"It's getting late. Kushina and I should be going."
Tsunade and Kushina stayed a little longer at Sakumo's house before getting ready to leave.
Everyone went to the door. As Tsunade and Kushina were about to leave, Yuzuru spoke up too. "Goodbye, Teacher."
"Mm, goodbye. Come see me after school tomorrow."
Tsunade glanced at Yuzuru and said with a smile.
"Okay."
After watching Tsunade and Kushina leave, the three of them went back inside.
Kakashi finally spoke again. "Yuzuru, why did you become Lady Tsunade's apprentice?"
"Because I'm not suited to being a ninja who fights and kills."
Yuzuru answered with a smile.
"Really?"
Kakashi looked thoroughly skeptical at that.
"Of course. What's so good about fighting and killing? I'd rather hide in the back. It's safer that way."
Sakumo looked at the little brat and smiled, patting the back of his head. "All right, hurry back to your room and go to sleep. You've got school tomorrow."
"Tch, Dad, honestly. You actually let an outsider spank your son in his own home. Couldn't you have stood your ground a little?"
Sakumo's expression instantly darkened, and he reached toward his waist.
"Well, I'm off to bed."
Sensing that the old man's expression wasn't looking too good, Yuzuru went straight for the secret Joestar technique: run away!
The next day, Yuzuru left two Shadow Clones at home as usual while he went to school himself.
When he arrived in the classroom, Kurenai Yuhi was already sitting in her seat, as always.
"Morning, Kurenai."
"Morning."
They greeted each other. Yuzuru took out his little pillow and placed it on the desk, then propped his head on one hand and watched Kurenai with a smile.
A little later, Rin and Shizune arrived in the classroom one after the other, and the other students took their seats too.
Except for...
"Sorry, sorry, Teacher. I helped an old lady on the way here, so I was late."
Obito spoke apologetically to the teacher.
"All right, go back to your seat."
The teacher didn't say anything more. After all, this wasn't the first or second time Obito had done this.
Yuzuru gave Obito a thoughtful look.
Come to think of it, he really was curious. Where did Konoha find so many old ladies for Obito to help every day?
Surely they couldn't really be White Zetsu?
Forget it. He couldn't be bothered to think about it. If they were, so be it. He couldn't do anything about that now anyway. He should just focus on figuring out how to get stronger.
"Quiet down, everyone."
At the front of the classroom, the Chunin teacher interrupted their chatter.
"Counting up the days, you've all been at school for over two months now. I've taught you basic Taijutsu and Shuriken throwing, but as everyone knows, a ninja's skills have to be tested in combat. So, starting this week, you'll have one valuable practical combat class every week. Just like your theory classes, you'll also be graded and ranked."
The whole class froze for a moment at those words, then erupted in delight.
"Really? We finally get to start practical combat classes?"
"Awesome! I've been sick of that guy for ages. I'll show him who's stronger in practical combat class."
Obito and Asuma felt the same way, both turning their gazes toward Yuzuru, their eyes full of impatience.
Seeing so many students itching to get started, the teacher at the front nodded in satisfaction.
That was exactly the spirit they needed.
Yuzuru and Kurenai exchanged a glance and smiled at each other.
Afterward, everyone gathered at the school's training ground.
"All right. Since this is our first practical combat class, we'll start with Shuriken throwing. You'll take the test in the order I call your names."
"Uchiha Tekka!"
The whole class fell silent at that name.
It couldn't be helped. The Uchiha name was always renowned.
A cold-looking boy was the first to walk up beside the teacher. He picked up the Shuriken and threw them at a target twenty meters away.
Unsurprisingly, he scored highly. Shuriken were the Uchiha Clan's specialty, after all!
"Uchiha Tekka, ninety-six points!"
Looking at Uchiha Tekka's proud expression, the Chunin teacher gave a wry smile.
There was no helping it. The members of the Uchiha Clan were all outstanding. Although everyone hated their sour faces, no one dared call them weak.
Tekka had gotten things off to a good start, leaving the next few students brimming with enthusiasm.
Unfortunately, not everyone had Tekka's talent or instruction from their clan.
More of them missed the target altogether.
Among a bunch of five- and six-year-olds, how many would practice seriously? More of them were still playing around.
Otherwise, why would students only graduate from the Ninja Academy at twelve, when the graduation exam merely required proficiency in the Three Basic Techniques and Taijutsu?
For children at an age when all they wanted to do was play, training was practically impossible. That was why they had a full six years of schooling. First, it let the children enjoy a happy childhood. Second, it gave civilian children some time to catch up, at least giving them a chance to become ninja.
As the teacher called out the names one by one, fewer and fewer students remained.
But the highest score still belonged to Uchiha Tekka.
"Minazuki Yuzuru."
Finally, it was Yuzuru's turn to take the test.
He walked up beside the teacher, picked up the Shuriken nearby, and likewise threw them in quick succession.
All ten Shuriken hit, but none struck the bull's-eye. Instead, they formed a ring around it.
"Minazuki Yuzuru, ninety points."
The teacher glanced at Minazuki Yuzuru, a hint of puzzlement flashing through his eyes.
Was he deliberately hiding his skill?
Returning to Kurenai's side, Yuzuru shrugged at her puzzled gaze.
"I did my best. The target was too small, the wind was too strong, I was in a bad mood, I didn't eat enough, and I didn't sleep well last night."
Kurenai couldn't help laughing at Yuzuru's jumble of excuses.
"Kurenai Yuhi!"
"My turn."
Kurenai immediately went up to the teacher, picked up the Shuriken, and threw them with practiced ease.
All ten hit as well, with three striking the bull's-eye.
"Kurenai Yuhi, ninety-three points."
Kurenai was very pleased with that score and skipped back to Yuzuru's side.
"What do you think? Pretty good, right?"
"Mm, keep it up."
"Hehe."
The two returned to the side to rest.
"Rin Nohara!"
The teacher called out again.
Rin immediately walked up beside the teacher and took the Shuriken, preparing to throw them.
"Rin, you can do it!"
Obito's sudden shout interrupted Rin outright.
A hint of helplessness flashed through Rin's eyes, but she couldn't very well say anything.
After she threw all the Shuriken, three had even missed the target, leaving her with only sixty points.
She walked over to Kurenai, looking a little dejected.
"Sixty points is pretty good. At least you did better than most of the class."
Yuzuru glanced at Rin and encouraged her.
"Thanks, but it's only just a passing score."
Rin sighed.
"Kato Shizune!"
"My turn."
Shizune walked up beside the teacher, her expression focused, and picked up the Shuriken, likewise throwing them with practiced ease.
A flicker of surprise crossed Yuzuru's eyes at the sight.
But on closer thought, it didn't seem strange.
Dan Katō was a Jonin. Although Shizune's family wasn't a major clan, it at least had a decent ninja, so they still had the basic knowledge.
Besides, she had Tsunade looking after her.
"Kato Shizune, ninety-two points."
Shizune breathed a sigh of relief at the score and returned to Rin's side.
"Nice score."
Yuzuru nodded.
"Thank you."
Looking at Shizune and Kurenai, Rin couldn't help asking, "How do you two practice? Could you teach me?"
"Well..."
Shizune looked a little troubled by Rin's request. After all, this involved Tsunade.
Kurenai glanced at Yuzuru. Seeing him slowly nod, she immediately smiled and said, "Sure. Xiao Xian and I don't have any issues with that. As for Shizune, there are a few things that make it difficult for her."
Shizune looked at Kurenai gratefully at those words.
Rin hurried to apologize too. "Sorry, Shizune. I didn't know."
"It's fine."
Watching Yuzuru get along so well with the three girls, Obito and Asuma grew even more jealous. Their childish competitiveness reached its peak at that moment.