Konoha was shrouded in a light morning mist as Uchiha Ying Yue made his way slowly toward the training ground.
Ying Yue was calm, yet he felt a faint anticipation for this first meeting with his three students.
Three small figures had already been waiting at the training ground for some time.
Sarutobi Asuma, Yuhi Kurenai, and Shizune—the three newly graduated ninja students—stood in the morning light, chatting among themselves.
The moment Ying Yue stepped onto the training ground, the three fell silent, their eyes turning toward him in unison.
"You're on time." Ying Yue spoke calmly, his eyes carefully assessing the three before him.
Uchiha Ying Yue's gaze first settled on Sarutobi Asuma.
At the time, Asuma was only around ten years old, with a messy head of hair and a hint of rebellion on his face.
Ying Yue knew that this troublesome youth would grow into a steady ninja in the future, even becoming one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja. But for now, Asuma was merely a competitive young boy who often liked to show off.
Asuma is still just a child... Ying Yue mused inwardly. The bearded, rough-looking middle-aged man Asuma would become in the future was utterly different from the rebellious boy before him.
Ying Yue could not help recalling Asuma's fate—his future death at Hidan's hands.
Thinking of the fate awaiting him, Ying Yue felt some regret and resolved to improve this future powerhouse's strength.
Next, Ying Yue turned his gaze toward Yuhi Kurenai.
This future master of genjutsu would grow into a mature and exceptionally charming woman.
But Kurenai was still a lively little girl now. Her eyes shone with quick-witted intelligence, and it was clear that she possessed remarkable talent.
Asuma was trying hard to show himself off in front of Kurenai, occasionally