049 Reborn as the Third Kazekage

"I'm Hidan, a recent graduate of Sunagakure's ninja academy, specializing in taijutsu. Pleased to meet you."

"I'm Suzuya, also a fresh graduate, but from the ninja academy in Lake Tsuki district. My specialties are Crystal Release and medical ninjutsu. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Daichi, also from Lake Tsuki. I specialize in Boil Release. Looking forward to working with you."

Akasuna Hideki closed the folder detailing the three young shinobi in front of him. Shee glanced at them with a mix of curiosity and mild surprise. All three were children of immigrants who had come to Sunagakure after the war. Even more surprising, they were products of the recent education reforms, graduating in just one year!

After Arashi appointed Ebizō as the Minister of Education, the structure of ninja schools was completely overhauled. The previous six-year system was replaced with a seven-year curriculum. Normally, children enrolled at age six and graduated around thirteen. However, a new policy allowed exceptional students to apply for early graduation—provided they passed the rigorous exams. These exams included written tests, taijutsu, stamina assessments, and ninjutsu, with at least three subjects requiring outstanding marks.

This new policy, according to Arashi and Ebizō, was meant to give prodigies a chance to shine.

And now, three such "geniuses" stood before her. Well, time to see how genuine their talent really was.

"Greetings, everyone. I'm Akasuna Hideki, your jonin instructor and leader of Team 21. My specialty is puppet ninjutsu. Starting today, we're comrades in battle—well, potentially. I say 'potentially' because you still have one final test to pass." Hideki smiled as she pointed to a flagpole standing in the center of the training ground.

The three genin turned their attention to the pole, where a small red triangular flag fluttered in the breeze.

"From now until this time tomorrow, you three must do whatever it takes to retrieve that red flag. Of course, I'll do everything in my power to stop you. If you succeed, you'll officially become a combat-ready ninja team. If you fail…" Hideki slowly pulled out a scroll and unfurled it.

"Then I'm afraid you'll have to hand over your ninja headbands. Back to school for remedial training."

As the scroll opened fully, the words "Black" and "White" appeared. With two loud puffs of smoke, two fearsome puppets emerged—one black and one white. Each stood nearly two meters tall, adorned with high hats and long robes. The white puppet carried a mourning staff, while the black one wielded a soul-reaping chain. Both radiated an ominous, bloodthirsty aura.

"These are my combat puppets, Black and White. Considering you're fresh out of the academy, I'll go easy on you and skip the poison this time. Ready? Let's begin!"

Hideki's face remained cheerful, almost grandfatherly, as he issued the challenge.

"Can I just cut down the flagpole?" Hidan asked, pulling out his triple-bladed scythe.

"Sure, as long as you can grab the flag."

"I'll distract the puppets. Daichi, keep the instructor busy. Suzuya, go for the flag. Deal?" Hidan whispered to his teammates.

"Two puppets—can you handle them alone?" Daichi questioned.

"I'll figure it out. Let's give it a shot.

Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Two identical copies of Hidan appeared, one wielding the scythe and the other a spear. The trio charged straight toward the flagpole. Daichi followed closely, targeting Hideki, while Suzuya stayed back in the safe zone, ready to provide medical support. As a medical ninja, she adhered strictly to Tsunade's Three Principles—never position yourself on the frontlines.

The black puppet intercepted Daichi, while White unleashed a barrage of needles at Hidan. Spinning his scythe like a propeller, Hidan deflected some of the needles, but the shadow clone with the spear dissolved into a puff of smoke.

When the needles ceased, Hidan hurled his scythe at White. The puppet met the attack with its mourning staff, producing a sharp metallic clang. Without missing a beat, it countered with a jet of water, which Hidan narrowly dodged. The water struck the ground, leaving a small crater.

Meanwhile, Daichi struggled to find an opening against Black. Every route he tried was effectively blocked. Seeing no alternative, he distanced himself from the battle, creating space for Suzuya. Timing his move, he leapt high into the air, forming a hand seal.

"Boil Release: Skilled Mist Jutsu!"

A thick acidic mist spewed from his mouth, burning the ground as it spread toward Black. The puppet responded with a blast of fire from its mouth, neutralizing the mist. The two became locked in a stalemate.

Seizing the opportunity, Suzuya dashed toward Hideki, who guarded the flagpole.

"Crystal Release: Coiling Dragon Jutsu!"

A shimmering blue dragon materialized, wrapping tightly around Hideki and immobilizing her.

"Sorry, but this flag is mine!" Suzuya smirked as she leapt into the air, a shard of crystal in hand, ready to slice the flag free.

Before she could act, a figure appeared out of nowhere, kicking her aside. She tumbled across the ground, clutching her bruised ribs. Looking up, she was shocked to see… Hideki?!

The "Hideki" she had captured was now shedding chunks of skin, revealing a horse-faced puppet underneath.

"Ah, I forgot to mention," Hideki said with a grin. "That's my puppet."

"If you're tired, there's food and water over there. Feel free to strategize while you snack!" he added with a cheerful wave.

...

"Impressive… I didn't expect Sunagakure to produce such a talent," Madara mused, watching Arashi's retreating figure.

"You two seemed to be chatting about nothing of importance," Black Zetsu remarked.

Madara smirked. "It may have seemed idle, but I tested him with three genjutsu during our conversation. He broke free with barely a flicker. It was a warning."

"Is he really that skilled?" Zetsu asked, astonished.

Madara's eyes narrowed.

"Perhaps not like Hashirama's perfect Sage Mode, but the boy has clearly inherited some peculiar ability."

"What was his goal in meeting you?" Zetsu inquired.

"Practicality. Like his predecessor Retsu, he's a realist. His message was simple: Don't mess with me."

"And why didn't he… eliminate you?" Zetsu pressed.

Madara shook his head. "Because he couldn't. If he thought he could, he wouldn't have hesitated."

Sighing, Madara leaned back.

"A formidable talent. Twenty years ago, he might've been a worthy challenge. Now…"

He closed his eyes, tilting his head toward the sky.

"… I am too old. Let him be. Strengthen our forces for now. Pull White Zetsu out of Sunagakure. That village is untouchable as long as he's there."

Suddenly, Zetsu noticed something on the stone bench Arashi had occupied.

"There's writing here. Seems he left it."

"Oh? What does it say?"

"'You were born before me, I after you. You lament I was born too late, I lament you were born too soon. If only we had met in our prime, we could settle this with one battle. Such a shame.'" Zetsu recited.

Madara's eyes gleamed. "Arrogant brat."

He exhaled deeply. "Zetsu."

"Yes?"

"Prepare… to relocate."