Disbandment
"In terms of potential, I think Bai Ye and Kakashi have the best chance."
After Obito made his comment, a lively discussion broke out among the group.
"Isn't Kakashi already considered Jiraiya's disciple? I feel like that might disqualify him. Bai Ye probably has a better chance."
"There's still a difference in how they're viewed. I think Kakashi still stands a chance."
Regardless of the specifics, it was clear to most that Bai Ye was the most likely candidate to be chosen by one of the Legendary Sannin. Kakashi, though talented, had a more ambiguous standing when it came to mentorship opportunities.
As for the other contenders, judgment wasn't easy. Kazuhiko, for instance, was undeniably strong, but much of his success came from mastering fundamental taijutsu and basic ninjutsu techniques during his Genin period. Few were capable of mastering more advanced jutsu at that level.
That sort of straightforward yet effective style could easily overwhelm many opponents. But only Bai Ye, with the power of Hyorinmaru, had the sheer suppressive force to match him.
Of course, age also played a role. If Kazuhiko were as young as Shichi and already commanding that many parasites, his talent would be considered nothing short of monstrous.
"Stop talking about me. I'm not interested in becoming a disciple of the Sannin, alright?"
Bai Ye's voice was laced with exasperation as he glanced at the group.
Sure, the Sannin were legends—especially Jiraiya, a character Bai Ye had admired even in his past life—but he wasn't interested in becoming anyone's student.
Over the years, he had dabbled in countless ninjutsu techniques, yet he had never succeeded in mastering even one. With the Zanpakutō system bolstering his strength, he had almost completely abandoned traditional ninjutsu in favor of developing his Soul Reaper abilities.
At present, the only high-level technique he could use effectively was the Eight Gates, a forbidden taijutsu method that didn't require precise chakra control—only brute force.
This bothered Bai Ye deeply. Despite having excellent chakra control, his body simply rejected techniques that required chakra manipulation, making him rely on the raw, destructive methods that didn't match his style.
Even if he trained under the Sannin, unless he solved his fundamental problem—his inability to properly execute ninjutsu—he wouldn't be able to learn anything meaningful.
Take Jiraiya's Sage Mode for example—leaving aside whether Bai Ye could even learn senjutsu, the sheer chakra requirements already excluded him. That path was a dead end.
He was interested in Tsunade's superhuman strength and chakra-enhanced techniques, but he doubted he could truly master them. At best, he could learn the basics through observation.
As for Orochimaru—Bai Ye had no interest in the man. The idea of researching the human body was repulsive, and he had no desire to be turned into a vessel. The thought of ending up like Anko, branded with a curse mark and manipulated from within, made his skin crawl.
Besides, Bai Ye genuinely liked his current life. He completed routine missions with Yue and Yuyan, enjoyed his free time, trained alone, and occasionally shared a meal with friends. It was peaceful and fulfilling.
Becoming someone's disciple and roaming across the world without direction didn't appeal to him. It wasn't that he doubted the Sannin's ability to teach, but if he couldn't learn ninjutsu, following them would be a waste. He'd rather keep training under Might Duy, who at least shared his physical approach.
"I think Anko has a solid chance of becoming Orochimaru's disciple."
Bai Ye's words were speculative, based on what he remembered from the original timeline. He wasn't yet making major waves that would disrupt canon events, so he expected history to stay on track for now.
"Don't joke like that. With how I performed? No way Orochimaru would pick me."
Anko frowned at him, clearly unconvinced. Becoming a Sannin's apprentice was the kind of dream she barely dared to entertain.
"Why are you all still gossiping? The Sannin left a while ago."
Ibiki's sudden interruption drew everyone's attention. Sure enough, the Legendary Sannin were gone, and the other examinees had already started leaving the venue.
"If they weren't going to choose anyone, they shouldn't have gotten our hopes up."
Yuyan muttered, visibly annoyed. She hadn't expected much, but she had deliberately performed well during the exams in hopes of catching Tsunade's eye. Now that hope was gone. She had really wanted to interact with Tsunade's students and gain some real medical knowledge.
Rin, too, was quietly disappointed, though she hid it well behind a composed expression.
The others didn't take it as hard. Most hadn't been desperate for such recognition.
Yue, on the other hand, remained unaffected. Her main motivation for wanting to study under Jiraiya had been Konan. She knew Jiraiya was one of the Legendary Sannin, and she had heard countless stories about him, but she hadn't bothered to study his techniques or specialties in depth.
"If things go well in a few days, I might be able to introduce you to someone. She should be Tsunade's disciple by now."
Bai Ye spoke to Yuyan, sensing her disappointment. It was a small gesture of comfort.
Since Tsunade was in the village, it was likely that Shizune had returned with her. If so, Bai Ye could find her and arrange a meeting. Even if she hadn't been officially taken in yet, getting acquainted early wouldn't hurt. He realized, now that he thought about it, that he'd never actually seen Shizune in the village before.
"Really? When did Lady Tsunade take on a disciple? You're not just making this up, are you?"
Yuyan's mood immediately brightened, her earlier gloom forgotten. Her eyes locked onto Bai Ye, full of anticipation.
She and Rin had been struggling on their own. Hizashi and Minato had little to offer when it came to medical ninjutsu, so they had relied solely on books and self-study. Any opportunity to connect with someone professionally trained would massively boost their progress.
"Alright, let's go. Everyone's already leaving."
Bai Ye nudged Yuyan forward. He hadn't eaten all day, and after such an intense fight, hunger hit him hard. He planned to explain things properly over dinner—when he actually had the energy for it.
"Shichi, you're still too lazy."
As Bai Ye reached the exit, he spotted Kazuhiko scolding Shichi. The boy's clothes were still damp—likely from being thawed out of the ice.
"I'll fight you again—after my research succeeds."
Kazuhiko gave a curt nod to Bai Ye, issued his challenge, and then walked off without sparing a word for Shichi.
"Kakashi, looks like he's only interested in fighting Bai Ye. Seems you're still not strong enough."
Obito jabbed Kakashi in the ribs with a smirk.
"Hey, your silence means you agree?"
The commotion slowly died down. All that remained was an exam room in shambles—one that would need to be rebuilt from scratch.
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