Needless to say, the Ninja Academy was truly one of the few decent places in the Naruto world. Here, Anya devoured ninja knowledge voraciously every day.
His physical strength gradually improved through daily training. Combined with his already formidable spiritual power, his chakra reserves had become quite impressive. Yet he skillfully concealed his talent, ensuring each school test was barely passed to maintain an unremarkable appearance.
After class, he would seek out Minato for a sparring session. Being orphans, they grew side by side. However, Anya had set a rule—Minato wasn't allowed to use the Flying Thunder God technique. It wasn't any fun if he couldn't even get near the technique. Of course, Anya also refrained from using the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique; otherwise, Minato would be left with no chance to fight back.
A year flew by in the blink of an eye. In a forest clearing, two teenage boys furiously battled each other. They attacked and countered in equal measure, reaching a stalemate that shook the surrounding air, sending leaves tumbling from nearby trees until they blanketed the ground.
These two, naturally, were Minato and Anya. A year had brought noticeable growth—their height had increased significantly. Though youth still lingered on their faces, their eyes appeared notably sharper. After finishing their intense match, both lay exhausted on the ground, panting heavily as sweat soaked through their clothes, dripping onto the earth.
After resting briefly, Anya asked casually, "What now? Going to sneak a peek at your girlfriend?"
Minato had long grown used to Anya's way of speaking. At first, he occasionally tried to refute him, but eventually gave up and simply accepted it. Truthfully, he did have feelings for Kushina. Yet Kushina was like a fortress—hard to approach—so he continued watching her silently from afar. Having stayed by Minato's side so often, Anya naturally understood this clearly.
But today, Minato clearly had new plans. He said, "I'll rest a bit and then prepare to train again. Tomorrow is graduation exam day—I need to stay in top condition. What about you?"
Anya stretched leisurely, replying calmly, "Work hard, rest well—I plan to take a walk around and relax."
Minato expressed confusion, voicing his long-held question: "You're clearly very strong. Why hide your true abilities? You know, our future team assignments depend on the graduation exam results—those who are weaker will join teams led by Chunin, while stronger ones will be assigned to Jonin-led squads."
"I don't care who our teacher is," Anya shrugged nonchalantly before adding, "I'm outta here."
With that, he patted off the dust on his clothes and vanished instantly using the Shifting Body Technique, leaving Minato puzzled behind.
Minato's instructor had probably been chosen long ago by The Third—one of the Sannin, Jiraiya. As for himself, just a nobody, being placed under a Chunin was fine enough. After all, appearing weak had its own advantages—he wouldn't end up taking dangerous missions early on. Surviving quietly while sharpening his skills seemed like the perfect plan.
When Anya told Minato he planned to wander around, he actually meant what he said. It had been a year since he arrived here, spent mostly studying and training. Now that he was about to graduate and become a real ninja, he might as well spend this last day appreciating Konoha's scenery.
While aimlessly wandering around, Anya suddenly heard the piercing ring of a blade. This sword-like noise sent chills down his spine, provoking a powerful sense of unease within him.
"Hmm, must be someone practicing sword techniques... over there."
Out of curiosity, Anya quickly located the source of the blade energy and dashed over in one swift movement. There, in the forest, stood a silver-haired man holding a tanto, his body radiating an immense killing intent. This aura had actually taken physical form—an oppressive blade energy spreading wildly in all directions.
Anya's eyes narrowed sharply as he watched. Inside, he thought, *This is killing intent made real—this strong?* In the anime, Kakashi had once been completely immobilized by a similarly terrifying force when facing Orochimaru. Back then, Orochimaru had given him the feeling that any aggressive move would lead to instant death.
This man before him must be a powerful ninja from Konoha. Even as a mere observer, Anya felt overwhelming pressure. One strike from that guy, and he'd be dead in an instant.
After the killing intent came a chilling blade energy slashing out in all directions. The blade had not even arrived yet, but its intent had already reached first.
In an instant, the cold blade energy sliced the surrounding trees in half from bottom to top. Then, the tanto carved an elegant arc through the air, slicing the fallen trunks again and again until they became evenly-cut logs. In just a moment, the tanto had slashed hundreds of times.
*Holy crap,* Anya gasped silently. *What kind of strength is this?*
Anya himself was an expert in knives. Unlike ancient swordsmen, he preferred short blades—the shorter, the better. He'd even spent a fortune getting a custom-made Finger Blade—one that had saved his life more times than he could count. Yet what he'd just seen blew his mind completely. So this was how far swordsmanship could go.
"Come out," the swordsman coldly commanded.
Anya wisely stepped forward. It was pointless to play tricks in front of such a powerful opponent. Besides, a firm idea had already formed in his mind.
Seeing Anya, the swordsman spoke indifferently, "So it's just a kid. Don't hide in the shadows and watch me next time. That kind of behavior is dangerous."
After saying this, he turned to leave.
Anya quickly activated his Shunshin and appeared in front of him, saying, "Wait. I hope you'll accept me as your student."
The man gave Anya a strange look but didn't respond. He changed direction and leaped away.
That was, in itself, a silent refusal. Anya gritted his teeth but still chased persistently.
The swordsman was fast, but fortunately, Anya's training partner over the past year had been none other than Minato Namikaze, the fastest man in the history of the Hokage, so he barely managed to keep up. Thus, the two ran one after the other straight out of Konoha village.
For a full hour, Anya remained silent, gritting his teeth tightly as he followed. From the moment he saw that display of power, he had known: this man was the key to making himself stronger. No matter what, he couldn't give up.
Gradually, Anya followed the figure out of a dense forest. Before him stood a steep cliff, and the swordsman now stood atop it, his back facing Anya.
Finally, he had caught up. Anya exhaled in relief.
The swordsman finally spoke, "You're not wearing a Forehead Protector. That means you're still a student at the Ninja Academy."
"That's right, but I'll graduate tomorrow."
"Why do you want me to be your teacher?"
"Because I want to grow stronger. I want to learn your sword techniques."
"That's right. You're honest," the man said, finally turning around.
Anya realized he was actually quite handsome—almost delicate—but she knew better than to trust appearances. That murderous aura around him wasn't fake.
The man asked with interest, "Then do you know who I am?"
Anya shook her head. "No."
"My name is Sakumo Hatake. Most people call me the Legend of the White Fang."
Upon hearing that name, Anya's eyes widened slightly. He was Kakashi's father—Sakumo Hatake—a legendary figure in Konoha who had surpassed even the Sannin. No wonder his swordsmanship was so formidable.
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