Giving a Lesson

Shen Ye looked up at the front of the classroom. He hadn't expected Jiraiya to be the one teaching.

"How come it's him? Is he going to teach us how to peep on girls while they're bathing?"

"Lord Jiraiya is one of the strongest ninja in the village, no matter how you look at it. He's bound to teach us some amazing ninjutsu."

Shen Ye turned to look at Minato in surprise. Ever since they had fought together back then,

Minato seemed to have begun admiring Jiraiya, and he even seemed to want to become his disciple.

In the original story, Namikaze Minato had become Jiraiya's disciple after graduating from the Ninja Academy. It seemed Shen Ye's appearance wouldn't change that.

In just a few minutes, Shen Ye had completely recovered his composure.

"Since it's Jiraiya, we might as well listen carefully and see what he's going to teach us."

Minato nodded repeatedly, then focused on the front of the room, waiting for Jiraiya to speak.

Jiraiya stood at the lectern with a broad smile, his gaze sweeping around the classroom before finally settling on Shen Ye.

"Hello, everyone. Lord Third ordered me to teach you today, but I'll need one of you to help me out."

Shen Ye had a bad feeling. Jiraiya's eyes already gave away what he was planning.

If nothing unexpected happened, he'd be the lucky student. But Shen Ye really didn't want to play along with Jiraiya.

Unfortunately, all the students around him were watching with eager anticipation, so Shen Ye could only leave it to fate.

Minato gave Shen Ye an envious look and thought, If only I could help Lord Jiraiya. Still, Shen Ye's not bad either.

Jiraiya didn't disappoint Shen Ye. He walked over to him in just a few steps.

"This student has an extraordinary build. He's a natural at cultivation."

Shen Ye gave an awkward smile, followed Jiraiya to the lectern, and waved to the others in the classroom.

Their eyes met briefly. Shen Ye knew that what came next wouldn't go smoothly.

"Jiraiya, I'm warning you to behave. If Tsunade finds out you bullied me, you know what'll happen."

"Don't worry. Today will be a huge learning experience for you."

"I sure hope so!"

Jiraiya nodded, then reached into his pocket and tossed several unfamiliar little objects around the classroom.

"Barrier, rise!"

At Jiraiya's gesture, a purple glow appeared from each little object.

When all the lights connected, a barrier had enveloped the classroom.

From outside, all anyone could see inside was a haze of purple. Nothing else was visible.

At the same time, another pale blue barrier appeared around Jiraiya and Shen Ye, enclosing the two of them.

"Lord Jiraiya, why have you suddenly put up so many barriers?"

Worried for Shen Ye's safety, Yue Xing mustered her courage, stood up, and asked Jiraiya what was going on.

Jiraiya held up a finger and wagged it, signaling everyone not to worry.

"I'm here to teach you today, so the ninja outside the barrier won't be able to see what happens in here. Think of it as protecting what you'll learn."

"Then there's no need for the barrier around the two of us, right? Are you going to rough me up so the others don't get hurt by accident?"

"Congratulations, Shen Ye. Exactly right!"

Shen Ye's mouth twitched. Jiraiya could speak so casually about hurting him. He really was a shameless guy.

Shen Ye could finally understand why Icha Icha Paradise had come from Jiraiya's own hand.

Even though neither of them lowered their voices, Jiraiya's control over the barriers kept everyone outside from hearing their conversation.

All they could see were their lips moving.

"Ahem. For a ninja, the most important thing is controlling chakra. Now, watch closely."

Jiraiya's voice sounded from every corner of the classroom, as if he were right beside each student.

Shen Ye folded his arms and watched Jiraiya in silence, wondering what he was going to pull.

Was he genuinely here to teach, or was he using this chance to get back at Shen Ye? Shen Ye had already decided how he'd teach Jiraiya a lesson afterward.

His naturally charming face was no joke. A little sweet-talking in front of Tsunade would be enough to completely ruin Jiraiya's image.

Everyone focused on Jiraiya, eager to see what he would do next.

"Rasengan!"

Suddenly, a swirling mass of blue chakra appeared in Jiraiya's hand.

Shen Ye's eyes widened in disbelief. Jiraiya had actually pulled out such a powerful ninjutsu to use on him.

Whatever the case, Shen Ye was still just a kid. Jiraiya was going too far.

"Holy crap, Jiraiya, aren't you taking this a bit far? If you slam that ball into me, I'll lose half my life!"

"Heh. I'll be careful."

Shen Ye saw the malicious grin on Jiraiya's face and swallowed nervously, quickly taking up a fighting stance.

Chakra Perception spread throughout the entire barrier, but Shen Ye couldn't sense the slightest trace of chakra from the little blue sphere. It was just a blue ball with nothing behind it.

"Go ahead, Jiraiya. I'll play along."

Shen Ye spread his arms, slowly closed his eyes, and waited for the Rasengan in Jiraiya's hand to hit him.

Jiraiya pushed the Rasengan forward with a straight face, pressing it right against Shen Ye's chest.

Yue Xing cried out and squeezed her eyes shut. Everyone held their breath for Shen Ye, afraid something might go wrong.

But not a sound came. The Rasengan gradually disappeared against Shen Ye's chest.

"Don't panic, everyone. I won't hurt you. I only did that to show you how important chakra control is."

"That's right. Lord Jiraiya's demonstration taught me a lot. Whatever the ninjutsu, it takes precise chakra control."

Jiraiya quietly gave Shen Ye a thumbs-up. He'd been worried all along that Shen Ye wouldn't cooperate.

He'd even imagined all sorts of things that could go wrong and prepared for them.

Jiraiya crossed his hands in front of his chest and murmured, "Release!"

The barriers around the classroom and the two of them gradually vanished. Jiraiya then turned and nodded to Shen Ye.

"Thank you very much for your help. That's the end of today's lesson. I look forward to seeing you graduate from the Ninja Academy."