The Mask of the Heart

After hearing Qingyu's words, the Chunin instructor Umino Shika felt that this class was likely the most difficult one he had ever had to lead.

There was Asuma, the son of the Hokage, and Qingyu, the younger brother of Tsunade, not to mention a large number of students from prestigious clans like the Hyuga and Uchiha.

As a mere Chunin instructor, he dared not offend anyone; it was truly like walking on thin ice!

"Well said, student Qingyu."

Although Umino Shika was struggling to keep his composure, he still managed to force a smile.

[Collectible trait detected: E-rank trait]

[E-rank trait: Attitude is the Mask of the Heart]

[Effect: Your facial expression management ability is increased by 40%.]

This trait...

Qingyu glanced at Umino Shika.

He had a feeling it had dropped from this Chunin instructor, as he was the only one smiling while everyone else looked completely bewildered.

After Qingyu stepped down, Rin Nohara asked curiously:

"Qingyu, what is your relationship with Lady Tsunade?"

Upon hearing this, Qingyu immediately remarked that student Rin Nohara's question was of a very high caliber.

"Oh, I live with Sister Tsunade. Whatever she eats, I eat."

Qingyu said.

Although Tsunade was not his biological sister or cousin—their bloodline was somewhat distant, beyond the third generation—they were still members of the same clan, so she treated Qingyu quite well.

The students in the class looked at each other, realizing that a "background guy" had joined their ranks.

Once all the members had finished their introductions, Umino Shika distributed the files to everyone and announced the dismissal.

Tomorrow would be the start of formal instruction.

"Obito is late again."

Rin Nohara sighed, having no choice but to take the file for Obito beforehand.

For Obito to be late on such an important day as the entrance ceremony, he was truly one of a kind.

"It's Obito's usual style."

Kakashi remarked dryly.

He then looked at Qingyu and asked where he planned to practice his swordsmanship.

"Let's go to the Third Training Ground."

Qingyu said.

It was very close to the village.

"Alright."

Kakashi nodded.

Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice.

"Oh no, oh no, I absolutely cannot be late today!"

Obito, wearing yellow goggles, was sprinting desperately toward the classroom.

But he could only see a constant stream of people pouring out, which made Obito feel increasingly uneasy.

"Late even for the entrance ceremony? Someone like that has no right to enter the Ninja Academy; he's hopeless."

Kakashi shook his head, watching Obito rushing over in a panic.

He despised people like Obito who didn't respect time; such people could never become true ninjas.

Hearing Kakashi's words, Qingyu also looked at Obito.

Although Kakashi's words were quite sharp right now, in a sense, they were true.

If a mission were delayed, it might lead to the failure of the entire operation.

And as for the price of mission failure, Hatake Sakumo was the best example of that.

However, Obito only needed to awaken Kamui, while Kakashi had much more to consider.

"It's okay, I picked it up for you."

Rin Nohara handed Obito's entrance file to him.

"Thank you, Rin! I owe you one!"

Obito immediately blushed inexplicably, thanking Rin Nohara solemnly.

Kakashi shook his head.

With Rin Nohara coddling Obito like this, how could he ever fix his habit of being late?

"Qingyu, let's go."

Compared to a character like Obito, Kakashi was much more interested in Qingyu.

"Let's go."

Qingyu and Kakashi continued walking forward.

Obito was puzzled, not understanding where they were going.

After hearing Rin Nohara's explanation, Obito also clamored to go along.

And so, the group headed toward the Third Training Ground together.

Hokage Building.

"Hiruzen, we cannot continue to let Qingyu run loose; he must be handed over to me for discipline!"

Shimura Danzō wore a grave expression.

In his view, any Uchiha brat born with inherent evil had to be managed.

This was a motto he had inherited from his mentor, Senju Tobirama, and had upheld his entire life.

Every time he saw an Uchiha breathe, Shimura Danzō could smell a foul stench hidden within the bloodline of the Uchiha clan!

"Danzō!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen was somewhat dissatisfied with this attitude of Shimura Danzō trying to tell him how to do his job.

It seemed he had truly given Shimura Danzō too much authority.

"You must understand, Qingyu is also a clansman of Master Tobirama."

Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe and said slowly.

"Hmph."

Shimura Danzō let out a cold snort.

"Precisely because of that, he must be handed over to Root to guide him onto the right path; otherwise, he will surely become a disaster. You will regret this in the future, Hiruzen."

Hearing Shimura Danzō's words, Sarutobi Hiruzen set down his pipe.

"Enough, I am the Hokage!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen slammed his hand on the desk.

Back then, his position as Hokage had been personally designated by Master Tobirama.

Although Qingyu possessed half the Uchiha bloodline, he also possessed half the Senju bloodline!

How could he watch a Senju clansman be sent off to be ruined by Shimura Danzō in Root?

Upon hearing this, Shimura Danzō gave Sarutobi Hiruzen a look of exasperated fury.

He had given his all for Konoha, yet Sarutobi Hiruzen was using the position of Hokage to suppress him again!

You're so amazing, you're so noble.

If I hadn't been a few seconds late back then, would there even be a place for you, Sarutobi Hiruzen?

Shimura Danzō suppressed the dissatisfaction in his heart and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Bang!

The door, which had been slammed by Shimura Danzō more times than anyone could count, was already teetering on its hinges.

Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately summoned an Anbu ninja and ordered him to call someone for repairs.

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

Just as the Anbu ninja was about to withdraw, Sarutobi Hiruzen added:

"Make Shimura Danzō pay for the repairs out of his own pocket."

"Yes."

After the Anbu ninja left, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked back at the crystal ball on his desk.

He had clearly understood everything the students said in the classroom just now through the "Telescope Technique."

"Judging by his remarks, this child Qingyu has a very indifferent personality. I wonder how much he identifies with the Will of Fire?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen stroked his chin, planning to observe Qingyu's situation closely.

Third Training Ground.

"This guy wants to spar with Kakashi? Is he for real?"

Obito crossed his arms, looking skeptical.

"Maybe classmate Qingyu is very strong?"

Rin Nohara spoke up in defense of Qingyu.

She had a very good impression of a clean and handsome boy like Qingyu.

"Hmph, no matter who is stronger between them, I am the strongest!"

Obito pointed at his own eyes and said with full confidence:

"Once I awaken the Sharingan, I'll be even stronger!"

"Idiot."

Kakashi felt that Obito's intelligence was truly beyond saving.

The Sharingan was merely a tool; were the many Uchiha who hadn't awakened the Sharingan not more capable than Obito?

"Come on, Qingyu."

Kakashi looked toward Qingyu and picked up a tree branch from the ground to use as a wooden sword.

Qingyu did the same.

"I won't go easy on you."

Qingyu said indifferently.

He wanted to see if forcing out more of Kakashi's sword-related techniques would allow him to obtain corresponding traits.

As the words fell, a flash of scarlet unexpectedly emerged in Qingyu's eyes.

It was, shockingly, a One-Tomoe Sharingan!