From outside the Training Ground, it was impossible to see the full extent of the battle.
However...
Even though they only saw a portion of it, everyone could tell that this fight was on an entirely different level compared to the previous one.
Furthermore... "Judging by Kakashi's performance, after his Shadow Clone was killed, he should have been more serious than before, yet he still lost a second Shadow Clone."
Homura Mitokado spoke, unable to hide his amazement, "This Yagyu Masahiko... his strength is quite impressive!"
His gaze turned toward Hiruzen Sarutobi with a hint of questioning—not questioning Masahiko's strength, but rather... how could such a Ninja have been unknown until now?
Hiruzen Sarutobi was also very surprised.
Masahiko's performance had completely exceeded his expectations.
With this kind of strength, if he honed himself for a while longer and his physique and speed grew stronger, he could even make a push for the Jonin rank.
Beside them, Inoichi Yamanaka opened his eyes and released his secret technique.
"Hokage-sama, based on my observations, I represent the Intelligence Department in recommending Yagyu Masahiko for the rank of Konoha Special Jonin."
"I also believe Yagyu Masahiko should become a Special Jonin."
Nara Shikaku added.
One was the Head of the Intelligence Department and the other was the Commander of the Jonin Squad; both held significant positions within the Village and possessed great authority.
With the two of them voting in favor, the result of Masahiko's assessment was essentially set in stone.
Ebisu, standing to the side, felt exceptionally conflicted at this moment.
Before this, he had only heard a few things about Masahiko from a handful of parents, but he hadn't paid much attention.
In fact...
Ebisu realized that, deep down, he had probably looked down on the man slightly.
But now... he had been easily defeated by Kakashi, while this Chunin named Yagyu Masahiko had successfully gained Kakashi's recognition to become a Special Jonin.
Such a disparity left him with complicated feelings.
A second later, the two emerged from the Training Ground.
Kakashi bowed slightly to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Hokage-sama, after my assessment, I believe Yagyu Masahiko has reached the standards of a Special Jonin. I am willing to recommend him for the rank of Special Jonin."
"Good."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded gently with a smile on his face. "You've worked hard. Masahiko, you as well. Both of you go back and rest; the subsequent assessments will be held in the afternoon."
"Yes!"
Masahiko responded and then glanced at Ebisu.
Ebisu hurriedly saluted to show his respect.
Masahiko returned the gesture slightly and then used the Body Flicker to depart.
He was indeed tired.
Watching Masahiko's retreating back, Ebisu questioned his own Way of the Ninja for the first time, standing rooted to the spot for a long time without coming to his senses...
In the afternoon, Masahiko walked out of the assessment hall in the Hokage Building.
A moment later.
"Congratulations."
"Senior Shikaku."
Masahiko snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Nara Shikaku, who was walking out of the room.
Just as he was about to salute, Shikaku waved his hand to stop him.
"No need, let's just chat for a bit."
He smiled, "I also have to thank you. Shikamaru has changed a bit recently, especially in Taijutsu; he's much stronger than before."
"I was just being a bit strict. Without the support of the Village and the parents, I wouldn't be able to implement my ideas even if I had them."
Masahiko replied sincerely.
Hearing this, Shikaku nodded in deep agreement. "Indeed, the implementation of any policy or event requires the concerted efforts of everyone from top to bottom."
He turned slightly toward Masahiko.
"I believe I will see you in the Jonin Squad very soon."
"Thank you for your recognition."
Masahiko bowed slightly.
Shikaku returned the bow and left with a smile.
Compared to Shikaku, Inoichi Yamanaka wasn't quite as polite; his gaze contained complex emotions.
But he quickly suppressed those feelings, gave a friendly greeting, and departed.
After seeing off the Jonin who had come to congratulate him one by one...
At the very end, Masahiko finally met with Hiruzen Sarutobi to complete the final procedures.
"From now on, you are a Special Jonin."
Hiruzen Sarutobi handed over the information form.
Masahiko took it.
His title had already been updated on it—
Special Jonin!
The moment he received the information form, lines of subtitles appeared.
[Through advanced study, you have successfully raised your position level in the script, becoming a Special Jonin.]
[After your level increases, the plotlines you can participate in will increase.]
['acting instance' module has been unlocked.]
[You can repeatedly experience unlocked instances.]
[Current unlocked instance: Special Jonin Combat Assessment.]
Good stuff!
Masahiko cheered inwardly.
Walking out of the Hokage Building, his mood was bright, feeling as though the world had opened up and his thoughts were clear.
But as a cold wind blew, he quickly calmed down.
"A Special Jonin... is nothing in the Ninja World, merely slightly stronger than the middle and lower tiers!"
"However, at least the first step of the plan has been taken."
Masahiko quickened his pace.
He couldn't wait to try out the 'acting instance'!
...[Loading Instance — 'Special Jonin Combat Assessment'.]
[Replicating scene...]
[Solidifying opponent data...]
[Loading complete.]
The familiar Training Ground, the familiar attire.
The difference was that this time, it was only him and Kakashi.
Blade unsheathed.
"Come, Kakashi Hatake!"
Masahiko didn't choose his previous tactics; instead, he engaged in a direct head-on confrontation.
A moment later.
In reality, he sat up from his bed.
"Damn! In direct combat, he uses Lightning Release Chakra to stimulate his physical activity directly, and he even used Lightning Release: Tracking Fang..."
"Without tactics or explosive tags, the gap is huge even if the opponent holds back."
"And this is only an Elite Jonin!"
Masahiko sighed softly and then entered the 'Instance' again.
In the instance, he didn't need to worry about death; he could go all out in every battle.
A sparring partner like this couldn't be found anywhere else...
After fighting three times, the space collapsed, and the scene changed abruptly.
Masahiko opened his eyes.
The window was being tapped with a 'thump-thump'.
A Ninja Bird was pecking at the glass with its beak. After he opened the window, it hopped inside and extended its leg.
A small bamboo tube was tied to its leg.
Once he removed the tube, the Ninja Bird flapped its wings and flew off, disappearing into the night sky.
Masahiko opened the note.
"Use Uchiha Sasuke to have more contact with the Uchiha Clan and monitor the Uchiha Clan's movements."
"Report any news immediately."
Masahiko crushed the note and burned it to ashes with a candle flame.
As expected.
Only an increase in strength could attract the attention of the higher-ups and allow him to participate in events he previously had no right to touch.
He toyed with a Kunai and then entered the 'acting instance' once more.
Continuing his practical training!
In the instance, Masahiko constantly dashed through the forest, switching assassination angles, honing techniques like 'Dance of the Crescent Moon' and breath concealment.
It wasn't until he had been 'killed' another three times... that he fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning.
[Konoha Style · Dance of the Crescent Moon: Proficient]
[Body Flicker Technique: Perfect]
This was his greatest gain from last night.
Especially the latter.
Although the Body Flicker Technique was only a D-rank Ninjutsu, it was easy to learn but hard to master. Being able to train it to the 'Perfect' level proved that his Body Flicker had reached its theoretical limit.
To go any higher... he would have to innovate and break through the limit!
['Low-Grade Skill Upgrade Card' has been used.]
['Body Flicker Technique' level increased!]
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