Early the next morning, Shin was jogging along the road when he happened to spot Might Guy. His heart stirred, and he tried using the "Low-Level Skill Copy Card."
"Use 'Low-Level Skill Copy Card' on 'Might Guy'?"
Uh…
No.
Worried that it might not be reversible, Shin canceled the attempt.
Might Guy didn't stop.
In Konoha, plenty of people jogged in the morning. Running into a few ninjas wasn't anything unusual.
Around eight o'clock, Shin finished breakfast and headed toward the ninja academy.
…
At the school gate, a familiar figure sat on a swing, holding a drawing board. A pen moved swiftly across the paper.
In just a short while, the scene at the entrance was roughly sketched out.
A bright smile appeared on her face.
"How does it feel?"
"Ah?" Yakumo Kurama was startled. When she turned and saw that familiar face, she relaxed. "Teacher Shin…"
"Your parents didn't come with you?" Shin asked with a gentle smile.
After finishing breakfast, he had come to school and immediately noticed this striking girl at the entrance.
Yakumo shook her head lightly, a joyful smile appearing on her face. "I said I could come by myself, so they let me walk here alone."
She swung her legs as she looked at the school in front of her. "Before I left school, I never thought coming back could feel this happy…"
At such a young age, she carried a maturity that tugged at the heart.
Shin didn't show it, only smiled faintly. "Have all the formalities been completed?"
"Mm. Teacher Kurenai said the Hokage has already transferred me to your class, so… please take care of me!"
Yakumo nervously twirled a strand of her hair.
Shin smiled. "Let's go. My class is the first period this morning. I'll take you to meet everyone."
"Thank you very much!" Yakumo stood up and bowed politely.
Shin waved his hand quickly. "No need to be so formal. Just treat me as a friend."
"Yes." Yakumo smiled sweetly.
Shin led her into the school. While registering at the gate, he casually glanced into the distance.
If he wasn't mistaken…
Although Yakumo had come alone, ANBU were hidden nearby, ensuring her safety.
That wasn't a bad thing.
After entering the school, he led Yakumo straight toward the classroom, though he didn't walk very quickly.
After following him for a while, Yakumo couldn't help but say, "Teacher, you don't need to slow down for me. I can walk normally."
Shin turned back and laughed. "You misunderstand. I'm not taking care of you—I'm taking care of others."
Suppressing his smile, he explained, "Some people in class tend to be late. If I arrive a bit later, I can give them a chance."
"Ah?" Yakumo's face flushed red as she lowered her head, saying nothing.
When they reached the classroom, Shin made a "quiet" gesture.
The room instantly fell silent.
He swept his gaze across the class, a faint cold smile appearing on his face. "Naruto and Kiba aren't here… very good. We'll deal with them later."
He looked toward the door.
"We have a new classmate today."
Yakumo Kurama stepped inside and bowed lightly. "Hello, everyone. My name is Yakumo Kurama."
Her complexion was pale in an unhealthy way, but the nervous flush on her cheeks added a hint of vitality.
At first, there was silence, then enthusiastic applause and cheers.
After all, she was beautiful.
Moreover, a transfer student joining midway was a rare occurrence in the academy.
Shin smiled faintly. "Ino, there's an empty seat next to you. Can she sit there?"
"O-Of course!" Yamanaka Ino didn't expect to be called out. She froze for a moment before quickly standing up.
Yakumo walked down holding her drawing board, bowed in thanks, and then sat down.
"You're all classmates. Take care of each other. If I find out anyone is bullying or harassing others…"
Shin's gaze swept across them, carrying a hint of sharp intimidation.
The original students immediately shook their heads, indicating they wouldn't—but Naruto outside didn't think so.
He had rushed over and just happened to hear that line. It was hard to evaluate.
While he was still thinking about how to sneak in, a voice came from inside:
"Naruto, Kiba, don't bother coming in. Go run ten laps on the field."
Bullying… harassment…
Yanagi Shin was the biggest bully of all!
Naruto grumbled inwardly, but he still had no choice except to run. Seeing Naruto being so obedient, Inuzuka Kiba sighed and followed along reluctantly.
Shin smiled and led the class to the training field.
Taijutsu training wasn't something achieved in a single day. It required steady accumulation over time.
Although he focused on a few promising students, he didn't neglect the others either. He made sure to look after everyone.
After all, he had an image to maintain.
However…
Yakumo Kurama would have a hard time.
Fortunately, he had a solution.
Shin smiled. "Yakumo, you don't need to run with them."
Yakumo hesitated.
She didn't want special treatment, but at the same time, she knew her body couldn't handle such exercise.
Shin smiled. "Walk instead, and draw them running while you do. How about that?"
"Of course!" Yakumo's eyes lit up as she quickly grabbed her drawing board and pen.
The others looked surprised.
Especially Ino.
"You can draw too?"
"Mm." Yakumo nodded and handed over her drawing board. "This is what I drew this morning."
"Wow! This is amazing!" Ino's eyes sparkled.
Shikamaru glanced at it—and then couldn't look away.
The familiar school gate, parents accompanying their children into the academy.
But…
In the next moment, he frowned slightly.
The perspective and composition…
It gave him a feeling of loneliness, yet also a desire to belong.
Shikamaru looked at Yakumo thoughtfully.
"Alright, let's begin." Shin clapped his hands.
On the training field, Yakumo held the drawing board in one hand while trying to draw with the other as she walked.
So hard!
She thought to herself.
The others watched in astonishment as she actually drew while walking.
Even Sasuke was surprised.
Everyone shared the same thought—
That works?
…
Inside the Third Hokage's office, Kurenai Yuhi stared intently at the crystal ball. When she saw Shin's arrangement, surprise appeared on her face, followed by delight.
"So it can be solved like this!"
"Mm…" The Third Hokage pondered for a moment, then looked at Kurenai. "If I recall, she uses drawing to release her genjutsu?"
"Yes. If she can draw while walking, it will greatly help her in future battles. It also prevents Yakumo from feeling frustrated. This is incredible!"
Kurenai was visibly excited.
She had never imagined that Yakumo's issue at school could be resolved this way.
It was killing multiple birds with one stone!
"I overlooked it as well. To become a ninja, Yakumo doesn't just need one-on-one genjutsu instruction—she needs to learn how to be a normal ninja…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi quietly let out a sigh of relief.
Although he acknowledged Shin's teaching ability, he had still harbored some doubts about whether Shin could guide Yakumo in the right direction.
Now it seemed…
There was no problem at all.
Hiruzen looked up and smiled. "Are you still worried now?"
"Of course not. Thank you, and thank you, Teacher Shin!"
Kurenai was overjoyed.
At the same time, a thought arose in her mind—
How should she thank Shin?
After some consideration, she felt that perhaps… she could try exchanging some genjutsu insights with him.