Outside the Training Ground, no one could see the full fight.
But...
Although they had only caught glimpses, everyone could tell this battle was on an entirely different level from the last.
Moreover... 'From Kakashi's performance, after his Shadow Clone was destroyed he must have gotten more serious than before, yet he still lost a second Shadow Clone.'
Homura Mitokado couldn't help exclaiming, 'This Yagyu Masahiko... is incredibly strong!'
He glanced toward Hiruzen Sarutobi, a hint of doubt in his eyes—not about Masahiko's strength, but... how could a Ninja like this have remained unknown until now?
Hiruzen Sarutobi was just as astonished.
Masahiko's display had completely exceeded his expectations.
With strength like that, if he polished himself a bit more—stronger body, greater speed—he could even aim for the Jonin rank.
Beside them, Inoichi Yamanaka opened his eyes and released his secret technique.
'Hokage-sama, based on my observations, I recommend on behalf of the Intelligence Division that Yagyu Masahiko be promoted to Special Jonin of Konoha.'
'I also believe Yagyu Masahiko should become a Special Jonin,'
said Nara Shikaku.
One was the head of the Intelligence Division, the other the captain of the Jonin Corps—both held considerable authority in the Village.
With their endorsement, the outcome of Masahiko's evaluation was essentially sealed.
Nearby, Ebisu's feelings were a complicated knot.
Until now he had only heard a few parents mention Masahiko, and he hadn't paid much attention.
In fact...
Ebisu knew he had quietly looked down on the man.
Yet now... he himself had been casually defeated by Kakashi, while this Chunin named Yagyu Masahiko had earned Kakashi's recognition and become a Special Jonin.
The contrast left his heart in turmoil.
The next second, the two of them stepped out of the Training Ground.
Kakashi gave Hiruzen Sarutobi a slight bow.
'Hokage-sama, after my assessment I believe Yagyu Masahiko meets the criteria for Special Jonin; I recommend him for promotion.'
'Very well.'
Hiruzen nodded, smiling. 'You've worked hard, Kakashi. You too, Masahiko—go and rest. The remaining evaluations will take place this afternoon.'
'Yes, sir!'
Masahiko answered, then glanced at Ebisu.
Ebisu hastily bowed in respect.
Masahiko returned a shallow bow and vanished with Body Flicker.
He truly was exhausted.
Watching Masahiko's departing figure, Ebisu, for the first time, questioned his own Ninja way. He stood rooted, lost in thought...
Afternoon. Masahiko walked out of the examination hall in the Hokage Building.
A moment later.
'Congratulations.'
'Shikaku-senpai.'
Coming back to his senses, Masahiko saw Nara Shikaku stepping out of the room.
He was about to bow, but Shikaku waved it off.
'No need—just a quick chat.'
He chuckled. 'I should thank you. Lately Shikamaru has changed; his taijutsu is much better than before.'
'I only pushed him a little harder. Without support from the Village and his family, my ideas couldn't have been implemented,'
Masahiko replied sincerely.
Shikaku nodded in agreement. 'Indeed, any policy or event requires everyone pulling together.'
He turned to Masahiko.
'I believe it won't be long before we see you in the Jonin Corps.'
'Thank you for your confidence.'
Masahiko bowed lightly.
Shikaku returned the bow and left with a smile.
Compared with Shikaku, Inoichi was less polite; complex emotions flickered in his eyes.
But he quickly composed himself, offered a friendly nod, and departed.
One by one he saw off the Jonin who came to congratulate him.
At last, Masahiko met Hiruzen Sarutobi and completed the final procedure.
'From this moment on, you are a Special Jonin.'
Hiruzen handed over the information sheet.
Masahiko accepted it.
His rank had already been updated—
Special Jonin!
The instant he received the sheet, lines of text appeared.
[Through further training you have advanced your position in the story to Special Jonin.]
[After the rank increase, more plotlines are available to you.]
[The 'acting instance' module has been unlocked.]
[You can now replay unlocked instances.]
[Currently available instance: Special Jonin Combat Examination.]
Excellent!
Masahiko cheered inwardly.
Stepping out of the Hokage Building, he felt the world widen and his mind clear.
But a cold wind snapped him back to sobriety.
'Special Jonin... means nothing in the Ninja World—only slightly above the bottom rungs!'
'Still, it's the first step of my plan.'
Masahiko quickened his pace.
He couldn't wait to try the 'acting instance'!
... [Loading instance — 'Special Jonin Combat Examination'.]
[Reconstructing scene...]
[Locking opponent data...]
[Load complete.]
The familiar Training Ground, the familiar attire.
This time, however, only he and Kakashi stood there.
Blades left their sheaths.
'Come, Kakashi Hatake!'
Masahiko abandoned his previous tactics and charged head-on.
A short while later.
In reality he sat up on his bed.
'Damn! He fought head-on, using Lightning Release Chakra to stimulate his body, even Lightning Release: Tracking Fang...'
'No tactics, no explosive tags—even with him holding back the gap is huge.'
'And this is only an Elite Jonin!'
Masahiko sighed softly and re-entered the 'instance'.
Inside the instance he didn't need to fear death; every fight could be taken to the limit.
A sparring partner like this couldn't be found anywhere... After three attempts the space shattered and the scene changed.
Masahiko opened his eyes.
The window rattled with knocks.
A Ninja bird tapped the glass with its claws; when he opened the window it hopped in and extended a talon.
A small bamboo tube was tied to the claw.
After he removed the tube the bird flapped away into the night.
Masahiko unrolled the note.
'Use Uchiha Sasuke to make frequent contact with the Uchiha Clan and monitor their movements.'
'Report any information immediately.'
Masahiko crushed the paper and burned the scraps in a candle flame.
As expected...
Only by growing stronger could he draw the higher-ups' attention and gain access to events previously out of reach.
He twirled a Kunai, then re-entered the 'acting instance'.
More combat training!
Inside the instance Masahiko dashed through the forest, switching assassination angles, honing Dance of the Crescent Moon and stealth techniques.
After being 'killed' another three times... he fell into exhausted sleep.
Early next morning.
[Konoha Style – Dance of the Crescent Moon: Master]
[Body Flicker Technique: Perfect]
These were his greatest gains of the night.
The latter especially.
Although Body Flicker is only a D-rank Ninjutsu, it's easy to learn but hard to master. Achieving 'Perfect' means his technique has reached its theoretical limit.
To go further... he would need to innovate and break the limit!
['Low-Grade Skill Upgrade Card' has been used.]
['Body Flicker Technique' rank increased!]