Skipping Class with Tsunade

The little pre-class incident did not stir up much of a commotion; it merely left some Half-grown boys with the light gone from their eyes.

And some malicious gazes fell on Chishima Chiba, though they carried little real threat.

Chishima Chiba was not afraid at all. Come on, everyone, draw your blades!

But before Chishima Chiba could have an offline solo with those Half-grown boys who still refused to give up, Ninja Teacher Takezawa Masahiro strode onto the podium with a lesson plan tucked under his arm.

"Class is starting."

"Good morning, Teacher Masahiro!"

"Good morning, students!" Takezawa Masahiro said with a warm, friendly smile. "Starting today, I will be responsible for all your theory classes, Ninjutsu classes, Taijutsu classes, and practical combat classes."

"And today, I'll be teaching you the specific method of refining Chakra. Listen carefully."

Takezawa Masahiro did not waste words and went straight to the point. The previously noisy Ninja Students quieted down, sitting properly and listening attentively.

Chishima Chiba did the same. He stopped talking to Tsunade, his deskmate, and focused entirely on Takezawa Masahiro.

He had to pay close attention.

Born to civilian parents who had both died, Chishima Chiba had never systematically studied ninja knowledge. He could only learn many skills through the Ninja Academy.

Besides, dating Tsunade was not safe at all.

What if her luck turned around during one of her gambling sprees someday? The one who died would most likely be Chishima Chiba.

Chishima Chiba could only turn the Tsunade's Ninjutsu Talent and Tsunade's Physical Constitution he had obtained from treasure chests into actual strength. Otherwise, the future would be difficult to predict.

Still, the many things taught by the Ninja Academy were far too basic. If Chishima Chiba wanted a growth rate beyond the timeline, he would have to trouble Tsunade more often.

"Tsunade, do you want to train together after school?"

While Takezawa Masahiro took a sip of water to rest, Chishima Chiba leaned closer to Tsunade and invited her.

"Sure, but I need to go home first." Tsunade agreed, though she made a request of her own.

Naturally, Chishima Chiba had no reason to refuse such a minor request. After all, he was the one asking for a favor.

"Of course. No backing out."

"You think everyone's like you, Chiba?" Tsunade curled her lips, remembering what Chishima Chiba had done yesterday. "You said you'd treat me to a meal, but then you changed your mind at the last minute and even made me..."

"Tsunade, today we only talk about tomorrow. No bringing up yesterday," Chishima Chiba reiterated.

"Hmph."

Tsunade gave a soft snort and turned away, ignoring Chishima Chiba.

"Chiba, answer this question."

Tsunade might have ignored Chishima Chiba, but Takezawa Masahiro had noticed him whispering with her and immediately called on him.

Chishima Chiba stood up without any stage fright, quickly answered the question, then looked at Takezawa Masahiro with a smile.

"Very good. Sit down."

Takezawa Masahiro said nothing more, though amusement appeared in his eyes. Chishima Chiba was quite the little genius—at least, that was how it seemed for now.

As long as Chishima Chiba and Tsunade did not disrupt class, Takezawa Masahiro simply stopped paying attention to him and instead focused on the Half-grown Children in the class who had not understood the lesson.

To accommodate all the Ninja Students, Takezawa Masahiro spent the entire morning teaching only how to refine Chakra, and that was merely theoretical knowledge. The actual practical steps had not yet begun.

Chishima Chiba found the entire process dull and tedious, and Tsunade felt the same.

The afternoon was for regular academic lessons. Takezawa Masahiro taught the students to read and write, with fewer than ten characters in total.

To be honest, such a lesson was torture for Chishima Chiba, and it was no different for Tsunade.

There was no need to mention Chishima Chiba. A grown man's soul lived within his small body, and both his comprehension and learning abilities were at their peak. He learned everything quickly.

And with the rewards gained from treasure chests, Chishima Chiba's learning speed was even more outrageous.

He could not quite memorize something after a single glance, but if Takezawa Masahiro taught just a little faster, Chishima Chiba could begin refining Chakra in under an hour.

Tsunade needed even less explanation. As the princess of the Senju Clan, her preschool education surpassed that of her peers by miles. She had learned this little bit of knowledge from Takezawa Masahiro long ago...

"Teacher Masahiro, my stomach hurts!"

Chishima Chiba raised his hand to speak, drawing laughter from the students in the classroom. Takezawa Masahiro looked at him helplessly.

"Really?"

"Really!"

"Then go. Don't take too long."

"Thank you, Teacher!"

Chishima Chiba stood up. Before leaving, he did not forget to give Tsunade a look and make a hand gesture.

Hopefully Tsunade understood it.

Chishima Chiba left, but Tsunade raised her hand right after he was gone.

"Teacher Masahiro, I need to step out."

"..."

Takezawa Masahiro opened his mouth, immediately understanding what was going on, yet unable to refuse.

He gave a slight nod, signaling that he approved Tsunade's request.

"Thank you, Teacher Masahiro."

Tsunade bowed in thanks, hastily tidied her desk, and left the classroom as well.

As soon as she left, a wave of whispering broke out in the classroom. Some Half-grown Children who could no longer sit still even raised their hands to say that they wanted to leave too.

"Quiet!" Takezawa Masahiro said angrily. "You can leave if you want, but whoever can come up here, write this character from memory, and answer my question correctly will have my permission."

"If you can't do that, sit here properly and listen to my lesson. If you fail to learn what I teach you today, I'll make you regret it tomorrow!"

Outside the classroom, Chishima Chiba walked toward Tsunade, the corners of his mouth nearly reaching his ears.

"Tsunade, you really are smart. I didn't waste all that effort giving you looks and hand signals."

Tsunade's Little Face was slightly red, not because of Chishima Chiba, but because the novel experience of skipping class had made her excited.

Still, skipping class was not exactly a good thing, and Tsunade needed to be mindful of appearances.

"Come on, before Teacher Masahiro sees us."

Chishima Chiba nodded and naturally took Tsunade's soft hand, leading her in a run out of the school gates.

They were not stopped along the way, which counted as another piece of good news.

"Where are we going?"

"How about the place we went yesterday?" Chishima Chiba suggested.

"But..." Tsunade hesitated. "That place is a little too close to my house. I'm worried someone might see us."

"Then shall we go the other way?"

"Mm, okay!" Tsunade nodded in agreement, then her eyes changed, turning a little mischievous. "Chiba, did you bring those candies?"

"I did!" Chishima Chiba chuckled and patted his pocket. "They're all in here. Shall we go now?"

"Mm, let's go!"

Tsunade nodded eagerly, her eyes shining as she took Chishima Chiba's hand and ran forward. "I know a candy shop. It should work."

Chishima Chiba said nothing, simply savoring the feeling of running while Tsunade held his hand.

Watching Tsunade's ponytail swaying behind her head, Chishima Chiba became lost in thought.

He suddenly remembered a certain position. But merely grabbing a ponytail was not enough—if he wanted to complete it, he would have to wait another dozen years...