Kirigakure, in the western forest.
Ice Release: Freezing Technique!
On an open space.
A little boy, about four years old, had a serious expression on his face. His hands clapping together created a faint mist that slowly rose around him.
The scene of ice crystals reflected on the earth's surface.
Just as the little boy's face lit up with joy.
The next moment.
"Snap!"
After a crisp sound, all the ice crystals that had just appeared melted away rapidly. In just a few seconds, the scene returned to normal, as if everything before had been an illusion.
The little boy's face immediately fell.
"Hehe, you're still a bit too impatient, Takahiro. Your control is still far from sufficient. However, this is enough to prove that you have mastered the Kekkei Genkai of our clan!"
Just then, from another spot on the flat ground, a clear voice rang out, followed by a tall, upright figure appearing near the little boy.
The moment I saw who it was.
The little boy's face immediately lit up with surprise.
"Brother Qi!"
Then, with a slightly aggrieved expression, she continued, "But I still can't successfully unleash even the lowest level of Ice Release technique. This doesn't mean I can use the Kekkei Genkai power of my clan!"
"Have you forgotten what I said before? Our clan's Ice Release requires complete focus. Our clan's bloodline is the result of a perfect fusion of Chakra and Water Chakra. Any impatience will only disrupt this balance, making it impossible to use Ice Release smoothly. Right now, you're not thinking about understanding and mastering Ice Release Ice Release at all; you're just focused on getting into school next year, aren't you, Takahiro!"
Qi looked directly at the little boy in front of him and said in a slightly stern tone.
When Takahiro heard Qi's reprimand, he instinctively shrank back, a sheepish look on his face.
"Brother Qi, I'm just..."
" Takahiro, since your mother has entrusted your upbringing to me, I have to be responsible for you. I did tell you that if you can successfully master Ice Release, I'll help you persuade Aunt Kiko to let you enroll in school next year. But if you continue with this mindset, then don't even think about enrolling next year. Let's talk about it again when you're six!"
This time, Qi looked at his little brother, who was not related to him by blood but was almost like a younger brother, with an unprecedented seriousness, unlike his usual gentle demeanor.
Kei knew better than anyone how fierce the competition was within Kirigakure, and now that the Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura, it was time for the examination in the original work, which required killing a comrade to graduate, to begin. It was uncertain, but it was certain that it would be during the Fourth Mizukage's tenure!
Another crucial reference point is Zabuza's graduation exam, which was this time!
In other words...
The bloodiest graduation exam in the history of Kirigakure.
It was carried out at least one or two years before Zabuza graduated, under the instructions of Karatachi Yagura!
In terms of age, Zabuza is the same age as Kakashi and about two years younger Mei Terumi, which means that he enrolled in the academy only one or two years later than him!
While studying at the Ninja Academy, Kei consciously kept an eye out for Zabuza!
As expected.
Zabuza Momochi, in the original work, is a well-known early-stage boss character. He is indeed two years younger than Akira. Born in Konoha in 1934, Zabuza entered the Kirigakure Ninja Academy in Konoha, at the age of 6!
The original work does not explicitly state at Zabuza graduated from the Ninja Academy.
But this guy can also be called a genius!
In any case, the age for graduating from the Ninja Academy should be around nine or ten years old. This means that Kirigakure will very likely be conducting that most brutal and bloody graduation exam next year or the year after!
Given that he has no power to change anything, and doesn't even have the right to interfere with the policies of the village's higher-ups, Kei naturally hopes that his younger brother, Takahiro, who is about to enter school, can become as strong as possible!
This refers not only to physical strength, but also to the magnanimity, character, and most importantly, willpower that a ninja must possess!
Kirigakure is not Konoha!
At least those people have some sheltered comfort during their time at the Ninja Academy, but in Kirigakure, from the moment you enter the Ninja Academy, you have to experience the cruelty of the Shinobi World!
When Takahiro heard his older brother Qi's extremely stern words again, his expression changed. This time, he truly adjusted his mindset, and subconsciously tried to tense up and straighten his body as much as possible.
He met Qi's extremely serious gaze.
Takahiro took a deep breath and said, "Yes, Brother Qi, I understand!"
Qi stared intently at the little boy in front of him. Seeing that the boy had indeed grasped the point, he slowly nodded and said, "Yes, you must remember this well. What are the basic qualities of a ninja? Especially for us Yuki Clan, we cannot afford to be impetuous!"
"Yes!"
Takahiro responded loudly.
"And next..."
After correcting Takahiro's mindset issues, Qizheng was about to discuss some further matters related to cultivation.
"Start!"
In a distant location.
A figure flashed over.
Those slightly coquettish words that fell... (Tianlai Novel Network)
"Um?"
This immediately caught Qi's attention.
Looking back.
The person who came into view was none other than his own teammate, Mei Terumi.
"Teacher Qing has given orders for us to assemble immediately!"
Before Kei could even ask, Mei Terumi stated her purpose directly.
"Oh? I understand!"
After a moment of surprise, Qi immediately responded loudly.
"You should continue your cultivation according to the content and pace I mentioned before. Don't be impatient. Wait until you have fully mastered it before seeking to release the techniques. I will guide you again when I have time, Takahiro!"
Qi turned to Takahiro, who clearly showed a hint of disappointment, and said this, then patted Takahiro's head.
He then leaped into the air.
"Let's go, Mei Terumi!"
He went straight to Mei Terumi's side.
"Um!"
The two walked side by side, heading towards the southeast of the village.
Takahiro watched Qi's figure disappear completely into the distance, and after taking a deep breath, he also threw himself back into his cultivation.
This time, his expression was clearly much more serious and cautious than before!
He was determined to gain the approval of his older brother Qi and his mother!
This is Takahiro's decision!