"Iruka, what do you think is the most important thing for a genius?"
The Third Hokage asked with a solemn expression.
Iruka straightened his back, sitting formally. After thinking for a while, he replied, "Growth."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes showed approval. "Exactly."
"The ninja world has never been short of geniuses."
"But because of the constant wars between nations, the dangers of missions outside the village, and countless other reasons, very few geniuses actually grow to their full potential."
"That's why protecting geniuses, teaching them, and helping them develop is of utmost importance."
"And among all that, tempering a genius's mindset is absolutely essential. You must never allow them to become arrogant."
"In battle, arrogance and underestimating your opponent means death."
"So, Hokage-sama, what you're saying is…" Iruka asked cautiously.
The Third Hokage pondered for a moment before speaking.
"Don't let Shinju become overly arrogant, but give him appropriate recognition."
Iruka's eyes lit up in surprise, his mind suddenly feeling as if a veil had been lifted.
As expected of the Hokage!
This kind of teaching would neither make a genius arrogant nor crush their spirit, but instead help them build confidence.
"I understand!"
With that, Iruka left the Hokage's office, clearly excited.
After Iruka left…
The Third Hokage waved his hand, summoning a masked ANBU operative.
"Yamato, do you think Shinju might be able to use Wood Release?"
The ANBU, called Yamato by the Hokage, knelt respectfully on the office floor and answered truthfully,
"Wood Release was the First Hokage's signature technique, an extremely rare kekkei genkai."
"Back then, Orochimaru experimented on countless children, but in the end, I was the only one who survived."
"We can't let a genius take such a dangerous risk…"
Hiruzen chuckled at his words.
"What are you thinking? I would never use human life for experiments."
"What I mean is—based on Shinju's special bloodline and the talent he's already shown, could he naturally awaken Wood Release?"
At that, Yamato fell silent. After a long pause, he answered, "I do not know, Hokage-sama."
...
Ninja Academy.
Inside the classroom.
Iruka-sensei had finally returned.
The moment he stepped through the door, his eyes landed on Shinju, who was sitting quietly in the corner.
Determined to put the Third Hokage's words into practice, he planned to give Shinju some recognition—just enough to encourage him, but not so much that it would make him arrogant.
Iruka walked over, patted Shinju on the shoulder, and said in an encouraging tone,
"Your Clone Technique earlier was pretty good. Keep it up."
Shinju's eyes lit up.
He'd been praised!
Recognized!
That meant there was hope for him to stay in the academy!
"Yes, sensei! I'll work even harder from now on!" Shinju said, his voice tinged with excitement.
"Hmm…"
Iruka nodded thoughtfully—or so it seemed. In reality, his eyelid twitched like crazy.
Work harder?!
If this kid has a few more sudden flashes of insight, I might as well hand in my resignation as a teacher!
The day's classes soon came to an end.
As usual, before dismissal, Iruka reminded the students about what to review for the next day.
"Tomorrow we'll be testing everyone's shuriken skills. Don't let me down."
As he spoke, Iruka noticed the eager look in Shinju's eyes.
A small, smug smile formed in Iruka's heart.
Tomorrow's a shuriken review—let's see if you've got any hidden tricks for that!
After all, shuriken tests are judged solely on accuracy. There's no other standard!
...
After school, Shinju walked side by side with Naruto.
Naruto opened his mouth, intending to invite Shinju to hang out.
But when he saw Shinju's focused expression, he guessed that Shinju was probably going to spend the evening training again, so he didn't say it aloud.
"Shinju, remember to take care of your body while you train," Naruto reminded him.
Shinju nodded.
"Alright, I will. Sorry, Naruto, but I can't hang out the next couple of days."
"My learning progress is way behind. If this keeps up, I won't be able to graduate."
Seeing how serious Shinju was about his studies, Naruto understood.
...
Shinju returned home.
Looking at the empty room, he went into the kitchen to cook.
After eating, he immediately threw himself into training with his full focus!
Late at night, under the faint moonlight.
In the yard, a wooden training dummy stood in front.
Shu shu shu!
One after another, shuriken flew from Shinju's hands.
Without exception, each one struck dead center on the target!
Just as he was about to move on to the next stage of shuriken practice…
He noticed something.
Under the pale moonlight, a shadow appeared in front of him.
Someone was watching him from behind!
A chill ran down Shinju's spine in an instant.
He spun around nervously, flicking his wrist to launch several shuriken!
Shu shu shu!
The shuriken gleamed under the night sky as they shot toward the dark figure crouched atop his courtyard wall.
Just as they were about to hit…
Whip, whip, whip!
Something like vines shot from the figure's body, knocking all of Shinju's shuriken away!
In the next instant, the mysterious intruder leapt down into the yard!
Shinju quickly backed away, alert.
Although the nations were currently at peace, tensions between the hidden villages still lingered.
He'd heard that people sometimes dropped dead in Konoha—rumor had it they'd been killed by assassins from other villages.
Cold sweat formed on his forehead.
Could the person in front of him be an assassin sent from another village?!
The thought made him clench his fists tightly.
He had only just crossed into this world—not a chance was he going to die here for nothing!
"No matter who you are, I won't yield!"
With a shout, Shinju formed the hand seal for Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!
The next moment—
Whshshshsh…
Thousands of shadow clones appeared in the yard!
The dark figure froze for a split second at the sight.
Shinju seized the rare opportunity—every clone charged at the intruder!
Caught off guard, the dark figure was overwhelmed and knocked to the ground!
Of course, Shinju wasn't naïve enough to think his clones could actually defeat a powerful shinobi from another village.
But while they were buying him time, a sudden flash of inspiration struck him!
Gathering chakra into his palm, letting it flow in irregular patterns while compressing it—
Forming a palm-sized sphere of pure, natureless chakra!
This was—the Rasengan!
And this technique wasn't demanding to perform. No need for a long sequence of hand seals—he should be able to use it with ease!
Determined, Shinju began focusing chakra into his palm.
Every ounce of his energy flowed into it…
Soon, a Rasengan swirling with violent, compressed chakra appeared in his hand!
By then, all the clones holding off the intruder had been dispelled.
The dark figure got to his feet, opening his mouth as if to speak.
"I—"
But before he could finish, Shinju charged forward, Rasengan in hand!
"Die for me!!!"
----------------
For each review +1 Chapter
Pls Drop some Power Stones
+100 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo