Night, Hokage’s Office
Despite Koshino’s outstanding performance on his first mission, where he even took over as the temporary squad leader from Kakashi, experience still held great importance in both Konoha and the ANBU. Hence, when he entered the Hokage’s office for the first time, Koshino walked behind Kakashi, with other squad members like Raido Namiashi and Daiei Iwashi also positioned ahead of him.
If Koshino were from a prestigious clan like the Uchiha or Hyuga, this situation might have sparked conflict.
“Are you kidding? We, the noble families of Konoha, should be behind someone else? Kakashi, get to the back!”
Of course, such things wouldn’t happen to Koshino, especially since he understood the burden of being labeled a prodigy. He was determined to keep a low profile.
“The tree that stands out gets blown down.”
During the party at Hizashi’s house, Koshino had crushed the pride of the Uchiha clan and defeated Itachi. While he felt proud, he was also aware of the potential trouble that could follow. Therefore, Koshino decided to avoid any attention-grabbing situations.
Yet, with his exceptional performance, Koshino stood out like a firefly in the dark night, attracting everyone’s attention.
Especially when the ever-cool Kakashi reported the mission details to the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze’s look of amazement made Koshino sigh inwardly.
“As expected, a man like me will always be the center of attention.”
“The more it is like this, the more I need to improve my strength!”
“Otherwise, the day someone steps on me might be the day I lose my life!”
As these thoughts ran through his mind, Koshino soon heard Minato’s voice echoing in the room.
“Hmm, Kakashi, I understand everything you’ve reported.”
After listening to Kakashi’s account of the mission, Minato first turned to Guy, smiling warmly, “Guy, since ANBU doesn’t suit you well, you’ll temporarily join my guard squad.”
Then, Minato flashed that comforting smile again, “Also, Genma, Iwashi, Raido, you’ve all spent enough time in the ANBU. Your temperament has been honed well enough. You’ll join Guy in my guard squad too.”
“Kakashi, for now, your ANBU squad will only have Koshino.”
“Koshino is your junior. Take good care of him. From now on, the more challenging tasks will depend on you two!”
“Yes, Fourth Hokage!”
Surprised by Guy and the others’ apparent “promotion” despite their average performance on the mission, Koshino couldn’t help but feel a bit odd. However, he was genuinely happy for his companions.
Following Minato’s instructions, Koshino and Kakashi received a new mission to patrol the vicinity of Konoha and check for any more infiltrating Mist ninja.
As for Guy and the others’ task, that was what Koshino envied!
Before Minato left the village, Guy and his new team’s task was simply to train—essentially, no mission at all!
This made Koshino, who was obsessed with training, feel quite uncomfortable. Unfortunately, Minato was the Hokage, and Koshino was just a small soldier with no room for protest.
Reluctantly accepting Minato’s task, Koshino quickly bid farewell to Kakashi, Guy, and the others before heading home for some rest. Exhausted from a day’s work and longing for his bed, Koshino was unexpectedly summoned by his uncle, Shikaku Nara, upon arriving at the clan grounds.
“Koshino, I heard you did quite well on your first mission!”
“Uncle Shikaku, you’ve already heard?”
“Yes, the information came as soon as you returned. But Koshino, though you did well, you need to be smarter in the future, understand?”
The first part of Shikaku’s words warmed Koshino’s heart, knowing his clan cared for him.
However, Shikaku’s subsequent lecture on the importance of hiding one’s abilities soon made Koshino drowsy.
Nevertheless, after enduring a lengthy lecture, Koshino finally heard something exciting when he got a chance to speak.
With Minato’s personal guidance, Koshino had completed the Rasengan and some advanced versions. It was time for his next training phase.
Koshino’s plan for the next phase involved learning Minato’s secret techniques and undergoing chakra nature transformation training.
Before starting chakra nature training, identifying one’s chakra nature was crucial.
Without knowing his chakra nature, how could he proceed with nature transformation training?
So, when Shikaku finished his long lecture, Koshino eagerly asked for a chakra paper—a rare and valuable item.
Why is chakra paper so precious?
Even in the peaceful periods of the original series, chakra paper wasn’t something just anyone could access. It was a commodity with a price but no market.
Without the backing of a clan or considerable fame, getting chakra paper was almost impossible!
Thus, when Koshino asked Shikaku for chakra paper, he did so with a slim hope. To his surprise, Shikaku handed him a sheet without hesitation, saying, “Koshino, I knew you’d need this.”
“This was given to me by Minato. Go ahead and test your chakra nature!”
“Thank you, Uncle Shikaku!”
Elated with the precious chakra paper, Koshino couldn’t hide his joy.
In an instant, he vanished from Shikaku’s sight, making his uncle chuckle and shake his head.
Back in his room, Koshino held the ordinary-looking white paper with a mix of excitement and anxiety.
Testing chakra nature felt like a moment that could decide his destiny!
If his chakra turned out to be wind, lightning, or fire—elements that boosted offensive capabilities—he could significantly bolster his strengths and address some weaknesses. If his chakra was earth or water—elements more suited for defense—Koshino feared he’d be left frustrated.
Holding the chakra paper, Koshino silently prayed that his chakra wouldn’t be earth or water before channeling his remaining chakra into the paper. As he slowly opened his eyes, feeling incredibly tense, he finally saw the change in the chakra paper and breathed a sigh of relief!
“Thank goodness, really lucky!”
“Wind nature chakra! My prayers were answered!”
“Wait, something’s not right!”
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