As Tendo stepped into the center of the training field, a wave of whispers rippled through the gathered students. News of yesterday's duel had spread through the Academy like wildfire. To these aspirants, a man who could systematically dismantle the "Genius of the Hyūga" was a figure of mythic proportions.
It also didn't hurt that their new sensei was devastatingly handsome.
Ino Yamanaka, never one to let an opportunity pass, felt her clan's signature intuition tingle. The Yamanaka were known for their mental acuity and sensory "pork-snout" for detail, and Ino's gut told her that Tendo was the rising star of Konoha. She smoothed her hair, flashed a dazzling, sunny smile, and marched right up to him.
"I am Ino Yamanaka," she chirped, tilting her head with practiced grace. "Please take care of me from now on, Tendo-sensei."
Tendo looked at the girl—all platinum blonde hair and budding confidence—and was reminded of a bright daisy. He reached out and shook her hand, matching her smile with a professional warmth. "I am Tendo. A pleasure, Ino-san."
Behind them, Sakura Haruno's teeth audibly ground together. Ino-pig, always currying favor, she thought. But then she stole a glance at Sasuke, who was watching the exchange with a stony expression. Wait, if Ino is busy flirting with the teacher, that leaves Sasuke-kun all to me! Hehe, points for Sakura!
The social dynamics of the Ninja World were, as always, terrifyingly precocious.
The rest of the class followed suit. Sakura introduced herself with a polite bow; Akimichi Chōji mumbled a greeting through a mouthful of potato chips; and Nara Shikamaru sighed about the "troublesome" nature of new curriculum.
"Bad guy uncle! You really did come back to be a teacher!" Naruto yelled, grinning as he bounced on his heels.
A prominent vein throbbed on Tendo's forehead. Uncle? I'm eighteen! he screamed internally. The villagers might be cold to you, kid, but that big mouth of yours is doing you no favors. He shoved the boisterous Naruto aside to focus on the two he really needed: Hinata and Sasuke.
Hinata Hyūga was a study in crimson. Just standing in front of Tendo made her look like she was about to suffer a steam-induced meltdown.
"He... Tendo... Tendo-sensei... h-hello," she squeaked before turning and bolting back into the crowd like a frightened rabbit.
Then came the "Cool Boy" himself. Sasuke Uchiha didn't offer a smile or a quip. He stood tall, his gaze fixed on Tendo's with a cold, searching intensity. "Uchiha Sasuke," he said simply, before returning to the line.
Finally, Inuzuka Kiba approached. Usually the loudest dog in the yard, he looked uncharacteristically bashful. He leaned in close, his voice a low whisper meant only for Tendo's ears:
"Hello... Brother-in-law."
Tendo nearly choked on his own spit. He looked at the boy's sheepish grin and realized exactly who had coached him. "Akita told you to call me that, didn't she?"
Kiba nodded vigorously.
"I like the title," Tendo admitted, patting the boy on the shoulder, "but let's stick to 'Sensei' while we're on the clock. I'd like to keep my job for at least a week."
"Alright, class. Let's begin."
Tendo signaled for them to form a wide circle, standing in the center like the eye of a storm.
"The Lord Principal has tasked me with guiding you in actual combat. Before we start, I need an honest assessment. Who here has participated in real, simulated combat training?"
A few hands went up—mostly the clan heirs. Ino, Shikamaru, Chōji, Kiba, and Hinata. After a moment of visible hesitation, Sasuke raised his hand as well.
"The rest of you haven't," Tendo summarized, his voice dropping an octave. "And that is why the casualty rate for Genin on their first mission outside these walls reaches sixty percent."
The color drained from several faces. "Sixty percent?!" someone cried out.
Tendo let the silence hang. The data wasn't exactly a lie, though he was using some "creative" journalistic framing. Most of that sixty percent involved minor injuries or failed objectives, but "casualty" sounded far more ominous. It was a classic administrative tactic: strike fear first, provide the solution second.
"Quiet," Tendo commanded, and the field went silent. "Actual combat isn't a textbook subject. It requires three things: keen insight, strict discipline, and—most importantly—the courage to sacrifice yourself if the mission demands it."
He scanned the group, seeing a mix of terror and resolve. "But you're lucky. You still have time to learn. Today, we practice. Choose an opponent. Use any means. Carry the intent to kill, and strive to survive."
Sakura raised a trembling hand. "But Sensei... what if someone really gets hurt?"
Tendo offered a peaceful, almost saintly smile. "Between getting a bruise at school or a blade in the throat outside the village, which would you prefer? Don't worry. I'm here to stop you before the blood starts flowing."
The students traded nervous glances. Sensing the hesitation, Tendo decided it was time for a demonstration.
"To give you some confidence in your new instructor, let's have a warm-up match. Who wants to try and hit me?"
"I will."
Sasuke Uchiha stepped forward before the invitation had even fully left Tendo's lips. His face was a mask of cold determination, his eyes burning with a need to bridge the gap he'd felt yesterday. "I challenge you."
Naruto gnashed his teeth, cursing himself for being a second too slow. Stuck-up Sasuke! Always stealing the spotlight!
Tendo's smile widened, though it didn't reach his eyes. Perfect. You want to see the top of the mountain, kid? I'm about to show you just how high it goes.