"You actually know medical ninjutsu?" Kakashi asked with a hint of surprise. "How much have you been hiding?"
Medical ninjutsu wasn't something an ordinary ninja could learn—it required an exceptional level of chakra control.
Judging by Kaito's skillful application, it was clearly more than just basic training.
After a brief pause, Kakashi continued, "Can you tell me who you learned it from?"
As an elite jonin, Kakashi recognized it immediately—Kaito was using the [Mystical Palm Technique].
If medical ninjutsu required precise chakra control, then this technique demanded even greater mastery. Only a few individuals in all of Konoha could use it proficiently, and they were usually top medical-nin from the hospital.
But Kaito was just a recent Academy graduate from a humble background. How could he have mastered something as advanced as the [Mystical Palm Technique]?
"You know her! She's the so-called 'legendary sucker' of the ninja world—Senju Tsunade!"
Kaito replied casually without even looking up as he continued to heal Kakashi.
"Lady Tsunade?! You're actually her disciple? That explains everything!" Kakashi's eyes widened, but then a look of understanding crossed his face.
So that's why the Third Hokage had assigned Kaito to his team… and secretly paid such close attention to him.
Why did Kaito possess such powerful taijutsu? All of Kakashi's questions now had answers.
Remembering Tsunade's monstrous strength, Kakashi shivered. During their physical clash earlier, Kaito must've held back a lot!
As Kakashi was still deep in thought, Kaito's energetic voice rang in his ears.
"All done! Try moving!"
"I feel fine."
Kakashi nodded, stood up, stretched his body, and noticed the pain in his chest had completely vanished. His arms felt normal again.
Once the treatment was complete, the two quickly made their way back.
"Whoa! Kaito, that was amazing!" Naruto's eyes sparkled when he saw them return. He looked like an excited fanboy.
Kaito responded modestly, "It's nothing much. I'm just better at close combat."
Sasuke scowled in silence. After seeing Kaito's strength, he knew it was likely he'd always be second best.
Sakura, on the other hand, was clearly in full fangirl mode.
"Alright! You all passed today's survival drill!" Kakashi announced. "Be at the mission hall tomorrow morning—we'll begin actual missions then."
With that, he vanished in a flash, completely ignoring Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, who were still tied up.
He needed to report today's events to the Hokage—especially what he'd witnessed from Kaito.
After untying the others, Kaito smiled and said, "See you all tomorrow!"
Then he disappeared in an instant, using the [Body Flicker Technique] just like Kakashi.
Watching both of them vanish in style, Naruto's eyes gleamed. "I want to learn that kind of ninjutsu too!"
With nothing pressing to do in the afternoon, Kaito spent his time visiting Teams 8 and 10, chatting with Ino and Hinata.
———
Inside the Hokage's office, Kakashi stood in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi, looking slightly embarrassed as he reported the events of the survival test—particularly his bout with Kaito.
Hiruzen exhaled smoke from his pipe thoughtfully.
After some hesitation, Kakashi added, "Kaito is also skilled in the [Mystical Palm Technique]. He said he's a disciple of Lady Tsunade."
"He said it himself, did he? Then it must be true," Hiruzen replied, a nostalgic glint in his eye.
After a brief pause, the Third Hokage continued, "The fact that he was able to kick you back like that means he's not just skilled in taijutsu—he's probably learned her [Monster Strength] technique too. What do you think of his overall ability?"
"I'd say he's already at jonin level," Kakashi said after a moment's thought.
"Kaito doesn't belong in Team 7," Hiruzen muttered. "He won't grow properly there."
"But let him stay for now. It'll help him understand the value of teamwork."
"The Chunin Exams are only a few months away. Let him participate. After that, I'll transfer him to the Anbu."
"Understood."
———
The next morning, Kaito made his way toward the mission hall.
Unlike in the manga, where Naruto and his team went directly to the Hokage for missions, Konoha had an entire building dedicated to distributing tasks to genin squads.
The Hokage, being the village leader, had far more important duties than handing out low-rank missions all day.
Kaito remembered that after Tsunade became Hokage, she could barely get through her paperwork even with Shizune's help.
If Naruto and the others weren't special cases, they wouldn't have been allowed anywhere near the Hokage's office, let alone receive missions directly from him.
As Kaito reached the mission hall, he spotted Naruto and the others waiting with bleary eyes.
They must've been too excited to sleep and came ridiculously early.
"Kaito! Why are you always late?" Naruto yelled, looking grumpy.
"Sorry, sorry!" Kaito chuckled, scratching his head. "I was helping an old lady cross the street and lost track of time!"
Sasuke: …
Sakura: …
"Wait a second… why does that sound familiar?" Naruto said, squinting and rubbing his chin.
"Idiot! That's Kakashi-sensei's excuse!" Sakura shouted, whacking him on the head.
And just like that, her aggressive side made an appearance.
---
40+ chapters on P@treon btw...
[email protected]/Zphyr_
Change @ to a.