The next day.
It was the first day of the Ninja Academy.
After finishing breakfast, Qing Liu and Kurenai Yuhi headed toward the Ninja Academy together. Their steps were hurried—they were almost late... Along the way, Kurenai Yuhi complained bitterly to Qing Liu: "This is all your fault! What if we're late and leave a bad impression on the teacher?"
Qing Liu said indifferently, "Don't worry. If we're late, we're late. We might not even have actual classes today; we're just going to school to meet some friends…"
Yesterday, he had been studying Bakudo #1: Void. Since he wasn't used to not having a system alarm reminding him to sleep, he hadn't paid attention to the time and only fell asleep when drowsiness hit late at night and he couldn't hold on anymore... However, this also allowed Qing Liu to discover something unusual about his body.
Overnight, the injuries and fatigue from his training yesterday had completely recovered. Even though he had only slept for two or three hours, he felt extremely energetic in the morning.
Qing Liu wasn't sure if this was due to the improvement of his Spiritual Power Aptitude, or if he truly possessed Uzumaki Clan bloodline.
It is worth mentioning that Qing Liu had already managed to use the reward he received yesterday for "defeating Ochiai Rumi," Bakudo #1: Void, in this world after some experimentation.
This was reasonable, as Kido and Ninjutsu share common ground.
The only difference was that the driving force changed from Reiatsu to Chakra.
Bakudo #1: Void was more like a basic technique for utilizing Reiatsu, and did not yet involve how to transform Reiatsu into elemental properties.
It was also likely that because it was a low-level Hado, Bakudo #1: Void did not have a corresponding Incantation.
The effect of Bakudo #1: Void was similar to the Hyuga Clan's Eight Trigrams Air Palm; it launched an air cannon or shockwave, causing destruction to objects within a certain range.
As for the power, it depended on the execution. The same move could have completely different power levels in the hands of different people.
Qing Liu currently didn't know if he could replicate Kido that required an Incantation or involved elemental properties if he obtained them in the future.
He still hadn't received enough rewards... Kurenai Yuhi glared at Qing Liu: "Hurry up! We're really going to be late!"
Qing Liu sighed, "Alright, alright."
The two quickened their pace, but when they arrived at the Ninja Academy, specifically First Year Class B, well, they were spectacularly late... Another student was also late.
It was a small boy wearing a track jacket, goggles, and spiky hair. He was running wildly while shouting an explanation: "I'm sorry, Teacher! I was helping an old lady cross the street, which is why…"
Seemingly realizing that others were late just like him, he inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief, even giving Qing Liu and Kurenai Yuhi a look of "fellow sufferers"... Qing Liu looked over, recognized him instantly, and murmured internally: 'Late on the very first day. The characteristics are obvious…'
The future big boss, Uchiha Obito.
He never expected the first "acquaintance" he met at school to be such a heavyweight!
Qing Liu curled his lip, maliciously guessing in his heart: 'But does Konoha really have that many old ladies? Could it be that Uchiha Madara had White Zetsu impersonate them?'
Where would Konoha find so many old ladies to help across the street?
Qing Liu felt maybe Uchiha Madara had White Zetsu impersonate them... Since it was the first day of school, the Chunin teacher, who had thinning hair and whose name was unknown, did not dwell too much on the reason for the trio's tardiness.
After a small reminder to be punctual in the future, he allowed the three of them to return to their seats.
The Chunin teacher clapped his hands to draw the attention of the students. He cleared his throat and began his opening speech: "Hello, students. Starting today, you are... blah blah blah…"
After giving a motivational speech, he began his self-introduction: "I am the teacher for First Year Class B, Horime Young Kishimoto. You can call me Teacher Oda…"
The students in the class were quite respectful to the teacher they were meeting for the first time, shouting "Teacher Oda" in a slightly disorganized chorus... Only Qing Liu nearly burst out laughing, barely stopping himself from asking, "Teacher Oda, what exactly is ONE PIECE?" Hold it in, don't laugh.
Young Kishimoto smiled and continued: "Well, let's start the first class with self-introductions, so the students can get to know each other and the teacher can learn more about you."
Young Kishimoto glanced around, pointed at one of the late trio, who happened to be in the first seat, and smiled: "You go first."
"Yes, Teacher!" Uchiha Obito wasn't shy at all. He stood up and adjusted his goggles.
As if to leave a good impression on his classmates, he confidently announced: "My name is Uchiha Obito, I'm five years old, my favorite food is ramen, I don't have many hobbies, and my dream is... to become Hokage!!"
As soon as he said that.
The expressions of the students in the class varied; some were impressed, some were indifferent, and some felt they had found a like-minded companion.
However, few people showed expressions of disdain or mockery.
Becoming Hokage was inherently the dream of many people.
It wasn't uncommon for six out of ten children to have this dream.
Of course, having the courage to say it so confidently in front of so many people was not something ordinary people possessed. This member of the Uchiha Clan was extraordinary!
Impressive, truly impressive!
'There are quite a few familiar faces...' Sitting in his seat, Qing Liu surveyed the appearance of the surrounding students, trying to recognize any "acquaintances."
Suddenly, he felt someone poke his waist, causing his body to twitch. He turned his head and saw his deskmate, Kurenai Yuhi, raising an eyebrow at him.
Qing Liu somehow understood her meaning—Look, this is what a normal person thinks! Only you would have a dream like opening a barbecue restaurant next to a ramen shop!
Qing Liu: "..."
Ignoring Kurenai Yuhi, he reminded himself: No whispering during class!
'Clap clap clap...'
The Chunin teacher, Young Kishimoto, clapped his hands in encouragement. He was already used to hearing this,
but this was the first time he had seen someone state it with such confidence.
The combination of his tardiness and his current declaration made him remember Uchiha Obito. He smiled and said, "That's a great dream. I hope student Obito works hard."
"Next is..."
"..."
Students began introducing themselves one by one. The atmosphere in the class remained lively, filled with continuous applause... until a cool-looking little boy stood up to introduce himself, causing the class to fall into a temporary silence, followed by an uproar... There was no helping it; his self-introduction could be summarized in one sentence—My father is the Hokage, and I will surpass the Hokage in the future!
He was the son of the hokage, Asuma Sarutobi!
Qing Liu couldn't help but inwardly mock: 'Six points. An essay titled 'My Father'—If you're not in it, I'm not reading it!'
Beside him, Kurenai Yuhi started poking Qing Liu's waist again, giving him a look that said: Look, he's the son of the hokage, and his dream is to surpass the Hokage! You should learn from him and stop obsessing about opening a barbecue restaurant next to a ramen shop!
"..." Qing Liu slapped Kurenai Yuhi's hand away. His waist was his ticklish spot; it really tickled!
He shot her a glare—Stop poking my waist!
As if she had found one of Qing Liu's "weaknesses," his reaction amused Kurenai Yuhi, and she covered her mouth to giggle: "Hehe…"