The torrent of water that erupted toward the heavens let out a deep, rumbling growl.
The roar shook the air, and the blinding light bursting from the ground reflected in Kakashi's eyes. He squinted against the gale, unable to even keep them open.
The moment he shut them tight, the raging column of water roared past him, surging into the sky.
Everyone's eyes followed the massive stream as it climbed higher and higher.
When it reached nearly a hundred meters in height, the torrent exploded outward, shattering into countless glittering droplets that scattered down like rain.
A torrential downpour engulfed the entire square and even the surrounding districts.
The shinobi tilted their heads back, rain splashing against their faces, streaming down their cheeks. No one could tell if it was the rain that chilled them—or the fear running through their veins.
In the crowd, Kurenai, Anko, Hiashi, and the other Jōnin slowly came back to their senses. Their eyes locked on Yuichi—smiling faintly, standing in the rain as though he owned it.
Once again, he had shown them something unbelievable.
If that technique had actually hit Kakashi, it would have killed him outright.
Kakashi twisted in midair, managing to land on his feet with practiced grace. His expression, however, was anything but composed.
A jutsu no one had ever seen, and if it had struck, it would have hurled him sky-high and crushed him with raw chakra. Even if he had survived the blast, the fall alone—from a hundred meters—would have been enough to kill him.
Now, Kakashi finally understood the chill that Guy had felt earlier.
That brush with death.
It was not pleasant.
So close…
If Yuichi's control had wavered even slightly, Kakashi would already be a corpse.
Exhaling, he wiped the rain from his chin.
"You won," Kakashi admitted, his gaze fixed on the boy. Then, after a pause, he asked, "What was that technique called?"
"Water Style: Water Dragon's Violent Bite."
"You created that yourself?"
"Probably," Yuichi replied casually. "There shouldn't be a second person in the world who can use it."
"…I see."
Kakashi's tone didn't change, but inwardly he sighed.
A talent like this… it's terrifying.
Creating ninjutsu wasn't something one did on a whim.
From what Kakashi knew, Yuichi had already developed another Water Style technique of devastating power. Now, this new one…
When had creating such destructive jutsu become so casual?
"And earlier, when you avoided my Raikiri—you used Rasengan."
"Yes."
"Who taught you that?"
"No one. I wasn't taught."
"…Not taught?" Kakashi blinked.
How had he learned it then?
He almost pressed the question further—but then another possibility struck him.
This boy, who could invent Water Style techniques of this caliber, might very well have developed Rasengan on his own as well.
It was originally a Fourth Hokage creation, perfected after years of effort. But with Yuichi's talent… it wasn't impossible.
Genius, huh? No…
For the first time in his life, Kakashi felt that being called a genius himself was almost an insult to the word.
The kid standing before him was the real deal.
A genius at a monstrous level.
The rainstorm slowly tapered off as the two stopped speaking. The sun broke through the clouds, shining brightly once more.
A rainbow stretched across the sky above the square.
The gathered Jōnin stared up at the dazzling colors, as though they had just awoken from a dream.
A boy of twelve…
He had defeated Might Guy in taijutsu.
He had defeated the Copy Ninja Hatake Kakashi in ninjutsu.
These two men were considered the strongest Jōnin in the village—fighters that few would even dare challenge, regardless of restrictions. Yet they had both fallen.
And Yuichi hadn't even used his Wood Style—the ability that was said to be his strongest.
It was too much.
Far too much.
Are all children at this level now?
The Jōnin felt themselves collectively crushed. Today, they had witnessed the birth of a monster.
At that moment, Nara Shikaku's calm voice carried across the square.
"Next, the opponent for your genjutsu test will be Jōnin Kurenai. The rules remain the same—no Wood Style. And this time, no ninjutsu or taijutsu either."
"You may only use genjutsu and kunai throwing."
Genjutsu…
The Jōnin glanced toward Kurenai as she stood, her expression calm but serious.
Aside from the Uchiha, she was one of Konoha's most skilled illusionists. She might not be the strongest genjutsu user in history—but her pupil was.
Defeating Kakashi and Guy wasn't enough? Now he has to fight Kurenai in genjutsu?
Taijutsu. Ninjutsu. Genjutsu.
Yuichi was being tested in every field beyond the standards of a normal Jōnin exam.
This wasn't a test for Jōnin—it was a test for Hokage.
Yet when it came to illusions, Yuichi had never shown any sign of using them.
It seemed genjutsu wasn't his strong point. Perhaps here, he might actually lose.
After all, without ninjutsu or taijutsu, he would have to rely purely on illusions and kunai. If he couldn't weave genjutsu, his only option would be to endure, break free of her illusions, and counter with sheer grit.
The difficulty had just risen to another level.
"Enough! Yuichi already has more than enough ability to be a Jōnin," one of the shinobi protested loudly.
"Yes! Even if he doesn't qualify as a full Jōnin, he's more than fit to be a Special Jōnin!" another agreed.
Special Jōnin were promoted when their ability in a particular field exceeded Chūnin standards, even if they lacked the versatility required of a full Jōnin.
Because true Jōnin weren't just powerful—they were leaders, strategists, commanders of squads on missions.
Anko, for example, was only a Special Jōnin. She was a formidable fighter, but lacked the command and leadership expected of a full Jōnin.
Shikaku ignored the protests and gestured for Kurenai to begin.
She gave a slight nod, then turned toward Yuichi.
The boy who had defeated Guy and Kakashi in succession.
Just days ago, he was still a Genin. Now, standing in the square with rainwater dripping from his hair, his expression was calm, his gaze steady.
He was too young, his features still those of a child. But his eyes carried a maturity and composure far beyond his age.
In times of peace, children should never be forced to grow up this quickly.
Yet Yuichi had.
And everyone could see it.