73 Chapter 73

[Still sick, but I'm getting better, if we reach the 1000 Power Stones I'll upload a few extra on monday] [Also P@treon has +20 Extra Chapter! For only $5]

"Let me lead a team of just-graduated genin?!"

Kyomu felt like he misheard, "Teacher, I'm the same age as just-graduated genin, or even younger. How can I be their team leader?"

"In learning, there is no distinction of age; those who excel become the teacher." Sakumo patted Kyomu's shoulder, "With your current strength, you're already superior to many team-leading ninja, and don't you want to team up with your former friends?"

"I do want to, but it just doesn't feel right." Kyomu looked earnestly at Sakumo, "Teacher, I think joining the ANBU would be great for me."

"I've sent Kakashi to the ANBU." Sakumo turned to Kakashi, "I'm still concerned, so I'm preparing to train you for a while longer."

Kakashi nodded without expressing his own opinion.

Although they didn't want to be in separate teams, their strengths were already sufficient, and they weren't suitable to be together on missions anymore.

If there's a possibility of collaboration in the future, it would only be on A or even S-rank missions.

Kyomu didn't say more, turning to ask Sakumo again, "Teacher, who are the genin I'll be leading?"

"Who do you want?" Sakumo asked back.

Kyomu's eyes lit up, "Can I choose them myself?"

"Except for a few specific individuals, you can choose those you like and are familiar with. Your autonomy is very important."

Hearing Sakumo's words, Kyomu felt relieved. He didn't want to be stuck with a group of deadweights.

After briefing them, Sakumo led Kyomu and Kakashi into the Forest of Death, starting today's training through action.

Actually, there wasn't much more Sakumo could teach them. In terms of combat experience and intelligence, Kyomu and Kakashi had reached an extremely outstanding level after two years of mission accumulation.

After the training ended, Sakumo took them to a barbecue restaurant to eat and chat.

"I have nothing more to teach you." Sakumo sighed, "It's time for you to choose your path carefully."

Kyomu put down his chopsticks, suddenly energized.

Was it time for 'Arts, Sciences and Literature Department Division'?

The ninja world had existed for so long, but the number of all-around ninja could be counted on one hand.

The path of being an all-around ninja was as difficult as reaching the heavens.

So, specializing in one or few abilities to further enhance one's strength became the mainstream practice direction for ninja once they reached a certain level.

Especially for the higher ninja ranks after special jonin, the situation of specialization was quite serious.

For example, Sakumo was proficient in swordsmanship and Lightning Release ninjutsu, with other ninja abilities merely understood and usable but not mastered.

Or like Hiruzen, who was proficient in all five elemental ninjutsu, with others merely understood and usable but not mastered.

Even Tsunade, her monstrous strength and medical ninjutsu became her trademarks, but the number of times she used elemental ninjutsu in battle was very few.

There were countless examples like these, all choices that every ninja must go through.

Looking at Kyomu, Sakumo asked him, "Kyomu, have you decided?"

"I'll stick to my current path." Kyomu had already considered it, "Primary swordsmanship, taijutsu, and Elemental Ninjutsu, with auxiliary studies in other areas."

"Quite ambitious," Sakumo raised an eyebrow, "Do you know how difficult it is to master taijutsu and Elemental Ninjutsu?"

"But Teacher, have you forgotten, I naturally possess chakra of all five elements. If I don't master them, wouldn't it be a waste of innate talent? Besides, I also have insights into taijutsu. Many of my swordsmanship techniques are based on a strong physique."

Sakumo nodded and stopped persuading, "Since that's the case, you handle the rest yourself. As for Elemental Ninjutsu, I'll help you figure it out, and I can continue to guide you in swordsmanship."

Then he looked at Kakashi, "And you, have you decided?"

"I want to follow in my father's footsteps." Kakashi touched the hilt of his sword, his path already firm.

Satisfied, Sakumo didn't ask further. He already had his calculations in mind.

——Time-Skip No Jutsu!——

Graduation season at the ninja academy.

Obito hurried the best he could but it was to late, but Rin still thought of him and arranged another graduation ceremony just for him.

Obito was deeply moved, his feelings for Rin deepening, clearly reaching an unwavering level.

That's very Obito of him.

However, the next day during the class division, Obito and Rin were shocked by Kyomu.

"Quiet." Kyomu stood on the platform and shouted.

Although the recently graduated genin below stopped talking loudly, there was still a buzzing of whispers.

"Isn't he Konoha's Twin Stars leader Aragami Kyomu?"

"Yes, he is. I was his classmate back then."

"But today he appeared in our graduation class division..."

"No way, someone our age is going to be our team leader?!"

"If you're unwilling, you can give up your spot to me, I'm willing."

"I'm just saying, not that I'm unwilling."

"Although the same age as us, he is already superior to many veteran ninjas in terms of strength."

The recently graduated genin below the platform were eager to try, while Kyomu on the platform felt a bit dazed.

Three years ago, he was sitting below listening to the lessons, and three years later, he had become the one standing above.

Times change, but it feels good.

Scanning the crowd below, Kyomu saw many familiar faces, and more importantly, he saw the hopeful gazes of Obito and Rin.

With a slight smile, Kyomu glanced at the list in his hand, "Come out when I call your names, Might Guy, -..."

As he finished speaking, Kyomu turned and left, followed closely by three teenagers about his age.

"Kyomu actually didn't..."

"Maybe this is arranged by the Hokage, it's not Kyomu's decision."

"I know that, but we've missed another chance to be teammates with Kyomu."

Rin also felt disappointed, but more than that, she was uncertain about the future. Would she and Obito be assigned to the same team? Would they have an excellent team leader? These were all unknowns.

On the school playground, Kyomu turned to look at Might Guy, Shiranui Genma, and Ebisu, "No need for introductions, you know me, and I know you.

Perhaps some of you are dissatisfied because I'm the same age as you, as I just graduated three years early, why should I be your team leader?"

Guy immediately shook his head at the words, but when he wanted to speak, he was interrupted by Kyomu raising his hand.

He wasn't talking about Guy, but Genma and Ebisu.

Although the two weren't from prestigious ninja families, their families had considerable influence, and they were also well-known outstanding students during their time at the academy.

What Kyomu had experienced by graduating three years early, the village wouldn't publicize it for him, as it was classified information.

So, it was quite normal for Genma and Ebisu to feel aggrieved.

"But it's okay, tomorrow, assemble at Training Ground 17 at eight o'clock sharp, and I'll tell you then why I can be your team leader.

Okay, Guy, stay, you two can leave."

Genma and Ebisu nodded, then left without saying a word.

After they left, the serious expression on Kyomu's face disappeared, and he put his hand on Guy's shoulder, "Surprised?"

"Yeah." Guy nodded, "I never thought I'd be in the same team as you, Kyomu, even if it's under these circumstances."

"Not used to calling me teacher?"

"Not really, it just feels a bit awkward..."

"Haha, then just call me by my name, like before."

Guy nodded, feeling relieved. If he became Kyomu's disciple, how could he still compete as rivals?

Although it couldn't be see, Guy still had this persistence in his heart.

After that he left with Guy, without waiting for Obito and Rin, as the two of them were busy today and tomorrow.

Having a quick reunion with old friends, Kyomu was ready to go home and wait for today's passive skills to refresh.

But shortly after arriving home, Sakumo came knocking urgently, looking somewhat anxious.

"Kyomu, I'm about to go on a mission, it's urgent."

Kyomu's heart skipped a beat and couldn't help but touch the pendant he had kept in his ninja tools bag for a long time.

"This is a Five Elements Ninjutsu scroll borrowed from me and the Hokage. It contains many versatile B-rank Five Elements Ninjutsu, which will be very useful for you. Study it carefully."

"Don't worry, Teacher, I will."

Sakumo smiled, patted Kyomu's shoulder, then turned to leave.

"Teacher, take this with you."

"What's this?"

"A small gift prepared for you, for safety."

"You're considerate." Sakumo took it, put it around his neck, then waved and left.

Watching Sakumo's back, Kyomu clenched his fist, and couldn't help but glance in the direction of the Hokage's office.

(End of Chapter)