Tsunade's brows knitted together, disbelief written all over her face. After hearing the Third's report on Liuxia's performance in the Chunin Ninja Exams, she couldn't help exclaiming, "What?! Liuxia learned the Flying Thunder God! Huh? He even created a new Taijutsu? What? He fought four people at once in the Chunin Ninja Exams and won without a scratch?!"
Her mind was filled with questions and shock. When had that brat Liuxia learned the Flying Thunder God? How had she not known? She muttered to herself, "I never taught him that. Wait, I don't even know how to use it." She thought to herself that, apart from her granduncle, its inventor, nobody had ever mastered the technique—not even the man before her, the Third, Hiruzen Sarutobi, known as the Professor of Ninjutsu and the strongest Hokage. She wasn't sure why the ones who couldn't beat her granduncle and great-granduncle were also called the strongest, but every village seemed to call its Third that. Maybe it was fashionable.
Watching Tsunade's astonished expression, the Third chuckled. A hint of pride showed in his eyes. "That's right, Tsunade. Liuxia's performance in the Chunin Ninja Exams was truly impressive. He not only showed outstanding combat skills but also turned the tide with the Flying Thunder God Technique. As for whether he'll study Medical Ninjutsu under you, you'll have to ask him yourself."
Tsunade's lips curled into an amused smile. She was sincerely proud of Liuxia's achievements, and curious, too. She decided she'd go home and give him a good "show of affection"—after all, he'd been keeping so many secrets. Turning to Orochimaru and Jiraiya, she warmly invited them, "All right, I'll go home and give him some proper attention. Imagine hiding so many secrets! Orochimaru, and you too, Jiraiya—want to come over to my place? Liuxia makes delicious food!"
Tsunade's invitation revealed her deep affection for her family, as well as her indulgence and trust in Liuxia.
Orochimaru thought it over calmly, then nodded in agreement. "I have no objections. I can check on Nawaki while I'm there. As his teacher, I haven't even congratulated him on becoming a Chunin yet. We can also discuss what to teach him next. Besides, I'm rather curious about the legendary Space-Time Ninjutsu." His voice was composed and rational, but his words showed his concern for Nawaki's growth and his interest in Liuxia's Flying Thunder God Technique.
Jiraiya, meanwhile, looked thrilled. He'd wanted to mooch food and drinks at Tsunade's place for ages, and at last he had an excuse. "If there's good food, I'm in! You've been telling me Liuxia's cooking is amazing, but you never let me come over for a meal." His tone was playful and eager. He was clearly looking forward to both Liuxia's cooking and the get-together.
Tsunade watched their reactions and secretly laughed, though she kept an exasperated look on her face. "I'm starting to regret this, but since we've made plans, I'll see you tonight. And I'm not opening the door unless you bring gifts!" Her words were teasing, but she was clearly looking forward to the gathering, too.
The three finished arranging everything right in front of the Third, then went their separate ways. Watching them leave, the Third wore a helpless expression. Why didn't anyone ask the old man? He wants to relax, too. But never mind. They were all young; he'd go see Danzo instead. He shook his head gently, though his eyes were full of affection and indulgence for his students.
While the Third and the others discussed taking on students in the office, Liuxia had already stepped into Kushina's classroom. Sunlight spilled through the windows. Kushina looked up and saw Liuxia at the door. Surprise flashed in her eyes, then gave way to irrepressible joy.
Kushina's heart raced, and a faint blush spread across her cheeks as countless possibilities filled her mind. Why had Liuxia come here? Did he miss her that much? Would he confess his feelings to her today? If he did, how should she respond...? Her mind brimmed with girlish fantasies and anticipation.
The classroom came alive in an instant, with students whispering and exclaiming one after another:
"He's so handsome! I want to fall in love," one girl couldn't help exclaiming, her eyes shining with admiration.
"Dream on! That's Senior Liuxia! He's amazing! What's he doing here? Didn't he graduate?" another student whispered in surprise.
"Oh no, it's that demon. He can't see me, he can't see me," a nameless member of the Shimura Clan muttered, trying to make himself less noticeable.
Liuxia stood at the front of the classroom. His gaze was warm yet firm as he looked around at the curious, excited students. His voice rang out clearly as he announced to everyone, "Hello, everyone. I'm Liuxia, and I'll be your substitute teacher for the Will of Fire for the foreseeable future!"
His words carried confidence and a sense of responsibility. The students sat up straight without even realizing it, listening closely to their new teacher.
"Huh? Big Brother Liuxia is going to be my teacher!" Kushina, who'd just been agonizing over their future children, was so stunned that her mind went blank. But if he was her teacher, she'd get to see him every day again. She'd missed him so much lately. But would a teacher-student romance be too thrilling? Her thoughts drifted off into steamy fantasies...
"Ah, he's Kushina's brother!" Minato Namikaze was just as dumbfounded as Kushina. Their last encounter had made Liuxia hard to forget, and besides, he was already famous throughout the Ninja World. He'd been the star of this Chunin Ninja Exams, too, and Minato had gone to watch the matches. He longed for that kind of strength—the power to protect the village and the people he cared about. His gaze started drifting toward a certain red-haired girl, but the next moment, he sensed a dangerous presence and hurriedly sat up straight.
That so-called "danger" was, of course, coming from Liuxia, Kushina's favorite big brother. Since entering the classroom, Liuxia had been quietly observing everything, his eyes as sharp as an eagle's. He'd noticed Minato at once. In this class, aside from his little sister's eye-catching red hair, Minato's blond hair stood out the most.
After meeting the students for the first time, Liuxia returned to his office to prepare his lessons. He understood the responsibilities of a teacher and was determined to teach his students the true meaning of the Will of Fire.
As a young man from the modern world, Liuxia had his own ideas. He didn't intend to simply copy the Third's traditional approach to teaching the Will of Fire. Instead, he wanted to convey an understanding of it that was more in tune with the times and closer to the students' hearts.
Sitting at his desk, he gazed out at the sky and began to shape his thoughts. "The Will of Fire isn't just tradition and inheritance; it's also innovation and change. The Will of Spark represents the potential and dreams of every individual. The Will of Kindling symbolizes the legacy and responsibility passed down from one generation of ninja to the next. This is the true Will of Fire!"
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