Chapter 17: The First Day and a Forbidden Gift
Though it was labeled "basic," the swordsmanship proficiency had a profound impact on Shinra's capabilities. He could now, with confidence, claim to be among the most skilled in Konoha when it came to fundamental swordsmanship.
After a month of relentless drilling, he had fully assimilated the knowledge, adapting it to his unique physiology. His personal style was brutally efficient: pure speed and overwhelming power. There were no flourishes, no intricate feints—just devastatingly fast and powerful cuts, perfectly leveraging his physical advantages.
As this month of integration ended, the Ninja Academy's new term was beginning. Shinra was among the incoming freshmen.
He dressed in a form-fitting black training suit, securing the weighted lead blocks against his body before covering it all with a simple, dark haori. Pushing his door open, he set off for the academy.
The streets were filled with parents shepherding their excited children.
"Isn't that little one handsome? Is he a new student too?"
"Shinra? My, you look dashing today! I almost didn't recognize you. You'll have all the little girls swooning at the academy."
"Thank you for the kind words, Uncle Yueren," Shinra responded with a warm smile. Despite his monochrome attire, his demeanor was anything but cold.
Arriving at the academy grounds, he found them packed with a buzzing crowd of parents and new students. He found a quiet spot to sit, observing the chaotic, energetic scene with a sense of detached nostalgia.
In more than a decade, he mused, a gentle smile playing on his lips, this very scene might be a fond memory for these children. His handsome features and serene, approachable aura did not go unnoticed. A group of little girls nearby stared with heart-shaped eyes, their gazes full of adoration. The boys, in turn, shot him looks of pure, unadulterated jealousy, their eyes burning with resentment for the boy who had stolen the spotlight so effortlessly.
Tch. So these are the legendary 'harem protagonist' eyes and the 'rival character' death glares, he thought, his Tenseigan observing the chakra fluctuations of their intense emotions with academic interest. Truly a sight to behold.
Suddenly, a hand clapped him firmly on the shoulder.
Without a hint of surprise, Shinra turned his head. "Sister Tsunade. I'm impressed you recognized me."
"Shinra, you didn't even flinch!" Tsunade said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Did you know I was behind you? I made sure to be quiet."
"Of course I felt you," he replied smoothly.
Tsunade gave him a long, searching look but let the matter drop. Everyone was entitled to their secrets.
"I really did feel you," he reiterated, his smile genuine. "And thank you again for the jutsu, Sister Tsunade. This is for you." He handed her a carefully prepared manuscript.
"What is it?" she asked, taking the papers and beginning to read.
Minutes passed as her eyes scanned the pages. Her expression shifted from curiosity to intense focus, and finally to solemn understanding. She finished and tried to hand the bundle back, her face uncharacteristically serious.
"Shinra, I don't know where you obtained this, but you need to keep this safe. Do not show this to anyone else."
He didn't take it back, instead giving her a wide, disarming grin. "It's a gift. For you. If you don't accept it, you're looking down on me."
Repaying kindness with kindness was a core tenet of his character. He was no saint, but Tsunade had given him her most prized techniques without a second thought. That was a debt he took seriously. Those who treated him with genuine sincerity would receive the same in return.
Tsunade looked at his stubborn, slightly hurt expression and slowly retracted her hand, storing the scroll securely. "Thank you, Shinra. I swear I will never teach these techniques to another soul," she said, deeply moved. Even a cursory glance had revealed their immense value. The "Marine Six Styles" were a complete, A-rank-or-higher taijutsu system, while "Observation Haki" and "Armament Haki" were undoubtedly S-rank, perhaps even beyond.
"You're welcome," Shinra said, his smile returning. "But a word of warning, Sister Tsunade. Mastering these arts requires immense dedication and pain. Your current physique is barely at the minimum threshold to begin training."
"A little suffering is nothing if it leads to such power," she replied, her eyes alight with the possibilities. The Six Styles offered unparalleled versatility—high-speed movement, aerial mobility, powerful strikes, and solid defense. Observation Haki would make her an unparalleled scout and predictor of attacks. And Armament Haki... the sheer offensive and defensive amplification would make her already monstrous strength truly terrifying.
"Thank you, Shinra," she said again, choosing not to question the origin of these forbidden arts. His trust was gift enough.
"Sis! Over here, I'm over here!"
A loud, energetic shout cut through their moment. Both Shinra and Tsunade turned to see a young boy with spiky, light hair waving frantically.
Calling Tsunade 'sis'... this must be Senju Nawaki, Shinra deduced.
Tsunade's next words confirmed it. "Nawaki, you idiot, stop yelling!" she scolded, though her tone held more affection than annoyance.
"Whoa! Who's he, sis?" Nawaki bounded over, looking Shinra up and down with a theatrical, suspicious squint. "Are you... robbing the cradle?"
THUMP!
Nawaki was driven head-first into the ground by a swift fist from Tsunade, his legs kicking feebly in the air.
"How did I end up with such a foolish little brother?" Tsunade muttered, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she retracted her fist.
Shinra watched the scene, his lips twitching. This guy is definitely here for comedic relief.
With a great heave, Nawaki pulled his head out of the dirt, sputtering. "I told you not to hit my head! What if I really do become stupid?"
I think that ship has already sailed, Shinra thought dryly, observing the boy's Naruto-like exuberance. It was a stark reminder of the cruel whims of this world—two boys with similar, bright personalities, yet their fates would be worlds apart. One was the protagonist; the other was destined for tragedy.