Earth-Style Sword Technique.
Had Kakashi not brought it up, Kyōichi might have completely forgotten about it.
Not due to poor memory—there were simply too many research projects vying for his attention.
The long-term "Rain Tiger at Will" fusion study aside, more immediate priorities included Mokuton, Hashirama cell research, and Lightning/Fire Release training attempts.
Excluding Yin and Yang, he naturally possessed three chakra natures.
Recently, Kyōichi had been working on artificially developing Lightning and Fire Release. Each person's physiology differed, making the difficulty of awakening additional natures variable.
Lightning Release wasn't particularly challenging.
He'd already mastered the chakra nature transformation through Chidori.
The Yin Seal contained Lightning chakra absorbed from the Raikage.
By modifying the Four Symbols Seal outside the Yin Seal into an Eight Trigrams Seal, allowing Lightning chakra to gradually permeate and influence his body, awakening this nature should be straightforward.
As for Fire Release…
With full focus and shadow clone assistance, he could likely develop it within months. But compared to Fire Release, Mokuton and Hashirama cell research took precedence.
Now, thanks to Kakashi's reminder, weight manipulation nature transformation had been added to the list.
Overwhelming!
A single person's capacity was far too limited.
A dedicated research institute was essential!
Konoha's geniuses should unite in the endless pursuit of ninjutsu innovation.
Kyōichi solidified his resolve.
Upon returning, he'd convene with the Sandaime and Tsunade to establish such a facility. For those unsure of research directions, he could propose several projects.
Take Koharu Utatane…
Long entrenched in bureaucracy, her "education" would likely produce book-smart but impractical graduates. Temporary oversight was manageable, but prolonged exposure would harm the next generation.
Better suited for research oversight.
As for rogue elements like Orochimaru—they required stubborn traditionalists to monitor them, putting the higher-ups at ease.
Perfect!
"Kyōichi-sensei, I heard the village started a chūnin prep class?"
Kakashi's voice was hushed.
"Chūnin Accelerated Program. Why? Someone from the Hatake clan interested?"
"I want to attend."
"Hah?"
Kyōichi stared incredulously.
A joke, surely?
Kakashi's skills, while not yet jōnin-level, easily qualified him for special jōnin or ANBU. The chūnin program would be a waste of time.
"What exactly do you think you're lacking?"
Had he lost his mind?
Some serious counseling seemed necessary.
Kakashi hesitated before responding, "I'm uncertain, but I don't feel worthy of being a chūnin… or jōnin."
"You're overqualified for special jōnin. By Tsunade-sama's psychological framework, you're simply experiencing a mental health condition."
Kyōichi smiled.
The old Kakashi had been psychologically compromised—defensive about his issues and unreceptive to guidance.
His current state showed marked improvement.
"Tsunade-sama… mental health condition?"
Kakashi's visible eye widened.
Such ailments existed?
This was news to him.
"A concept Tsunade-sama developed after returning. Still in the research phase—not publicly disclosed."
Kyōichi's explanation seemed to reassure him.
If Tsunade said it, it must be valid.
Yet his expression soon turned wistful.
From Minato-sensei's hints, Tsunade would likely assume the Hokage position soon.
Meaning…
Even if mental health studies were approved, Tsunade probably wouldn't treat him personally.
Wait—
Kakashi's gaze snapped back to Kyōichi.
Given Kyōichi's close ties to Tsunade…
"Kyōichi-sensei, do you also understand these… psychological treatments?"
"Superficially. Not deeply versed. This isn't the appropriate setting—schedule a proper session if you're serious."
"Understood!"
"Superficially."
Every time Kyōichi claimed "basic knowledge," his expertise proved formidable. Kakashi felt inexplicably reassured—as if the matter was already resolved.
The irony?
Kyōichi was being truthful—yet no one believed him.
As Kakashi departed, Kyōichi noted the stark contrast between the energetic prodigy and the exhausted shinobi around them, most seizing this rare break to rest against trees or each other.
——
The respite was brief.
Soon, the march resumed.
Within two days, they'd return to Konoha—where many ninja had already resumed missions to address the wartime backlog. Even the chūnin program students split their time between classes and D-ranks.
Not that Tsunade was completely merciless.
This returning batch would receive a few days' rest, rotating with earlier returnees.
As they set off again, Kyōichi grew uneasy.
Katsuyu hadn't delivered Tsunade's reply.
A bad sign…
Tsunade was furious.
The homecoming suddenly felt perilous.
Nearing the village, his apprehension grew.
Would he end up hospitalized like Jiraiya?
"Konoha… it's been too long!"
Jiraiya's nostalgic exclamation drew sidelong glances.
Every post-war return evoked this timeless sensation—the irresistible pull of home.
Sake. Women. Hot springs…
He shuddered mid-reverie.
Tsunade's de facto leadership made such indulgences risky.
Noticing Kyōichi and Kurenai lagging, he fell back to walk beside them.
"Kyōichi, why the rear? Kurenai tiring out? Heh, need a toad lift?"
"N-no thank you, Jiraiya-sama…"
Kurenai panted, pushing forward.
"Jiraiya…"
Kyōichi's glare could wither trees.
"Just teasing! Kurenai, taijutsu is vital—never neglect it!" Jiraiya backpedaled.
"Unnecessary. I suspect the real issue is your toads'… aesthetic challenges."
Kyōichi's deadpan delivery left Kurenai flustered.
Calling those toads "not ugly" would violate both conscience and aesthetics.
As Konoha's gates loomed, most cheered—except Kyōichi and Jiraiya.
"Enough tormenting the kid. Kurenai, go ahead."
"Yes!"
She bolted without answering Jiraiya, relieved.
"Such vitality!"
Jiraiya sighed, then lowered his voice. "Kyōichi… post-war, I plan to travel. See the world beyond."
"Avoiding Tsunade's wrath over hot spring escapades?"
"D-don't slander me!"
After ensuring no eavesdroppers, Jiraiya huffed, "Genuine cultural research! Taki, Tetsu, even Ame to check on Nagato's group."
"How… diplomatic of you."
Kyōichi's smirk said everything.
Tanzaku Gai's hot springs were legendary.
"I'm serious!"
"Who's stopping you? Though a farewell drink with Tsunade and Orochimaru might be wise. You haven't reunited since her return, right?"
Jiraiya frowned, considering, then nodded.
"Fair point. Speaking of—Orochimaru mentioned your research institute plans. True?"
"Under consideration. Strict protocols would prevent recklessness. Utatane may lack administrative skill, but enforcing discipline? Perfect fit."
Jiraiya gaped.
"You'd put Utatane in charge? Isn't that inviting oversight?"
"I operate clean. Sensitive projects go through official channels—beyond his reach. His role is policing others' excesses. Approval authority remains with the Hokage."
Kyōichi's nonchalance spoke volumes.
ANBU privileges had their perks.
Jiraiya marveled at the audacity.
The institute wasn't even established, yet Kyōichi had already mapped every loophole.
Surprisingly, the arrangement eased his concerns.
Elders like Utatane were bureaucratic deadweight—but as compliance enforcers?
Ideal.
Endless time to nitpick—a role tailor-made for them.
As they approached Konoha's gates, the crowd dispersed to various checkpoints.
As elite shinobi, Kyōichi and Jiraiya could bypass queues—yet both hesitated.
Not out of humility.
Sheer terror.
A shared traumatic memory surfaced—
Jiraiya's hospitalizing punch.
"Why aren't you going ahead?"
"I… right! You're the one who angered Tsunade! I've done nothing wrong!"
Jiraiya's epiphany came too late.
He hadn't even visited the hot springs yet!
Kyōichi clapped his shoulder.
"Classic trauma response—a psychological condition. But you're implicated now. Back me up later, or at least cushion my fall."
"Why should I?"
"Or I'll tell Tsunade you took me to the hot springs."
"You little—! This stops now! And I was drunk that time—doesn't count!"
Jiraiya's outrage was palpable.
Why had he approached this blackmailer?
Contemplating abandonment, the leverage forced compliance. With a resigned breath, he followed Kyōichi inside, wondering—
Did he actually have psychological issues?
Kyōichi steeled himself.
With Jiraiya as buffer, survival odds improved.
"Well, well… decided to finally enter? Perfect timing—I just finished work. Drinks?"
Tsunade's radiant smile froze them in place.
So soon?!