Chapter:23

Kirito smiled and said, "It is an honor to receive the admiration of the Copy Ninja. But after those two techniques, I released another."

As he finished speaking, *Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death* had already been activated.

Kirito suddenly disappeared from Kakashi and everyone else's sight.

At the same time, a sapling grew rapidly beneath Kakashi's feet, and in the blink of an eye, it transformed into a massive tree that coiled around him.

*Clang.*

The sword fell from Kakashi's hand as his body was bound tightly to the tree, unable to move.

And Kirito slowly emerged from the tree, his sword aimed at Kakashi.

"Using *Tree Binding Death*? You really are the genjutsu genius Kurenai mentioned." Kakashi looked up at Kirito, acknowledging his skill.

"Likewise, Kakashi-senpai is formidable. This version of you is probably just a clone, isn't it?" Kirito sheathed his sword, releasing the illusion.

"Yeah," Kakashi replied, his voice low, not denying it.

In an instant, his figure flickered into lightning and disappeared, while his real body emerged from the spot where Kirito had earlier used the *Earth Release: Hiding Like a Mole Technique*.

Kirito sheathed his sword, and Kakashi also put his away.

Both knew the fight had reached its end as the incense stick burned out.

"Time's up," the referee announced. The battle officially concluded, and Kirito and Kakashi formed the Seal of Reconciliation.

The fight had reached its end.

*Clap, clap, clap.*

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood and applauded, "Kirito, I didn't expect you to fight Kakashi to this extent. You truly are remarkable."

"You flatter me, Hokage-sama. Kakashi-senpai was holding back." Kirito said humbly. "If he had used his *Lightning Clone* to paralyze me and follow up with a strike, I would've been in real trouble. Not to mention, he hasn't even used his signature technique, *Chidori*."

"He's not arrogant, nor does he rush things—he truly embodies the Will of Fire. A fine candidate indeed." Hiruzen thought to himself. Pleased, he addressed the gathered shinobi, "I believe you've all seen Kirito's strength. There's no doubt that he's passed the Chūnin Exam."

"I mentioned earlier that if Kirito demonstrated sufficient strength, he could be promoted to Jōnin. Now, let's vote. Those who agree, raise your hands."

As he spoke, Hiruzen was the first to raise his hand.

Kakashi, Kirito's opponent, followed suit.

Like Uchiha Itachi, Kakashi had sensed that Kirito wasn't fighting at full capacity, though neither had he.

The third was Uchiha Itachi himself. And soon, the ANBU present, directly under the Hokage's command, raised their hands as well.

After all, if the Hokage approved, how could they disagree?

Plus, Kirito's skills and composure made him more than deserving of the Jōnin title, particularly his prowess in genjutsu, which left most of the audience impressed.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, the two village elders, also raised their hands. They often followed the Hokage's lead and recognized that Kirito's promotion would benefit the village, especially if he could be utilized in matters concerning the Uchiha.

Surprisingly, even Danzo, who typically opposed the Hokage, raised his hand without hesitation. His usually grim expression was replaced with a rare calm, though nobody could guess his true thoughts.

This unexpected gesture from Danzo caught many off guard.

Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction. "Very well then. Kirito, from today, you are officially promoted to the rank of Jōnin. Congratulations. And Kurenai," Hiruzen turned to her, "you've done a commendable job training such an exceptional genjutsu user. You've more than earned the rank of Special Jōnin."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Kurenai Yuhi knelt respectfully in front of Hiruzen.

Kirito, not one to kneel, activated *Kyoka Suigetsu*, his Zanpakutō, and made a bowing gesture toward the Third Hokage.

Seeing their sincerity, Hiruzen smiled even more brightly. He waved them up, then continued, "Kirito, although you've become a Jōnin, your range of techniques could use some expansion.

"Kakashi, you're free tomorrow. I'd like you to guide him."

Not long after, Kirito and Kakashi arranged their next training session.

Donning his new Jōnin vest, Kirito left the training grounds with Kurenai.

As they strolled down the street, Kurenai, dressed in her usual combat attire, broke the silence. "Kirito, where did you learn *Hiding Like a Mole Technique* and *Shadow Clone*? I don't remember teaching you those."

"I got them from Izumi," Kirito answered, half-truthfully.

In reality, Kirito had learned the basics of *Hiding Like a Mole* during his Genin days. But that night at Uchiha Izumi's house when they were younger, he had received some unexpected "options" that led him to a different path.

It was a spring night, with the air thick with the scent of blooming flowers. Kirito stayed the night at Izumi's house. By morning, he had woken up with her in his arms, triggering a series of choices.

But in the end, Kirito chose the right path, choosing to merely protect his young companion, knowing they both had their futures ahead of them.

"Uchiha Izumi," Kurenai murmured. She had heard of her. Then she looked around cautiously before lowering her voice, "Kirito, be careful. The relationship between the Uchiha and the village is fragile. It's best not to get too involved with them, especially right now."

"Hmm, Kurenai-sensei, are you worried about me?" Kirito teased, his deep black eyes gleaming with an unreadable emotion.

Their eyes locked for a moment. Kurenai's face flushed, her words caught in her throat. She glanced away, unable to respond.

(End of this chapter).

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