The So-Called Academic Genius

Chapter 21: The So-Called Top Student [Seeking Recommendation Tickets]

"Shikaku, the three of you already know about Toneri. You absolutely cannot speak of this to anyone, not even those closest to you. I've already spoken to his parents, and they won't interfere.

Also, Toneri will be staying at our house for a while. You need to get along with him!" Shikashin Nara said to his son.

Shikashin was quite satisfied with his son.

Although he didn't inherit his father's handsomeness, he at least inherited his intelligence.

He was just a bit lazy, sometimes disliking thinking about things that didn't directly concern him.

He wasn't sure who he took after in that regard...

"Oh—" Nara Shikaku replied indifferently.

Although he agreed verbally, he was still a bit curious about Toneri.

Especially after he saw the forest destroyed in such a state. The destructive power that nearly reshaped the terrain had deeply shaken his young heart.

They were both human, so why was the gap so large?

He was clearly younger than himself and didn't look like a ninja...

Could it be because of what the adults called Tailed Beasts?

After cautioning Shikaku, Nara Shikashin looked at the well-behaved Toneri with a complex expression.

To be honest, if Toneri weren't the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, Nara Shikashin would have quite liked him.

Of course, it wasn't because Toneri was more handsome than his son, definitely not!

Well...

It was mainly because of Toneri's subtle thoughts.

A child only a few years old could have such complex thoughts; it wasn't impossible for him to surpass his father in the future.

The more he thought about it, the more Nara Shikashin understood the Third Hokage's intentions.

He valued the child's potential.

Honestly, someone born in the Land of Fire, aside from being influenced by the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal placed by Danzo, was highly unlikely to betray Konoha.

Especially when this child was smart and knew how to assess the situation.

After all, there was currently no place more comfortable and safe than Konoha.

"Toneri, you can stay at our house for now. Treat it like your own home, don't hold back. If you need anything, just tell me or Aunt Yoshimi.

If that doesn't work, you can tell Shikaku too.

Don't let his age fool you; Shikaku is already a ninja!"

Ninja!

In this world, they represented privilege.

Toneri's eyes lit up, and he looked at Nara Shikaku, saying, "Then can Big Brother Shikaku teach me so I can become a ninja too?"

For some reason, the way Toneri looked at him made Shikaku feel a bit uneasy.

Before Shikaku could answer, Nara Shikashin interjected, "Heh heh, Toneri, don't rush. Since you're in Konoha, you'll definitely have the opportunity to become a ninja.

However, it won't be through Shikaku, but through the Ninja Academy."

"Ninja Academy?" Toneri tried his best to keep his expression natural.

Shikashin didn't notice anything unusual about Toneri.

"That's right, the Ninja Academy is where people become ninjas, and it's where you build your foundation! If you want to become a ninja, going through there is the best way."

Shikashin's "patient guidance" had an effect, and Toneri "obediently" nodded.

"However, the new semester has already passed some time ago, and you're not very familiar with basic ninja knowledge. So, if you don't want to study with a bunch of little brats much younger than you, it's best to self-study.

Of course, I can provide you with learning materials, and if you have any questions, you can ask me or Shikaku. I believe we can both answer them for you.

Once this busy period passes, I believe Lord Third will arrange for your enrollment soon."

As he spoke, Shikashin placed a large pile of books and scrolls in front of Toneri.

They were stacked as high as Toneri himself.

Stunned, Toneri looked at the mountain of materials before him and blinked.

There was a phrase he wanted to say to Shikashin's family, and he wondered if he could say it now.

Shikashin was very pleased with Toneri's expression.

You think you can act tough, little fox!

"Uncle Shikashin, where is my room?"

"Let Shikaku take you. Aunt Yoshimi has already prepared it for you," Shikashin said to Toneri.

Toneri nodded, picked up some of the books from the floor, and walked towards the door.

Halfway there, he suddenly turned his head and said to Shikaku, "What are you waiting for? Shikaku, hurry up and help me carry them!"

Shikaku: "..."

You're really not holding back at all.

I have to admit, the Nara Clan's accommodations are quite good. The room they prepared for Toneri is spacious, and everything inside is fully equipped.

After ushering the "hardworking and uncomplaining" Shikaku out of the room, Toneri sat down at the desk and looked at the pile of documents stacked on it.

He reviewed everything that had happened today.

On the surface, he remained composed, but in his heart, he had sent a colorful greeting to the ancestors of everyone involved.

"Scheming old farts, all of them! Just as I thought, anyone with power and status in this world is no simple person!"

Based on how things had unfolded today and the current outcome, he could roughly guess what the higher-ups in Konoha were thinking.

Ultimately, it all came down to... the "it smells so good" principle!

A Two-Tails Jinchuriki delivered right to their doorstep, especially one whose exact location was uncertain even for Kumogakure, was simply too tempting.

When Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, distributed the Tailed Beasts, they lacked the power and qualification to intervene. However, after encountering them several times on the battlefield, they developed a love-hate relationship with Tailed Beasts.

There was no reason to hand over a Two-Tails that had been delivered to them.

Moreover, Konoha was currently at its peak!

With Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, at the tail end of his prime, Konoha White Fang, Hatake Sakumo, who had made a name for himself in the Second Shinobi World War, and the trio of Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade, who had earned the title of Sannin and shook the Shinobi World after their encounter with the Demigod Hanzo.

Honestly, with Konoha's strength at this level, Kumogakure might not be a match for them.

"Danzo, that scheming old fart, must be the most supportive of keeping me here. With the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal and the past brainwashing techniques of Root, he probably still believes I'm extremely loyal to him."

Toneri didn't immediately dive into the important documents, but instead carefully analyzed his current situation.

Determining his current status was more important and crucial than studying. This would allow Toneri to decide how he should exist in Konoha moving forward.

Should he flaunt his talent, or lay low and play it safe until the very end?

This was critical!

The seemingly innocent smile he had worn on his face had completely vanished.

"However, Hiruzen Sarutobi isn't exactly a saint either. If he hadn't agreed, even with Danzo's full support, it wouldn't have been possible to keep me here."

Gradually, Toneri touched his face.

"Tsk, these old schemers, why do I feel like they're all lusting after me?!"

He recalled how, when he first woke up, a group of people had surrounded his sickbed, looking down at him...

A shiver ran down his spine.

"Since I wasn't directly sent to Root, it means Hiruzen Sarutobi hasn't turned into the politician he becomes later. He's still relatively strong.

The Nara Clan is a cornerstone of the Hokage faction.

Looking at it this way, as long as I behave, there shouldn't be any problems in the short term.

But given Danzo's personality, he definitely won't give up just like that. After all, if he had a compliant Two-Tails Jinchuriki, he would have some leverage against the Hokage.

And... at this point in time, isn't that influential figure about to fall into the trap Danzo has woven?

Should I interfere?"

Toneri struggled internally. If he could gain the favor of that influential figure, his safety in Konoha would be guaranteed, among other things.

But that influential figure's heart was a bit fragile...

For now, he would put aside unrealistic thoughts. He couldn't do anything even if he wanted to right now. Why would that influential figure let a mere kid like him get involved?

It was better to focus his attention on these documents.

Thinking this, Toneri's lips curled slightly. "Hmph, do they think giving me a pile of documents will delay my progress in becoming a ninja?

They've probably never met a true scholar!

Let alone a pile like this, even double the amount, I'll devour it all!"

He muttered to himself and picked up the "Introduction to Chakra Refinement" on the desk to start studying.

At the same time, Toneri had also roughly determined his direction.

At this point, simply playing it safe wasn't necessarily a good thing. He could appropriately showcase his talent to let the two influential figures see his value. This way, they would value him more, and he could better play it safe in the long run.

In short, everything for the grand finale!

ps: This book is recruiting operations staff. Interested friends can join the group to contact Pipi.

Jin Mu suddenly realized that they actually had quite a few female fans. He didn't know why, but he felt extremely gratified.

He had nothing else to say but to ask for recommendation votes daily!

With female fans, he instantly felt more confident, dared to take deep breaths when speaking, and could climb five floors without getting tired, haha--

Thank you to "Book Lover's Obsession" for the generous reward! Thank you to "The Other Side of Memory," "Just Read, Don't Spend Money," "Xian Yu Yu," "Nan Ba," "Luo Ye Shi 1," "Shang Meng Die Yue," "RexlipNew," "Qian Xing Mo," and other esteemed patrons for their rewards!

Regarding the recruitment of operations officers, everyone can pay a little attention. The requirements are for those with plenty of free time and ambition!