"Hah? Sending us back to Konoha? Why!"
Asuma was baffled.
According to their teachers, they'd graduated early precisely because the war required manpower. Yet now, with the conflict still ongoing, they were being sent home without participating in further battles.
This made no sense.
The others were equally stunned. None had expected this outcome when summoned.
Returning to the village.
Among all early graduates, only three exceptions existed…
Hatake Kakashi, Might Guy, and Yūhi Kurenai.
"Why do Guy and the others get to stay?"
Asuma voiced his objection.
Only he would dare speak so frankly before the Sandaime. The others were already cowed by the Hokage's authority, not daring to question.
"They're chūnin. What comes next involves confronting Kumo's specialists in speed and Raiton ninjutsu. Most of you lack countermeasures. Hence, you're exempt from that front."
The Sandaime was direct.
Obfuscation wouldn't preserve the children's dignity. They'd graduated as proper genin and understood shinobi realities well enough.
Facts and logic.
Asuma fell silent.
Speed. Lightning Release.
While Fūton countered Raiton, only chūnin remained here. Having failed his promotion, he had no grounds to stay.
"Understood?"
"Yes."
He sulked.
Reluctant, yet unable to refute.
Especially since…
During the chūnin exams, as team leader, he'd grown careless in intelligence gathering, stumbling into traps that cost them victory.
Regarding chūnin status, he had no complaints.
If only I'd tried harder back then…
"Asuma, returning isn't bad. We have D-ranks, training, studies… Truthfully, we are burdens on the battlefield."
Shisui spoke softly.
He recognized the sacrifices made for them.
To maximize their survival, their sensei were typically elite. Not just for clan kids like them, but even civilian graduates received jōnin leadership.
In reality…
Most regular genin squads only had chūnin captains handling command and coordination training.
Thus, nearly all early graduates had received preferential treatment in war.
However…
Such privileges constrained their jōnin's effectiveness.
This time…
Unburdened by Obito and Rin, Namikaze Minato's full power was unleashed. Just twelve men, yet no Iwa-nin could stop them.
Everyone understood the logic.
Yet admitting one's weakness outright wasn't easy. Seeing even Shisui, the five year old prodigy, accept this calmly somehow soothed them.
If even he isn't complaining… what right do we have?
Their resentment dissolved.
"Depart today then. Tsunade will arrange matters upon your return."
"Yes."
…
"So this 'accelerated class' is just a pretext to send them back to school?"
Aboard a northern bound ship, Namikaze Minato's expression was peculiar.
Making genin resume studies… this idea was downright diabolical.
"Correct. Their training was too rushed. Many lack theoretical foundations. Take Obito, practically an educational oversight. He won't leave that class until passing minimum standards."
A faint smile played on Kyōichi's lips.
He'd chased half a day to intercept Minato's boarding. Now they shared a cabin on this vessel, one of remarkable specifications.
Ōnoki himself was aboard.
Aside from crew, only two Iwa guards accompanied the Tsuchikage alongside Kyōichi and Minato.
Clearly intentional.
Fewer people put Minato and Kyōichi at ease while allowing more candid discussions.
Knock knock knock…
Exchanging glances, Kyōichi rose to answer, confirming their visitor was indeed Ōnoki.
"Tsuchikage-sama."
"Ahem, no need for formalities. Sit, both of you."
Ōnoki cleared his throat.
Not that he minded the courtesy, but with both towering over him, sustained conversation would strain his neck and undermine his presence.
"Yes."
Minato and Kyōichi complied.
Respect for the Tsuchikage's station was one factor, but so was the 5 million ryō fee securing their services.
Regardless of actual contribution, basic decorum was warranted.
"I overheard something about an 'accelerated class' earlier. Might I inquire?"
Ōnoki asked without preamble or shame.
His bluntness startled even Kyōichi.
Bold.
Eavesdropping so unabashedly?
"Don't misunderstand. I merely happened upon that snippet while coming to see you."
"No misunderstanding at all."
Minato smiled amiably but deferred to Kyōichi regarding disclosure. This was his scheme to explain or withhold.
Kyōichi reflected.
Iwagakure's shinobi education was arguably the best among the Five Great Nations post-Second War, rapidly rebuilding their chūnin and genin ranks.
Their shortage lay in jōnin.
However…
The 'accelerated class' was ultimately pedagogical.
After consideration, he replied. "Personally, I'd gladly share details given our rapport. But I must consider my standing, so…"
"Additional payment?"
Ōnoki whispered reflexively.
"I'm not that sort of person."
Kyōichi shook his head.
"Indeed, you're a noble shinobi. Then perhaps post-war, during the inevitable peace period, Iwagakure might participate in Konoha's chūnin exams for exchange?"
Ōnoki suppressed his distaste.
As Tsuchikage, white lies were routine. But calling this kid noble?
Preposterous.
The boy's mercantile tendencies resembled nothing of the Senju… instead channeling some cutthroat merchant's spirit.
Yet…
He knew such secrets weren't divulged lightly. Hence his preparedness.
Kyōichi understood now.
Ōnoki's true interest lay in the exams themselves.
After contemplation, he nodded.
"Konoha welcomes international exchange. But as merely a jōnin, final decisions rest with Hokage-sama."
"Naturally."
Ōnoki smiled.
"Hokage-sama?"
He saw through the pretense. Sarutobi Hiruzen's retirement was imminent post-war, with Tsunade likely succeeding as Yondaime.
And as Tsunade's kin and Konoha's rising star, Kyōichi's influence was undeniable. This modesty was mere formality.
Their subsequent chat meandered through trivialities. The exam proposal was clearly spontaneous. Ōnoki's true objective lay elsewhere.
When Kyōichi still didn't broach the expected topic, Ōnoki finally cut to the chase:
"What do you know of the Sandaime Raikage?"
"Truthfully? Very little. As you see, Minato and I are barely twenty…"
Kyōichi straightened.
Business time.
Ōnoki paused, adjusting his seat higher before explaining: "The Sandaime Raikage masters nin-taijutsu. His Lightning Armor defends while Hell Stab attacks, all augmented by blinding speed. My Jinton struggles against him."
Here, he eyed Kyōichi meaningfully.
In some ways, Kyōichi mirrored the Raikage… just with greater versatility and unpredictability. Their combat records paralleled too.
The Raikage couldn't defeat Ōnoki, just as Ōnoki couldn't decisively overcome Kyōichi.
Sighing nostalgically, Ōnoki continued:
"During one Hachibi rampage, the Sandaime Raikage subdued it alone. His Lightning Armor repels even tailed beasts. Frankly, Iwa alone stands little chance against Kumo."
When truly determined, no obstacle was insurmountable. But current Ōnoki lacked that desperation… partly due to Kyōichi's presence.
Kyōichi understood perfectly.
Fūton counters Raiton.
Elemental rock paper scissors was common knowledge, and wind techniques were his specialty.
Moreover, regarding the Hachibi incident… he knew more than Ōnoki. That fiasco was Orochimaru's handiwork, with Hachibi cells still in his lab.
But that was irrelevant.
The key was the Lightning Armor's weakness — and Ōnoki's purpose here:
To gauge what his 10 million ryō actually bought.
After consideration, Kyōichi said:
"Truthfully, I've never fought the Sandaime Raikage. Can't guarantee penetration. But with enough manpower, we can exhaust him."
"Exhaust…"
Ōnoki fell silent.
Still just attrition?
At that rate, his investment seemed wasted.
"Only that?"
"Not quite. The three of us could drain him. The real challenge is other Kumo-nin."
Kyōichi clarified.
"Truly Konoha's genius. My doubts are resolved."
Ōnoki's smile now held genuine relief.
Three against one?
Misunderstood.
The fee seemed justified now.
Then he asked.
"One personal question — what exactly transpired with Kiri? Why their abrupt withdrawal?"
"They didn't tell you? I dismantled their Seven Swordsmen. Four survived… but three were intentionally released along with their blades."
"…!!!"
Including the three blades he'd seen in Konoha…
Six swords?
Damn Kiri!
Withholding critical intel.
Ōnoki's reports only mentioned Kyōichi's speed and strength, omitting all combat details.
Setting us up to failure…
Useless trash.
Starting with Nidaime Mizukage.
Had that fool not taken his sensei down, Iwa wouldn't have suffered Tobirama's suppression for years.
"Though not solely my achievement."
"So the terms were: three blades to you, plus attacking Kumo's rear?"
"Since you've deduced it, no need for elaboration."
Kyōichi grasped the situation.
Kiri's intelligence leaks were deliberate. Ōnoki's intel on him was incomplete.
Thank you, Kiri.