A genius's troubles

Zou Hyuga's speech seemed to have moved the Third Hokage, and even Oto Uchiha had secured a recommendation letter without trouble.

As long as they passed the assessment administered by the Jonin in charge of the Ninja Academy, they could officially become Chunin instructors.

One of them would teach kunai throwing, while the other would teach the basics of ninjutsu.

A week later, Zou Hyuga got up bright and early, greeted the sun, and headed toward the Ninja Academy.

Today was his first day as a temporary instructor. In just three months, he could become a permanent member of staff.

Zou Hyuga knew Asuma must have played a part in getting him that recommendation letter, and he wondered whether he had misjudged him.

Asuma was clearly a good guy. Apart from his nasty smoking habit, there was nothing wrong with him.

He arrived at the Ninja Academy without incident. No hot-blooded man in green had pestered him along the way. Everything was looking wonderful.

Once, he had sought out Might Guy for sparring to hone his Gentle Fist, but after a few bouts, he discovered that he was actually no match for Guy in his normal state.

So, to avoid becoming Guy's lifelong rival-and to keep Guy from saving that one kick for him-he had cut back on their interactions.

Though they still frequently ran into each other while taking on D-Rank Missions.

A breeze swept fallen leaves along with the distinctive scent of greenery. Zou Hyuga perked up and stepped into the classroom.

As a trainee-or temporary-instructor, he was not qualified to teach lessons yet. He could only sit in the back row and listen.

Inside the classroom.

The Chunin teaching the class was explaining the principles of chakra to the newly enrolled students, how to extract it efficiently, and how to train their bodies scientifically.

"Chakra is extracted from spiritual energy and the human body's 130 trillion cells. Everyone has chakra within them...

"But you should begin extracting it no earlier than age four, or it will affect your future development..."

The Chunin instructor was teaching basic theory that Zou Hyuga had heard countless times before.

But looking at it as a trainee instructor was an entirely different experience. At the very least, he would definitely be nervous facing so many students himself. He might not even be able to get a word out.

As someone determined to carry on the Will of Fire and become an outstanding ninja instructor.

He immediately picked up a pen and began taking notes in his little notebook. He still had decades of teaching ahead of him.

Thinking of all Konoha's problem children, Zou Hyuga prepared himself to set an example as their teacher.

Just then, a boy with sleek black hair beside him looked over and asked quietly, "Um, you're a new teacher, right?"

"What is it? Yes, I'm a new teacher." Zou Hyuga glanced at the boy.

Anyone this cute had to be harmless.

Wait, a little boy with black hair? Why did he seem so strangely familiar?

That feeling did not bode well. He had felt the same familiarity when he first met Asuma.

"What's your name, young man?" Zou Hyuga forced a smile, inwardly uneasy.

"Itachi. My name is Uchiha Itachi. I'm the Uchiha Clan Head's son." Itachi looked utterly innocent.

"So your name is Itachi. But you should be paying attention in class, you know!"

Zou Hyuga smiled at Itachi, trying to conceal his inner misery. Yet again, he had run into a future big shot.

Just who was Uchiha Itachi?

A ruthless figure who awakened his eyes at eight, slaughtered his clan at thirteen, and let his little brother win and kill him at twenty-one.

Although he strongly disagreed with Uchiha Itachi's thinking, he had to admit that the boy was ruthless.

It was fair to say that his development would affect all of Konoha, and even the entire Shinobi World.

He even wanted to nip this danger in the bud right now, but considering the Uchiha Clan's enormous influence and the Caged Bird Seal on his own forehead...

He abandoned that sudden thought and gave Uchiha Itachi a gentle look instead.

The child is still young and doesn't know any better. Please, he absolutely... needs a proper education in the Will of Fire, with Konoha's own special characteristics.

Wasn't educating children who strayed precisely what he ought to do as a Ninja Academy instructor?

Before that, though, he had a question.

"Itachi, how old are you now?"

"Four. Almost five."

"So you're four." Zou Hyuga nodded lightly, then remembered the Ninja Academy's admission age.

"Itachi, don't you have to be six to enroll in the academy?"

"This was my father's decision. He believes I don't need to wait until I'm six to enroll," Itachi answered honestly.

Zou Hyuga looked at Uchiha Itachi with envy. The Uchiha Clan Head's son really could do whatever he wanted. Not only could he enroll early, but he could also join the Uchiha Konoha Military Police Force after graduation.

The police force did not have to leave the village on missions, and its members enjoyed decent pay and social standing.

Everything about it was pretty good, except that serving in the police force might cost you your life in the future.

"That's the prestigious Uchiha Clan for you!" Zou Hyuga sighed.

"Aren't you from a prestigious clan too, sir? The Hyuga Clan." Uchiha Itachi propped his cheek on one hand and took out a pen.

"What's prestigious about me? I'm just a useless Chunin who got this position through connections."

"You're joking, sir. Shisui told me that Oto mentioned you. Apparently, you have some insights into the Uchiha Clan's current situation."

Uchiha Itachi spoke with a serious expression. He and Shisui had a great deal in common.

"You recognized me..."

The corner of Zou Hyuga's mouth twitched. All he wanted was to stay at the Ninja Academy and quietly be a background Chunin instructor, yet Oto Uchiha had stabbed him in the back.

She was the person he trusted most-a friend he had faced life and death with, someone he had even told about the secret of his black markings.

"No, I have no interest whatsoever in Uchiha affairs. All I want is to be a Chunin instructor who teaches and guides students, sharing the Will of Fire with more people. That's exactly what I'm working toward right now."

Zou Hyuga hurriedly waved his hands in denial. He did not want the Uchiha setting their sights on him. That would be far too much trouble.

"I believe you, sir. You'll definitely become a very good teacher."

As he spoke, Uchiha Itachi set down his pen and pushed his completed notes in front of Zou Hyuga.

Zou Hyuga glanced at the notes, only then remembering that he had been so lost in his thoughts that he had forgotten to take notes on the lesson.

Such an adorable child. What a pity he would go astray and take the wrong path.

Accepting the class notes, Zou Hyuga looked at Uchiha Itachi for a long while before saying, "I may only be a trainee instructor, but if you're having trouble emotionally, you can come to me for help.

"I'm not strong, but I can help you understand the Will of Fire, whether it concerns the village or your clan."

"I understand, my not-so-strong Chunin teacher."

Uchiha Itachi nodded, then looked out the window at the peaceful, tranquil village of Konoha.

It was clear that Itachi had little interest in what the Ninja Academy taught. As a genius, he simply could not get along with children his own age.

A crane among chickens could not have been a more fitting description.

After a moment's thought, Zou Hyuga scribbled his suggestions regarding the Uchiha Clan's current situation on a sheet of paper and handed it to the distracted Uchiha Itachi.

"These are just a few personal thoughts. Make sure you don't tell anyone else."

Uchiha Itachi took the note and slipped it into his pocket. He did not think a Chunin could offer particularly good advice, but politeness obliged him to accept it.

And Asuma Sarutobi, who happened to be passing outside the window, saw the whole thing.

//Please send some recommendation votes and monthly votes my way! (Eager face)