"Hello everyone, my name is Orochimaru. Some of you may know me. Yes, I am the disciple of the Third Hokage, one of the commanders of the Second Great Ninja War, and one of the Legendary Sannin. But none of that matters to you. From today onward, my identity in your eyes is only one thing: teacher.
What is a teacher? What does a teacher do? A teacher's responsibility is first to guide people, to shape them as human beings before shaping them into talents. To lead by example, to resolve doubts that is what makes a teacher.
I once discussed this with Renji. He has a profound understanding of what it means to be a teacher.
A teacher passes on principles, imparts knowledge, and clears confusion.
What does it mean to pass on principles? It is to transmit and instill moral values, what we call "moral education." This is the foundation, the first priority. Without solid moral principles, one cannot truly succeed.
What does it mean to impart knowledge? It means sharing the knowledge you have gained, the accumulation of years of study, as well as experiences from society that will help your students in the future.
And what does it mean to clear confusion? Confusion arises when someone faces the unknown. A teacher uses their knowledge and skills to guide students out of confusion and doubt.
If a teacher is someone who passes on principles, imparts knowledge, and clears confusion, then anyone with the ability can be a teacher. The relationship of teacher and student is relative. If someone excels in a certain field more than I do, then in that field, they are my teacher.
There is no fixed order in learning the learned become teachers.
I hope every teacher and student here remembers this.
A teacher for a day should be respected for a lifetime. You must always respect the one who taught you, as if they were your parent. But respecting them does not mean everything they do is correct.
Everyone must learn to think for themselves. The world is constantly changing. If there is one unchanging truth, it is that everything changes.
Do not become your teacher's echo. When you encounter problems, ask questions. Dare to present your own understanding. Do not believe blindly in teachers or in books. To believe entirely in books is worse than not reading them.
Our school focuses on technology. If technology stays only in books, it becomes laughable. What use would your studies be if you cannot apply them after graduation?
The heavens move with strength; the gentleman strives for self-improvement. The earth is vast and nurturing; the gentleman bears virtue and supports all things. I will carve these words into a stone tablet to be placed before the school.
School life is short, just a moment in the long journey of life. Learn to be independent and strong, to be someone with ideals and ambitions. Even if you are not yet understood by others, even if your heart carries burdens, as long as you persevere, success will come. When that day arrives, you will stand tall above the plains, soaring into the sky.
Forget the pain of yesterday, cherish the effort of today, and look forward to the beauty of tomorrow. Do not let yesterday be a stumbling block; instead, let each day become a stepping stone. Pursue your goals with unwavering determination, and through your strength, forge tomorrow's brilliance."
When Orochimaru finished speaking, both the students below and the teachers on the stage felt deeply enlightened.
"No fixed order in learning, the learned become teachers." Truly words to guide life.
"Passing on principles, imparting knowledge, clearing confusion." This was the true meaning of being a teacher. As expected of Lord Orochimaru.
"Now I declare the Royal Technical School is officially open!" Renji shouted out the final words.
Everyone rushed onto the stage, surrounding Orochimaru, filled with excitement as they stepped toward a new life and a new future.
"Lord Hokage, this is the latest report, along with the speeches given by Renji and Lord Orochimaru." An Anbu spoke respectfully, placing a stack of documents on the desk before leaving.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the files. "Orochimaru gave a speech? Let me see." He read carefully. Time passed quickly as the Third Hokage read it over and over again. Then he lit his pipe, took a long puff, and exhaled slowly. His eyes fell on a photo a picture taken many years ago of himself with his three disciples.
"Orochimaru, you are a teacher again now? Time really flies. You were so young back then. 'The learned become teachers.' Well said. My disciple has become more gloomy over the years. Teaching students, guiding children, it may be good for his temperament."
"To not be an echo of your teacher… is this your way of proving yourself? That's good. A true successor must not simply parrot others. But you are still young. Let me continue to guide you for now."
"And Renji… clever boy. I should send him out on missions so he doesn't cause too much trouble in the village. After all, his recent achievements already qualify him to be promoted to jōnin. Yes, let him become a team leader. That way, he can channel his energy outside. I wonder, without their young phoenix, can the Uchiha still rise again?"
"Renji, the Hokage requests your presence." An Anbu arrived with the summons.
"Oh? I understand. I'll head over right away," Renji replied.
So, the Hokage finally wants to meet me. Let's see what game he's playing.
"Lord Hokage, Renji reporting." Renji bowed respectfully as he entered.
"Ah, you've come. It has been a while. Based on your performance in your last mission, you are hereby promoted to jōnin. Congratulations," Hiruzen said with a smile.
"Thank you for your recognition, Lord Hokage. I will continue to give my all." Renji answered steadily.
"Good. Furthermore, due to your abilities and your natural talent for teaching, I've decided to appoint you as a team leader for the new graduates. Do you have any preferences regarding students?" the Third asked with a grin.
So that's it, Renji thought. He thinks I'm too idle and wants to tie me up with students, keep me busy so I don't make waves. Too late for that, I've already laid down the foundations, and soon the war will break out. He won't have time to play games of politics with me.
He chuckled inwardly. Just a few days ago, Kakashi came to see me he's already a chūnin. Which means this graduating class is the Golden Generation. Thank you, old man, you've handed me a gift.
"Do you have a list of the graduates, Lord Hokage? I don't know them well. If I must choose now, I can only go by the names that feel right." Renji said, keeping his expression carefully neutral.
"Haha, since this is your first time as a team leader, I'll make an exception and let you choose." Hiruzen handed him a roster, though it only contained names and ages, no abilities or talents. Clearly, he wanted Renji to pick blindly.
Renji scanned the list and almost burst out laughing. He knew these names very well. He had read Naruto countless times, as well as many fanfictions. Every one of these names had stories tied to them.
"These three will do: Might Guy, Genma Shiranui, and Kurenai Yuhi." Renji said, controlling himself to keep a straight face.
Guy, the man who nearly kicked the final boss out of existence. Just give him food and sparring partners, and he'll train himself into legend.
Genma Shiranui underrated, but in truth a standout shinobi. He just needed proper guidance. In fact, he was one of the Fourth Hokage's personal guards and capable of using Flying Thunder God with his teammates.
Kurenai Yuh illusion specialist. In the future, she's known as Asuma's love, but now she's just starting out. With her in my squad, I'll have interesting leverage.
In the original story, Guy, Genma, and Ebisu were a team. Their mission led them to clash with the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, where Might Duy opened all Eight Gates, dying in the process. His sacrifice shattered the team. With just a slight change in lineup, things might turn out differently.
"Very well. I'll have the arrangements made. You'll be informed when to assemble your team." the Third nodded. To him, the three chosen looked ordinary enough: a civilian boy, a boy from the Shiranui clan, and a girl from a small family. The only detail that caught his eye was that his own son seemed interested in the girl. Ah, the passions of youth.
The student has become the teacher.
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