank mission at any time. If things go south, I authorize you to retreat."

These were the words of Hiruzen, naturally aiming to protect Kyomu and Kakashi.

Kyomu was very satisfied that Hiruzen had such awareness, but Kakashi sneered at it. He would never allow himself to abandon a mission halfway, even less to its failure.

Kyomu naturally understood Kakashi's attitude towards missions and knew that he couldn't persuade him, so he just let it be and followed Kakashi's lead.

Moreover, this new passive skill also gave Kyomu full confidence.

[Bright Future]

Just hearing the name, one knew that there would be no accidents on this journey.

Sure enough, after nearly a month of all-expenses-paid travel, Kyomu and Kakashi completed their mission and returned to the village.

Days returned to peace, with training, missions, returning to the village, and continuing training becoming Aragami Kyomu and Kakashi's routine.

During this period.

[Words into Actions], [Master of Herbal Cuisine], [Genjutsu Immunity], [Ninjutsu Amplifier], and other passive skills were refreshed one after another.

Whether they were beneficial or not, amidst anticipation and frustration, another New Year's Day passed, and Kyomu and Kakashi turned seven years old.

The two had become much stronger than the previous year. They no longer feared special Jonin one-on-one. If they worked together, they could handle Jonin without kekkei genkai without being in dire straits, being able to win steadily.

The title of "Konoha's Twin Geniuses" gradually solidified, and Kyomu's name, as the leader of the twin geniuses, firmly suppressed Kakashi's, becoming the head of the twin stars.

And as the year passed, with their strength growing again, Hiruzen once again brought up the idea of splitting Kyomu and Kakashi into two teams.

Sakumo could no longer suppress it. With Kyomu and Kakashi's strength, it had become inevitable for them to lead a team of ninja on missions.

However, Danzo's attempt to recruit Kyomu into Root was once again rejected by Hiruzen.

"Hokage-sama, Kyomu's talent is not only reflected in his combat power. He also has a knack for teaching."

Hiruzen became interested, "Oh? I'm not very familiar with this aspect. Sakumo, please elaborate."

"Since last year, Kyomu has made a name for himself in the ninja world with the 'Instant Shadow Phantom Blade Formation,' which he developed independently," Sakumo smiled slightly, "His solid theoretical knowledge is evident, and I believe he's capable of teaching newly graduated Genin."

Hiruzen nodded, quite pleased, and lit his pipe, "Indeed, I've heard of Kyomu's technique, it's quite clever and strong. Many ninja from various countries have fallen under this technique in the past year."

"So my idea is to assign a team of outstanding newly graduated Genin to Kyomu. This way, we can utilize his teaching ability and save resources for leading teams on missions."

Sakumo's argument was logical and well-founded, and after some careful consideration, Hiruzen agreed, ignoring the frantic gestures from Danzo, who was trying to influence him, and nodded in approval.

"Sakumo, let's go with your idea," Hiruzen concluded decisively, "When we assign classes after tomorrow's graduation, call Kyomu over and ask him which newly graduated Genin he'd like to mentor."

"And how should we arrange Kakashi?" Danzo wasn't planning to give up, "We need people in Root lately, so having him join would be perfect."

Hiruzen didn't answer immediately but instead asked for Sakumo's opinion, "Kakashi is your son. What do you think?"

"I agree with Councilor Danzo's suggestion," Sakumo replied, "Root is also a branch of the ANBU Black Ops, led solely by Councilor Danzo, but fundamentally, it is subordinate to the ANBU.

So having Kakashi join the ANBU Black Ops is similar to joining Root."

Sakumo played a trick, and Danzo's face turned cold, wishing he could flip the table and throttle Sakumo right there.

Although Root was subordinate to the ANBU Black Ops, the former was an absolute autocracy, while the latter was just in name. How could they be the same?

Hiruzen seemed oblivious to everything and nodded in agreement again, "Then Kakashi will be assigned to the ANBU Black Ops. Having one 'Konoha's Twin Geniuses' in the light and one in the shadow is an excellent arrangement."

"Hiruzen, you have to deal with the shortage of personnel in Root," Danzo was not ready to give up, "I'll have to trouble you with that."

"Danzo, I'm well aware of that. And we all are really short on manpower... I'll pull two people from the ANBU to help you for now, and about good seedlings..."

Interrupting Hizuren, Danzo Said, "... I've set my eyes on someone. How about securing them now?"

"Tell me about it."

"Uchiha Shisui."

"Uchiha?" Hiruzen frowned, looking at Danzo seriously, while also casting a sidelong glance at Sakumo .

"Hokage-sama, I'll inform Kyomu and Kakashi of their assignments. I'll take my leave now," Sakumo left tactfully, leaving only Hiruzen and Danzo in the office.

"Danzo, what exactly are you planning?" Hiruzen's brows furrowed deeper.

"Uchiha Shisui has been causing quite a stir lately," Danzo stated.

"I'm aware of that, but you must tell me what you intend to do."

"Shisui is a descendant of Kagami," Danzo said slowly, "Kagami is the only Uchiha I acknowledge. Therefore, as Kagami's descendant, Shisui should also possess the qualities as Kagami. If cultivated properly, he should be able to inherit the Will of Fire."

Hiruzen was skeptical, carefully considering Danzo's words. Indeed, he couldn't find any flaws because his teacher, Senju Tobirama, had said the same thing.

However, Hiruzen still hesitated.

"Shisui just entered the ninja academy this year. Let's wait until he graduates and then you can contact him."

Danzo agreed. He could afford to wait. At the same time, it was time to deal with the thorn in his side, Sakumo. If he waited any longer, his dream of becoming Hokage would shatter.

"Hiruzen, one more thing," Danzo produced a piece of intelligence, "This is a top-secret report just relayed back by one of my operatives in Root. You can take a look."

Hiruzen took it without suspicion, carefully reading through it once, his eyes flashing with light, "Is this intelligence reliable?!"

"It's true, I've verified it multiple times," Danzo smirked, "But due to the high level of danger, even though it could bring great benefits to the village if successful, I dared not act recklessly."

"It is indeed very dangerous." Hiruzen nodded, "But once successful, the benefits to the village would be immense!"

"But at the same time, if it fails, the village will suffer great losses, and quite substantial ones at that," Danzo looked at Hiruzen, "Perhaps... we can let Sakumo try it?"

"I'll consider it," Hiruzen found himself in a dilemma, "This mission has too much duality, and it requires careful consideration. If it succeeds, that's good, but if it doesn't..."

"Then I'll wash my hands of it," Danzo shrugged, "You're the Hokage, it's your call. I've just delivered the intelligence."

"Since when did the leader of Root, Shimura Danzo, become afraid to take responsibility?" Hiruzen couldn't help but laugh and scold.

"This mission is too important, and I don't want to cause you to make a wrong judgment because of me."

Danzo left without looking back, leaving Hiruzen and Sakumo standing at the edge of a cliff, and he had cleanly washed his hands of the matter.

With a cold smile, Danzo returned to the Root headquarters to wait for news.

However, even so, he was seventy percent confident in his heart that his plan will success.

(End of Chapter)