Leaf Village

After bathing and changing into clean clothes, Ning Xue felt refreshed and invigorated.

He felt like finding Neji for another spar.

However, seeing his mother still sitting there, mending something, he couldn't help but grow curious.

"Mother, what are you doing?"

"I'm preparing some things for you."

Hyuga Yuki unfolded the garment in her hands; it was a slightly newer, light blue short-sleeved top that had clearly been tailored down to size, with a set of black shorts laid out beside it.

"Take a look, does it fit? I heard that for the Ninja Academy entrance ceremony, one needs to dress a bit more formally and decently."

Ning Xue was slightly stunned. The Ninja Academy... right, it was already January of Konoha Year 58. There were less than three months left until the enrollment season in April.

"Time really flies," Yuki couldn't help but sigh.

"In the blink of an eye, Ning Xue has reached the age to start school. I hear there are quite a few children in this year's cohort; perhaps you'll be able to make some new friends."

Her tone was gentle, yet she carried a hint of worry for her child. She knew her son had an introverted, perhaps even reclusive personality, and within the clan, Neji was the only peer he could really talk to.

Ning Xue took the clothes and held them up to himself; the size seemed just right.

"Thank you, Mother."

Ning Xue offered his mother a faint smile of gratitude.

Yet, he felt no particular reaction to the prospect of entering the Ninja Academy soon.

After all, to him, while acquiring knowledge was important, one had to be cautious and prudent, lest one fall into a vortex of trouble.

Of course, he also had to train even harder in secret.

Hyuga Yuki looked her son over carefully, brushed his hair back, and said softly.

"It looks like a perfect fit." Yuki smiled.

"Once you go to school, listen to your teachers and get along well with your classmates. Of course, don't let your training slide, either."

She paused, her voice softening further.

"If... if there is anything that makes you unhappy, you must come back and tell your father and me."

She knew that bullying occurred among children, especially for a child like Ning Xue, who had such distinctive hair and a temperament that wasn't exactly lively.

Ning Xue looked at the genuine concern in his mother's eyes, felt a warmth in his heart, and nodded.

"I know, Mother."

In the afternoon, the streets of Leaf Village.

For once, Ning Xue left the Hyuga Clan Compound to wander the streets of the village.

Compared to the solemnity within the clan grounds, the village streets appeared much more vibrant. Ninjas hurried about, and the cries of vendors selling their wares were endless.

Of course, there was also one other thing.

"Youth!!!!"

A green bodysuit sprinted past.

"That really is strange."

Ning Xue muttered to himself. Afterward, he continued toward his destination.

With nearly three months until the Ninja Academy opened, training every single day wouldn't do; he needed to take a break occasionally. So, he might as well go look for things he could learn. It might come in handy later, as he hadn't learned any Wind Style yet.

Thus, his first stop was the Konoha Library. The Konoha Library was located within Hokage Mountain (Hokage Rock), situated in the very center of the village.

His goal this time was to find some books on human medicine and Wind Style ninjutsu.

The entrance to the library was quite quiet, a sharp contrast to the bustle outside. After showing his identification, he stepped into this ocean of knowledge.

The interior was more spacious than he had imagined, with tall bookshelves standing in rows, and the air was filled with the quiet, distinct scent of old books and wood.

A few scattered villagers and genin were reading quietly.

Most of the books and materials stored here were open to villagers and genin.

Since it was his first time here, he asked the librarian where the books on basic ninjutsu and medicine were generally located.

After receiving an answer and bowing, he headed off to find the books he wanted.

About ten minutes later, he hugged a few thick books and sat quietly in a secluded corner to read.

Detailed Explanation of Human Meridians and Acupoints.

This was an introductory book on basic medical ninjutsu and meridian theory.

Although the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist was based on this, he hoped to deepen his understanding from a more universal and academic perspective.

Introduction to Wind Style Chakra Nature Transformation.

This was one of the main focuses of his trip.

He found a few basic books in the Wind Style ninjutsu section, such as Introduction to Wind Style Chakra and Analysis of Basic Wind Style Shape Transformation, but for him right now, they were all far too advanced.

Illustrated Guide to Herbs and Poisons (Low-Grade) These were some of the most basic D-rank or even unranked ninjutsu, such as how to coat a kunai with wind-attribute chakra to increase its cutting power, or the simplest application of Wind Release to blow a small gust of wind.

Although these were simple, they provided him with a solid reference.

Illustrated Guide to Herbs and Poisons (Low-Grade) A common, publicly permitted guide to medicinal plants. Even though it was low-grade, it was truly useful to him right now; perhaps he could add some materials to it in the future.

He read at a rapid pace, his older soul granting him keen insight, allowing him to take in ten lines at a glance.

Relying on his near-adult mindset, he finished a book in no time.

After staying in the library for about five hours, Ning Xue closed the book and quietly took his leave.

Only upon exiting the library did he notice that the setting sun had already quietly dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the Hokage Rock on the mountain.

He knew it was time to go home, so he lifted his feet and began walking in the direction of his house.