Ninja Academy

Although this book contained only the most basic Swordsmanship moves, it still helped Hyuga Matsuba tremendously. After studying it at a beginner level, he had already achieved something in Swordsmanship.

After some more time, Hyuga Matsuba had thoroughly absorbed everything in the manual. He had developed his own style and truly made it his own.

Speed and power were Hyuga Matsuba's current style. Other people's specialties might have been flashy variations and numerous techniques, but Hyuga Matsuba's specialty could be summed up in one word: fierce. No matter what, he would slash first and talk later.

Hyuga Matsuba's greatest strengths were speed, precision, and ruthlessness. It seemed he had fully brought out his advantages, and this Swordsmanship suited him quite well.

Time passed quickly. Having paid his tuition earlier, Hyuga Matsuba was about to formally attend school and learn tactics.

He changed into the new clothes he had bought, wiped down his training equipment and packed it into his bag, then draped himself in an impressive robe.

Just like that, he left home and headed for the academy.

Along the way, Hyuga Matsuba saw many adults leading their precious children to school.

"Eh? Who's that little boy? He's quite handsome. Is he going to school too?"

"Isn't that Hyuga Matsuba? I didn't expect him to be so good-looking—I barely recognized him. Once you get to school, won't you become the campus heartthrob?"

"You're joking, Uncle Yue." Hyuga Matsuba flashed a bright smile. Though he was dressed very formally, he did not look serious at all.

After arriving, Hyuga Matsuba found the academy truly bustling. Adults and children alike filled the place.

Hyuga Matsuba casually found an empty spot and sat down, watching the lively crowd by himself.

"Maybe when I'm old, thinking back on the first day of school will still make my heart feel warm." The corners of Hyuga Matsuba's lips slowly rose.

That smile nearly made all the little girls present swoon. This little guy was far too charming—how could he possibly be this handsome? Their drool was practically about to hit the ground.

As for the boys present, they wished they could devour Hyuga Matsuba alive. They had carefully dressed themselves up too, yet on the first day of school, this useless brat had stolen all the attention. It made them unbearably uncomfortable.

Ah, terrifying. My luck with women really lives up to its reputation. And when men get jealous, it's no joke either. I've really broadened my horizons today.

Receiving the affectionate gazes from the girls around him, along with the death stares from the boys, Hyuga Matsuba was overwhelmed with emotion.

Suddenly, someone patted Hyuga Matsuba on the back.

As though he had expected it all along, Hyuga Matsuba turned around and said, "What a coincidence, Sister Tsunade."

"Eh? You could tell it was me? Or did you see me earlier?" Tsunade was extremely curious. Her disguise had been good enough!

"This is called telepathy!" Hyuga Matsuba replied cleverly.

Tsunade glanced at Hyuga Matsuba and did not ask further. Everyone had secrets, and she knew better than to pry too much.

"I'm telling the truth! You gave me something so good—thank you so much! I'll give you a treasure in return!" Hyuga Matsuba took out a notebook containing several Ninjutsu he had obtained from the Lottery.

"What is this?" Tsunade took it with a baffled expression.

Tsunade opened the notebook and gave it a quick look. Then she hurriedly closed it and placed it back in Hyuga Matsuba's hands.

"I don't know how you came to possess this notebook, but you need to be careful. Don't let anyone else see it!" Tsunade said seriously to Hyuga Matsuba, without her usual carefree manner.

But Hyuga Matsuba refused to take it back, smiling at Tsunade without a care in the world.

"Come on, I already said it's a gift for you. Are you saying my gift isn't good enough?"

Never owing others was Hyuga Matsuba's constant pursuit. He knew that what Tsunade had given him was precious, so he shared his own important Ninjutsu with her as well. He fully appreciated her kindness.

Only through give-and-take could feelings last.

Tsunade wanted to say something more, but since Hyuga Matsuba had already put it that way, she could not refuse again.

Those few glances had already told her that this notebook was far from ordinary.

For example, every move within the Six Powers possessed immense might. As for the two types of Haki Ninjutsu, they were already S-rank, perhaps even slightly higher.

Hyuga Matsuba kindly reminded her, "Sister, the moves in here consume a great deal of stamina. If you want to use them, you must practice more. Be especially careful when training!"

"If I can learn them, bleeding and sweating are nothing."

It was Tsunade's first time seeing the Six Powers. Every technique inside had its own purpose, and together they were incredibly versatile.

If she could grasp Observation Haki, her sensory abilities would improve immensely, allowing her to make far more accurate predictions.

Armament Haki had the broadest range of uses. It could block incoming attacks and enhance one's strength, even multiplying it several times over.

"Sister is truly moved." Tsunade did not ask where the Ninjutsu had come from. Since she had accepted the gift, they needed to trust each other. Asking too much would be pointless.

"Sister Tsunade! I'm over here!"

Hyuga Matsuba had just been about to say something when a voice interrupted him. The two of them looked toward where it had come from.

"Is that Tsunade's younger brother, Senju Nawaki?" Hyuga Matsuba's mind raced.

What happened next confirmed Hyuga Matsuba's guess.

"What are you shouting for? Aren't you embarrassed?" Tsunade looked at Nawaki with disdain.

"Who's this? What, trying a different flavor?" Nawaki wore a wicked grin.

Bang!

Nawaki was instantly kicked flying. His head plunged into the mud while his hands and feet flailed weakly.

"I'm not your sister anymore!" Tsunade blushed at his words, then pretended nothing had happened.

Hyuga Matsuba looked at Nawaki, not knowing what to say. That was just too tragic.

Nawaki struggled to pull himself out of the mud and said angrily, "Why did you hit me so viciously? If you break me, you won't have a good time!"

I think you're already broken. Hyuga Matsuba silently remarked. Nawaki seemed to be missing a screw, and he bore some resemblance to Naruto.

One was a central figure, while the other was merely a bit player. That sounded rather bittersweet. Their personalities were similar, yet their fates were vastly different.