I, Konoha’s Sage of Life

“This is how you tell apart allies from enemies!”

Shisui was thrilled.

He finally understood.

Allies weren’t something you were born with—they were built over time.

Helping those old grandmothers with Obito wasn’t just an act of kindness; it was a way of turning enemies into friends.

This was the same thing!

If he wanted to change the Uchiha and steer the clan in the direction he envisioned, he needed allies of his own. He needed strength.

Simply put…

As his teacher had said—when he spoke, someone had to listen!

“Good.”

Kyoichi nodded slightly, saying no more.

There was no need.

Shisui had already grasped the core idea. Anything beyond that would be meaningless to him right now. He wouldn’t understand it, and it might just confuse him further. It was better to let him build his own network first.

Still…

Looking at the situation, Kyoichi found it all a bit ridiculous. He had no idea if Shisui could actually pull it off.

After all…

This wasn’t the famed Shisui of the Body Flicker, feared throughout the shinobi world. He was just a five-year-old boy. Strong for his age, yes, but compared to the overall shinobi community, he was nothing more than a drop in the ocean.

As Shisui left, the system’s notification rang.

Another wave of rewards!

And this time…

It was a genjutsu technique.

Demonic Illusion: Mirror Heaven and Earth Change.

Kyoichi was surprised. He had assumed it would be a Sharingan genjutsu. But in reality, it was a counter-genjutsu technique. The reason it was often associated with the Sharingan was because the dojutsu’s keen perception and dispelling ability made it far more effective.

This technique involved numerous methods for breaking illusions!

Kyoichi was confident that if he were caught in a genjutsu now, he could break free in an instant—or even turn it against his opponent!

Without a Sharingan, the effect wouldn’t be as overwhelming, but at the very least, it would prevent chakra disruption from genjutsu.

Not bad. A solid gain!

Kyoichi was quite pleased.

It wasn’t an overwhelmingly powerful jutsu, but it patched up one of his weaknesses.

He wasn’t lacking in offensive techniques.

A skill like this was far more useful to him.

That said…

The real priority was the Yin Seal. If he could somehow develop a functional version of it…

Mastering this technique would be invaluable in every aspect.

Normally, this would be an incredibly difficult process.

Sealing techniques were among the most complex arts, where even the smallest miscalculation could lead to complete failure.

However…

Kyoichi understood the principles and intricate details behind the Yin Seal. And he had another sealing technique—

The Four Symbols Seal!

A top-tier fuinjutsu, just a step below forbidden techniques.

Although the two weren’t identical, they shared some common structures and principles that could be leveraged.

Kyoichi sketched out the seal’s structure.

After studying it for a while, a thought struck him—

Wasn’t this just a reservoir?

If he didn’t have a large enough "reservoir," he could just store a smaller amount instead.

While it wouldn’t hold as much as Tsunade’s, at least it would be usable. Better than nothing—especially since he had no intention of practicing Creation Rebirth. As long as he could integrate it with Byakugou no Jutsu and his breathing techniques, it would be enough.

He carefully analyzed the sealing formula. By removing a few unnecessary symbols, he could shrink the capacity of the Yin Seal.

It seemed feasible!

However…

He decided to consult Tsunade first.

Kyoichi sent his idea over through Katsuyu.

Lately, his summons had been used mostly for communication. Good thing Katsuyu was patient—if it had been one of the toads from Mount Myoboku, they’d have quit a long time ago!

Before long, Tsunade’s reply came.

“Lady Tsunade says removing those symbols won’t have major negative effects, so it’s worth a try. However, doing so will significantly increase the chakra control required. Proceed with caution.”

“Thank you very much!”

No major drawbacks?

That meant it was viable!

Kyoichi was now seventy percent confident. With no severe side effects, he could afford to experiment boldly.

A short while later…

The seal was roughly formed.

But…

Would it leak? That remained to be seen. He had to pour chakra into it to find out…

After a long time…

As his chakra flowed into the seal, it gradually accumulated. But before long, some of it began to seep out from another area.

The removal of one of the symbols had compromised its integrity!

After several trials, he started to get a better grasp of the problem. Fortunately, he had already created a shadow clone earlier. After constant experimentation, his chakra was nearly depleted.

The next day…

Upon waking up, Kyoichi refined his chakra and channeled a portion into the modified Yin Seal.

By afternoon…

Roughly one-fifth of that chakra had leaked out.

However…

This was the best result so far.

For comparison, he tried using the original formula.

As soon as he infused chakra, it scattered along multiple pathways, sending a sharp pain through his forehead. He immediately stopped.

As expected, modifying an S-rank sealing technique wasn’t simple!

“Forget it. I’ll just use a simplified version of the Four Symbols Seal to patch the leaks for now. I can unlock it when needed. It’s a hassle, but at least I won’t have to recharge it every day.”

Kyoichi came up with a temporary workaround.

No other choice…

His current version was barely usable, but the chakra leakage was too significant. Since there was no urgent combat situation, he might as well seal it properly for now.

An added bonus…

Unless someone actively broke the Four Symbols Seal, no one would even realize he was practicing the Yin Seal.

After finishing, his stomach growled loudly.

After eating, Kyoichi went for a run and stopped by to check on Shisui and Kurenai.

Kurenai was practicing Chakra Scalpel—

A medical ninjutsu she valued highly!

It could be used for both offense and defense.

If she mastered it, she’d have another trump card for the third round of the exam.

Shisui, on the other hand, was practicing swordsmanship.

Judging by his form, it was the Uchiha-ryu Kenjutsu, incorporating Fire and Wind chakra for increased power. It was quite formidable.

After a brief glance, Kyoichi moved on.

He had given Kurenai the ninjutsu scroll, and Shisui didn’t need his guidance at the moment.

As for the third round of the Chunin Exams—he had already heard the news.

The Daimyo had been invited.

Clearly…

This was essentially a large-scale "Genin-level military exercise," meant to showcase Konoha’s new generation and assure the Daimyo of their strength, so he wouldn’t feel pressured by other great nations.@@novelbin@@

Kyoichi had no plans to interfere in the exams.

Right now, he just wanted to quietly improve himself, refine his swordsmanship, and have his shadow clone research Hidden Mist Jutsu, Medical Ninjutsu, and Mirage Illusions.

Everyone was busy!

And yet…

Despite that, the Third Hokage still assigned him a mission.

“The Daimyo has agreed to visit Konoha. You and Minato will escort him and ensure his safety.”

The Third spoke with a serious expression.

“Just the two of us?”

“The Genin in the exam can’t go. Mix up the teams. Asuma, Obito, and Yamashiro Aoba will form a temporary squad.”

Honestly, in the Hokage’s mind, just Kyoichi and Minato were enough.

But…

For the Daimyo’s peace of mind, extra people would make him feel more secure.

“Yes, sir!”

Minato agreed immediately.

Kyoichi rubbed his temples and reluctantly nodded.

Well, the village was paying him, after all.

At the village gates…

Asuma looked shocked and curious.

Obito, on the other hand, seemed listless and dejected.

Though Guy had advanced to the third round, Obito and Aoba had been eliminated early. Knowing that, Obito deeply regretted his choices.

If only he hadn’t rushed in recklessly!

After checking in, they left the village.

Not long after, Asuma couldn’t hold back his curiosity.

“Sensei, what’s our mission this time?”

“To escort the Daimyo.”

“...Huh?”