"I have always believed that civilians and small Ninja clans in Konoha have many geniuses; we just haven't had the opportunity."
"We don't know many Ninjutsu, and we lack the accumulated knowledge to create our own..."
"But at the very least, you should have the ability to actively cooperate with partners and insight into the situation."
Masahiko sighed softly.
"Regrettably, the vast majority of people do not have such ability."
Everyone lowered their heads.
Especially the trio of Togeito Tessen, who had lost to Sasuke.
Their strength and speed were above Sasuke's team, yet they were completely disoriented by a set of coordinated attacks.
Judging from their height and build, the other trio wasn't very old, perhaps they had just graduated, while even their youngest member had already graduated two years ago.
If they had the coordination ability Masahiko mentioned, they might not have lost.
"Why so dejected?"
"I also came from being weak!"
Masahiko's tone rose several notches. "As long as you follow me and work hard enough, you can all become stronger!"
He walked to the center.
"My philosophy is different from Danzo's!"
"I emphasize cooperation. It's true for Ninja squads, and even more so for the Anbu. You three..."
Masahiko called Togeito Tessen and the others out.
"Are you skilled in Ninja Tool Summoning? Do you know Chakra Threads?"
"Of course."
Togeito Tessen nodded.
Masahiko said, "Then, have you ever thought that your Chakra Threads can not only control your own Ninja Tools but also your teammates'?"
Saying this, he flicked his finger.
The Fuma Shuriken in Togeito Tessen's hand was immediately swept away.
Even...
In the next moment, Togeito Tessen's hand moved as well.
Shock appeared in his eyes: "Puppet Technique?"
"You must make up for your teammates' shortcomings and let them make up for yours. That is the meaning of a team."
Masahiko replied, "Starting today, you will focus on training your Chakra Threads. We'll talk about the rest once you've mastered this technique."
"Yes!"
Togeito Tessen was filled with both surprise and joy.
If there were a choice, who would be willing to learn only one or two Ninjutsu?
It's not like they had a choice!
It was fine for a year or two after graduation with a captain's guidance, but after being promoted to Chunin, there was usually no one to guide them, and they could only rely on themselves.
Life is hard for low-level Ninjas!
Getting guidance and help from Masahiko was like a pie falling from the sky for him!
Masahiko looked at the second person.
"Your hidden weapon technique is good, but you rely on it too much and it's not stealthy enough. Have you heard of the Shadow Windmill?"
"Of course."
Ryuuin Mokuin nodded.
Shadow Windmill is a Taijutsu based on the Fuma Shuriken, belonging to D-rank difficulty, which Genin have the chance to learn.
"Why don't you practice it?"
"I..."
Ryuuin Mokuin was stunned for a moment, then his eyes widened as he understood Masahiko's meaning.
Their clan's special throwing technique should be used as a hidden killing move that the enemy cannot see, rather than being used openly.
"Yes, I understand!"
"As for you, in the three-man squad, you are the only one skilled in close combat. You should work harder on Kenjutsu and Taijutsu so that enemies cannot get past you."
Masahiko looked at the last person. "Your task is actually the most difficult."
"Yes!"
Kamano Qixu nodded bitterly.
He understood the logic, but... he couldn't do it!
Masahiko said, "I will guide your Kenjutsu and Taijutsu, but whether you can master them depends on yourself."
"Yes! I will definitely do it!"
...Hokage Office.
Kakashi sat in a chair, listlessly processing documents.
On a desk to the side, Hiruzen Sarutobi's hand was pressed against a crystal ball, which showed the scene of Masahiko guiding each student.
Kakashi looked up, saw Hiruzen Sarutobi nodding repeatedly, and couldn't help but stand up to take a peek.
Then... he leaned over.
"Hokage-sama?"
"Hmm? Cough, cough, Kakashi, come, come, take a break and watch together."
Hiruzen Sarutobi made some room.
Kakashi took a look and said, "Is Masahiko planning to take on the role of a Chunin instructor as a Jonin?"
He could tell—
This group under Masahiko were all students who had graduated within the last four years, and three of them didn't even look like they had graduated.
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "This is where Masahiko differs from Danzo. He believes that there are geniuses among civilians as well, and they should be given opportunities."
"Even if these people are not suitable for entering the Anbu, they are still Konoha's strength and can contribute to Konoha in the future."
He spoke slowly.
Kakashi leaned by the window, his gaze quietly fixed on the crystal ball.
Inside, Masahiko had split into three, tirelessly explaining Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu, guiding the others on how to cooperate and become stronger.
"His understanding of Root... the focus is on providing nutrients, rather than walking in the darkness."
"Yes."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded approvingly.
Afterwards, he couldn't help but sigh: "Some people think I'm wrong and shouldn't trust a child so easily, but in reality, they don't understand the real Masahiko."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Kakashi: "What do you think?"
Kakashi knew very well that the "some people" Hiruzen Sarutobi mentioned referred to Danzo and Utatane Koharu.
If it were his former self, he would certainly have agreed with Danzo and Utatane Koharu, but ever since that incident with Obito, he felt that Ninjas should not be tools.
Masahiko's philosophy resonated perfectly with his thoughts.
Kakashi looked at the handsome Jonin in the crystal ball, who seemed as if he would never tire, and couldn't help but sigh, saying:
"I feel that he is not darkness; he is a ball of light!"
From the time Masahiko entered the academy until now, Naruto, Sasuke, Yakumo, and so on—who among them hadn't been illuminated by this ball of light?
Such a person could not possibly become Danzo... On the streets of Konoha.
Sasuke looked up and said seriously, "Teacher, thank you!"
"Thank you for what?"
Masahiko patted his shoulder. "I might not go tomorrow. Remember to go to training on time. The stealth work along the way is also a test for you."
"Yes!"
Sasuke nodded, but he didn't rush back to rest. Instead, he started his daily running exercise along the village road.
Masahiko walked for a while.
Tap!
Someone landed in front of him, panting.
Neji looked up, his sharp gaze quickly becoming soft. He opened his mouth, seemingly not knowing what to say for a moment.
"Neji-kun, what's wrong?"
Masahiko asked with a smile.
Neji said in a low voice, "You... I..."
He clenched his fist, his cold expression turning into embarrassment, and finally plucked up the courage: "You seem to be giving him special training. Can I also follow along with the training?"
"He isn't training with me; we just ran into each other on the way back from outside the village."
Masahiko shook his head.
He paused slightly and said, "Besides, ordinary training is of no use to you. How has your previous cultivation been?"
"I've been trying to open my tenketsu recently. Some I can open, others I can't."
Neji replied, "Also, I have been practicing Chakra control techniques. Recently, I've been able to release Chakra from most of my tenketsu."
"Very well, then... watch closely, I'll only demonstrate once!"
Masahiko paused his movements.
Neji instantly activated his Byakugan.
Masahiko refined a large amount of Chakra, filling his entire body.
In the next second, a powerful burst of Chakra energy erupted from his elbows, fists, and shoulders.
From each of his tenketsu, Water Release Chakra gushed out, covering the surface of his body like flowing water, forming a Chakra cycle of outflow and inflow.
"With your Byakugan, you can do it even more precisely. Work hard in this direction."
Masahiko slowly walked past him.
Neji was completely stunned.
He turned back to stare at Masahiko's retreating figure, for a moment forgetting that his Byakugan could see most of the surrounding area clearly.
He clearly wasn't a Ninja of the Hyuga Clan, yet he could develop Chakra tenketsu to such an extent.
What incredible strength!