In the Hokage’s office, Sarutobi Hiruzen released the crystal ball, a hint of relaxation appearing on his face.

“Phew!”

These three kids definitely couldn't beat Jiraiya.

However, their outstanding performance in the bell-grabbing task greatly exceeded the Third Hokage's expectations.

He had originally thought—

If these three could put aside past grievances and maintain a certain level of teamwork, perhaps Jiraiya would turn a blind eye and let them off the hook.

But now, Jingyan and Yūhi Kurenai had actively created openings in their strategy to give Kakashi opportunities.

Kakashi didn’t throw a tantrum either; instead, he seized the chance.

There were conflicts, but they didn’t affect the assessment.

One thing at a time.

This was the mindset of a mature ninja.

At the same time, the one leading all this—

Was a kid he hadn't paid much attention to before.

No wonder Jiraiya specifically picked him out.

……

At the familiar Ichiraku Ramen shop.

The difference was that the once youthful and vigorous figure now exuded a youthful aura.

Kakashi donned his mask again.

After entering, Jiraiya shouted, “Boss, four bowls of ramen!”

“Sure thing, please have a seat!”

The chef greeted them with a smile.

“You all sit here; I’ll go… buy some grilled meat, as an extra meal.”

Jiraiya glanced around.

However, with a sideways look, he felt a bit uneasy.

“Jingyan, come with me to see what you want to eat.”

“Understood.”

Jingyan respectfully stood up.

The two left.

Yūhi Kurenai couldn’t help but whisper, “Jiraiya-sama really values Jingyan!”

“Uh…”

Kakashi's gaze was slightly dazed, then he hesitated to speak.

He remembered very clearly.

At that time—

Jiraiya had suddenly stiffened for a moment and lost focus, which allowed him to cut the rope.

It seemed like… something about “you wouldn’t want that” or similar.

“Kakashi, you seem to know something?”

As a ninja skilled in genjutsu and sensing, Kurenai immediately noticed that Kakashi seemed a bit off.

Kakashi thought for a moment and answered cautiously and briefly.

“Maybe I know him.”

“Jiraiya-sama and Jingyan?”

“Yeah.”

……

“Jingyan, you did very well today.”

“You went easy on us; otherwise, we definitely wouldn’t have passed.”

Jingyan was not Naruto or Obito.

He understood very well that the gap between him and the “Three Legendary Ninjas” was not small. It would be too easy for them to not let them get the bells—

A single needle would thwart all fantasies.

However, Jiraiya had used the strongest ninjutsu from beginning to end, yet it was merely a chaotic lion's mane technique, and it wasn’t even a complete version, only used to manipulate the rope.

This was not letting them off easy; it was practically letting them off the hook entirely.

Jiraiya lightly cleared his throat, “After all, it’s a lower ninja assessment; the main focus is on teamwork and attitude, not strength. Also, about that matter…”

“Jiraiya-sama, there are some places in the village you should avoid mentioning since you are one of the Legendary Three and represent the image of our Konoha ninjas.”

Jingyan displayed the integrity of a youth.

Jiraiya’s old face flushed.

He had thought Jingyan had simply passed by and hadn’t noticed his presence.

Looking at it now, the other party just didn’t dare to intervene.

He awkwardly replied, “That was for research; don’t misunderstand.”

“Oh.”

Jingyan had an expression of “I believe you.”

Jiraiya felt quite embarrassed.

He knew this explanation was hardly convincing.

“What should we eat? Order whatever you want; it’s on me!”

“It’s not me paying, right?”

“You little brat!”

……

After finishing the ramen and grilled meat, it was already afternoon.

Jiraiya was unusually serious.

“From now on, you are a small team. I hope you can continue the cooperative attitude from this morning. Additionally—”

Jiraiya looked at the three of them, “Have you practiced tree climbing and water walking?”

“Yeah.”

The three nodded in unison.

Jiraiya took out a piece of paper.

“Kakashi and Kurenai should have already been tested; you should test yourself to see what ninjutsu is more suitable for your training.”

“Although you cooperate well, Kakashi’s lightning release and sword techniques are suitable for ambush assassinations, while Kurenai’s genjutsu is more for control and support. You need a front-line fighter.”

It was clear what Jiraiya meant.

Jingyan was the most suitable team member to take on the role of a front-line fighter.

“Understood.”

Jingyan was not practicing ninjutsu because he didn’t want to train; it was because he had no opportunity!

Although he was a descendant of the Senju, having split from the clan, he basically had no ninjutsu reserves. After two generations of inheritance, there was only the pension left, and without any ninjutsu scrolls…

Buying testing paper would just be throwing money away, right?

He took the chakra paper.

Before long, the paper became damp.

Jiraiya said, “According to the performance of the paper, you possess water attribute chakra, making it quickest and easiest for you to learn water-style ninjutsu.”

Ninjutsu attributes can be innate, but they can also be developed later.

The attribute Jingyan possessed simply meant that learning water-style would be easier for him.

Theoretically, he could also train in other attributes.

“I heard Kakashi is good at lightning release. If I learn water-style ninjutsu, it would perfectly complement lightning release.”

He said, and a hint of admiration appeared on his face, “Furthermore, my idol is the Second Hokage; his water-style is famous in the ninja world, and even the Mist Village can’t compete!”

The Second Hokage…

A hint of nostalgia also appeared on Jiraiya’s face.

That person’s water-style was indeed incredibly powerful.

It seemed this kid had faced setbacks, and although his character had changed a lot, his heart still leaned towards Konoha.

After a moment of reflection, Jiraiya returned to his senses.

“Alright, I’ll teach you Water Wave later. Kurenai, your genjutsu is strong, but you need to increase your taijutsu training. Kakashi, your problems are the least, but they are the most fatal; you need to actively cooperate with your teammates, understand?”

He evaluated each one.

The three nodded in unison.

Kurenai and Kakashi stood by as Jiraiya began to teach the ninjutsu.

“Water Wave is a basic water-style ninjutsu, but it has a wide range of applications, is very convenient, and not too difficult. You can start by learning it.”

Then he explained the hand seal order.

Dragon, Rat, Rabbit.

While Jiraiya was still explaining, Jingyan had already followed along with the hand seals, and then—

Water Style: Water Wave!

Water surged from his mouth, transforming into a raging torrent.

Jiraiya blinked, momentarily astonished.

With additional hand seals and steps to form the ninjutsu, it was still executed smoothly.

His chakra control ability is quite good!

For a lower ninja,

Jingyan’s level was already very high.

“Awesome!”

Kurenai couldn’t help but exclaim softly.

Learning for the first time…

And he grasped it immediately.

Such talent was indeed impressive.

However,

Jingyan understood that his success on the first try was not due to his innate talent; it was simply because Water Wave was relatively simple and also benefited from the rewards of the morning.

With his chakra control ability improved, releasing ninjutsu had become too easy!

Jiraiya didn’t want him to get conceited. After pondering for a moment, he said, “It’s a C-rank, just the basics of water-style. Try Water Wall next; it’s a B-rank defensive ninjutsu.”

“Okay.”

Jingyan nodded.

He listened attentively to the hand seal order, then increased his chakra output, spraying water from his mouth.

Before long—

A water wall about as tall as a person appeared around him, perfectly protecting him.

Jiraiya was momentarily astonished and shocked.

You kid!

How is your chakra control ability also so strong!

You’re almost catching up to Kurenai.

That child was a genjutsu ninja; she practiced genjutsu from a young age and had talent, which gave her such a level of chakra control!

What about Jingyan?

In the past year, he had focused primarily on taijutsu, substitution techniques, and body flicker techniques; his chakra control was probably only practiced through tree climbing and water walking.

Is this even reasonable?

Recalling the pain he had when learning ninjutsu back in the day, Jiraiya’s mindset slightly collapsed, plunging him into prolonged contemplation.