However...
"Next time, I will definitely fight alongside you!"
Kurenai made a firm promise.
What upset her wasn't the secrecy but her own inability to contribute.
Kakashi remained silent.
In his mind, he kept replaying the earlier scenes, recalling the battle over and over.
A Kirigakure jonin and a Hozuki prodigy.
Even after two and a half years as a ninja, opportunities to face such opponents were rare.
As he reflected, he realized—
Kyohiko's speed and reactions had improved significantly. Today, his reflexes and attack speed were noticeably faster than before.
Or rather...
His control over speed had become even more refined?
Kakashi thought about his own struggles and, after some hesitation, decided to speak up.
Nowadays, he was far less arrogant than he used to be.
Moreover, while Kyohiko had started slower, his current talent was no less impressive.
Exchanging ideas and seeking advice wasn't shameful.
Losing and dying on the battlefield—that was the real shame.
"Kyohiko, could you share how you trained your reflexes?"
"Reflexes?"
Kyohiko thought for a moment, then said, "I hung a dozen sandbags in my yard and used their chaotic swings to train my ability to sense and react to movements. It's still hard to tell if it's effective."
"It must be working. Your reflexes and speed control have improved a lot compared to before. I'll try this method when I get back. Thanks, Kyohiko."
Kakashi nodded.
After receiving the answer, he pondered for a moment, already thinking of a way to return the favor.
"Are you serious about practicing with a sword?"
"Of course. My idol is the Second Hokage. I heard he also practiced with a sword, so I want to follow in his footsteps. Plus, sword training has really helped me improve."
Kyohiko replied.
Dead people were so useful!
Whether it was true or not, whether he truly admired the Second Hokage, as long as he attributed it to Tobirama Senju, no one would question it.
At least Kakashi wouldn't.
Kakashi nodded.
"After we return to the village, I'll give you one of my father's old swords. Only a real sword can help you master real skills."
He paused, then quickly added, "It's not a chakra weapon, just an ordinary katana. But it's perfect for training and everyday use. If you don't mind..."
"How could I mind!"
Kyohiko was thrilled.
Although this wasn't the era of samurai, a high-quality katana was still expensive and hard to come by. He couldn't afford one yet.
After some thought, he said, "I'll consider the sword a loan. Once I have enough money, I'll pay you back."
"No need."
Kakashi shook his head. "I have more swords than I can use. They're just sitting around collecting dust. You can pick the one that suits you best."
"Alright."
Kyohiko thought for a moment and didn't refuse.
It wasn't like they were passing down a throne, requiring multiple rounds of polite refusal.
In the future, he could exchange more ideas with Kakashi and grow together. That was far more valuable.
Kurenai chimed in, "I think we should follow Kyohiko's earlier suggestion and maintain regular knowledge exchanges to help each other improve."
"Like a library?"
Kakashi added.
Kyohiko seemed to remember something and proposed, "A single tree doesn't make a forest, and a single leaf can't ignite the Will of Fire. I think this kind of initiative shouldn't be limited to just the three of us. We should let more willing participants join and share knowledge."
"That's a great idea!"
Kurenai's eyes lit up.
If they limited it to their team, the knowledge and techniques they could exchange would be limited.
But if they expanded it...
Everyone was a comrade.
If someone needed help, teaching them wouldn't be a big deal.
As Kyohiko said, knowledge only gained value when it was used.
If they could spread this idea and philosophy to more people, the value of knowledge would only grow.
"Only for those who join?"
Kakashi asked.
Kyohiko nodded. "Of course. While we share knowledge to help each other grow, if some people take without contributing, it could dampen everyone's enthusiasm for progress and innovation."
"I see."
Kakashi understood.
As the three of them chatted, laughter came from outside.
"That's a great proposal."
"Sensei."
Kyohiko, Kakashi, and Kurenai stood up simultaneously.
Jiraiya walked into the hall, sat down, and waved his hand. He then grabbed a teacup and gulped down several cups of tea before saying, "It's settled. We'll escort Mr. Matsuyama back tomorrow and then head straight to Konoha to avoid any further complications."
"Yes!"
...
The next morning.
The inn, still in disarray, had been partially repaired by the owner, but the scars of the previous night's battle were still visible.
Matsuyama Ichiro was visibly shaken, further solidifying his decision to leave as soon as possible.
Money could always be earned later!
He couldn't understand.
"Jiraiya, who exactly is Gato? How could he afford to hire so many Kirigakure ninjas?"
Matsuyama Ichiro wasn't a ninja, but he knew enough about the ninja world to understand that jonin were rare and valuable.
For someone like Jiraiya, who led a genin team, the cost of hiring him was relatively low.
But two jonin?
Even if they stole his goods, it wouldn't cover their fees, would it?
Jiraiya coughed lightly, unsure how to explain.
He couldn't very well say—
The two Kirigakure jonin hadn't planned to attack.
But...
He had baited them, and the two big fish had taken the bait, attacking him and his students.
From the employer's perspective, that wasn't exactly ethical.
However, he had gathered quite a bit of information about Gato.
"Gato has deep ties with nobles in the Land of Water. Many of the nobles involved in their business dealings are backing him."
Jiraiya explained.
Matsuyama Ichiro fell into thought, then suddenly looked up in alarm.
"They want to monopolize maritime trade!"
"Monopolize maritime trade?"
Jiraiya was taken aback.
Matsuyama Ichiro's expression turned serious.
"Yes. The maritime trade between the Land of Water, the Land of Fire, and the Land of Lightning largely depends on sea routes, and the Land of Waves plays a crucial role in that."
Jiraiya wasn't a merchant.
In this regard, he wasn't as sharp as Matsuyama Ichiro.
But when Matsuyama Ichiro mentioned it, he immediately understood that controlling the Land of Waves would bring great benefits to the Land of Water, as well as to the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning.
In the short term, the Land of Waves might become a focal point of contention.
Jiraiya frowned.
If that were the case, Konoha and the Land of Fire...
He was still deep in thought when Matsuyama Ichiro spoke in a low voice.
"Jiraiya, are you really not considering intervening in the Land of Waves? If you're willing, I can help you connect with a few families in the capital."
If the Land of Water was interested in the Land of Waves, then the Land of Fire naturally had its own interests as well.
But...
They couldn't secure the Land of Waves' trade alone. They needed Konoha's cooperation and support.
Jiraiya pondered for a long time.
Finally, he shook his head.
"Mr. Matsuyama, this matter will have to be decided by the Hokage. If you need, I can relay your request to the Hokage, but I can't guarantee he'll agree."
"Sigh! If your Third Hokage were willing, I wouldn't need to ask for your help!"
Matsuyama Ichiro's voice grew even quieter.
Jiraiya had no response.
He understood the logic, but his words carried little weight. He couldn't even push through a simple reform in the ninja academy, let alone intervene in the Land of Waves given the current political climate.
"All I can promise is to report the situation in the Land of Waves in full."
"That'll have to do. If there's any hope, Jiraiya, you must let me know. Many families in the capital are... well, you understand."
"Understood."