Time trickled by. In the blink of an eye, three days had passed. During these days, Ye Mizunotsuki had been diligently attending the Ninja Academy as requested by Sarutobi Hiruzen, while also taking some time to organize his new home.
"Here we go again…"
Ye muttered in frustration, sitting in a corner of the classroom. He listened to Kurai's lecture as if reading from a book in a foreign language. Kurai's voice was precise and rhythmic; his words enunciated clearly. Below, the other kids nodded seriously, hanging on every word.
But something felt off. Was this really Konoha's Ninja Academy, and not some postgraduate exam prep class from his previous life?
"Let's analyze the homework from yesterday. Everyone, look at the diagram. Suppose Ninja A is standing atop a 12-meter tree. The parabola B represents the maximum range of his thrown kunai. Now, Ninja C is standing just outside this range. Determine how many collisions are needed if Ninja A throws two kunai to hit Ninja C at the minimum angle. Ignore air resistance and friction…"
Ye Mizunotsuki: "..."
Are you kidding me!?
Kurai continued confidently from the podium. Many of the kids nodded lightly, as if they understood. Ye twitched at the corners of his eyes, feeling that this scene was completely absurd.
A ninja wasn't supposed to be studying advanced math and physics all day! Yet, over the past three days, he had witnessed numerous lessons involving mechanics, advanced geometry, and even some specialized physics knowledge — utterly shattering his worldview.
At that moment, he finally understood what the Third Hokage had said: he might possess strength comparable to a genin, but being a genin wasn't as simple as he imagined.
No wonder Konoha's ninja were unmatched in quality — their education covered all dimensions: virtue, intelligence, physique, arts, and labor.
Cough.
Feeling his head spin from the mental overload and secretly wishing he could buy a three-year mock exam workbook to catch up, Ye saw Kurai finally finish the problem. He tossed the chalk aside, leaned heavily on the desk, and coughed.
"One year! Less than a year remains in your academic journey. I hope you're mentally prepared. Don't assume graduating automatically makes you a qualified ninja. A ninja is not something one can simply become. Choosing the path without the necessary talent will only bring harm to yourself and others."
"I hope that within this year, everyone seriously considers whether they truly want to become a ninja. I believe now is the right time to tell you this. Otherwise, I would be a completely irresponsible teacher."
Kurai's gaze grew somber, as if recalling some unforgettable past event. Perhaps some students might not fully grasp the weight of his words now, but one day, he believed, they would understand and make choices suited to themselves.
Harm to self and others? Konoha's teaching really is… 'gentle'.
Ye suddenly recalled the "Demon Man Legend" he had overheard while escaping Kirigakure. In that batch, only one student had graduated — presumably Zabuza.
"Alright, that concludes today's lesson. By the way, if anyone still has questions about the problem I just explained, feel free to ask at any time. Don't be shy or worry about being judged by classmates. Never…"
Ye had wanted to raise his hand, but after hearing Kurai's added commentary, he let the thought go. He had practically given up on using his brain for combat — better to rely on instinct and body alone.
After all, all Jonin fight on instinct or innate talent. The battlefield never affords the luxury of calculations!
Cultural knowledge might only help a talentless person become a genin — except for someone like Orochimaru, a freak who prioritized science above all else.
"Ye Mizunotsuki, want to go shopping with me?"
After class, a crisp, childlike voice interrupted Ye's thoughts. He looked up to see a short black-haired girl tugging another girl's hand, half-bending expectantly toward him. Her starry eyes sparkled like the heavens, while the other girl had bright violet hair and eyes like a still autumn lake, her skin flawless and delicate as the finest porcelain.
Ye's gaze quickly swept over the two girls. They were a perfect three-day investment — worth every second of attention.
"Whoa! Azuki, you're way too direct!"
The violet-haired girl blushed, tugging on Azuki's sleeve and muttering quietly, startled by Ye's examining gaze.
Mitara Azuki… Uzuki Yugao…
Ye momentarily lost himself in thought. Despite being a minor side character, these two were strikingly beautiful.
Even though Ye had acted somewhat distant and assertive on his first day, it didn't stop some girls from being curious about him. Could this be the famous "handsome boy gets whatever he wants" phenomenon?
Indeed, Azuki and Yugao were the two girls most curious about him. Over the past two days, they occasionally approached him. Especially Azuki, who seemed to have some special reason for doing so.
"Hey! Are you coming or not? I can treat you to some delicious fried dumplings!"
Seeing Ye still daydreaming, Azuki suddenly tapped his shoulder. A flicker of jealousy flashed through her — the person she respected had mentioned this boy, and even seemed slightly impressed!
"Another genius, huh…"
Hmph. So what? Just because he can use ice-style jutsu? I can do jutsu too! Azuki grumbled silently. Yugao, her friend, was also curious about Ye.
Three days ago, that incident had left a deep impression. For a girl not yet a genin, it was shocking.
Every girl had a "prince" fantasy. Compare to Sasuke — and Ye was even more handsome, deadly in charm, practically irresistible to both genders!
"Uh… alright."
Ye thought for a moment and didn't refuse. He suddenly remembered he still needed a wooden tub for bathing at home — perfect for shopping.
"Then hurry up and get ready! The dumpling vendor's uncle will be leaving soon!"
Azuki clapped her hands in delight, while blushing Yugao smiled slightly at the corners of her mouth.