"This… this… this is the 'grass' you were talking about???"
Yamato's voice trembled in shock as he asked.
"When I first sensed it, it was just a little sapling—about the same size as grass. Then it grew bigger."
Shinju chuckled and explained.
Yamato looked up at the massive tree cradled in Shinju's hands, a storm raging in his heart!
That feeling…
It was like two men standing side-by-side at a urinal—one big, one small—the contrast painfully clear!
A wave of inferiority surged within him!
Back then, it had taken him three whole days just to coax out a single little flower!
Yet today, Shinju had taken less than a few minutes to produce a towering giant tree!!
This wasn't just genius anymore.
This was the reincarnation of the God of Shinobi!!
Seeing Yamato frozen in place for so long, Shinju thought his mysterious teacher might be dissatisfied with his progress. Summoning his courage, he asked quietly,
"Sensei… what's wrong? Did I not do well enough?"
Yamato: (´இ皿இ｀)
Not good enough?
If what you did counts as 'not good,' then who in this world has ever done well?!
From the time Orochimaru transplanted Hashirama Senju's cells into him and used him for Wood Release experiments until now, Yamato had spent well over a decade honing his craft.
So many years of experience.
And yet, if he were told to create a tree this massive without weaving any hand seals—relying solely on chakra control—it would still be incredibly difficult!
Shinju's Wood Release talent and perception were downright terrifying!
They might already be enough to rival the First Hokage himself, the man known as the God of Shinobi!
Suppressing the shock in his heart, Yamato slowly walked over, gave Shinju a meaningful pat on the shoulder, and after a long hesitation, said,
"Shinju… just… keep up the good work."
As for why he hesitated—
It was simply because Yamato couldn't think of any word worthy of describing Shinju's talent!
But to Shinju, it sounded completely different.
Hearing Yamato's hesitant tone, Shinju assumed his teacher wasn't satisfied. Clenching his fists, he declared,
"I'll work even harder!"
Yamato fell silent.
(||๐_๐)
Work harder?
At this rate, even if the First Hokage himself came back to life, he might not be your match!
"That's enough practice for today. You can head back now."
After some thought, Yamato finally spoke.
Just before Shinju left, Yamato added,
"Remember to keep reflecting on Wood Release when you're back home. After all, Wood Release is a very special kekkei genkai."
Shinju nodded and returned to Naruto's house.
By now, Naruto had finished his training. He eyed Shinju curiously.
"It's so late… where did you sneak off to just now?"
"Nothing, just went for a walk."
Shinju answered casually.
Naruto: "…"
→_→
If you don't want to tell me, at least come up with a better excuse!
Do you think I'm an idiot?!
Since Shinju clearly didn't want to elaborate, Naruto didn't press the issue and soon fell into a deep sleep.
...
Night.
On the bed, Shinju's eyes were wide open, his mind alert and far from sleepy.
He was mulling over the process of casting Wood Release…
...
Meanwhile—
The last surviving member of the Uchiha clan, Sasuke Uchiha, was in the courtyard of his home, relentlessly practicing the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.
He had to push himself.
He had to grow stronger!
He refused to be left behind by anyone!
Especially when he carried the weight of his clan's vengeance!
He needed to become powerful—fast!
Unfortunately, talent had its limits.
No matter how hard Sasuke tried, he couldn't find the key to mastering it!
At this moment, he was even more convinced of what he'd suspected all along—
It had to be that the Third Hokage was secretly giving Shinju special training!
Otherwise, how could someone just casually master an A-rank jutsu?!
...
The next day, in the Hokage's meeting hall.
Yamato knelt respectfully in the center of the chamber, recounting the life-shaking scene he had witnessed the night before.
"Hokage-sama, Shinju may one day become a man on par with the God of Shinobi!"
Yamato said excitedly.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, appeared deep in thought.
On the surface, he seemed as calm as still water.
But in truth, his heart was roiling like a stormy sea!
The 'God of Shinobi'—what kind of title was that?
It was the highest honor in the shinobi world, belonging only to the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju!
And now, Yamato—who was always so precise and reserved—was using it to describe Shinju!
Just what kind of extraordinary potential did Shinju have?
Could it be… that he truly was the reincarnation of the God of Shinobi?!
"Alright, I understand. You may go."
The Third Hokage waved a hand.
"Hokage-sama, please… you must ensure Shinju's safety. He's the most talented shinobi I've ever met!"
Even as he left, Yamato couldn't help but add that last plea.
The Third Hokage nodded, gesturing for him to leave.
Once Yamato was gone, Hiruzen walked to the large window in his office.
From here, he could see the distant Ninja Academy.
His gaze lingered far away, his thoughts unreadable.
...
Shinju's previous self had been a hardworking person.
Even though his ninjutsu talent was lacking, he had learned the academic material taught at the Ninja Academy exceptionally well.
This freed up more time for Shinju to focus on ninjutsu training.
Before long, another day of school passed, and night came again.
Yamato was already waiting outside Naruto's house, eager and curious to see what kind of surprise Shinju would bring him today.
Soon, Shinju appeared, his face full of joy.
"Sensei."
Shinju greeted warmly.
Wearing his mask, Yamato nodded in acknowledgment.
"Last night I told you to spend more time reflecting on Wood Release. So? Any results?"
Yamato asked first.
Shinju's expression brightened with excitement.
"A little insight! I realized Wood Release can be used for so many things—like planting trees, building houses, or performing sealing jutsu…"
"Not bad."
Yamato nodded in satisfaction.
Shinju continued enthusiastically,
"Especially for building houses—it's incredibly convenient! After school this evening, I built a brand-new house on my old foundation. I can move back in tomorrow!"
Yamato: "Huh?"
⊙▽⊙
Building houses?
"You can already use Wood Release freely?"
Yamato's voice jumped two pitches higher.
"Nope."
Shinju replied innocently.
Yamato let out a long sigh of relief.
Good.
For a moment, he'd thought Shinju had mastered simple Wood Release techniques after just a single day!
But on second thought… that was impossible.
Wood Release wasn't some ordinary ninjutsu. You'd have to be a monstrously gifted genius to develop Wood Release techniques after learning for just one day!
"It's just that I came up with over a hundred Wood Release jutsu last night. After school today, I went to an empty field to try them out, and found that I could use them."
Shinju added sweetly.
Yamato: "Good, so it's only—wait… WHAT?! You developed hundreds of Wood Release jutsu?!!"
(σ;Д)σ
This-this-this…
Hallucination!
It had to be a hallucination!!
"Shinju, what did you just say? I think I misheard."
After steadying himself, Yamato asked again.
Shinju looked puzzled.
"I said, last night I developed over a hundred Wood Release jutsu. That's what you specifically told me to do before you left."
I told you…?
I told you to sense Wood Release!
When did I tell you to develop jutsu?!
Yamato: …
His mental state was starting to crack!
Shinju didn't seem like the type to make things up just for attention.
Which meant… Yamato was already about 40–50% convinced.
As for the remaining disbelief—that was just the last shred of his worldview holding out.
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