From outside the training ground, it was impossible to see the entire battle.
Even so—
Just from what little they witnessed, everyone could tell this fight was on a completely different level from the previous one.
Moreover…
"Judging from Kakashi's performance," Homura Mitokado said slowly, unable to hide his astonishment, "after his Shadow Clone was destroyed, he clearly became more serious than before—yet he still lost a second one."
He turned his gaze toward Hiruzen Sarutobi, a trace of doubt in his eyes.
Not doubt in Masahiko's strength—but rather…
How could a ninja like this have gone unnoticed for so long?
Hiruzen was just as surprised.
Masahiko's performance had far exceeded his expectations.
With this level of combat ability, given some time to further refine his physique and speed, reaching full jonin rank would not be impossible.
Beside him, Inoichi Yamanaka opened his eyes, releasing his sensory technique.
"Hokage-sama," he said calmly, "based on my observations, the Intelligence Division formally recommends Yagyu Masahiko for the rank of Konoha Special Jonin."
"I agree," Nara Shikaku added without hesitation."Yagyu Masahiko meets the standard for Special Jonin."
One was the head of the Intelligence Division.The other was the commander of the Jonin forces.
With both of them in agreement, the outcome of the assessment was effectively decided.
Ebisu, standing nearby, felt conflicted.
Before today, he had only heard Masahiko's name mentioned occasionally by parents. He hadn't thought much of it.
In truth—
He realized now that he had probably underestimated him.
Ebisu had been defeated quickly and decisively by Kakashi.
Masahiko, however, had earned Kakashi's personal recognition.
The difference left him with complicated emotions.
Moments later, the two combatants emerged from the training ground.
Kakashi stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Hokage-sama, after my assessment, I believe Yagyu Masahiko fully meets the criteria for Special Jonin. I formally recommend him."
"Very good."
Hiruzen nodded with a gentle smile."You've both worked hard. Return and rest—additional evaluations will be held this afternoon."
"Yes, sir."
Masahiko responded, then glanced toward Ebisu.
Ebisu hurriedly returned a salute.
Masahiko nodded back and vanished with a Body Flicker.
He was exhausted.
Watching him leave, Ebisu stood motionless for a long time.
For the first time, he began to question his own path as a ninja.
That afternoon, Masahiko exited the evaluation office inside the Hokage Tower.
A familiar voice greeted him.
"Congratulations."
"Shikaku-san."
Masahiko turned to see Nara Shikaku stepping out as well.
As Masahiko moved to salute, Shikaku waved him off.
"No need for that. Let's just talk."
He smiled lightly."I should also thank you. Shikamaru's changed lately—especially his taijutsu. He's clearly improved."
"I was just stricter than usual," Masahiko replied honestly."Without support from the village and the parents, my ideas wouldn't mean much."
Shikaku nodded in agreement."Any policy or reform only works when everyone supports it."
He turned slightly toward Masahiko.
"I expect I'll be seeing you in the Jonin Corps before long."
"Thank you for the confidence."
Masahiko bowed.
Shikaku returned the gesture and left.
Inoichi Yamanaka's congratulations were more reserved—his eyes held complex emotions—but he still offered a polite greeting before departing.
After everyone had left, Masahiko finally met with Hiruzen Sarutobi to complete the formalities.
"From this moment on," Hiruzen said, handing him a document,"you are a Special Jonin of Konohagakure."
Masahiko accepted it.
The rank printed on the form was unmistakable.
Special Jonin.
The instant it touched his hand, translucent text appeared before his eyes.
[Position Advancement Complete]You have successfully advanced within the narrative structure.Current Rank: Special Jonin
[New Plot Access Unlocked]Available storylines have expanded.
[Module Unlocked: Acting Instance]Unlocked instances may now be replayed.
[Current Instance Available]Special Jonin Combat Assessment
Nice.
Masahiko celebrated inwardly.
As he stepped out of the Hokage Tower, his mood felt lighter, his thoughts clearer—like the world had opened up before him.
Then a cold breeze passed.
He steadied himself.
"A Special Jonin is nothing special in the grand scheme of the ninja world—just a step above the middle tier."
"But at least the first step of the plan is complete."
He quickened his pace.
He couldn't wait to test the new module.
[Loading Instance: Special Jonin Combat Assessment]Replicating battlefield…Opponent data locked…Load complete.
The same training ground.The same uniforms.
This time, only two figures stood there.
Masahiko and Kakashi.
Steel flashed as blades were drawn.
"Come," Masahiko said calmly."Kakashi Hatake."
This time, he abandoned elaborate tactics.
He charged straight in.
Moments later—
Reality snapped back.
Masahiko sat up in bed, breathing hard.
"Damn… he boosts his physical abilities directly with Lightning Release—and he didn't even use Tracking Fang at full power."
"Without traps or explosive tags, the gap is enormous—even if he's holding back."
"And that's just an elite jonin…"
He sighed, then entered the instance again.
Here, death had no cost.
He could fight without restraint.
A sparring partner like this was impossible to find elsewhere.
After three more defeats, the instance collapsed.
A tapping sound woke him.
Thump. Thump.
A messenger bird pecked at his window.
Masahiko opened it, and the bird hopped inside, extending its leg.
A small bamboo tube was attached.
After removing it, the bird vanished into the night.
Masahiko read the message.
"Increase contact with Uchiha Sasuke. Monitor the Uchiha clan's movements. Report immediately."
He crushed the note and burned it with a candle.
As expected.
Only strength earned attention from the upper levels.
Only strength granted access to the real game.
Rolling a kunai between his fingers, Masahiko activated the instance again.
This time, he focused purely on assassination routes—angles, timing, breath concealment.
He died three more times.
Then finally fell into deep sleep.
The next morning—
[Konoha Style · Dance of the Crescent Moon: Proficient][Body Flicker Technique: Perfect]
His greatest gain lay in the second result.
Body Flicker was a low-rank technique—easy to learn, hard to master.
Reaching "Perfect" meant he had pushed it to its theoretical limit.
Anything beyond this would require innovation.
Breaking the technique itself.
[Low-Grade Skill Upgrade Card Used][Body Flicker Technique: Level Increased]