In a clearing behind the mountains of Konoha, Kaede floated in midair.
The overwhelming aura pouring from his body stirred up a whirlwind of dust, sweeping outward in every direction.
With the full activation of his Reincarnation Rinnegan and the Six Paths Mode, the explosive power of the Eight Gates Formation merged perfectly with the Six Paths chakra, one half wild and raging, the other calm and serene like yin and yang.
The crimson steam of blood that had shrouded him gradually faded.
In its place rose a golden aura, flickering like flame. His previously red hair turned a brilliant gold, and arcs of golden lightning crackled between the strands.
On the surface of the faintly glowing golden Six Paths cloak, a new mark appeared: the intricate symbol of the Eight Gates Formation. The nine tomoe that usually floated along his back now formed a ring, encircling the Eight Gates symbol at its center.
This was,
Sage Art: Eight Gates Formation.
The power of the Six Paths and the Eight Gates had fused into one.
In this moment, Kaede felt the very fabric of space around him had grown fragile, as if the world itself could be shattered with a single punch.
If he so much as swung his fist, space might twist. If he used even a fraction more strength, he could obliterate the entire area his fist reached.
"It's complete…"
"So this is what true final power feels like…"
Kaede slowly clenched his fist.
The overwhelming energy flowing through his body gave him just one sensation,
No matter what appeared before him, he could destroy it with a single punch.
Even Kaguya at her peak…
Even her Expansive Truth-Seeking Ball, the power that could reshape or destroy a world...
He could blow it apart with one strike.
"Just as I predicted... this goes far beyond the third stage of Six Paths power. With time acceleration added... is this the fifth stage? Or maybe even the sixth?"
Kaede murmured to himself.
His Rinnegan reflected his golden-haired, blazing form. He chuckled.
"I really do look like a Super Saiyan right now."
He gave his fists another squeeze but resisted the urge to test his strength, he didn't want to accidentally shatter the entire shinobi world.
Silently, using Time Rewind, Kaede sealed away the Eight Gates Formation. The Six Paths cloak faded, and he returned to his normal appearance.
Looking around at the scorched and warped terrain caused just by the aftershock of entering Six Paths Eight Gates Mode, he exhaled lightly.
Then he looked up at the sky.
His gaze pierced the clouds, as if it could see past the atmosphere and into the stars beyond.
"It's been nearly seven years… When will you return, Otsutsuki Kaguya?"
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
He couldn't help but wonder…
With how strong she was, would she cry after taking a few punches?
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Following the graduation ceremony at the ninja academy, Naruto, Sasuke, and the others were officially assigned to teams.
Normally, two geniuses, especially ones who were known rivals, would never be placed on the same team.
But Kaede personally crafted the composition of Team 7, and deliberately put Naruto and Sasuke together.
In the end, Kakashi was chosen to be their leader.
It made sense, Naruto was the son of Kakashi's former sensei, Minato, and Sasuke was the younger brother of Uchiha Itachi, one of Kaede's personal students and a squad captain in Konoha's Hokage Guard.
Just as Kaede had predicted, Kurenai wasn't particularly interested in taking on new genin.
Neither were Rin, Shizune, or the others.
But Kakashi, as the Hokage's successor, needed to take a team for experience at this stage.
In fact, most jonin in Konoha were assigned genin teams to lead for at least a year or two, unless they were serving in Anbu or held other special posts.
It was standard practice.
Still is.
Since many of the children of former Sand, Mist, Cloud, and Stone shinobi had been sent to Konoha's academy for training, this year's graduating class was unusually large. There were so many students that Shikaku had already proposed switching to four-person squads next year.
Otherwise, they simply wouldn't have enough jonin to go around.
Kaede approved the change.
As for Hinata, since she had already become Kaede's student two years ago, and because her training path diverged from that of a standard ninja, she wasn't assigned to a team.
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"Kaede-sensei."
In the Hokage's office, Hinata bowed politely.
She had grown a little taller since two years ago, though her voice still carried a soft shyness.
But that gentleness was only surface-level.
By now, Hinata had mastered a considerable amount of Hamura's chakra. In terms of pure chakra volume, she had already surpassed most jonin, and her strength was closer to a Special jonin focused on chakra-based abilities.
"You're here, Hinata."
Kaede signed a document and set his pen aside.
Hinata nodded timidly.
"Mm."
Kaede was well aware of Hinata's current abilities, having trained her personally.
She no longer needed the foundational exercises most fresh graduates went through, what she needed now were real missions to continue developing.
After a moment of thought, Kaede said,
"Go take a mission… something like an escort assignment. Either C-rank or B-rank is fine."
"Yes, Kaede-sensei."
Hinata nodded obediently and left the office.
Moments later, she returned with a mission scroll and carefully placed it on Kaede's desk.
Kaede glanced at it.
"Escort actress Fujikaze Yukie to Yukigakure to film the final scenes of her movie. Ensure her safety during the journey…"
That name sounds familiar.
After scanning the scroll, Kaede pondered for a moment and said,
"Alright. Take this one. Complete it as a member of the Hokage Guard."
"U-Um… Kaede-sensei… can I really do it?"
Hinata looked unsure. She wasn't lacking in strength, but it was her first mission, and going solo made her understandably nervous.
Kaede smiled.
"You're strong enough. Don't worry. Have a little confidence. Besides, I'll be going with you."
"Eh…?"
Hinata blinked, surprised.
"Won't it interfere with your work, Sensei?"
She knew how busy Kaede was as Hokage.
Hiashi often reminded her not to disturb him unless it was absolutely necessary, even if he was her teacher.
Kaede reached out and gently patted her head.
"What kind of teacher doesn't accompany his student on their first mission?"
"Go get ready."
Hinata's cheeks turned bright red. She lowered her head and replied in a soft, sweet voice:
"Yes, Kaede-sensei…"
As he watched her leave the office, Kaede picked up the mission scroll once more, a thoughtful look crossing his face.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria