Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Whirlpool Zi Xu, a transmigrator, adapts to life in Konohagakure, a world where people use Chakra for Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu.
• Zi Xu discovers that despite advanced energy usage, technology is skewed and warfare relies heavily on cold weapons.
• He learns he's an orphan with Uzumaki Clan heritage, enrolled in the Ninja Academy, and receives a monthly allowance.
• Zi Xu finds out about the harsh realities of Konoha's Ninja system, including brainwashing, spying missions for children, and high mortality rates.
• He decides to learn Ninjutsu while keeping a low profile and avoiding suspicion.
• On his first day at the Ninja Academy, Zi Xu meets the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and a yellow-haired boy.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu adapts to his new life, remains cautious, and decides to learn Ninjutsu while hiding his true intentions.
• The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, is introduced as a kind-faced but scheming leader, pushing blame onto Danzo.

Significant Themes

• The harsh realities and dangers of Konohagakure's Ninja system.
• The contrast between advanced energy usage and backward technology.
• The manipulation and brainwashing of orphans and children by Konoha's higher-ups.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu avoids suspicious villagers and integrates with other children at the Ninja Academy.
• He meets the Third Hokage and a yellow-haired boy on his first day at the academy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu binds with the Beast Kaido template, gaining a portion of Kaido's Physique.
• Zi Xu is assigned to Class 1-B in the Ninja Academy.
• He meets his classmates, Aburame Hatsumi and Hyuga Chino.
• Zi Xu discovers disturbing aspects of the village's history and ideology.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu: Shows curiosity and caution, begins to understand the village's true nature, and discovers the power of Kaido's Physique.
• Aburame Hatsumi: Shows kindness and willingness to help Zi Xu.
• Hyuga Chino: Appears cold and distant, but observant, noticing Zi Xu's emotional turmoil.

Significant Themes

• The corruption and deviation of the Will of Fire.
• The harsh reality of the Ninja World and the village's true intentions.
• The power and potential of Kaido's Physique.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu and Aburame Hatsumi: They interact positively, with Hatsumi offering to teach Zi Xu the Chakra Extraction Technique.
• Zi Xu and Hyuga Chino: They greet each other, but Chino remains distant and reserved.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu begins his first day at the Ninja Academy.
• Students introduce themselves, revealing their likes, dislikes, and dreams.
• Zi Xu introduces himself as Whirlpool Zi Xu, with a dream of world peace.
• Hyuga Chino introduces herself with a cold and hostile demeanor.
• The class spends the day learning about the Will of Fire from their teacher, Takeshi Goda.
• Zi Xu discovers that his physical status has a 5% fusion progress with the Beast Kaido template, unlocking the 'Tough Physique' ability.
• Zi Xu accepts the System's task to establish an organization with at least 3 members by the end of the semester.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu demonstrates his ability to think independently and strategically, aiming to change the ninja world for the better.
• Hyuga Chino shows signs of a troubled past or hostile intentions.
• Takeshi Goda is introduced as the homeroom teacher, with a dream of cultivating future Hokage.

Significant Themes

• The Will of Fire and its interpretations by different Hokage.
• The potential for one-sided or distorted interpretations of the Will of Fire.
• The consequences of the ninja system on innocent children.

Character Interactions

• Students interact during their self-introductions, revealing their personalities and aspirations.
• Zi Xu observes his classmates, gathering information about Konoha's clans.
• Zi Xu interacts with the System, accepting a task to establish an organization.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu starts his day by eating at a ramen shop, realizing he needs to find a way to make money due to his increased appetite.
• He decides to establish an organization using a pyramid scheme to recruit members and teach his version of the Will of Fire.
• Zi Xu interacts with his classmates, Aburame Hatsumi and Hyuga Chino, discussing the Will of Fire and their clan's ninjutsu.
• After two months of cultural lessons, the class begins learning ninjutsu, starting with the Chakra Refinement Technique.
• Takeshi Goda praises Zi Xu's potential as a ninja due to his Uzumaki heritage, drawing unwanted attention to him.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu: He realizes the need to make money due to his increased appetite and decides to establish an organization to spread his version of the Will of Fire. He also starts learning ninjutsu.
• Aburame Hatsumi: She shows curiosity and a willingness to listen to Zi Xu's ideas but hasn't fully accepted them yet.
• Hyuga Chino: She expresses her disdain for the Will of Fire and the hypocrisy of Konohagakure. She is more open to Zi Xu's ideas and improves her impression of him.
• Takeshi Goda: He is revealed to be a competent teacher, clearly explaining the Chakra Refinement Technique to the class.

Significant Themes

• The Will of Fire: The idea of the Will of Fire is discussed and challenged by Zi Xu and his classmates, with each having their own interpretation.
• Class Divide: The differences between ninjas from prominent clans and those from commoner backgrounds are highlighted, with the former having access to more resources and secret techniques.
• Pyramid Schemes: Zi Xu's plan to establish an organization using a pyramid scheme to recruit members and spread his ideas is a central theme of the chapter.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu interacts with Aburame Hatsumi and Hyuga Chino, discussing their views on the Will of Fire and trying to recruit them to his cause.
• Zi Xu draws unwanted attention to himself when Takeshi Goda praises his potential as a ninja due to his Uzumaki heritage, causing his classmates to take notice of him.
• The class interacts with Takeshi Goda, showing their enthusiasm for learning ninjutsu and listening to his explanations of the Chakra Refinement Technique.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu has been practicing shuriken and kunai, nearing mastery of the Clone Technique.
• The practical combat class is approaching, with students forming teams of three for battles.
• Hatsumi's bugs are burned by Nohara from Uchiha Gen's team, causing her distress.
• Zi Xu comforts Hatsumi and plans to teach Nohara a lesson during the team battle.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu: Shows concern and responsibility towards Hatsumi, planning to stand up for her against Nohara.
• Hatsumi: Struggles with emotional distress after her bugs are harmed, but Zi Xu's support helps her regain composure.
• Nohara: Exhibits bullying behavior towards Hatsumi, showing a lack of empathy and respect.

Significant Themes

• Bullying and its consequences.
• The importance of emotional support and understanding among peers.
• The competitive nature of the ninja academy and its potential negative impacts on students.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu and Hatsumi: Zi Xu consoles Hatsumi after her bugs are burned, offering support and encouragement.
• Hatsumi and Chino: Despite Chino's cold demeanor, she tries to comfort Hatsumi after her poor performance in the shuriken test.
• Nohara and Zi Xu's team: Nohara taunts Zi Xu's team, causing distress and motivating Zi Xu to teach him a lesson during the team battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu participates in a shuriken throwing contest and intentionally hits the target with grazing shots to avoid suspicion.
• Zi Xu's team wins the contest due to his unexpected performance.
• The class moves on to a taijutsu combat competition with a knockout draw system and a mystery gift for the winning team.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu demonstrates his physical prowess and strategic thinking during the shuriken contest and taijutsu combat.
• Chino and Hatsumi gain confidence in Zi Xu's abilities and become more attached to him.
• Nohara shows his ruthless nature and disregard for his teammates' well-being.

Significant Themes

• The importance of luck and deception in hiding one's true strength (Zi Xu's performance in the shuriken contest).
• The harsh nature of the ninja world and the consequences of weakness (Nohara's injury and the lack of intervention from Takeshi Goda).

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu, Chino, and Hatsumi work together as a team during the taijutsu combat, with Zi Xu taking a support role.
• Zi Xu and Nohara clash, with Zi Xu injuring Nohara without using any power.
• Uchiha Gen and Chino have a brief but intense exchange during the taijutsu combat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chino wins her match against Gen, demonstrating the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist.
• Takeshi Goda awards the winning team (Chino, Zi Xu, and Hatsumi) with Space-Time Sealing Scrolls.
• Zi Xu, Chino, and Hatsumi go to a grilled meat restaurant to celebrate.
• A youth from the Hyuga Branch Family provokes Chino, escalating the situation.

Character Developments

• Chino shows her competitive side and concern for Zi Xu's injury.
• Zi Xu reveals his strategic thinking and concern for Chino's well-being.
• Hatsumi shows her gratitude and hospitality, but is surprised by Zi Xu and Chino's appetites.
• The Hyuga Branch Family youth displays arrogance and disrespect towards Chino.

Significant Themes

• Competition and teamwork among students.
• The importance of the Will of Fire and unity in Konoha.
• The tension between the Main and Branch Families of the Hyuga Clan.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu, Chino, and Hatsumi bond over their shared victory and enjoy a meal together.
• Chino and the Hyuga Branch Family youth clash due to their family backgrounds and the youth's disrespectful attitude.
• Zi Xu mediates the conflict between Chino and the youth, using the Will of Fire to temporarily defuse the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu helps Chino escape a humiliating situation at a clan gathering.
• Chino reveals the internal conflict within the Hyuga Clan, including the Main House and Branch Family system, and the "Caged Bird" curse seal.
• Chino explains the power dynamics and control the Main House has over the Branch Family.

Character Developments

• Chino: Shows vulnerability and shares her clan's oppressive system, revealing her hatred for the Main House.
• Hatsumi: Begins to question Konoha's values and the Will of Fire after Zi Xu's provocative questions.
• Zi Xu: Feels anger and disgust towards Konoha's true nature and the Will of Fire.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and control within a clan.
• The true nature of Konoha and the Will of Fire.
• The struggle for independence and equality.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu and Chino: Zi Xu supports Chino, and she shares her clan's secrets with him.
• Hatsumi and Zi Xu: Hatsumi is influenced by Zi Xu's questions about Konoha's values.
• Chino and Hatsumi: Chino shares her clan's oppressive system with Hatsumi, who is shocked and appalled.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chino reveals the harsh truths about Konoha's control over its villagers, including the use of curse seals and toxins to maintain order.
• Zi Xu learns he has been injected with a toxin that can be activated by Root members to kill him if he acts against Konoha's interests.
• The trio decides to form an organization to practice the true Will of Fire and bring real peace and equality to the world.
• They name their organization 'Jin' and decide Chino will be the leader.

Character Developments

• Chino: Shows a more vulnerable side, revealing her hatred for Konoha and her desire for change. She accepts the leadership role in the organization.
• Zi Xu: Demonstrates his political acumen by suggesting Chino as the leader and understanding the importance of her role in the organization's growth.
• Hatsumi: Struggles to accept the harsh realities of Konoha but ultimately joins the organization, showing resilience and adaptability.

Significant Themes

• The corruption and hypocrisy of Konoha, which claims to uphold the Will of Fire but maintains control through violent means.
• The struggle for freedom and equality, as the trio seeks to create a better world.
• The importance of leadership and political acumen in building and maintaining an organization.

Character Interactions

• Chino and Zi Xu: They form a bond based on their shared experiences and goals, with Zi Xu supporting Chino's leadership and Chino trusting Zi Xu's judgment.
• Chino and Hatsumi: Chino's revelations about Konoha shatter Hatsumi's worldview, but they ultimately become allies in the organization.
• Zi Xu and Hatsumi: Zi Xu shows understanding and support for Hatsumi's situation, and they both join Chino in forming the organization.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu forms a skeletal organization with Chino and Hatsumi, aiming to break free from Konoha's control.
• He spends 9,500 points to raise Kaido's Physique Fusion Level to 25%, removing a poison planted by Konoha.
• Zi Xu accepts a mission to raise his organization's strength to C+ before graduation from the Ninja Academy.
• He performs three random item draws, obtaining Tashigi's Glasses, Slippers, and the Silent Fruit.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in handling threats and planning for the future.
• He shows restraint in using points, preferring self-training over system enhancements.

Significant Themes

• Freedom vs. Control: Zi Xu's primary goal is to break free from Konoha's control, reflecting his desire for independence.
• Power and Responsibility: Zi Xu understands that with power comes responsibility, as seen in his decision to use points wisely and consider the potential drawbacks of using the Silent Fruit.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu interacts with the system, using it to enhance his abilities and draw items.
• Though not present in this chapter, Zi Xu's interactions with Chino and Hatsumi are implied, as they are part of his organization.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu, Hatsumi, and Chino discuss their plan to break free from Konoha's control and seek stronger techniques outside the village.
• Hatsumi offers to teach Zi Xu the Bug Body Refinement and Shadow Clone techniques to help him grow stronger.
• Chino shares information about the Multi Shadow Clone Technique and its drawbacks.
• Hatsumi provides Zi Xu and Chino with Bugs for training: Horned Beetles for physical conditioning and Refining Bugs for Chakra improvement.
• Chino begins teaching Zi Xu and Hatsumi the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist.
• Takeshi Goda arrives, hinting at upcoming news.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu shows determination to help Chino remove her curse seals as a favor to his new friends.
• Chino reveals her desire to break free from her curse and the village's control, showing resilience and hope.
• Hatsumi displays her deep understanding and care for her Bugs, as well as her willingness to share clan secrets with her friends.
• Takeshi Goda is shown to be serious and responsible, hinting at a potential change in his character or situation.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and trust: The three main characters form a bond, sharing secrets and supporting each other's growth.
• Freedom and control: The characters grapple with the idea of breaking free from Konoha's control and seeking their own paths.
• Growth and improvement: The characters actively seek ways to become stronger, both physically and in their techniques.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu, Hatsumi, and Chino work together, sharing information and resources to help each other grow stronger.
• Hatsumi and Chino teach Zi Xu techniques from their respective clans, demonstrating their trust in him.
• Takeshi Goda's arrival serves as a reminder of the outside world and the potential challenges that lie ahead for the group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uchiha Gen, a classmate, is absent, which is unusual.
• Itachi Uchiha, a member of the Uchiha clan, massacred his entire clan, including Gen, leaving only his younger brother Sasuke alive.
• The students are shocked and distressed by the news.
• Chino's eyes manifest the Byakugan and an unknown red eye after hearing about the massacre.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu: Shows composure and critical thinking in the face of the shocking news. He tries to protect Chino and reassure his classmates by spinning a narrative to defend Konoha's actions.
• Chino: Her eyes manifest the Byakugan and a mysterious red eye after experiencing strong emotions, hinting at potential power awakening.
• Nohara: Becomes more determined to become stronger after Gen's death.
• Maruyama: Breaks down upon learning of Gen's death.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of being weak in the ninja world.
• The awakening of powers due to strong emotions.
• The manipulation of truth and perception by those in power.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu and Chino: Zi Xu protects Chino by drawing attention away from her eye manifestation.
• Zi Xu and Takeshi Goda: Zi Xu tries to reassure Takeshi Goda and the class by spinning a narrative to defend Konoha.
• Nohara and Maruyama: Nohara's determination to become stronger contrasts with Maruyama's emotional breakdown.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Three years have passed since the Uchiha clan's annihilation. Konoha mourns and vigilantly searches for Itachi Uchiha.
• Zi Xu, Hatsumi, and Chino have excelled in their ninja training and are about to become genin.
• Zi Xu has mastered the Shadow Clone Technique and experimented with the Silent Fruit, finding that its power peaks in clones but returns to his body weakly.
• Zi Xu has also learned Chino's Gentle Fist and improved his physical prowess with Hatsumi's bug assistance.
• On a weekend, the three friends meet to train and discuss their progress.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu: Has grown physically, mastered new techniques, and experimented with the Silent Fruit. He remains humble and strategic, hiding his true strength.
• Hatsumi: Has become more confident and outgoing. She has cultivated new bug species, like the Green Silk Worm and the Moonlight Worm.
• Chino: Has awakened most of her Byakugan abilities and can control the Bagua formation. She has also discovered an unknown power in her right eye, which she calls the Red Eye.

Significant Themes

• Growth and Development: The characters have grown and improved their skills over the three years.
• Power and Control: The characters explore the extent and limits of their powers, both new and existing.
• Trust and Friendship: The bond between Zi Xu, Hatsumi, and Chino strengthens as they support each other's growth and share their discoveries.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu, Hatsumi, and Chino: The trio meets to train and discuss their progress, showing mutual support and respect. They plan to complete their final assessment to become genin.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu's team takes their delayed graduation exam on a weekend.
• They draw lots for their exam content: Transformation and Clone Techniques.
• All three team members successfully complete their exams.
• Takeshi Goda awards them Genin headbands and lectures them on the Will of Fire.
• Zi Xu's mission finally marks as "Completed" upon becoming a Genin.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu: Shows no concern about his peers' criticism, hinting at his true strength. He feels a sense of responsibility and power upon becoming a Genin.
• Chino: Overcomes her mental burden, becoming more assertive and decisive.
• Hatsumi: Remains her cheerful and confident self.
• Takeshi Goda: Shows relief and pride in his students' graduation, emphasizing the importance of their new role as Genin.

Significant Themes

• The weight of responsibility that comes with becoming a Genin.
• The power dynamics and rankings within the ninja world (Genin vs. Kage).

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu's team faces criticism from their peers, but they remain united and focused on their exam.
• Takeshi Goda shows concern and pride in his students' achievements, emphasizing the importance of their new role.
• Zi Xu reflects on his new status as a Genin and the power it grants him to change the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu and his friends graduate from the Ninja Academy.
• Takeshi Goda, their teacher, gives them parting advice, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and the unpredictability of their future missions.
• Zi Xu decides to use his reward points for draws, but gets unwanted items.
• He chooses to unlock the Haki System, experiencing a violent Awakening process.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu: Realizes the importance of his friends and mentors in Konoha, and decides to unlock the Haki System.
• Hatsumi: Shows concern for Zi Xu's well-being and feels guilty for not noticing his distress earlier.
• Chino: Shows sympathy for Zi Xu and explains his situation to Hatsumi.

Significant Themes

• The responsibility and privileges of being a ninja.
• The unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
• The struggle between hope and reality in Zi Xu's draws.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu, Hatsumi, and Chino discuss their plans after graduation.
• Zi Xu and his friends say goodbye to Takeshi Goda, with Chino showing concern for him in her own way.
• Zi Xu shares his joy with his friends, but Hatsumi misunderstands his plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu awakens Conqueror's Haki, enhancing his physical abilities but struggles to control it.
• He unlocks the Haki system but spends all reward points, leaving him unable to accept missions.
• The system rewards Zi Xu with the Ninjutsu 'Adamantine Sealing Chains' from the Uzumaki Clan.
• Zi Xu plans to change the ninja world's situation by empowering civilians, focusing on Chakra tools and technology.
• He decides to understand civilians' lives better by visiting the outskirts of Konoha.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu gains a new ability (Conqueror's Haki) and a new Ninjutsu (Adamantine Sealing Chains).
• He shows concern for civilians' well-being and decides to focus on improving their lives.

Significant Themes

• The power imbalance between ninja and civilians.
• The impact of ninja conflicts on civilians' lives.
• The potential of technology and Chakra tools to empower civilians.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu interacts with the system, learning about his new abilities and the consequences of his actions.
• He observes and listens to civilians' conversations, gaining insight into their struggles and needs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu returns home late, reflecting on the difficulty of changing people's minds.
• He dreams of a vast sea with towering water serpents, forcing him to fight for survival.
• He discovers the true power of the Silent Fruit, which can silence everything within a space.
• He awakens from the dream and feels a clearer mind and stronger aura.
• He transfers the restless Demon Fruit power into a Shadow Clone and trains it using the Silent Fruit's ability.

Character Development

• Zi Xu shows his true strength and fighting spirit in his dream, breaking free from his usual disguise.
• He gains a clearer mind and stronger aura after the dream, indicating spiritual growth.
• The Shadow Clone, influenced by the Demon Fruit, becomes more independent but remains loyal to Zi Xu.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of change and the difficulty of changing people's minds.
• The power of determination and will in the face of adversity (represented by Zi Xu's fight in the dream).
• The potential and growth of the Silent Fruit and Demon Fruit powers.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu interacts with his Shadow Clone, training it and expressing his expectations for its growth.
• The clone, influenced by the Demon Fruit, shows signs of independence but remains loyal to Zi Xu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu confirms his path as a trainer and practices the Silent Fruit's power while asleep.
• Chino and Hatsumi visit Zi Xu, inviting him to eat barbecue.
• They test their combat strengths at a training spot; Hatsumi fights Chino first, then Zi Xu.
• Hatsumi uses moon blades and light path bugs, while Chino uses the Byakugan and Red Eye.
• Chino wins against Hatsumi using an illusion, and Zi Xu is up next.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu: Continues to train and improve, maintaining his dedication to becoming stronger.
• Chino: Shows growth in her combat abilities, using the Byakugan and Red Eye effectively.
• Hatsumi: Demonstrates her unique insect-based jutsu and tactics, but lacks combat experience.

Significant Themes

• Growth and improvement through training and combat.
• The importance of adaptability and strategy in battles.
• The power of teamwork and camaraderie among the trio.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu, Chino, and Hatsumi spend time together, training and socializing.
• Hatsumi and Chino have a friendly rivalry, pushing each other to improve.
• Zi Xu acts as a referee and observes the fights, showing support for his friends.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chino and Zi Xu engage in a serious fight, with Chino using her strongest techniques, including the Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm, Byakugan, and Genjutsu.
• Zi Xu demonstrates immunity to Chino's Genjutsu, likely due to his Conqueror's Haki awakening.
• They engage in close combat using Gentle Fist, with Zi Xu gradually gaining the upper hand.
• Zi Xu wins the fight, and they return home together.

Character Developments

• Chino shows improvement in her physical strength and endurance due to Hatsumi's Bug Body Refinement.
• Zi Xu displays increased combat intelligence and a change in his aura, hinting at growth.
• Hatsumi shows off her Moonlight Worms, which can serve as light sources at night.

Significant Themes

• Growth and improvement through training and combat.
• The power of friendship and camaraderie, as seen in their laughter and conversation after the fight.

Character Interactions

• Chino and Zi Xu's fight showcases their respective skills and growth.
• Hatsumi's interaction with Chino and Zi Xu highlights their close relationship and shared joy in their progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Xu reports to the Ninja Academy on Labor Day.
• The team meets their new teacher, Tenzo, a direct Anbu under the Third Hokage.
• Tenzo tests the team with an Explosive Tag, which Zi Xu holds until it detonates. However, Tenzo creates a cage of trees to absorb the explosion, saving Zi Xu.

Character Developments

• Zi Xu demonstrates his leadership and concern for his teammates' safety, questioning Tenzo's test.
• Tenzo shows his serious side and reveals that he wanted to fail Zi Xu but changed his mind after seeing Zi Xu's strength and teammates' trust in him.

Significant Themes

• Trust and teamwork among ninjas.
• The importance of not judging people solely by data or initial impressions.

Character Interactions

• Zi Xu and Tenzo have a tense interaction, with Zi Xu questioning Tenzo's test and Tenzo initially wanting to fail Zi Xu.
• Hatsumi and Chino show concern for Zi Xu's safety and try to intervene when Tenzo pressures him.
• Tenzo shows a softer side after seeing Zi Xu's strength and teammates' trust in him.