Konoha Three Years Later

Konohamaru Squad, who had just become Genin, received their first mission.

Help the Lady of the Daimyo catch the cat.

After much trouble, Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon finally caught the fat cat and took it to the Hokage's Office to report.

The Hokage's Office.

Pushing open the door, Tsunade wasn't in the Office; only Shizune was sitting in the assistant's seat next to her.

Where is Tsunade?

Konohamaru asked, holding the cat.

Shizune explained, "Lady Tsunade has gone to observe the surgery with the new medical-nin."

"You need to complete a task, right? Just put the cat in the cage over there."

Konohamaru nodded and put the cat down.

Afterwards, Konohamaru looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated.

Shizune smiled gently and said, "Just say what's on your mind."

"But I bet you really want to ask: 'When is Shinki coming back?'"

Shizune mimicked Konohamaru's tone.

Konohamaru nodded. "Mhm!"

"Shinki has been gone from Konoha for three years."

"I've already become a full-fledged Ninja, why hasn't he come back yet?"

Shizune replied, "According to the latest news from Lord Jiraiya, he will be back in the next few days."

Konohamaru's face lit up with surprise. "Really?! ( ˝ᗢ̈˝ )"

Shizune nodded. "Yes."

"Three years have passed. I really want to know how far that brat from Shinki has grown?"

Konohamaru was incredibly excited. "Hehe, after my Shinki returns, he'll definitely be Konoha's top Ninja! A force to be reckoned with! (´∇ﾉ`*)ノ"

Konoha Hospital.

A major surgery is underway inside the hospital.

Tsunade, leading the newly recruited medical-nin who were observing, said, "This surgery involves a lot of knowledge, so you all need to pay close attention, especially to Cell Activation; it's of utmost importance."

A junior medical-nin said, "It's said that the Cell Activation in Konohagakure was developed by Shinki- senpai. Is that true, Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade nodded, a proud expression on her face; she got really excited when the topic of the Shinki came up.

"That's right. (▿ )"

"Your Shinki brother, Shenmu, is the youngest medical professor in Konoha's history. He developed Cell Activation technology at the young age of thirteen."

As he spoke, Tsunade to the ventilator in the Orochimaru's hospital room used to sustain the Ninjas ' lives.

"Furthermore, he also developed Chakra Conversion Technique, which the village applied to various fields, making our village's technological level far ahead of other villages."

"What a remarkable person he is."

A little girl's eyes lit up with stars.

A legendary young man.

That's enough to make them yearn for it just by hearing its name and story.

The newly recruited medical-nin immediately started discussing among themselves.

"Furthermore, I heard that Shinki Brother Kamiki is a unique Wood Release Ninja, and he even mastered Ice Release, capturing more than ten Kumogakure single -Jonin handedly..."

"Whether in the fields of medicine or scientific research, he is a genius whom we can only look up to."

"Most importantly, Senior Brother Shinki has a head of red hair and is incredibly handsome. (๑ت๑)"

"Really, really, I once caught a glimpse of Senior Brother Shinki from afar, and his handsomeness was truly rare in the Shinobi World!"

"I heard that Sasuke missing-nin from the Uchiha Clan, is also very handsome. I wonder who's better looking, him or Shinki- senpai?"

"Let's not bring up that missing-nin in this kind of situation..."

Amidst the chattering discussion, Tsunade waved her hand dismissively.

"Quiet!"

"I'm here today for you to observe the surgery, not to discuss which man in the village is more handsome."

After saying that, Tsunade walked to the back of the crowd.

She patted Ino, who was at the back of the group of newly recruited medical-nin, and encouraged her, "Watch and learn carefully. You're aiming to be like that guy, right? You can't afford not to work hard."

"I know, Lady Tsunade."

Ino nodded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"I heard he'll be back in the next couple of days, is that true?"

Tsunade nodded. "Yes, Jiraiya sent a letter a couple of days ago, they should be back within the next week."

You really need to dress up nicely. (σ≧︎▽︎≦︎)σ.

Ino blushed and lowered her head upon hearing this, saying, "Lady Tsunade, you're teasing me again."

Tsunade's eyes suddenly turned serious. "I'm serious. Even though that guy has been away from the village for almost three years, there's always been talk about him. Many Ninjas consider him their Prince Charming."

Ino remained silent, reaching out to touch the pendant hanging on her chest.

This is the Gelel Stone that Shinki gave her three years ago.

Tsunade, Tsunade playfully tapped Ino's chest. "You see, compared to other Ninjas, you still have a significant advantage."

Kakashi's family.

This Konoha Jonin was lying on his bed at home, flipping through Lord Jiraiya's famous work, "Icha Icha Paradise".

After watching for a while, Kakashi's expression gradually turned displeased.

I've read this book over and over again, more than twenty times!

"Why hasn't Lord Jiraiya released a sequel yet?!"

"Ugh, I knew it! Those two brats shouldn't have been around him. They're totally slowing down Lord Jiraiya's writing progress! ¯_(ツ)_/¯"

"By the way, Lord Jiraiya should be back in the next couple of days. I'll have to urge him to update the chapter in person then..."

Might Guy's Team.

Having fully recovered from that major surgery, Rock Lee is now Training Ground.

Neji sat beside him, a blade of grass dangling from his mouth.

"Li, I heard that guy is coming back in the next few days."

Neji mentioned it seemingly unintentionally.

Rock Lee stiffened for a moment while doing push-ups.

After realizing what was happening, he sped up his work.

Neji looked puzzled: (￢‸￢)?

"I told you he was coming back, so why did you speed up your movements?"

Rock Lee freed one hand to wipe away the sweat that was about to drip into his eyes.

"He was already ridiculously strong three years ago; I wonder how terrifyingly powerful he's become now."

"He's my role model, and I don't want to fall too far behind him. ୧⍢⃝୨"

Neji smiled knowingly, "I've been called a genius since I was a child, but compared to that kid, the 'genius' you're calling me is way too much of a stretch."

Tenten added, "Compared to that guy, all Ninjas pale in comparison."

The class of Kurenai Yuhi.

Two years ago, Kurenai Yuhi felt extremely humiliated after being severely injured by Shinki using a Genjutsu that was still under development.

So she resolved to work hard and devote herself to the cultivation of Genjutsu, determined to prevent that shameful thing from happening again.

"Teacher Kurenai Yuhi practices even harder than we do."

Kiba Inuzuka said.

"Yes, ever since we were knocked unconscious by the Shinki's Genjutsu, our teacher has spent most of his time practicing Genjutsu and rarely has time to care about us," Shino said.

Kiba Inuzuka wore a gossipy expression.

"I heard that Teacher Hong, who's been diligently cultivating, has even saved time on dating Teacher Asuma... Teacher Asuma must absolutely hate that kid Shinki, hahaha..."