The First Batch of Seed Golden Elixirs!

Tsukishiro Yuexi brought over an ordinary-looking boy and introduced him. "Young Master, this child is named Qing Yan. He comes from the Land of Earth."

Qing Yan dropped to one knee. The posture seemed as though he had practiced it many times; even half-kneeling there, he appeared steadier than most people.

"Qing Yan, are you willing to become my shield?" Ming Jing looked at the honest-faced boy and made a rough judgment in his heart. Then he asked sincerely.

"If I become your shield, will I be able to eat my fill?" Qing Yan raised his head to look at Ming Jing and asked somewhat dully.

"Yes, and there'll be meat with every meal." Ming Jing nodded and held out his hand to Qing Yan. "I need your help. Become my shield, Qing Yan!"

"Alright!" Looking at Ming Jing's outstretched hand and sincere eyes, Qing Yan suddenly realized that there was actually someone in this world who needed him. He reached out and clasped Ming Jing's hand, then said in the same dull manner, "Please guide me from now on!"

Ming Jing smiled happily. He looked at Tsukishiro Yuexi, then at Qing Yan. This was his little team. He could not say how far they would go in the future, but at least they had made a good start.

Then, Ming Jing stepped onto the platform and looked at the forty-six children present. "I'm very glad to see everyone here. My name is Akira Kurama. The Kurama Clan is one of Konoha's prestigious clans, and we were once invincible on the battlefield! But that is history now... Today, I have a dream. I hope the Kurama Clan can regain its former glory! I hope every one of you here can be happy in the future! But a bright future must be created together. You are the future and backbone of the Kurama Clan, and you will also become the most important force in my hands. I will spend five years training all of you. During these five years, I will advance and retreat alongside you. Five years from now, I hope everyone here will still be here!"

At this point, Ming Jing deliberately paused. He looked at the children below. Aside from the ten children sent by the Kurama Clan, who looked excited, the others seemed somewhat... bewildered. After thinking about it, Ming Jing figured it was probably because these children had not yet developed a sense of belonging to the Kurama Clan. In that case, no matter how inspiring his speech was, it seemed to be of little use!

If only I had Naruto's Talk no Jutsu right now!

Ming Jing grumbled inwardly, then sighed. "Everyone, let us encourage one another!"

The next day, Ming Jing went to the Ninja Academy with Tsukishiro Yuexi and Qing Yan. Though the Kurama Clan was no longer what it once was, it could still arrange a few attendants for the heir of the main family. Uchiha Itachi showed no particular reaction to Ming Jing's entourage. After all, only his younger brother mattered in his heart!

During their time at the academy, once Tsukishiro Yuexi activated her top-student mode, there was no stopping her. Ninjutsu, taijutsu, sparring—throughout the entire grade, only Uchiha Itachi could compete with her. Ming Jing, meanwhile, displayed the Kurama Clan's weaknesses to the fullest, making himself seem as though he barely knew any taijutsu. Qing Yan was the exact opposite. He had no talent for ninjutsu or genjutsu, but possessed beast-like instincts when it came to taijutsu. Compared with Rock Lee, Qing Yan's style was a typical trade-injury-for-injury approach. What he relied on was defense!

A year later, the Kurama Clan finally gathered the materials for the first batch of Seed Golden Elixirs. After failing twice, Ming Jing finally succeeded. He refined a total of five Seed Golden Elixirs: Indestructible Golden Body, Illusory Bubbles, Scorched Earth, Verdant Growth, and Sky and Water Blend.

Looking at the five differently colored beans before him, Koji Kurama was beside himself with excitement. He looked at Ming Jing and asked, "What abilities do these five seeds possess?"

"These five seeds each represent a different ability. In a sense, they are somewhat similar to Kekkei Genkai. Indestructible Golden Body turns the entire body metallic, increasing defense and strength while reducing speed. Illusory Bubbles creates bubble genjutsu and enhances genjutsu ability. It releases countless bubbles, and anyone who touches them falls under a genjutsu. Scorched Earth extends flames onto weapons, increasing attack power, explosive force, and the quality of Fire Chakra. Verdant Growth enhances Medical Ninjutsu, while Sky and Water Blend grants the ability to fly and improves the quality of Water Chakra." Ming Jing introduced them one by one. With every seed he described, Koji Kurama became even more delighted.

After hearing the explanation, Koji Kurama could not help but sigh. "In other words, if used properly, our clan will gain five experts at the level of Elite Jonin!"

"Yes." Ming Jing nodded. Unfortunately, by the Shippuden era, Elite Jonin were merely slightly stronger cannon fodder. Even Kage-level experts could not afford to be careless.

"How do you plan to distribute these five?" Koji Kurama asked in a deliberately casual tone.

Ming Jing thought for a moment, then said with a smile, "Qing Yan's physique is suited to Indestructible Golden Body. Leave the other four for the Clan Head to handle."

"Hahaha... Hmm, Ming Jing, what do you think about having Kanon Kurama from the training camp use Illusory Bubbles? That child is from the main family and has decent talent in genjutsu, but unfortunately, she never awakened a Kekkei Genkai," Koji Kurama said.

"If the Clan Head thinks it is suitable, then it is suitable." Ming Jing nodded.

"Mm, Scorched Earth would suit Taichi Odagiri. That child already has a foundation in swordsmanship." Koji Kurama continued. Ming Jing thought about it. Taichi Odagiri was indeed a talented youth worth nurturing. He was a little lazy, but who told him to be Ming Jing's little brother?

"There's a girl named Mirai in the training camp with talent in Medical Ninjutsu. Seeing that she is honest and dependable, I took her as my adopted daughter and permitted her to take the Kurama surname. Give Verdant Growth to that child." After pondering for a while, Koji Kurama slapped his thigh and said.

"Mirai is indeed a good child." Ming Jing nodded in agreement. How could he possibly tell everyone that Mirai Kurama had become his puppet a year ago?

"Hahaha, Ming Jing is a good child too!" Koji Kurama laughed happily. Finally, his gaze fell upon Sky and Water Blend, and he did not know how to arrange it. Seeing this, Ming Jing said, "Clan Head, why not give Sky and Water Blend to Yuexi?"

"Hmm? A Kekkei Genkai user can use it too?!" A sharp glint flashed through Koji Kurama's eyes.

"In theory, it can only be used if the attributes match. Yuexi's Ice Chakra is a combination of Water and Wind. Sky and Water Blend is also Water and Wind, so I want to give it a try." Ming Jing did not sound entirely certain.

"Wouldn't that be too risky?" Koji Kurama looked toward Tsukishiro Yuexi, who stood behind Ming Jing.

"Yuexi, are you willing?" Ming Jing turned to Tsukishiro Yuexi and asked.

Tsukishiro Yuexi did not hesitate at all. She dropped to one knee and said, "Yuexi is willing to do anything for Young Master!"

"Don't worry. I won't harm you." Ming Jing smiled faintly, pulled Tsukishiro Yuexi up, and whispered in her ear.

"Yes..." Tsukishiro Yuexi's pretty face reddened slightly as she responded softly.

"Then it is decided, Clan Head." Ming Jing looked at Koji Kurama again, his expression as calm as ever.

Qing Yan lay flat on a bed while Ming Jing and Tsukishiro Yuexi stood beside him. Ming Jing held a golden pill the size of a broad bean and looked at Qing Yan. "Are you ready?"

"Come on!" Qing Yan nodded firmly. He had waited a year for this day. Even if it meant nine deaths and one chance at life, he would still try. Over the past year, Ming Jing had given him trust and help as a companion. He hoped that he could truly be of use to him.

"It may hurt a little. Bear with it." Ming Jing handed the pill to Qing Yan. Without a moment's thought, Qing Yan shoved it into his mouth and swallowed it without even chewing. Five minutes later, sweat began to form on Qing Yan's forehead. The child gripped the edge of the bed with both hands, his fingernails digging into the wood, yet he did not make a sound. Time seemed to pass more slowly at that moment. Qing Yan felt as though metal rods had been driven into his veins, and the pain was so intense that he wished he could faint.

Seeing Qing Yan's veins bulging all over his body and his skin turning crimson, Ming Jing feared that the shield he had painstakingly chosen would die. He quickly ordered, "Yuexi, freeze Qing Yan!"

"Yes! Ice Release: Ice Coffin!" Tsukishiro Yuexi thrust out one hand, and a coffin of ice enclosed Qing Yan. After Yuexi froze him, Qing Yan's skin slowly returned to its normal color.

A day passed without anyone noticing. Qing Yan's consciousness finally returned to his body. He opened his eyes with difficulty, and the first thing he saw was Ming Jing's relieved expression.

"Welcome back, Qing Yan!" Ming Jing replaced it with a warm smile and spoke in a relaxed tone.

"Young Master, I can finally truly become your shield from now on!" Qing Yan grinned and said hoarsely.

"Yes. From now on, I'll leave my safety to you, Qing Yan." Ming Jing nodded.