I, Konoha’s Sage of Life

Kyoichi had no idea that Tsunade was planning to return.

As for the forbidden jutsu, he wasn’t about to make a big public announcement about it. At the moment, the only ones aware of his intentions were those in the jōnin-level circles. Even Kakashi, who had been sitting in on parts of the chūnin exam discussions, only had a vague idea.

Not that it was his fault…

Kakashi had never studied forbidden techniques.

Certain jutsu, like Impure World Reincarnation or Soul Binding Techniques, were absolute taboos—completely off-limits. Even attempting to secretly use them would make Konoha the target of the entire shinobi world.

But…

Techniques like Strength of a Hundred Technique?

At the core, it wasn’t even a forbidden jutsu. If someone had the physical conditioning to withstand the backlash of superhuman strength, then there was no real reason to classify it as forbidden.

And as for Breathing Activation Techniques?

Those were even less of an issue.

If they were to be considered forbidden, then Kumogakure’s Lightning Release Chakra Mode, which similarly stimulated the body, would have to be banned as well.

Kyoichi had his eyes on these types of techniques.

If he didn’t, there would have been no need to develop a lower-tier version of the Breathing Activation Technique—he could have just introduced the Seven Heavens Breathing Method right away.

Hiruzen understood this as well.

Otherwise, given his stubborn and rigid mindset, he never would have agreed to hold a closed-door meeting on the subject.

However…

Kyoichi knew full well that the Third Hokage likely had his own thoughts about the matter.

Orochimaru.

It was unclear whether it was Kyoichi’s actions that had subtly shifted the timeline or if something else was at play, but lately, both the Third and Jiraiya had been far more cautious about Orochimaru than they had been in the original events.

They had brought up his name several times in conversation.

They must have suspected something.

Most likely, Orochimaru had slipped up during the jōnin exams.

For Kyoichi, that was good news.

He was part of the Senju lineage, after all.

Having both Orochimaru and Danzo secretly watching his every move was a real nuisance.

It was impossible to constantly guard against thieves.

Forcing them into the open with a preemptive strike would at least make things a little safer.

Kyoichi drafted a letter and had Katsuyu deliver it. As he waited for Tsunade’s response, he pondered a critical question—would Tsunade be able to grasp the essence of Strength of a Hundred Technique with the guidance he had meticulously laid out for her?

A moment later…

A notification appeared.

[You have successfully guided Tsunade in mastering the Strength of a Hundred Technique.]

[Evaluation: Excellent]

[Reward: Principles of the Yin Seal]

Huh?

Just the principles?

Kyoichi had been excited when he saw the reward, but then realized it only contained the theoretical knowledge of the Yin Seal—something he had already read about in Tsunade’s letter.

Was the system scamming him?

He hurriedly claimed the reward.

Then…

He realized he had been mistaken.

The system was still as reliable as ever.

The reward didn’t just contain the theoretical principles; it also included all the intricate details, techniques, and specialized knowledge related to the Yin Seal. If Kyoichi had been a woman, he could have begun training in it immediately.

Of course…

There was technically no gender restriction on the Yin Seal, but since it had been created by Uzumaki Mito and had never been tested on men, its applicability to male shinobi was uncertain.

Even Tsunade wasn’t sure if it would work.

The technique was simply too difficult.

It had an S-rank difficulty level.

Only those with deep expertise in sealing techniques could even attempt to learn it. Tsunade herself had only mastered it later in life, so there was no way she could say whether a male shinobi could use it.

Her letter merely suggested that Kyoichi give it a try.

At worst, he would just waste some time.

However…

The system’s version of the Yin Seal did mention slight anatomical differences in chakra pathways between men and women, particularly around the forehead area.

The technique would need some modifications.

Kyoichi was lost in thought when—

“Sensei!”

Shisui knocked on the door.

Before he could even finish knocking, the door creaked open.

But…

There was no one there.

Huh?

Had his teacher developed some new jutsu?

Shisui was stunned. He stepped inside, only to see a piece of paper fluttering through the air.

A piece of paper?

What the—?!

Shisui wasn’t familiar with Konan’s abilities, but this jutsu was eye-opening. He quickly gave chase. The next moment, the paper folded itself into the shape of a blade.

It began to move on its own.

Leaf-Style Willow?

Shisui’s eyes widened, but after watching for a while, he realized that nothing special was happening.

“Haha, I just copied this from someone else. I’ve only just started practicing, so it’s not that impressive yet,” Kyoichi laughed.

The Leaf-Style Willow relied on precise movements and lighting conditions to create an illusion.

Folding paper alone wasn’t enough to achieve the full effect.

“You’ll master it in no time, Sensei!”

Shisui’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

This technique…

Was so cool!

“For now, it’s not all that practical.”

Kyoichi waved his hand, and a flurry of papers swirled around, carrying a teapot to the table.

Dance of the Shikigami had its uses, but at the moment, it was just a novelty. A clean sword slash was still far more efficient.

“Sensei, your insight is almost as sharp as a Sharingan.”

Shisui wasn’t just flattering him—he meant it.

Fighting someone once and immediately learning their techniques…

That was practically a cheat ability!

“Enough flattery. What brings you here?”

“Right! I almost forgot!”

Shisui had been so shocked that he nearly forgot why he had come.

“I need your guidance, Sensei.”

“Go on.”

Kyoichi already had a hunch.

This was probably about the Uchiha.

And sure enough…

After listening to Shisui’s explanation, Kyoichi wasn’t the least bit surprised.

This kid had no real interest in the chūnin rank.

Not surprising at all.

However…

Compared to the original events, Shisui was much smarter now.

He understood the importance of concealing his full strength.

All that training hadn’t gone to waste!

Kyoichi reached out with his sensory abilities.

After confirming there were no hidden Anbu nearby, he finally spoke.

“I didn’t expect you to outright refuse Fugaku’s offer, but you made the right choice.”

“But, Lord Hokage…”

“You couldn’t fully hide it from him.”

Kyoichi didn’t elaborate, but Shisui understood immediately.

He had only just learned today that the Third Hokage had a Telescope Jutsu!

“Don’t worry. If they really wanted to act against you, hiding your abilities wouldn’t make a difference. You’re just a kid—don’t overestimate yourself. You’re five years old and haven’t even awakened your Sharingan yet.”

Kyoichi patted him on the shoulder.

Shisui froze for a moment.

As a so-called Uchiha genius, he had always been told how important he was to the clan, how he had to prioritize the family’s interests above all else.

This was the first time someone had said—

Don’t overestimate yourself.

“You don’t believe me? Hah. You, me, even the entire Uchiha clan—do you think Konoha would collapse without us?”

Kyoichi continued.

“Well… probably not.”

Shisui hesitated before shaking his head.

The Uchiha were strong.

But without them, Konoha would still be powerful.

“Then that’s that. When did you start thinking you were important enough to decide your clan’s fate? Don’t overestimate yourself—at least, not yet.”

Kyoichi spoke calmly.

Blunt words, but the logic was sound.

Shisui was far more perceptive than in the original timeline—otherwise, Kyoichi wouldn't have bothered saying this much.

And this wasn't just about now.

Even in the future, if Shisui awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, would he truly be strong enough to sway the entire Uchiha clan?

No.

Illusions were still just illusions; they couldn't manipulate everyone's thoughts.@@novelbin@@

Relying solely on genjutsu?

That was a dead end.

Not to mention, Uchiha Madara alone ensured the Uchiha clan would never have an easy path.

Shisui's mouth hung open. He wanted to say something several times, but in the end, no words came out.

Because…

When he thought about it carefully, he realized—he really wasn’t that important.

"Improving your strength is the first priority," Kyoichi continued. "But beyond that, you need to build your own faction within the clan. You need people who will listen to you, people who will support you."

"I understand now, sensei."

Shisui nodded solemnly.

He finally got it!

Uchiha Fugaku was intelligent, but unreliable. If Shisui wanted his ideals to take root, he needed his own supporters. Otherwise, there was no way Fugaku would openly stand with him—

That was just the kind of person Fugaku was.

So…

Strength wasn’t enough. He also had to make his clan understand his intentions, understand what his teacher called the Will of Fire.

Ideological education was essential!