"Puppetry is Sunagakure's specialty," Yuji began calmly. "My technique was actually inspired by puppeteers."
He paused briefly.
"Mainly because of Sasori."
Several eyes shifted slightly at the mention of Chiyo's grandson.
"Of course, I'm not a puppeteer myself," Yuji continued. "I can't use chakra threads. As a medical-nin, my chakra control is precise enough that I could probably learn them. But what I lack is the foundation, mechanisms, manipulation theory, puppet structure. I don't have that background."
He lifted the thin wire between his fingers.
"So I wondered… what if I used a physical medium instead?"
His hands formed a short sequence of seals.
"These hand seals serve several purposes. First, they stimulate the muscles and nervous system in my hands, increasing sensitivity and responsiveness. After that, I channel chakra in a way that enhances coordination between perception and movement…"
He shrugged lightly.
"That's basically it."
Under everyone's watchful gaze, the scalpel rose into the air.
It circled smoothly in front of him.
At first glance, it truly looked like it was moving of its own will. Only careful observation revealed the faint thread guiding it.
"This technique," one of the elders said thoughtfully, "should be relatively easy for our village's puppeteers to learn."
Yuji smiled faintly.
"Sasori has already tried it. Using chakra threads, it works, but the results differ."
He gestured toward the blade.
"A puppet has weight, structure, resistance. This blade has almost none. The feedback is completely different. And there's also the difference between chakra threads and physical wire. Precision, force, speed, all require adjustment."
He paused.
"To be honest… the potential of Puppet Technique is still far greater. A puppet's versatility far exceeds this single ability. This technique fills a niche, but it can't replace puppetry."
Chiyo nodded in agreement.
"He's right," she said. "Chakra threads are easier to detect by sensory-type shinobi. Even if puppeteers learn this, its stealth advantage will be reduced."
She studied Yuji closely.
"This technique is pure assassination. Its A-rank classification comes from the difficulty of achieving such subtle control."
She folded her arms.
"If discovered early, its effectiveness drops significantly."
Ebizo spoke next.
"Even so, it's valuable. It broadens our tactical options, especially for assassination and decapitation missions."
His voice grew thoughtful.
"With refinement, we could even establish a specialized assassination unit."
Another official finished testing the hand seals himself and gave a small nod.
"The chakra structure is stable."
"Yuji."
The Third Kazekage spoke.
He remained seated behind his desk, fingers interlocked beneath his chin.
"Attack me."
Yuji blinked.
"Attack you, Lord Kazekage? That might not be appropriate."
"It's fine," the Kazekage replied evenly. "Go ahead."
Before his sentence fully ended...
Crack.
A flash of cold steel appeared beside his head. The scalpel shot toward his temple without warning.
Yet just as the blade was about to strike, a hardened plate of Iron Sand condensed beside the Third Kazekage's head and effortlessly knocked Yuji's scalpel away.
Everyone present felt their eyelids twitch at the sight.
Good grief, the moment he was given permission, he attacked. This kid Yuji was far sneakier than they had expected.
They had assumed that, as a mere child, Yuji would at least feel some fear when facing the Kazekage, or exchange a few polite words first.
They never imagined he would strike without hesitation.
"Hehe… No good. Lord Kazekage is truly extraordinary," Yuji said with a grin, revealing his small white teeth, not a trace of panic on his face.
Since the Third Kazekage had told him to attack, Yuji had no intention of wasting the opportunity to test the strength of a Kage-level shinobi.
The outcome was exactly as expected.
"So fast…" someone murmured.
"It does indeed possess the power of an A-rank ninjutsu," the Kazekage said calmly, completely unfazed by Yuji's sudden assault. "But its weakness is just as clear. You must seize the perfect moment, and your opponent cannot be too powerful. Most importantly, it must be a one-hit kill. If the first strike fails, your control and fluidity over the flying blades will decline."
He paused slightly before continuing,
"Your ninjutsu does not rely heavily on chakra manipulation or complex techniques. Instead, it focuses more on skillful use of ninja tools. This is not your only move, is it? You should be able to control multiple flying blades… correct?"
"As expected of Lord Kazekage," Yuji replied with a smile.
It was a tacit admission.
"This ninjutsu is extremely valuable for puppeteers," the Kazekage said, turning his gaze toward Chiyo. "And it's clear that you have the talent to become one."
In Sunagakure, there was only one person who was both a medical ninja and a master puppeteer, Chiyo.
Seeing the Kazekage's intention, Yuji immediately replied, "I only want to become an outstanding medical ninja. As for puppetry… I'm not very interested. Compared to my potential as a puppeteer, my talent for medical ninjutsu is clearly greater, and so is my passion for it."
He paused briefly before adding, "Besides, the village already has a genius puppeteer like Sasori. I don't have the energy to pursue everything."
He understood perfectly well, the Kazekage wanted Chiyo to take him as her disciple.
"Is that so…" the Kazekage murmured, his brows knitting slightly in faint dissatisfaction.
"Well, you're still young. If you change your mind in the future, you may tell me at any time."
"Yes, Lord Kazekage."
"There is one more matter," the Kazekage continued in a deep voice. "Your ninjutsu must be recorded in the village's archives and preserved within a ninjutsu scroll. Naturally, the village will compensate you generously. The decision is yours. Creating an A-rank ninjutsu at your age makes you a rare genius in Sunagakure, one with limitless potential. If you do not wish for it to be documented and shared, I will not force you."
"I have no objections," Yuji answered without hesitation. "It is my honor to contribute to the village."
At his response, the Kazekage's expression softened slightly.
"Good."
The Third Kazekage gave a small nod.
"In addition, from this day forward, you are considered an important asset to the village. Regarding your 'Blade Manipulation' and your other abilities, you should avoid publicizing them yourself. The village will also implement certain confidentiality measures. For now, this information must not be leaked. This is for your protection."
"I understand!"
The Kazekage then glanced at Arai.
Arai immediately understood. After offering his farewells to the others, he led Yuji out.
Just as Yuji stepped beyond the doorway, he could already hear the village elders and officials inside beginning to discuss him in low voices.
"Well? You must be happy," Arai said with a smile once they left the administrative building, gently patting Yuji's head. "You've become a genius acknowledged by the Kazekage himself. You're now one of Sunagakure's greatest treasures."
"I suppose I'm a little happy," Yuji said softly. "But more than that… it feels like things are about to become troublesome."
Arai's smile faded into something gentler.
He understood.
Yuji was talking about the loss of a child's freedom, and the responsibilities that came with becoming an important figure in the village.
Of course, Yuji was still young. He couldn't fully grasp the weight of it yet.
Perhaps, in the future he would.
Soon after, they parted ways.
Yuji walked home alone.
Once Arai was gone, the ever-present smile on Yuji's face slowly faded. His eyes grew calm and clear.
His soul was not that of a child. He had noticed every subtle reaction from the Third Kazekage.
Yuji clicked his tongue softly.
In the village's eyes, he was not merely a future medical ninja. He was also someone who could become a powerful puppeteer.
In other words, he was a weapon. A tool the village could shape and use.
His refusal had clearly displeased the Kazekage. But because of Yuji's age, and his overwhelming talent, the Kazekage could not press him too hard.
Still, Yuji knew this matter was far from over.
The meaning behind the Kazekage's words had been unmistakable.
He might refuse now. But in a few years, when he was older, he would not be given the same choice.
To possess such talent and let it go unused, the Kazekage would never allow it.
Because in his eyes, this was not Yuji's personal decision.
It was the village's loss.
Even the praise from the others carried the same underlying truth.
They were happy not for him, but for the village.
Because Sunagakure had gained a genius.
"But at least, this step is complete."
Yuji clenched his fist slightly, his eyes steady.
He was no longer an insignificant child. Now, he was someone valued by the village.
A genius.
Someone who had finally placed his hand on the door leading to Sunagakure's upper ranks.
He now had the chance to change this village.
Of course, this was only the first step.
He still had a long way to go.