He pulled back his thoughts and led his three disciples toward the palace.
Walking through the bustling streets of Cerulean Harbor and passing through the Uchiha clan area, they arrived before the towering gates of the palace.
Pushing the gates open and entering, they were greeted by a long corridor.
On both sides of the corridor were exquisite dry landscape gardens, with white sand covering the ground and rocks scattered artfully.
Passing through the corridor, the main hall suddenly came into view.
The main hall faced the sea. Pushing open the sliding doors leading to the porch, a salty sea breeze rushed over them.
Where the sea met the sky in the distance, ships of Cerulean Harbor traveled slowly across the water.
The view of the sea meeting the sky looked exceptionally pleasant.
The three of them were shocked by Gento's palace.
"Is... is this Lord Gento's home?"
Ino opened her mouth wide, her eyes staring straight ahead.
Sakura was also dumbfounded.
Her gaze drifted between the exquisite folding screens, tall pillars, and wide gardens.
Although Hinata was born in the Hyuga clan and had a much broader horizon, at this moment, she was so nervous that she did not even dare to lift her head.
Wringing the corner of her clothes with her fingers, she did not even know where to put her feet.
Gento led them through the main hall and came to the side hall.
He pushed open the door, revealing a spacious and bright room inside, covered with brand-new tatami mats that emitted a faint scent of rush grass.
The paper windows faced the garden. Outside were meticulously trimmed pines and cypresses along with a small pond, where koi swam leisurely.
Thinking about how the news of Hidden Gento Village possessing the Tailed Beast had already leaked, and that the village was very likely to be targeted by Obito, Gento decided to keep his three disciples by his side for their safety.
Gento said:
"I am usually busy with official business. To make it convenient for me to guide you at any time..."
"You will live here from now on."
"There are many empty rooms in the side hall of the palace. Each of you can pick one."
"Servants will take care of your daily lives. If you need anything, just say it at any time."
"Li... live here?"
Hinata finally gathered the courage to lift her head, but her voice was as quiet as a mosquito's buzz.
"What? You don't want to?"
Gento asked with a smile.
"N... No... I..."
Hinata's face turned even redder.
Ino stuck out her tongue, but she could not hide the excited look on her face.
Having grown up in the Hidden Leaf Village, although her clan's land was not small, it paled in comparison to this palace.
Besides, living in such a luxurious place with servants to take care of her...
Just thinking about it made her feel incredibly delighted.
Gento walked to the main seat and sat down, gesturing for the three of them to sit as well.
The three girls sat in the guest seats one by one. Hinata sat next to Sakura, and Ino sat on the outermost side.
A maid brought tea and snacks from the outer room, placed them in front of them, and then withdrew.
Gento picked up his teacup, took a sip, and swept his gaze across their faces one by one.
"Let's start with self-introductions."
"You can introduce your abilities to make it easier for me to guide you in the future."
"Who's first?"
Ino was the first to stand up.
Placing her hands on her hips and raising her chin slightly, her smile was full of confidence:
"I'll go first!"
"My name is Ino Yamanaka, a Hidden Leaf Genin, and I specialize in the mind hidden techniques of the Yamanaka clan."
"The Mind Transfer Jutsu can control the enemy's body for a short time, and the Mind Distraction Jutsu can disrupt the opponent's movements."
"Although I'm not very proficient yet, as long as you give me time, I will definitely become the strongest kunoichi in the Hidden Leaf!"
After she finished speaking, she cast a provocative glance at Sakura.
Sakura stood up, refusing to show any weakness.
With an unyielding look flashing in her eyes, she said:
"My name is Sakura Haruno, a Hidden Leaf Genin."
"I don't have a background from a major shinobi clan like Ino does, but I am very good at ninjutsu theory. I was always first in the Ninja Academy's written exams."
"I also master chakra extraction and application very quickly."
"In addition, I have recently started practicing taijutsu."
"My dream is to become a shinobi who surpasses Lady Tsunade!"
"I will prove myself through hard work!"
Gento nodded and said:
"Haha, as for that dream of yours, I have already achieved it."
Sakura looked utterly bewildered.
Hearing Sakura's speech, Ino felt a bit outshone and couldn't help but feel slightly displeased.
She exchanged glances with Sakura, her eyes full of hostility.
Sparks seemed to fly through the air.
Hinata sat on the far edge, her head lowered, her hands wringing the corner of her clothes.
Her lips moved several times, but she never dared to speak.
"Hinata."
Gento spoke to encourage her.
"It's your turn."
"I... I... My name is Hinata Hyuga..."
"A Hidden Leaf... Genin..."
"I... I specialize in the Gentle Fist... and Byakugan... I can see through chakra points... and the flow of chakra..."
"But... but I'm not very good at fighting..."
Her voice grew softer and softer, until it was almost inaudible at the end.
Gento did not rush her, but simply waited quietly.
After a moment, Hinata took a deep breath and mustered the courage to lift her head:
"I will... I will work hard!"
"Please... please guide me well, Master!"
After speaking, she quickly lowered her head again.
Gento nodded and stood up.
"Now that you have all finished introducing yourselves, it is my turn next."
"My name is Gento Uchiha."
"I specialize in dojutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu, and ninjutsu of all elements."
"The three of you have different talents and characteristics. Later on, based on your respective advantages, I will give you in-depth guidance and help you develop a combat style that suits you."
"Ino's mind hidden techniques need to be coordinated with genjutsu and scouting abilities to achieve their maximum effect."
"Sakura's chakra control and taijutsu talent can lead to a medical and close-combat path in the future."
"Hinata's Byakugan and Gentle Fist also have a lot of room for improvement."
The three girls' eyes lit up as they listened.
A legendary figure was actually planning their future in person!
This feeling was simply like a dream.
Just as they looked at him with admiration, Gento changed his tone.
"However, combat is not just about talking."
"For the next few days, you should first get used to life in the palace and adjust your condition."
"Once I have arranged my current affairs, I will take you to accept missions."
"Actual combat is the best teacher."
"Yes!"
The three of them responded.
Gento stood up and adjusted his clothes:
"I still need to go and see the arrangements for the other Leaf shinobi. For now, walk around the palace by yourselves and get familiar with the environment."
"If you need anything, just look for the servants or Mabui."
He walked toward the door. When he reached the door, he stopped and looked back at the three girls.
"Don't be so formal; this will be your home from now on."
He pushed open the door and walked out, his footsteps gradually fading away.
The moment the door closed, the atmosphere in the room suddenly relaxed.
Ino let out a long breath:
"Phew... that was terrifyingly tense! Teacher Gento's aura is just too strong! Just now, I didn't even dare to breathe heavily."
Sakura also relaxed her shoulders:
"Yeah... but he is really nice, and he speaks quite nicely."
Ino rolled over and propped her chin with her hands, her eyes sparkling.
"But we are truly so lucky to be personally guided by such a powerhouse!"
She suddenly sat up, nudged Sakura with her elbow, and lowered her voice, her eyes full of mischievous laughter:
"Hey, Sakura, does our relationship with Teacher count as... living together?"
Sakura rolled her eyes at her, but her face flushed slightly:
"What 'living together'!"
"You are just staying at Teacher's house temporarily! I'm the one living with Teacher!"
"Nonsense! You big-forehead!"
"Damn it, what did you say?!"
The two traded barbs, their voices growing louder and louder, neither willing to yield.
Sitting to the side, Hinata wanted to stop the fight but did not know what to say.
"Everyone... pl... please stop fighting..."
She opened her mouth several times, but each time her voice was drowned out by their louder shouting.
Just as the two were arguing heatedly, the door was suddenly pushed open.
The three girls fell silent at the same time.
Their bodies instinctively sat up straight, hands placed on their knees, and heads lowered.
Obviously, they all thought Gento had returned.
They all sat up straight with solemn expressions.
There was a few seconds of dead silence in the room.
Then, a babyish voice sounded:
"Who are you guys? Why are you in my house?"
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