Guidance
Before deployment, Kato Dan and Tsunade had personally visited Maruboshi Kosuke, hoping that if their disciples ever found themselves in danger on the battlefield, this powerful and reliable "eternal Genin" would watch over them.
Upon hearing about the potential of Kato Dan's three students, Kosuke had smiled, patted his chest, and accepted the responsibility without hesitation. To him, protecting Konoha's future was a duty he inherited from the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
In his youth, Kosuke had led a mission that ended in tragedy due to a poor command decision. His comrades were killed, and burdened by guilt, he chose to remain a Genin for life as a form of penance—even though his strength far exceeded that of most ninja.
Despite his title, Kosuke's abilities rival those of elite Jonin. At this point in his life, he had not yet suffered the leg injuries depicted in later years, and apart from the loss of one eye, he remained physically capable and remarkably powerful.
His Water Release (Suiton) techniques, honed directly under the Second Hokage, made him one of the strongest water-style users in Konoha. Like Tobirama, Kosuke could perform Water Formation Wall (Suiton: Suijinchū) with only two hand seals, and Water Dragon Bullet (Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu) with only four. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, the "Professor" of Ninjutsu and Tobirama's prized student, required many more hand signs to perform those techniques.
With his mastery of Suiton and Kenjutsu, Kosuke was easily among the most formidable shinobi in the village below the Kage level. It was no wonder Tobirama had taken a personal interest in him, passing down techniques that few could replicate.
Now, he served as a hidden pillar of the reserve forces. If they were ever activated, his presence would become the team's greatest reassurance and shield.
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"Heh, I knew it—I could smell my comrades' cooking from a mile away."
With a familiar chuckle, Maruboshi Kosuke lifted the tent flap and stepped inside, eyes twinkling at the sight of a bubbling pot of canned vegetable soup simmering over a small smokeless fire.
"Let's swap this out for my pot. We'll make enough for all of us—and save me a bowl while you're at it."
Kosuke dropped down beside Ming Jing, smiling warmly at the three young shinobi.
"Eh? Grandpa, who are you...?"
Inuzuka Ryo stared at him in surprise. He and Aburame Nami were trained sensory-type ninja, yet neither of them had noticed Kosuke's approach.
"At least Jonin-level," both concluded simultaneously in their minds.
"I'm Maruboshi Kosuke. Just a humble Genin from the village," the old man said casually, stroking his beard. "Caught the smell of your cooking and came to join. You won't turn away a hungry old man, will you?"
"Genin? No way! You slipped past both me and Maru?"
Ryo looked incredulous.
"Haha, nothing to fuss about. Let's eat first," Kosuke said with a wave of his hand, though his eyes were subtly evaluating each of the three Genin.
He already liked Ryo's straightforward personality. Aburame Nami looked cold and unreadable—fitting for her clan. But it was Ming Jing who piqued his interest.
"This Uchiha kid reached for the wakizashi on his back the moment I entered. He's cautious… sharp. He's been evaluating me, trying to assess my strength. Good instincts."
Kosuke's gaze lingered on the young Uchiha.
He may have trained under Tobirama Senju, but unlike many of the Second Hokage's disciples—who often viewed the Uchiha clan with suspicion—Kosuke had always seen them as comrades, not threats.
"Senior Kosuke? My elders have spoken of you," Ming Jing said respectfully.
He was short, carried a wakizashi and an iron pot, had one eye, and wore a standard shinobi outfit—exactly as described in the tales. Though his hair hadn't yet turned fully white and he still had both legs, there was no mistaking him.
"Oh? Elder? Who might that be?"
"My grandfather, Uchiha Yu. He once said you were the most legendary Genin in the village—stronger than most Jonin, yet humble and loyal, always contributing from the shadows."
Kosuke laughed heartily at the compliment.
"Uchiha Yu? Ah, I remember him well from the First Great Ninja War. A true warrior."
Uchiha Yu had often told Ming Jing stories about Konoha's great shinobi—and Kosuke was one of the few non-Uchiha he deeply respected.
"Alright, enough flattery! Let's taste my cooking."
Kosuke replaced their small pot with his own larger one and nodded to Ming Jing.
"Hey, kid—you're an Uchiha, right? Get us a flame going."
Ming Jing nodded and used his unique Fire Release technique.
Kosuke watched with interest as the flames rose without smoke.
"Interesting... no smoke?"
The old man scooted closer, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Ahem. I've introduced myself—how about you?"
As he stirred the pot, the three Genin gave their names and backgrounds.
"All from famous clans, I see. But I've never heard of a Fire Release technique that doesn't produce smoke," Kosuke said, raising an eyebrow.
Ming Jing smiled knowingly.
"He's a foodie. That iron pot gave it away."
He understood immediately—Kosuke wanted the technique.
"Senior Kosuke," Ming Jing said modestly, "this smokeless fire jutsu is something I developed myself, after much trial and error. It wasn't easy… but if you're interested, I'd be honored to share it."
Kosuke's face lit up.
"You really don't act like a typical Uchiha… not arrogant at all. Don't worry, I'll repay you."
He pointed at the sword on Ming Jing's back.
"You use Kenjutsu, right? My Konoha-style swordsmanship comes directly from the Second Hokage himself. I may not be a genius, but I can give you some real pointers."