"Yes… right there, Rin. A little gentler. Good—your touch is getting steadier."
Uchiha Seiji spoke softly as he guided Nohara Rin in learning the Mystical Palm Technique. For an Academy student, tackling an A-rank jutsu was brutal—hell, even most jōnin couldn't pull it off.
But Rin wasn't the type to give up. Sweat beaded on her nose, her hands trembling as she tried to follow every word of Seiji's instructions.
After a long while, exhausted, she sighed. "I still can't do it, Seiji-kun…"
Shisui, standing to the side, nodded firmly in encouragement. "Rin, don't get discouraged. People like my brother are one in a million. You've already done amazing."
Seiji waved it off, smirking. "Please. I'm no genius. When I was your age, I couldn't even get the Clone Technique right."
Both Rin and Shisui rolled their eyes in unison. At this point, nobody bought his "late bloomer" routine anymore.
Seiji's expression shifted as he held up a hand, a green glow blooming at his fingertips. "The Mystical Palm Technique comes down to two things: forming medical chakra and controlling its intensity."
"Medical chakra means breaking down chakra into tiny, gentle fragments that heal. Neutral chakra works fine, but Yang Release chakra is ideal—it stimulates the body's natural recovery. At higher levels, medical ninjutsu is basically a specialized use of Yang Release, like the Akimichi clan's secret arts."
"As for control… that's pure grind. But you've got a natural gift for it, Rin. Keep training every day, and you'll get there."
Rin nodded seriously, her eyes shining. "I'll work hard, Seiji-kun."
This was knowledge she couldn't get in the Academy—stuff even many instructors after graduation didn't know. To her, every word Seiji said was precious.
Meanwhile, Seiji's mind drifted elsewhere.
What if I combined the Sharingan's "copy" and "hypnosis" abilities? Could I force a ninja to mimic movements they normally couldn't, essentially teaching them a jutsu by proxy until their body memorized it?
It was like teaching a kid to ride a bike. You hold them steady at first—but once you let go, the muscle memory kicks in.
If his guess was right… then presto: instant crash course in advanced jutsu.
Come one, come all—Master Seiji's express training! Don't pay 998, don't pay a dime—just bring your Fire Will loyalty card.
"Hey, Tobirama," Seiji said suddenly, mentally pinging the grumpy ghost stuck with him. "Bet you I can get Rin to pull this off today."
Senju Tobirama, still rattled from taking the first written test of his afterlife, was anxiously waiting for his results. He clearly dreaded Seiji scoring a perfect hundred while he only got ninety-nine.
"Brat, don't spout nonsense," Tobirama scoffed. "If you can make a seven-year-old master an A-rank technique, Sarutobi might as well step down and hand you the Academy."
He waved dismissively. "Even if I taught her, I couldn't guarantee results in a week. And you think you can?"
Seiji chuckled. "Same wager as always. If I lose, I'll owe you a favor. If I win… no need to bow and grovel—just give me some training tips now and then."
"Hmph. If you want me as your teacher, just admit it." Tobirama's lips curled in amusement. "Not that I'd accept."
The old man sounded smug—almost flattered, really. Though he masked it with his usual stone face, Seiji could feel the satisfaction radiating off him.
"Old man, you're dangerously close to self-obsessed. Might wanna reflect on your so-called Will of Fire."
Ignoring Tobirama's indignant snort, Seiji turned to Rin. "Rin, I've got a bold idea. It might get you into the Mystical Palm fast. But you'll have to trust me completely. No promises it'll work. Want to try?"
Rin blinked, surprised. Then she nodded earnestly. "I trust you, Seiji-kun. Even if there's risk, I don't mind."
"Good. Then we'll head near the Hokage Building and wait for Guy and his father. If you want to master this, we'll need live practice. Plus… I might be able to help his dad's old injuries."
"I've watched Might Duy from a distance," Seiji added, eyes narrowing. "He's strong, but his body's full of hidden damage. Could ruin his career if left unchecked."
Shisui's eyes lit up. "Brother… you really are a genius carrying the Will of Fire!"
Rin nodded quickly in agreement. For her, this was special too—the first real "patient" of her ninja life.
"Father! I'm a genius! Uchiha Seiji himself called me a hardworking genius—even more talented than Kakashi!"
Seven-year-old Might Guy ran with boundless energy, fists pumping, eyes blazing. His faith had been shaky before, wavering when people mocked his father's odd clothes and his own struggles. But Seiji's blunt encouragement—that he was a genius—lit a fire in him that wouldn't die out.
Behind him, Might Duy smiled proudly, cheering his son's enthusiasm. But as Guy charged ahead, Duy's own steps slowed.
"Guy… you've found an incredible friend. I'm proud of you."
He pressed a hand to his lower back, wincing. Years of malnutrition and punishing training had carved scars into his body that even his iron will couldn't ignore.
But then Guy's voice rang out again in the distance:
"Father! Seiji-kun is training too! He's amazing!"
Duy's eyes burned. Pushing down the stabbing pain, he flashed his trademark grin, teeth gleaming as he broke into a run. He had to thank Seiji—the genius who had truly cheered on his son's youth.