My Sword Is Not Without Edge!

Early the next morning, before dawn had broken, Qingyu had already finished his run with Might Guy.

"Keep running. I'm heading out first."

Qingyu waved goodbye.

His taijutsu training volume was nowhere near Might Guy's.

"Today is another day to burn with youth! I'll keep running, Qingyu!"

Might Guy declared energetically and continued running ahead.

Qingyu wiped the sweat from his forehead, turned into his usual shop, and bought breakfast for three.

When he got home, Shizune had already washed up and was sitting in the living room reading through her Medical Ninjutsu notes.

Tsunade's door was still tightly shut, and the faint sound of steady breathing came from within.

Qingyu placed Tsunade's breakfast on the table. After he and Shizune finished eating, they headed out together.

The sky gradually brightened, and small groups of students had already appeared on the road to the Ninja Academy.

Just as Qingyu and Shizune reached the school gates, they saw Rin Nohara turn in from another road.

A strand of her short brown hair fluttered in the wind against her lovely face.

"What a coincidence, Rin."

Qingyu greeted her first.

"You and Shizune are early too, Qingyu."

Rin Nohara smiled, her eyes curving into crescents.

Qingyu had always felt that Rin Nohara's most attractive quality was not her appearance, but her smile. It made people feel at ease.

She was the sort of person with an excellent temperament, someone who could treat everyone gently.

In Qingyu's view, Obito, who had lost his parents at a young age, probably lacked love deep down.

It was perfectly normal for him to become dependent on a girl like Rin Nohara, who offered unconditional acceptance.

That gentleness was like driftwood clutched by a drowning man. Once he had grasped it, he could no longer bear to let go.

If Rin Nohara played Valorant, Qingyu figured he would call her Mom and ask for milk.

Mm... what kind of Valorant junior was that?

Qingyu shook his head. He had righteously cut ties with that shameless version of himself!

He was a ninja senior now!

"Qingyu, I heard Konoha Hospital will be holding an exam next month. Those who pass will receive specialized medical training. Are you going?"

As they walked, Rin Nohara asked with obvious interest in her voice.

Michiko Matsuzaka had told her about it a few days ago.

Ever since Qingyu had taken her to Konoha Hospital last time, Michiko Matsuzaka had been deeply impressed by Rin Nohara. She felt the girl had real potential for medicine and had specifically sent word to her.

"I could go take a look."

Qingyu nodded.

The training itself did not matter much. Places with lots of people were more likely to drop traits.

Medical Ninjutsu was connected to Yang Release. Whether it was traits that enhanced healing effects or traits that boosted Yang Release nature transformation, both were useful to him.

"Then I need to study hard. These are some notes I organized. Qingyu, could you help me see if I missed anything?"

After arriving at the classroom, Rin Nohara set down her bag, took out a notebook with curled pages from being read so often, and handed it over.

Interest was the best teacher.

Qingyu knew Rin Nohara liked Medical Ninjutsu, but when he accepted the notebook and flipped through it, he was still surprised.

Good lord.

Some of the topics it covered were incredibly broad, even including plenty of obscure material.

How much information had Rin Nohara gone through during this time to compile something like this?

"You did very well, Rin. I'm sure you'll pass the exam."

Qingyu closed the notebook and handed it back to her.

Shizune also leaned over to take a look, then nodded approvingly.

"I think so too."

Because they shared the same interests, Shizune and Rin Nohara had grown closer lately.

Whenever the two girls got together to discuss Medical Ninjutsu, they often talked until they lost track of time.

"Phew, I finally wasn't late today!"

A familiar voice came from the school gates.

Obito had arrived unusually early today.

He had not encountered a single elderly woman who needed his help along the way, so he had made it to school without any delays.

Panting, he braced himself against the doorframe. Just as he was about to take pride in the rare occasion of not being late, he looked up and saw the scene in the classroom.

Qingyu stood between Rin Nohara and Shizune, still holding Rin Nohara's notebook, while the three of them chatted and laughed.

Obito's smile instantly froze on his face.

Especially since Rin Nohara was standing right beside Qingyu.

He had never even stood shoulder to shoulder with Rin like that!

This was intolerable!

"Qingyu! I challenge you!"

Obito rushed over in two strides, pointed at Qingyu's nose, and loudly declared.

The students who had not yet settled into their seats all turned to look.

Qingyu had just returned the notebook to Rin Nohara. Hearing this, he raised his head and looked at the little brat before him, wearing yellow goggles with his face flushed red. His expression was somewhat strange.

Even Sarutobi Asuma's eyes widened.

"You're challenging me? Whether it's swordsmanship or anything else, you're a complete mess, aren't you?"

Qingyu was rather surprised.

After all, his image in class was that of a genius on par with Kakashi. Where had a dead last like Obito found the courage?

"Hmph, my sword is not without edge!"

With all the eyes gathering around them, and Rin Nohara watching, Obito naturally could not show any weakness.

"I specifically sought guidance from an elder in my clan on Fire Release ninjutsu and new ways to use Shuriken. This time, I'll definitely beat you!"

Obito patted his chest confidently.

During this time, his grandmother had found an elder from the clan to teach him Fire Release ninjutsu and Shuriken techniques.

Though he was not yet proficient, Obito believed he could unleash it in actual combat.

"Fine. I accept."

Qingyu answered readily.

A player like Obito, with high potential but low ability, was perfect for farming traits.

The current Obito was a walking trait treasure chest. Though he had not yet awakened the Sharingan, he surely possessed plenty of latent talent traits.

For example, talent in space-time ninjutsu.

Obito had awakened a space-time dojutsu on the level of "Kamui," so he presumably possessed talent in that area.

Qingyu really wanted to see whether he could pick up something related to that from him.

Seeing Qingyu accept the challenge, the two agreed on a location. Only then did Obito return to his seat in satisfaction.

"Obito, not bad. You actually dared to challenge Qingyu."

Sarutobi Asuma had never imagined Obito had such a manly side.

Could he win?

Even he had no choice but to avoid Qingyu's sharp edge for now, secretly working hard in private and building up his strength.

Where did Obito, a guy who could not even beat Might Guy on the monthly exams, get the nerve?

"Hmph, Qingyu is the challenger!"

Obito crossed his arms and raised his chin high.

Seeing Sarutobi Asuma's surprised expression made him even more pleased with himself.

After school today, he would let Qingyu see what true Uchiha Style Shuriken Jutsu was.

The morning class was History of Konoha Hokage. Umino Shika stood at the podium, speaking at length about the glorious achievements of the Third Hokage, who had made Konoha prosper during his tenure.

The afternoon class was practical training in the Substitution Technique.

Qingyu had mastered this technique long ago. During practice, he casually produced a perfect substitute, earning another round of approving nods from Umino Shika.

More than that, he looked forward to what would happen after school.

At last, the dismissal bell rang.

Obito was practically the first to rush out of the classroom, hurrying toward the Third Training Ground. He was afraid that if he waited even one more second, his momentum would fade.

"Obito's serious this time."

Rin Nohara packed up her bag, a hint of concern on her face.

She was not worried Qingyu would lose.

She was worried Qingyu would hit too hard.