Chapter 37: Did the Sun Come Out on the West?

Night, the training ground.

Lian Ye's blade sliced the damp air, and moonlight reflected off the katana's curve as a cold silver gleam.

Sweat-soaked black sleeves clung to his arms, and the youth swung each cut with utmost seriousness.

He recalled Qianshou Feijian's teachings, his wrist trembling lightly as the blade cut the silence, producing a sharp whoosh.

"Shoulder down, elbow dropped, force to the tip," Qianshou Feijian's admonition echoed in his ears, and each swing was flawlessly precise.

Lian Ye continuously varied his techniques, from basic chops to intricate combos, his movements flowing like clouds and water.

Occasionally, he would pause abruptly, replaying the recent moves in his mind, pondering where he could improve.

Three years ago, Lian Ye realized that merely training his body wasn't enough; he also needed to learn weapon use.

In combat, the side wielding weapons often holds the advantage.

Thus, he proactively asked Qianshou Feijian to teach him swordsmanship.

After three years of arduous training, his swordsmanship had made modest progress.

When training ended, Lian Ye sheathed his blade.

He had bought this katana at a high price from the Ninja Tool Shop.

Although the material wasn't superb, it was sufficient for Lian Ye for now.

As for a better weapon, he'll consider it after he becomes a ninja and earns money.

Today they applied to Qianshou Feijian for early graduation, and Qianshou Feijian agreed.

Tomorrow is their first day as ninjas!

Lian Ye felt a bit excited about his future ninja life.

"I don't know who my Team Leader Teacher is?"

In his impression, a freshly graduated Genin squad would be led by a Chunin or Jonin.

Newly graduated Genin lack experience and are prone to issues during missions.

At such times, experienced Chunin and Jonin are needed to lead, ensuring mission success and survival rates.

————————

The next day, Konoha Training Ground.

Qianshou Feijian walked forward holding the grouping list and announced:

"Uchiha Jing, Shuihu Menyan, Yuanfei Rizhan."

"Xiaochun Zhuanqin, Zhi Cun Tuan Zang, Yuzhi Bo Lianye."

"Stay here; a Team Leader Jonin will take you away shortly."

After speaking, Qianshou Feijian turned and left.

He's a very busy person; how could he find time to lead?

Only six of them remained on the training ground, staring at each other.

Tuan Cang's face turned dark.

Damn, why is he so unlucky?

"Hehe, Tuan Cang, never thought we'd be a squad together."

The thought of being able to bully Tuan Cang during future missions made Lian Ye's mouth grin almost to his ears.

Lian Ye's smile looked no different from a demon in Tuan Cang's eyes.

"Tuan Cang, from now on we're teammates," Xiaochun Zhuanqin said.

"Mm," Tuan Cang nodded.

Although he looked down on Xiaochun Zhuanqin, he was at least better than Yuzhi Bo Lianye.

Soon, two middle‑aged men wearing Chunin Vests arrived at the training ground.

"Kids, I'm Qianshou Tianzhong, and this is Qianshou Xiongke; we are your Team Leader Teacher."

Qianshou Tianzhong has a relatively cheerful personality, while Qianshou Xiongke is more stern and old‑fashioned.

Lian Ye wasn't overly surprised that the Team Leader Jonin was a Senju Clan ninja.

Qianshou Feijian wanted someone to oversee their performance, so he naturally chose trusted clan members.

"From now on, I am your Team Leader Jonin," Qianshou Xiongke said to Lian Ye and the others.

"Greetings, Teacher," the three bowed respectfully.

Qianshou Xiongke watched their performance and nodded with satisfaction,

"Follow me."

Soon, Qianshou Xiongke led Lian Ye and the others to a riverside.

"From now on, this will be our gathering point."

"Next, let me see how strong you are," he paused, then added, "The three of you cooperate and endure under my command for the duration of a Half Incense Stick."

Hearing that, Lian Ye's expression hardened as he slowly drew his sword.

Zhi Cun Tuan Zang and Xiaochun Zhuanqin came to Lian Ye's side.

The three exchanged glances, and Tuan Cang launched the first attack.

"Wind Release: Vacuum Serial Waves!"

Countless Wind Blades shot out like released arrows, blasting toward Qianshou Xiongke.

Qianshou Xiongke easily dodged, and the Wind Release hit the ground, raising dust.

Meanwhile, Lian Ye, holding his katana, used the dust as cover and moved to the right.

The instant he saw Qianshou Xiongke, he didn't hesitate, slashing diagonally downward with his blade.

The blade's wind brushed past the opponent's ear, cutting off a few strands of black hair.

"Too slow." Qianshou Xiongke's figure flashed, appearing behind Lian Ye.

At the critical moment, Xiaochun Zhuanqin's Lock Chain wrapped around Xiong Jie's ankle, "Teacher, don't underestimate us!"

But before the words finished, Qianshou Xiongke's reverse‑thrown Shuriken precisely sliced through the Lock Chain; the sharp Shuriken brushed Xiaochun's cheek, startling her and making her step back half a pace.

Tuan Cang seized the chance to form a hand seal, "Wind Release: Vacuum Wave!"

Qianshou Xiongke leapt onto the treetop, evading the attack, and from above sneered, "Good coordination, but too many flaws."

As he said, three Shuriken flew toward the three of them.

Lian Ye swung his blade to block, sparks scattering everywhere.

Xiaochun Zhuanqin twisted and rolled, narrowly dodging the attack.

While Tuan Cang was forming the seal, he couldn't dodge and was struck in the shoulder by a Shuriken, his complexion turning pale instantly.

"Tuan Cang, are you okay?" Xiaochun Zhuanqin ran to Tuan Cang's side, intending to use Medical Ninjutsu to treat him, but Tuan Cang scolded, "Don't worry about me, go help Yuzhi Bo Lianye."

Hearing that, Xiaochun Zhuanqin immediately went to aid Lian Ye.

Zhi Cun Tuan Zang clutched his shoulder, gritted his teeth, and rejoined the battle.

He knew his injury was dragging the team down.

Qianshou Xiongke looked at Tuan Cang with an admiring expression, then kicked them away.

"If you're injured, just lie down properly!"

Tuan Cang: "???"

The battle entered a fever pitch, the boys' breathing and the clashing of weapons intertwining.

When Qianshou Xiongke used Earth Release to trap the three in earth, the hourglass in his hand just finished flowing.

Looking at the three with only their heads protruding from the ground, he curled his lip and said, "Half Incense Stick, barely passable."

He suddenly flung three headbands into the air, "Next time I won't let you off so easily."

"Ah!"

One headband struck Zhi Cun Tuan Zang's face precisely, making his already pale face even paler.

Only then did Qianshou Xiongke remember that the three were still trapped in the earth.

"Ha ha, sorry." He hurriedly released the three.

After telling them to meet here tomorrow morning, he left,

After Xiaochun Zhuanqin escaped, she rushed to Tuan Cang's side to treat him.

Lian Ye picked up the headbands from the ground and handed them to the two.

"Sorry, I was the one dragging us down earlier," Tuan Cang whispered.

If he hadn't been injured, the mission wouldn't have been so hard to complete.

Lian Ye was somewhat surprised.

He didn't expect such words to come from Tuan Cang's mouth.

He had originally intended to slander him.

Since he apologized, it's fine.

"It's okay, just be more careful next time." Lian Ye waved his hand.

Tuan Cang raised his head in surprise, his face showing disbelief.

He wasn't dreaming, was he?

That bastard Yuzhi Bo Lianye actually didn't slander him?

Could the sun have risen in the west?!

Xiaochun Zhuanqin smiled and looked at the two.