Although it was somewhat unfulfilling, Hyuga Kyo knew that in such a setting, Shisui would not use his Mangekyo Sharingan, just as he wouldn’t use his Wheel Rotation or the Third Kazekage Puppet.
Besides, if Shisui did use big moves like Kotoamatsukami or Susano’o, Hyuga Kyo wouldn’t be able to counter them anyway. So he accepted this victory gracefully without any further thoughts.
After stepping down from the practice stage, Guy and Asuma immediately surrounded him.
Guy happily congratulated him, “Kyo, congratulations!”
With this win, Hyuga Kyo’s promotion to Special Jonin was almost a certainty, so Guy congratulated him in advance.
Asuma glanced at Shisui in the distance and whispered to Hyuga Kyo, “That Shisui is truly formidable. Aside from you, I doubt anyone here can withstand his Body Flicker Jutsu!”
Guy scratched his head and agreed, “Yeah, I couldn’t think of a way to counter it either. His Body Flicker Jutsu is too fast, and his swordsmanship is excellent. I might need to use the Eight Gates to contend with him.”
In some respects, Hyuga Kyo’s Tenseigan did counter Uchiha’s Sharingan.
Firstly, the Tenseigan could neutralize most ordinary genjutsu, which alone could suppress many Uchiha who excelled in genjutsu.
Secondly, the Tenseigan’s superior insight combined with Rotation almost nullified all of Uchiha’s shuriken techniques, a significant advantage against the Uchiha who specialized in shurikenjutsu.
Finally, Hyuga Kyo’s chakra reserves exceeded those of most Uchiha, giving him a tactical advantage.
Of course, this suppression only applied to ordinary Uchiha.
If facing a Uchiha who had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, it was uncertain whether Hyuga Kyo’s Tenseigan could withstand the Mangekyo’s jujutsu.
Seeing Asuma and Guy still pondering ways to counter Shisui’s Body Flicker Jutsu, Hyuga Kyo shook his head and smiled, “Shisui is the top genius of the Uchiha generation. It’s only natural he has this level of strength. Don’t dwell on it too much.”
Asuma nodded, though he still looked gloomy.
Guy, on the other hand, laughed heartily, “Haha, I have another goal to chase!”
Asuma was speechless, “What’s there to be happy about?”
Guy patted Asuma’s shoulder, showing his white teeth, “The spirited competition among comrades is true youth! Asuma, don’t fall behind!”
Asuma brushed off Guy’s hand and looked at Hyuga Kyo, then glanced at Shisui in the distance, finally staring at Guy, “Fall behind? Hmph, don’t underestimate me!”
With that, Asuma turned and walked away in a huff.
Guy didn’t mind, instead, he looked around excitedly, murmuring, “When is it my turn? I can’t wait!”
After clearing the 1st practice stage, the assessment continued.
Guy and Asuma took turns and successfully defeated their opponents, each securing a coveted promotion to Special Jonin.
With each match, the top fifteen were quickly determined, marking the end of the Special Jonin promotion assessment.
Ultimately, due to his excellent performance, Shisui was granted an extra spot by the Third Hokage, smoothly being promoted to Special Jonin despite his loss.
For the Third Hokage’s decision, the other candidates had no objections. They had witnessed the fierce battle between Hyuga Kyo and Shisui and knew Shisui was indeed qualified for the promotion; he was just unlucky to draw Hyuga Kyo as his opponent.
After the assessment, the Third Hokage called Hyuga Kyo, Guy, Asuma, and Shisui aside.
Puffing on his pipe, the Third Hokage scrutinized the four for a moment before candidly inviting, “You are all outstanding ninjas and the future of Konoha. I hope you can join the Anbu and become the cornerstone of the village’s protection.”
Currently, Konoha urgently needed new strong ninjas, and the four before him were the talents the Third Hokage had his eyes on.
Faced with the Third Hokage’s recruitment, Hyuga Kyo, Guy, and Shisui agreed without hesitation.
The most unexpected reaction came from Asuma, who clearly expressed his opposition. Crossing his arms, he said arrogantly, “I don’t want to be a sneaky person in the shadows.”
The Third Hokage’s brows furrowed tightly, “What nonsense are you talking about!”
In his rebellious phase, Asuma wasn’t afraid of the Third Hokage. He coldly glanced at Hyuga Kyo, Guy, and Shisui, then shouted at the Third Hokage, “I’ll prove to you that I’m not inferior to anyone else!”
Before anyone could react, Asuma turned and left.
Asuma was sensitive. Throughout the assessment, each of his opponents was slightly weaker than him, making him sense some manipulation in the selection.
His pride couldn’t accept these well-intentioned arrangements made by the Third Hokage.
Knowing he currently couldn’t match Hyuga Kyo or Shisui, and not even having a sure chance against Guy, he chose to leave in frustration.
With Asuma’s outburst, the Third Hokage lost the mood to say more. He briefly explained the details of joining the Anbu to Hyuga Kyo, Guy, and Shisui before also leaving.
Exhausted, Hyuga Kyo declined Guy’s invitation to celebrate and returned home alone.
Upon entering, he found the one-eyed viper coiled in a corner, flicking its tongue.
After reading the note from the viper’s mouth, Hyuga Kyo burned it and changed into civilian clothes, heading to a tavern in the village.
Going to the second floor and entering a private room, Hyuga Kyo said to Orochimaru, who was drinking alone, “Lord Orochimaru, why did you sneak into the village? It’s very dangerous!”
“Dangerous?!” Orochimaru laughed sinisterly, “The Fourth Hokage and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki are gone, and the old man is swamped. The village is far less dangerous than it seems.”
Indeed, as Orochimaru said, Konoha currently lacked many Kage-level ninjas. Without the Fourth Hokage, few could threaten Orochimaru.
Neither the Third Hokage nor Jiraiya would likely go all out against Orochimaru if they encountered him, making the seemingly heavily guarded Konoha not as off-limits as it appeared.
Resisting the oppressive aura from Orochimaru, Hyuga Kyo asked calmly, “What are your orders?”
Orochimaru stared at Hyuga Kyo, “How did the Special Jonin assessment go?”
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