After this mission, Kiba, Shino, and Hinata had all changed significantly.
Once Kiyosuke had shown them real bloodshed, they came to understand just how terrifying missions could be. The three of them stopped being impulsive, buried themselves in training, and no longer complained no matter what missions they were assigned. Even Hinata's personality had shifted somewhat.
She wasn't as shy as before and had become noticeably stronger.
Their transformation left Kiyosuke quite satisfied. Even though it had been a bit harsh, this was something every ninja would have to face sooner or later. A shinobi couldn't avoid these kinds of missions forever.
It was the path all ninja had to walk.
Meanwhile, Naruto and his team had taken on a C-rank mission, escorting a bridge builder. Word had it they'd clashed with the Mist's "Demon"—Momochi Zabuza. Kakashi had nearly killed him, but Zabuza was eventually rescued by Kirigakure operatives.
That guy hadn't defected—he was still officially part of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and carried out missions for Kirigakure, holding a prestigious position in the village.
When they got back, Naruto boasted that the bridge had been named "Naruto Bridge."
After that, it was back to doing D-rank missions.
...
Konoha Training Grounds
Kiyosuke was currently training the trio in taijutsu, drilling them relentlessly—especially Shino.
"You can't rely entirely on your insects. There will be times they can't protect you. That's when you need to engage the enemy with taijutsu. Shino, your close combat skills are terrible."
He spotted an opening in Shino's stance and delivered a sharp chop to his head.
Stumbling back a few steps, Shino said:
"I understand, Kiyosuke-sensei. Please continue training me."
"Good. Hinata, Kiba, you two join in as well. Hinata, activate your Byakugan and come at me. Don't worry about hurting me."
"Yes!"
The three of them formed a formation and surrounded Kiyosuke, beginning another round of intense sparring.
...
Half an hour later, the trio collapsed onto the ground, panting, their clothes covered in dirt. Kiyosuke, still perfectly clean, said:
"Not bad. Kiba, Hinata—help Shino work on his taijutsu. It'll be a good way for you two to improve as well."
Just then, a sharp cry rang out overhead. Kiyosuke looked up to see a hawk soaring past, a letter tied to its leg.
"Hmm? Is it that time already?" he murmured.
Then he called out, "That's all for today's training. Dismissed. And if you see any unfamiliar ninja in the village, don't get involved."
"Understood."
Though they didn't quite grasp what Kiyosuke meant, the trio still chose to listen to him. Following his orders had never led them astray before.
...
Kiyosuke turned and left. Not far from the training grounds, he came across Naruto's group, along with a team from Sunagakure—Gaara and his siblings. Tension had clearly risen between them.
And this wasn't just any tension.
Standing there were the two sons and one daughter of the Fourth Kazekage, the son of the Fourth Hokage, the grandson of the Third Hokage, and the son of the head of the Konoha Police Force.
"What are you guys doing now? Naruto, Sasuke—where's Kakashi?"
Kiyosuke walked over and asked.
"Kakashi-sensei told us we could explore freely. Who knows where he ran off to," Sasuke replied when he saw who it was.
"That guy is..."
"It's him, no doubt about it."
"Asakawa Kiyosuke."
The three children of the Fourth Kazekage recognized Kiyosuke instantly, a hint of apprehension in their eyes. Gaara, however, appeared far more composed. There was no "love" symbol on his forehead, and he no longer radiated the same sharp, dangerous aura. He didn't seem so cold and unapproachable anymore.
It looked like Yashamaru had raised him into a gentle child.
Gaara stepped forward and handed Kiyosuke a letter.
"You're Kiyosuke-sama, right? This is a letter from Pakura-sama."
"Hm? From Pakura?"
Kiyosuke opened the letter. Pakura had written a few lines to catch up and had asked Kiyosuke to keep an eye on the three kids. She was too busy to come in person and apologized for the inconvenience.
These days, Pakura was doing everything she could to help develop the Land of Wind. The primary task was afforestation, but given the region's harsh environment, work had to proceed along underground water veins, which made things slow. Still, over the years, there had been real progress, and the environment of the Land of Wind was beginning to improve. More and more people had begun to join in the reforestation efforts.
"I get what she's asking. Where's your supervising instructor?"
"Sensei Baki is meeting with Konoha officials," Gaara replied.
"Alright. Just behave yourselves while you're in Konoha. Let me introduce someone—this is Naruto, my kid. The son of the Fourth Hokage. You two have similar backgrounds."
He pulled Naruto over and gestured toward him.
"Huh?"
Gaara stared at Naruto without blinking, instantly sensing the powerful chakra of a tailed beast. He realized they were the same—both jinchūriki. His expression softened noticeably.
Ever since Pakura had become the Fifth Kazekage, Gaara's life had improved. She had worked hard to encourage the village's children to befriend him and bring some light to his bleak childhood. Because of that, Gaara held deep respect for her—even more than for his own siblings.
He extended his hand to Naruto and said:
"Sorry about earlier. I'm Gaara of the Sand from Sunagakure, jinchūriki of the One-Tail. Nice to meet you."
"What are you standing there for? Did I raise you to be a rude brat?"
Kiyosuke gave Naruto a pat on the head.
Naruto, being the simpleminded guy he was, finally realized what to do and shook Gaara's hand.
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto, son of the Fourth Hokage. And Kiyosuke-san says I'm the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails or something. Does that mean we're connected or what?"
"Something like that. Naruto, why don't you show them around Konoha? I've got things to do. Konohamaru, go with them."
"Got it!"
Sasuke stood to the side, completely ignored, while Sakura looked equally confused—they clearly had no idea what a jinchūriki even was.
Sakura stepped closer and asked:
"Naruto, what's a jinchūriki?"
"Uh... Kiyosuke-san explained it to me once. When I was born, my mom and dad sealed a Nine-Tails fox inside me to protect the village. I think that's what a jinchūriki is? I'm not totally sure."
Naruto didn't fully grasp the concept of tailed beasts yet. He hadn't used the Nine-Tails' power, and thanks to Kiyosuke's protection, he didn't even understand what it truly meant.
Gaara said:
"A jinchūriki is a weapon of the village. That's all you really need to know. Though it looks like your situation is a lot better."
"Situation? What situation?" Naruto asked, tilting his head in confusion.
Man... this guy's so slow.
But maybe that's because he's never experienced all that pain?
What a life to envy.
"Alright, enough talk. Since Kiyosuke asked me to show you around, follow me. I'll take you to eat the best ramen in Konoha—Ichiraku Ramen!"
Naruto, as loud and energetic as ever, led the group off into the village.
Meanwhile, Kiyosuke made his way to the Hokage's office, where many of Konoha's jōnin had already gathered—for one specific reason.
The annual Chūnin Exams were here.