Chapter 167: The Pair Aiming to Repeat a Grade
"Be careful, Konan, you're a bit too anxious."
Masahiko hadn't expected the allure of free flight to be so strong for a child of her age. After he gave Konan a few pointers, she stopped focusing on anything else and devoted all her energy to the paper wings.
As soon as she completed the basic training for Medical Ninjutsu and her chakra control had improved slightly, she began making the paper wings.
Perhaps because she was young and light, a pair of imperfect wings actually lifted her up, though only half a meter off the ground.
Konan didn't dare speak a word, focusing all her energy just to barely keep herself from falling out of the air.
"This is actually a good way to practice chakra control, and your chakra capacity should improve faster too," Masahiko noted thoughtfully.
About half a minute later, Konan manipulated the pair of wings to land tremblingly. She rested her hands on her knees, her forehead covered in sweat, her chakra nearly depleted.
Masahiko nodded and walked over.
"Interest is the best teacher. Training this way isn't bad, though it is a bit strenuous."
Before Masahiko could get close, Nagato had already rushed over to support the teetering Konan.
"It really was too much of a strain..." Konan whispered after resting for a while.
Masahiko shook his head. "No need to rush. Since you can already float, with at most two more years of practice, you will be able to fly freely."
"Sensei, how long until I can fly?" Little Nagato asked with a look of longing.
Masahiko glared at him. "If you know to be anxious, then go train! The Shadow Clone Jutsu isn't for letting your main body slack off!"
Nagato smiled sheepishly and went aside to train.
"Konan, continue your Medical Ninjutsu training. Both your chakra volume and control are insufficient."
"Yes, Sensei!"
The process described above repeated five times over five months. Every time her Medical Ninjutsu improved slightly, Konan would attempt to fly again.
Of course, the time she spent floating in the air grew longer and longer, showing obvious progress.
"Sensei, just a little bit more. Let me train in Medical Ninjutsu for a while longer; I feel like I'll be able to fly soon."
Masahiko shook his head. "Let's stop the training for now; I'll take you two around Konoha."
In fact, over the past five months, Masahiko had taught Konan all the Medical Ninjutsu he could teach her. Her chakra volume wasn't sufficient for the remaining advanced techniques.
Masahiko packed up, preparing to take her to Konoha. On one hand, Kushina was about to graduate. On the other, he wanted to see if Tsunade could offer her more help with Medical Ninjutsu.
Nanako had gone to Konoha nearly half a year ago, presumably to observe her future grandson-in-law.
Kushina and Minato were both twelve years old this year. Their strength had already reached Chunin level or higher, yet neither had applied for early graduation.
Masahiko guessed that Kushina didn't apply because she would have to return to the clan after graduation, while Minato likely wanted to accompany Kushina. Thus, the two became the old seniors of the Ninja Academy.
However, the sixth year was coming to an end. It would be unreasonable not to graduate now. Masahiko wanted to see this "parting sorrow" for himself, or perhaps come up with a solution that would satisfy everyone.
Calling Nagato, the master and two disciples headed for Konoha. Noticing that both children loved the sensation of flying, Masahiko didn't walk but flew them there.
Konoha Village looked exactly the same; nothing had changed. Masahiko didn't rush to find Nanako. Instead, he took the two children, who were visiting Konoha for the first time, on a tour to appreciate the village's prosperity.
After a full tour, the sky began to darken, and the three returned to the main gate of Konoha.
Seeing the fatigue on his disciples' faces, Masahiko paused and said, "Let's go. We'll rest at the Senju clan grounds."
Masahiko hadn't hidden his presence while touring Konoha, so the Senju clan had long known of his arrival. As soon as Masahiko arrived at the clan gate, Mito and Nanako came out to greet him.
"Are these the two new disciples you accepted, Great-Uncle?" Mito asked with a smile, then her gaze focused on Nagato.
"This child..."
Masahiko nodded with a smile. "He has the Sage Body. It's the first time such a gifted child has appeared in our Uzumaki clan."
Mito smiled faintly. "Aren't you also a Sage Body?" She had sensed it.
Masahiko's expression stiffened, and he lied through his teeth. "Yes, I cultivated it post-natally."
"Sensei, you came just in time. Kushina graduates tomorrow," Nanako said from the side.
"I calculated the dates before coming," Masahiko replied, leading his two disciples into the Senju compound.
"Kushina isn't back yet?"
"No, school isn't out yet."
Masahiko looked at Nanako and Mito. Nanako had been adopted by his eldest nephew back then and could be considered Mito's younger sister, but she looked much older than Mito.
"Nanako, are you satisfied with Kushina's little boyfriend after these six months?" Masahiko teased.
Nanako nodded. "Minato is a very good child. His talent and appearance are excellent. It's just a pity he's a commoner..."
Masahiko paused, then shook his head. "What? After being the Daimyo's wife for so long, you look down on commoners now?"
Nanako smiled bitterly. "How is that possible? It's just that Kushina is the Princess of the Land of Whirlpools after all..."
"It doesn't matter. If Minato marries Kushina, just help him become the Fourth Hokage, right? Or worst case, let Kushina 'marry' Minato (bring him into the family)..."
...
As they chatted, the sky turned completely dark before they knew it, and Kushina returned from school.
By now, she was the only exchange student from the Uzumaki clan left in Konoha.
"Great-Grandpa, you're here!" Kushina greeted him, then looked at Masahiko's two new disciples with curiosity.
"Hello, Sister Kushina," the two disciples greeted.
"Hello to you..."
Masahiko interrupted with a smile, teasing, "No need to be so polite. Kushina, the graduation exam is tomorrow. You're not nervous, are you?"
Kushina hesitated, then clenched her right fist. "How could I be? I want to graduate; it'll be a piece of cake!"
Masahiko's heart skipped a beat; he had an ominous premonition. He smiled at Mito and Nanako, who met his gaze and nodded in tacit understanding.
The next day, the group went to watch Kushina's graduation exam together.
Kushina really got "nervous," making mistake after mistake. Her Three Body Technique was at the level of her future son, and her shuriken missed the target every time, making her homeroom teacher look anxious.
Not only that, but nervousness seemed contagious; Minato was the same. Masahiko didn't know whether to laugh or cry at their various low-level plays.
Beside him, little Nagato tugged at Masahiko's sleeve and asked, "Sensei, Sister Kushina seems a bit nervous. Let's encourage her."
Konan had already shouted out, "Go, Sister Kushina!"
Then, the two little ones started cheering for Kushina, leaving the three adults looking at each other helplessly.
"Sigh, we can't keep this granddaughter anymore," Nanako sighed and turned to leave.
Masahiko smiled. "Two idiots aiming to repeat a grade; they're hopeless!"
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