The Ninja Academy stood in a corner of the village, ancient and solemn.
Uchiha Ruri and Sasuke stood at the school gate.
"Sasuke, are you ready?" Uchiha Ruri asked softly, her words revealing a gentle yet firm strength.
Sasuke looked at her and nodded, a resolute light flickering in his eyes.
He knew that enrolling in the Ninja Academy was an important step on his path to becoming a powerful ninja.
Uchiha Ruri smiled slightly and continued, "I still need to go pick up my Teacher Certification, then I'll head to your class to teach. Most of the courses at the Ninja Academy are quite boring. If it's not my class, you can use the Shadow Clone Technique to skip it."
"Huh? Use the Shadow Clone Technique to skip class?" Sasuke was stunned; he hadn't expected Uchiha Ruri to suggest such a thing.
He had always believed that every class at the Ninja Academy was precious, and that both theory and practice required serious attention.
Having just received Uchiha Ruri's gentle treatment, he was now being told to skip class and be a bad student; Sasuke couldn't quite process it.
Seeing Sasuke's surprised expression, Uchiha Ruri couldn't help but laugh. "What? Do you find it unbelievable? Actually, using the Shadow Clone Technique to skip class is a tradition at the Ninja Academy. Of course, this doesn't mean you can skip whenever you want; it means that provided you can master the course material, you can use a shadow clone to attend the classes you find boring or repetitive in your place."
Hearing Uchiha Ruri's explanation, Sasuke felt a mix of confusion, novelty, and excitement.
He had always been a very hardworking person with a strong desire to grow stronger.
Now, he had the chance to try a completely new way of learning, which made him feel both expectant and a little nervous.
"Then... how do I do it?" Sasuke asked tentatively.
Uchiha Ruri smiled and explained, "It's simple. As long as you master the Shadow Clone Technique, you can create your own clones. Then, you can have a clone attend class for you while you go do other things, like training, carrying out missions, or exploring new ninjutsu."
Uchiha Ruri herself had used the Shadow Clone Technique to create three clones to join the Akatsuki.
Sasuke felt enlightened after Uchiha Ruri's explanation. He had always been working hard to train in ninjutsu, and the Shadow Clone Technique was one of the skills he longed to master.
"But this is a B-rank ninjutsu, so it is indeed a bit too early for you right now. After school, I will stay behind to teach you how to learn this technique, guiding you step-by-step from the basics."
A flash of determination crossed Sasuke's eyes; he knew this was a rare opportunity and a challenge to himself.
He nodded and said firmly, "Okay! I will definitely work hard and not let you down."
"Then go to your classroom for class first," Uchiha Ruri said softly.
After hearing this, Sasuke turned and walked toward the classroom, his heart filled with anticipation for the new ninjutsu.
After they parted, Uchiha Ruri headed toward the Ninja Teacher Center Studio.
Pushing open the studio doors, an atmosphere of solemnity and gravity rushed to meet her.
Uchiha Ruri looked around and saw the walls covered with photos of outstanding teachers from past generations.
"You must be Uchiha Ruri, right?" A middle-aged man looked up and smiled at her.
His eyes revealed a sense of wisdom and kindness that made one feel an involuntary sense of respect.
Uchiha Ruri nodded and replied respectfully, "Yes, I am Uchiha Ruri."
The middle-aged man nodded, took a document from his drawer, and handed it to her. "This is the Teacher Qualification Certificate that the Third Hokage had prepared for you. Once you take this, you are a member of the Konoha Classroom in the village."
Uchiha Ruri took the document and saw her name and photo printed on it, along with the official seal of Konoha.
A surge of inexplicable excitement and pride welled up in her heart; this was the moment she had been looking forward to, and it had finally arrived.
"Thank you," Uchiha Ruri said.
The middle-aged man smiled and shook his head. "No need to thank me; you earned this with your own strength. I believe you will become an excellent ninja teacher and cultivate more outstanding ninjas for Konoha."
Uchiha Ruri nodded in acknowledgment, then bid him farewell and headed toward the classroom.
"Ding! You have a new notification regarding point usage!" A blue system box popped up, catching Uchiha Ruri's attention.
She set aside her work and tapped the box, the interface jumping to a detailed record of point usage.
Uchiha Ruri scanned the page, her gaze immediately locking onto the line that read "User: Hanabi."
She was slightly stunned. What the hell? Points can be used by clones?
Continuing to read, Uchiha Ruri saw the text "Points used: 1,000."
One thousand points was not a small amount; she had only earned four thousand in total.
For Hanabi to use so many points at once, it was clearly for something very important.
"What the hell are those three up to now?"
Uchiha Ruri's curiosity grew stronger, and she clicked the link for "Usage Details."
The page shifted, and Uchiha Ruri's eyes fell on the specific information regarding Hanabi's point usage.
She had expected Hanabi to exchange points for training resources or secret ninjutsu manuals, but she never expected her to choose to adjust the appearance of her Susanoo.
The appearance of the Susanoo summoned by every member of the Uchiha clan was fixed and could not be adjusted according to personal preference.
Yet Hanabi had actually spent 1,000 points to exchange for the opportunity to adjust the appearance of her Susanoo.
This couldn't help but surprise Uchiha Ruri, while at the same time, she felt grateful for Hanabi's cleverness.
I really am grateful to you! Did you seriously use up all my points?
One had to know that system points were hard to come by; every single point was earned through missions, and so far, only one mission had popped up: to let the Akatsuki go.
The fact that Hanabi is willing to spend so many points to adjust the appearance of her Susanoo shows that she has extremely high standards for her own strength, while also possessing a deep understanding of and high expectations for the Susanoo technique.
Ruri can imagine that the adjusted Susanoo will be even more in tune with Hanabi's personality and combat style, allowing her to handle herself with greater ease in battle and unleash even more formidable power.
This is undoubtedly a massive boost to Hanabi's strength, as well as a bold investment in her own future.
Ruri feels happy for Hanabi in her heart, while also looking forward to seeing exactly what Hanabi's adjusted Susanoo will look like.
Ruri opened the System Chat Group.
Uchiha Ruri: "Hanabi, oh Hanabi, could you at least tell me when you're using points? I am the original body, after all!"
This message popped out of the Communicator like a mischievous marble, carrying a hint of teasing and curiosity.
Hanabi and her two companions were in a crowded area, surrounded by the hustle and bustle; the laughter and chatter of people and the cries of street vendors merged into a vivid urban symphony.
Hanabi glanced at the Communicator, a sly smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. She feigned ignorance and said, "Original body, I'm just a plain old shadow clone. You wouldn't blame a shadow clone for using points like this, would you? As for points, I, Hanabi, don't know anything about them!"
Her voice was laced with playfulness, like a little fox teasing someone.
The two companions beside her couldn't help but cover their mouths and giggle, seemingly enjoying this little prank.
Hearing this on the other end of the Communicator, Ruri couldn't help but roll her eyes. She knew Hanabi's personality all too well; this little girl always loved to play harmless jokes on her.
Thus, she didn't back down and retorted, "Hanabi, spare me that act! I'm the original body, do you think I don't know your little tricks? Tell me, where did the points go?"
Hanabi laughed heartily upon hearing this and said, "Original body, you really are incredibly clever! But as for the points, that's a secret! I can't just tell you."
"A secret? What kind of secret can't you tell me? You three are changing the look of a Susanoo, the least you could do is notify me!" Ruri's curiosity was piqued; she didn't want to be played for a fool by her own shadow clone.
Hanabi smiled triumphantly and said, "This is a secret between me, Teacher Gojo, and Rin-chan, I can't just tell you! Besides, original body, the look I've chosen for my Susanoo is seriously super cool!"
Fine, fine, fine?! The shadow clone was actually starting to negotiate with the original body!
Upon hearing this, Ruri felt a bit annoyed; this little girl actually dared to negotiate with her!
However, she also knew Hanabi's personality—if she didn't satisfy her curiosity, she wouldn't let it go. So, she had no choice but to say helplessly, "Forget the secret then. Where are you all now? Have you reached the Land of Rivers?"
Hanabi smiled smugly and said, "Then please, original body, buy me my favorite dessert! As long as the dessert is provided, I'll tell you where the points were spent!"
Ruri couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation; this little Hanabi actually dared to haggle with her! Still, she knew this was just Hanabi being mischievous. She sighed helplessly and said, "Fine, I suppose you're being sensible, so my efforts weren't entirely in vain. I'll allow you to spend two hundred points to purchase Naruto currency."
Upon hearing this, Hanabi cheered instantly, like a child who had just received a beloved toy.
She said excitedly, "That's great, original body! You really are the best; I knew you loved Hanabi the most."
Uchiha Ruri: "Alright, don't go wasting points recklessly. That's two hundred points; check with me before using any more."
Hanabi: "You got it, original body."
After the two finished chatting, Ruri obtained her Teacher Qualification Certificate, which would allow her to hold a legitimate job in Konoha. Naturally, her residence would be at the Uchiha Residence.
Not long after, Ruri arrived at Sasuke's classroom. It happened to be her scheduled time to teach, so she stood at the classroom door and took a deep breath, steadying her nerves.
Being a teacher for the first time was a bit nerve-wracking, and the fact that a teenager was teaching children who were only a few years old felt absurd when viewed through the lens of her past-life memories.
Then, she pushed the door open and walked into the classroom. The room was already filled with students, and as they saw Ruri walk in, they all wore expressions of curiosity and anticipation.
"Whoa, is this the new teacher? How come I've never seen her before?" one student widened his eyes, curiously sizing up Ruri on the podium.
Although his voice wasn't loud, it was exceptionally clear in the quiet classroom, immediately drawing the attention of the surrounding students.
"Holy crap! What a beautiful teacher! Is she a new arrival?" another student couldn't help but exclaim, his gaze locked firmly on Ruri, as if completely captivated by her beauty and aura.
"Teacher, look at me! I'm a good student, I never skip class!" a mischievous boy raised his hand and shouted at Ruri with a grin. His voice was full of banter and playfulness, but the anticipation in his eyes was genuine.
"So pretty..." some girls whispered, their eyes filled with envy and admiration.
Ruri's appearance seemed to bring a splash of color to this ordinary classroom, leaving everyone stunned.
Ruri stood on the podium, smiling at these enthusiastic students.
She didn't feel embarrassed or uneasy because of their surprise and chatter; instead, she felt this was a rare opportunity for interaction and exchange.
She knew that as a new teacher, she needed to use her charm and ability to win over the hearts of these students.
She gave a light cough and said in a gentle yet firm voice, "Hello everyone, I am your new teacher—Uchiha Ruri. I am very happy to be your teacher, and I hope that in the coming days, we can learn and improve together."
Ruri stood on the podium, her gaze slowly sweeping across the classroom, searching for a familiar figure.
After all, she wasn't just standing here as a new teacher; she was here as a member of Konoha, and she had to look after Sasuke at home as well.
Suddenly, her gaze settled on a seat by the window. A handsome boy was sitting there.
His short, jet-black hair made him look full of spirit. A rebellious smile played on his face, as if he were excited by the commotion caused by Ruri's arrival!
Look! You guys are so happy! That's my sister!
Ruri felt at ease in her heart and nodded at Sasuke with a smile. Sasuke noticed Ruri's gaze and nodded back.
"I am the new teacher, why don't you all introduce yourselves?" Ruri said gently, her gaze sweeping around the classroom before finally stopping on Naruto.
Look who this is? Another protagonist, a little Naruto!
Upon hearing this, Naruto jumped up excitedly, waving his arms and shouting loudly, "Me, me!"
His face was brimming with enthusiasm and vitality, as if an infinite amount of power were surging within him.
Uchiha Ruri watched Naruto, a flicker of appreciation flashing in her eyes.
She knew that this lively and adorable boy possessed a brave and steadfast heart; his very presence always brought joy and motivation to those around him.
Naruto walked to the front of the podium, took a deep breath, puffed out his chest, and announced loudly, "Hello everyone, my name is Naruto Uzumaki, and I am an ordinary student from Konoha."
His voice was filled with confidence and enthusiasm, as if he wanted to tell everyone that while he might be plain, he was by no means ordinary.
"I love eating ramen, especially that Ichiraku Ramen—it's simply a delicacy of the world!" When Naruto mentioned ramen, a look of intoxication appeared on his face, as if he could already smell the rich broth and the delicious noodles.
Upon hearing this, his classmates couldn't help but laugh, and some even joined Naruto in reminiscing about that delicious ramen.
"However," Naruto's tone shifted, his expression turning serious, "my dream is to become the Naruto and protect Konoha and everyone in it!"
His voice was resonant and powerful, brimming with determination and perseverance.
The classroom fell silent instantly; some students applauded Naruto for his courage and dream, but others let out mocking laughter.
They felt that Naruto's idea was too naive. The position of Naruto was so far out of reach—how could it possibly be attained by an ordinary student?
"Haha, Naruto, you're daydreaming again!" a boy laughed loudly, his words immediately drawing echoes from the others.
Hearing the mockery, Naruto felt a wave of disappointment in his heart, but he did not give up.
He clenched his fists, looked at those who mocked him with a firm gaze, and shouted, "Even if you think I'm dreaming, I will keep working hard until I realize my dream!"
Uchiha Ruri watched Naruto, her heart filled with admiration. She knew that although this boy was still young, he already possessed the firm belief and perseverance required to become the Naruto. She believed that as long as Naruto kept working hard, he would realize his dream one day.
"Very good, Naruto." Uchiha Ruri walked to Naruto's side and gently patted his shoulder, her movements full of encouragement and appreciation. "Your dream is great, and I believe you will definitely be able to achieve it."
A glimmer of surprise flashed in Naruto's eyes. He looked up at Uchiha Ruri's firm gaze, and a warm current surged through his heart.
This new teacher not only didn't mock his dream but instead gave him immense trust and encouragement, which made Naruto feel incredibly warm and moved.
"But remember, dreams are not achieved overnight." Uchiha Ruri's tone became serious. "If you want to become the Naruto, you need to put in effort and sweat, constantly training to improve your strength. Only then can you better protect Konoha and everyone."
Naruto nodded vigorously after hearing this. He knew that to realize his dream, he had to put in the effort and sweat.
He had long been prepared; no matter how many difficulties and challenges he encountered, he would persist until he achieved his dream.
"Later, I will take you to try the ramen unique to the Otsutsuki Clan."
Uchiha Ruri said with a smile, a flash of cunning in her eyes.
Naruto became excited the moment he heard this. Ramen from the Otsutsuki Clan? That must be incredibly special and delicious! He couldn't wait to taste it.
After speaking, Uchiha Ruri gently stroked Naruto's head; her movements were as tender and kind as a mother caressing her child.
Hmm, very good, the protagonist's head is indeed very comfortable to touch! Uchiha Ruri thought to herself, a satisfied smile appearing on her face.
Naruto felt a bit embarrassed by Uchiha Ruri's touch, and a faint blush spread across his cheeks.
But he didn't dodge; instead, he let Uchiha Ruri stroke his head, enjoying this rare warmth and care.
At this moment, Naruto deeply remembered Uchiha Ruri, this new teacher. She not only believed that he could become the Naruto but also gave him endless encouragement and support.
More importantly, Uchiha Ruri made him feel an unprecedented sense of care and warmth.
"Thank you, Teacher!" Naruto bowed deeply, his voice filled with gratitude and respect. "I will remember your words and keep working hard!"
Uchiha Ruri looked at Naruto's firm gaze and earnest expression, feeling very gratified and proud.
Just the fact that he could state this dream on the podium already put him ahead of his peers.
Next, Uchiha Ruri looked toward Uchiha Sasuke.
She knew that Uchiha Sasuke had always been an introverted person who wasn't very good at expressing his emotions, but she believed that Uchiha Sasuke also had his own dreams and pursuits.
"Sasuke, why don't you come up and introduce yourself as well?" Uchiha Ruri said with a smile.
Uchiha Sasuke looked up, glanced at Uchiha Ruri, and then walked slowly to the podium. His gaze swept across the classroom and finally rested on Naruto.
His eyes revealed a complex emotion, containing both recognition of Naruto and expectations for himself.
"My name is Uchiha Sasuke, and I am a student at Konoha." Uchiha Sasuke's voice was low and powerful, as if an invisible force flowed within it. "I like practicing ninjutsu, and my dream is to become stronger and protect my family! And that person!"
His words were brief, yet filled with determination and conviction.
Upon hearing Uchiha Sasuke's introduction, the classmates applauded him one after another. They knew that Uchiha Sasuke was a highly gifted ninja, and his future would surely be even more brilliant.
"So cool! As expected of Uchiha Sasuke!" A group of girls expressed their admiration.
"Tch, what's so great about that? He's not as cool as me; I'm fucking cooler!"
"Is there any need to make such a big fuss? I could have that kind of looks too!"
A group of boys felt a mix of envy, jealousy, and hatred.
"Thank you for the self-introduction, Uchiha Sasuke. Shall we move on to the others?" Uchiha Ruri Uchiha smiled gently.
"Me! It's my turn! Damn it, don't rush, Teacher, get out of the way!" A group of boys eagerly expressed their willingness to join in!