Early chapters: patreon.com/Reborn_noob
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At the Konoha training ground, Yuta observed his three students—well, Duy counted, even though he was Yuta's age.
Seeing them getting along… somewhat, Yuta spoke with a gentle smile.
"Since everyone's here, let's introduce ourselves. I'll start. Yuta: Male, 18 years old, Jonin, married. Specialties: Swordsmanship, Wind Release and Earth Release Ninjutsu, and some sealing skills. Who's next?"
Yuta omitted his Bloodline Limit, considering it a trump card.
Though he was confident in his strength, barring Mito, he was wary of Sarutobi and Danzo's influence. Caution was necessary.
"Might Duy, male, eighteen years old, genin, unmarried. Specialties: Taijutsu. Hobbies: Training and embracing youth!"
"Fuji Toko, female, ten years old, not yet..."
"No need for introductions. Duy's an adult, it's fine. You two kids don't need to."
Toko, sensing Yuta's deceptively gentle nature, glared at him.
Ignoring him, she continued, "Specialties: Chakra control, Wind Release."
Uchiha Makoto introduced himself, "Uchiha Makoto: male, ten years old, genin. Specialties: Swordsmanship, Fire Release, and Lightning Release."
After the introductions, Yuta clapped his hands. "Okay, now that we're acquainted, let's begin the strength test. It'll help you understand your teammates. Discuss your strategy. Don't worry, I'll be gentle."
Duy, seeing Yuta's sly smile, shuddered and pulled his teammates aside. "This is bad. Be careful."
Toko asked, "What? Yuta-sensei is strong?"
Uchiha Makoto replied, "Very! He's arguably the strongest in the village, except for Hokage-sama. He and Hatake Sakumo-senpai handle most S-rank missions, with a 100% success rate!"
Toko was shocked. She couldn't believe someone so young was so powerful.
Duy added, "I don't know about Hokage-sama, but Yuta's stronger than Sakumo. They're called the Twin Stars of Konoha, but Yuta always wins. And he holds back; otherwise, Sakumo wouldn't land a blow."
"Wow! Duy-senpai, you've seen them fight?" Toko asked, her fear momentarily forgotten.
Uchiha Makoto was also curious.
Duy blushed. "In taijutsu, I'm a bit stronger than Sakumo, but no match for Yuta. At my best, I'm slightly weaker than Sakumo. But Yuta can beat both of us together."
Uchiha Makoto and Toko stared at Duy in disbelief. "Bragging? Why are you still a genin then? We're competing with graduates for tasks."
However, after considering the current situation, they both remained skeptical: Could this seemingly ordinary man really be that powerful?
Duy, oblivious to their expressions, continued, "So, you must be careful. Even though Yuta-sensei won't use his full strength, we still won't stand a chance. Therefore, to last as long as possible, let's strategize."
At that moment, Uchiha Makoto and Toko set aside their doubts about Duy's strength. They huddled together and formulated a plan before facing Yuta.
Looking at their instructor, Uchiha Makoto, and Toko swallowed nervously. Duy stared at Yuta with a serious expression.
"What? Have you already planned how to lose?" Yuta teased.
"Enough talk! Let's go!" Toko shouted, charging towards Yuta.
"Fifth Gate, Gate of Closing, open!"
Duy activated the Fifth Gate, lunging at Yuta with a powerful kick.
He understood that against Yuta, he had to give his all, or he wouldn't even have a chance to retaliate.
Duy, under the Fifth Gate's influence, emanated an intense aura of power.
"He wasn't lying! Duy is really strong!" Toko exclaimed, stunned by Duy's attack.
Uchiha Makoto, witnessing Duy's power, thought, "How could this guy be dismissed as a joke? People's perceptions are often wrong. My father must not be the traitor they think."
"Don't just stand there! I can't hold him off for long. Stick to the plan!" Duy3 yelled.
"This is unexpected! I've been wrong!"
In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi, observing through a crystal ball, was equally shocked by Duy's strength.
"This genin, who's been ridiculed for years, has been hiding such terrifying power."
Hearing Sarutobi's remark, Hatake Sakumo, present in the office, replied, "Might Duy enrolled with Yuta and me, but graduated two years after us.
He's always been strong, but his lack of ninjutsu has made him overlooked. Honestly, in taijutsu, I'm no match for him."
"Oh?" Sarutobi, intrigued by Hatake Sakumo's praise, shifted his focus from Uchiha Makoto's test. "Did you know Duy's strength? Where did this sudden burst of power come from?"
Sensing an opportunity to advocate for Duy, Hatake Sakumo detailed Duy's training and the Eight Gates technique.
After listening to Hatake Sakumo's explanation, Sarutobi lit his pipe and took a deep puff, his face obscured by smoke.
After a long pause, he sighed, "It's my fault!"
Hatake Sakumo assumed Sarutobi felt guilty for overlooking Duy's talent.
He didn't notice the flicker of fear in Sarutobi's eyes, hidden behind the smoke.