Lend Me Some Money

"I really like it."

After playing with it for a moment, Yan seemed to notice Rin's gaze and immediately tucked the jade pendant away.

This was something Miyoshi-kun had given to her—she couldn't let others see it.

"When I get home, I'll string it into a necklace."

Yan hurriedly stashed the jade pendant, while Rin reluctantly withdrew her gaze.

Beautiful things appeal to everyone, especially children.

For this kind of ornament she'd never seen before, she took an unprecedented interest.

"When I get back, I'll have my uncle buy me one."

Rin shot a glance at Yan and snorted.

The class bell rang. Sakurai Utsugi walked in, spotted Yan, and revealed a gratified smile.

What a good child, even willing to help the slower students in class study.

This was the Will of Fire.

"Today, I have an announcement.

This year, the village has issued a new policy: anyone who finishes the school curriculum ahead of time, maintains good behavior in class, and meets the grade requirements may graduate early."

Before the teacher finished speaking, the classroom erupted into chaos.

"Yosh, I can become a ninja now!"

"The path of the ninja starts from here!"

"I'll be the next God of Shinobi!"

All sorts of boasts poured out endlessly. They were long tired of boring theoretical knowledge and yearned to become ninjas, eager to contribute to the village.

Graduating, becoming a genin, and then starting their ninja journey—this was the dream of so many children.

Now, hearing that the village allowed early graduation, they were all riled up, as if in the next second they could become ninjas and make a name for themselves.

Miyoshi wasn't affected by the fervent atmosphere at all. Pushing up a nonexistent glasses frame, he spotted the catch.

The standard graduation term for the Ninja Academy was six years. Those who met the grades and performed excellently could apply for graduation in their fourth year.

This rule was set by the Second Hokage. Children entered at age six, and by graduation, they'd be at least ten.

But now, it seemed the front lines were tight, and the village needed to recruit cannon fodder.

The Land of Whirlpools had been destroyed, directly triggering the Second Ninja World War.

Even the Hokage's own disciples had gone to the battlefield. Now the village suddenly issued a new policy—Miyoshi could figure out the ulterior motive with his spine.

At this, he curled his lips in disdain.

Excellent grades, good behavior?

He'd never achieve excellent grades in this lifetime. He'd just scrape by with mediocrity to brush it off.

This Ninja Academy—if he didn't stay the full six years, did they think Miyoshi would go to the battlefield?

Not a chance!

And as for these excited kids who couldn't wait to show up—not all of them, but ninety-nine percent were from civilian families.

The children of ninja clans sat calm and silent, saying nothing.

Yan didn't speak, and Rin, as a member of the Hyuga Clan, responded to the teacher's words with composure, even a hint of resentment.

Because if she had to go to the battlefield, as a member of the Branch Family, she would have to be branded with the Caged Bird, with no room for negotiation.

So, she was determined to drag it out as long as possible.

"Everyone, settle down."

"The opportunity to graduate is there for everyone, but finishing the entire curriculum isn't an easy task. Students still need to work hard."

After calming the restless classroom, Sakurai Utsugi began to announce another policy.

"Currently, the Hokage has issued a task to form a training class for medical ninjas. Anyone interested in the class can participate.

And there will even be personal instruction from Lady Tsunade.

Oh, right, Miyoshi, you should join too. The teacher has high hopes for you."

When announcing this news, the teacher specifically called out Miyoshi's name.

Miyoshi daydreamed in class and read extracurricular books every day—how could that escape the teacher's notice? But if they were really just extracurricular books, that would be one thing.

But those were serious, legitimate books, medical ones at that. Some of them even Sakurai Utsugi had never seen before, touching on areas beyond his knowledge.

Yet books even the teacher couldn't understand, Miyoshi read with great relish.

Clearly, this was an unconventional genius.

Sakurai Utsugi saw all of this. No teacher doesn't want their student to succeed.

In his view, while Miyoshi might not have the potential to become an excellent ninja, becoming a fine medical ninja would be a great path.

This time, the students weren't nearly as worked up—after all, a medical ninja was just a medical ninja. How could that compare to the coolness of a ninja charging into battle?

At most, they'd be stuck in the rear as support staff.

"Teacher."

Miyoshi stood up, about to say something, but the teacher cut him off in a tone that brooked no refusal.

"Miyoshi-kun, becoming an excellent medical ninja doesn't necessarily mean you'll contribute less to the village than a combat ninja.

Right now, we're short on medical ninjas, and your talents are perfectly suited for that path."

Then came another long-winded lecture, and in the end, Miyoshi sat back down helplessly.

He hadn't even said he was refusing—why did he have to get preached at?

Seeing everything settled, Sakurai Utsugi nodded and began the day's lesson.

"Yan, can you lend me some money? I'll pay you back once I start earning."

After school, Miyoshi didn't head to the forest to train with Yan. Instead, he bought her a stick of Tricolor Dango and asked her to meet at his house.

"It's so good."

Watching the gluttonous girl beside him, Miyoshi couldn't help but smile. Easy to win over.

Now came the part where he showed off his results and secured investment.

"This is the first time I've seen Miyoshi-kun's home."

Yan looked around curiously at Miyoshi's house.

A three-story villa—understated on the inside, yet classical. There was a massive bookshelf, filled with books that made Yan crane her neck to look up at.

That was the one good thing about the Senju—they were learned. But there were very few books on ninjutsu, probably because his original parents were afraid he'd sneak a peek.

Miyoshi had only found a Wind Release: Great Breakthrough, and that technique wasn't even as useful as his Word Spirit. Plus, it consumed more Chakra than his Word Spirit did.

That was another discovery of Miyoshi's—the Word Spirit's consumption could actually be fueled by Chakra.

But thinking about it, considering how Chakra was composed, Miyoshi wasn't surprised. Mental energy and physical energy combined into one—originally, the Word Spirit consumed physical stamina.

But Chakra clearly contained both physical energy and mental energy, which also explained why he found the Word Spirit's consumption to be lower than ninjutsu's.

"Yan, you know I usually like reading all sorts of strange books.

In one accident, I discovered that the bloodlines of the Senju Clan and the Uchiha Clan hold a huge secret."

Miyoshi pulled open the bedroom door, showing off his expertise to Yan.

"So much medical equipment."

Yan covered her small mouth. She had excellent composure and knew to act surprised—it would give Miyoshi a sense of accomplishment.

"Wait, Miyoshi-kun said Senju—did Miyoshi-kun find some Senju blood, or—"

Yan raised her question.

And Miyoshi answered without holding back.

"That's right, I'm a member of the Senju Clan. I discovered that the bloodlines of the Senju and Uchiha seem to share some similar genes—that's the reason both clans are so strong."

"So, Miyoshi-kun, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Though Yan was genuinely shocked by Miyoshi's identity, she still wanted to know why he was telling her all this.

"The genes of both clans hide a huge secret, but I'm out of money for my research right now. Lend me some."