Chapter 186: Who Is Stronger, Indra or ZhuZhang?

The events occurring in Waterfall Country are not only perceivable within Waterfall Country.

The destruction caused by that kilometer‑high giant Buddha exceeded imagination, and every neighboring nation sensed that something was amiss.

Leaf Village, likewise, is a neighboring country of Waterfall Country.

Originally, the other nations gathering troops here already provoked Leaf Village's nerves, so Leaf Village's ninja naturally paid attention.

Moreover, a few days ago, Leaf Village's advisers issued a new order: ANBU members should not get too close while monitoring the situation over there.

Honestly, that order left the ANBU a bit stunned—what kind of order is this?

Not getting too close yet gathering intel— even if Hyuga shows up, it wouldn't help, right?

Besides, as ANBU they know things have been unusually restless lately, and they have some missions linked to Hyuga.

So they feel they can't even rely on Hyuga, which makes them especially frustrated.

But soon, they seemed to grasp what was really going on.

The rumbling earthquake, the kilometer‑high giant Buddha, the collapsing earth, bodies strewn everywhere—so many corpses that none could be found, only pools of blood‑stained water.

Such terrifying scenes left all ANBU ninja dumbfounded—was the apocalypse arriving?

"How could that be?"

When the news reached Leaf Village, the senior old‑guard officials collectively lost composure.

Based on the description, they obviously knew what the thing actually was!

Qian Shou Fei Mian is ZhuZhang's younger brother, so he naturally knows exactly how powerful his brother is.

The Third Hokage, Zhuan Qin Xiao Chun, and Mizuto Mon En all experienced it in childhood; even from a great distance they could faintly glimpse the true‑scale 'towering giant Buddha'.

They all knew that it was the First Hokage's ultimate technique, the pinnacle Wood Release used to knock Madara Uchiha down—Divine Art·True Count Senju!

But when such power appears on Madara Uchiha, is that really reasonable, is that really justified?

Moreover, they couldn't help pondering a question: what if the Madara Uchiha of this world possessed such power?

Instead of attacking Leaf Village with 'Susanoo with Nine‑Tails', he would unleash a 'Susanoo Great Buddha'; would Leaf Village still have any hope?

After much deliberation, they arrived at a unanimous conclusion.

"I'm tired, let's destroy everything; there's no hope."

According to Leaf Village's statistics, that 'Susanoo Great Buddha' attack alone reshaped nearly a third of Waterfall Country's terrain!

Although the attack radius of the 'Susanoo Great Buddha' wasn't as vast as imagined, it was comparable to the disaster caused by the previous 'Lunar Tide'.

The earthquake, flood, landslides and other calamities triggered by that wave of the 'Susanoo Great Buddha' inflicted unimaginable devastation on the entire Waterfall Country.

If Waterfall Country didn't have such a sparse population—after all, this cursed place is truly poor, even the ninja villages are barely there.

All inhabitants live relatively scattered, and the area where Da Ye Mu is located has hardly any people.

Otherwise, the crisis triggered by a single attack could allow Waterfall Country to declare its own annihilation!

Susanoo Great Buddha—two people wiping out four nations—is sometimes no joke.

Under such intense pressure, Yuzhi finally 'returned', but before he could properly 'rest', he was dragged into the office.

"I say, is this really necessary?"

Yuzhi was both exasperated and amused; although the matter was indeed serious, it didn't have to be that tense, right?

"How could it not be?"

Qian Shou Fei Mian opened impatiently, but quickly furrowed his brows and asked, a bit awkwardly yet with some concern.

"What about you, are you okay?"

"I should be fine."

Yuzhi pursed his lips; in truth he knew his current condition wasn't good.

Before leaving, he glanced at a mirror and found his complexion pale and his face covered in unshaven stubble.

Such a gaunt appearance made him feel deeply reflective.

"I've been wounded by wine and women, look how gaunt I am; from today onward, I quit drinking!"

He thought that internally, yet he couldn't help reminiscing—the Leaf Village at four A. M. still had a pleasant sky.

Moreover, he even refreshed Leaf Village's clock, occasionally catching a glimpse of the sunrise or something.

"That guy Madara Uchiha actually trained you that harshly?"

Qian Shou Fei Mian, bewildered, growled.

"That bastard—doesn't he know he's not even from this world? How can he treat you, the Hokage, like that?"

"Teacher, Madara Uchiha seemed to leave right after the attack."

The Third Hokage was also a bit uneasy, but his gaze at Yuzhi seemed slightly strange.

Yuzhi's gaunt look didn't seem like a result of training.

"Don't worry, I'm truly fine."

Yuzhi shook his head, slowly explaining that he remained silent because he truly was fine.

Don't be fooled by his current gauntness; a large part is due to lack of sleep, after all he was partying wildly.

Besides, his 'Asura Power' hasn't fully recovered, and even 'Divine Art·True Count Senju' remains extremely difficult for him!

"But what exactly are you all so anxious about? Tell me, and after I'm done I can go back to rest.

That Madara Uchiha fellow gave me quite a few good things and made me train hard.

I still want to go back and prepare properly; this time's gains are huge."

"Gains?"

Although the Third Hokage's eyes were a bit odd, he didn't continue to dwell on it; after all, he couldn't see any problem with Yuzhi.

And Tsunade, after observing Yuzhi, said nothing further, clearly confirming his physical condition.

Now that Tsunade has obtained First Hokage's cells, she has undergone massive changes; even though she hasn't manifested Wood Release yet, her power has already surged!

"True Number Senju!"

Senju Feijian is probably the weakest among those present; his Impure World Reincarnation hasn't been altered yet, and that's the result he wanted.

He plans to create a better body, then combine it with the Resurrection Technique to fully revive himself.

So before that he does nothing; after all, combat isn't his turn for now, which is fine.

"Madara Uchiha used True Number Senju, what on earth is going on?"

"Isn't that perfectly normal?"

Yuzhi raised an eyebrow; he had long anticipated that Senju Feijian would definitely ask this, after all "True Number Senju" is no ordinary Wood Release.

If he weren't curious about this thing, Yuzhi would suspect something was wrong with him.

Adjusting his seat, Yuzhi stretched lazily a bit before continuing.

"On this trip I gathered many revelations, and I believe some of this information can also inspire Tsunade.

Especially, much of it concerns your older brother, our First Hokage; even if you asked, I'd probably tell you."

"About my older brother?"

Senju Feijian didn't notice that Yuzhi had seized the conversational lead, but even if he did, he wouldn't mind; his mind is now full of curiosity.

"My grandfather?"

Tsunade blinked; she had only intended to dip her toe in and watch the drama, but now it seemed the situation was a bit unexpected.

"Hmm, it's about the First Hokage."

Yuzhi nodded, then smiled as he spoke.

"On this trip, Madara Uchiha intends to teach some cultivation of the 'Six Paths Technique,' though this 'Six Paths Technique' is his own claim."

"What an arrogant fellow."

Senju Feijian, hearing this, could no longer hold back; he immediately cut in on Yuzhi.

"Do you even listen? If you don't want to hear, I'll stop talking."

Yuzhi glared at Senju Feijian, which made Feijian feel a bit aggrieved, but he eventually fell silent.

"The essential components of this 'Six Paths Technique' are 'Shadow Release' and 'Yang Release.'"

The power of Shadow Release involves the Uchiha, which is our core secret; saying it isn't a big deal, because telling you is useless.

The Uchiha's core power lies in the Sharingan and in mental control; without those eyes, hearing this is pointless.

However, regarding Yang Release, it aligns well with everyone, especially those who have inherited the First Hokage's power; this information is thus more valuable.

At this point, Yuzhi paused slightly; he had already figured out how to address these issues while voicing some of Hashirama Senju's conjectures.

After all, Hashirama Senju's uniqueness is rather unbelievable; replicating it is extremely difficult, but not impossible to try.

"We have already obtained Yang Release's power; now we must consider how to disseminate it, though compared to the First Hokage, this Yang power is truly too basic."

"Actually I want to ask you a question: how did the former Senju fight, and how did the First Hokage fight?"

Yuzhi's question caused everyone to instinctively turn their heads toward Senju Feijian, even the Third and others did the same.

The Third Hokage and his peers are advanced in age, and they were born before the founding of the Leaf Village.

But at that time they were still too young; some matters weren't theirs to know, so they understood little of many situations.

But Senju Feijian is different; he truly participated in various great battles!

"The old Senju, huh."

Senju Feijian frowned; though it was hard to speak, he opened his mouth.

"According to past battle strategies, we would unite with other ninja‑world families; Uzumaki and Sarutobi have always been our allies."

"Our older brother inherited this, but…"

"But your older brother is too special; he doesn't need those so‑called allies, right?"

Yuzhi smiled faintly and asked softly.

"According to the records, your Senju One Clan isn't really a match for the Uchiha Clan."

"But when you unite with Uzumaki, Sarutobi, and even the Pig, Deer, and Butterfly clans, only then can the Uchiha engage in balanced combat."

"Moreover, older records show that when you first faced stronger Uchiha, your choice was to seek a tailed beast."

"Wood Release has never been a symbol of the Senju; its power belongs solely to Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage!"

"I think from this you should understand how special your older brother, our First Hokage, truly is."

"It's fine not to overthink, but once you do, you truly see how extraordinarily unique Hashirama Senju is."

"Perhaps because Hei Jue meddled, causing the Senju line to break, so this 'most special Asura' didn't choose a tailed beast."

"Thus he became the type of person who could shout 'Nine‑Tails, you're too dangerous' and then casually beat the Nine‑Tails into submission."

"Without a tailed beast as the 'Asura standard,' he has since childhood used the 'Indra's Power' to forge himself."

"His method has granted him unprecedented strength, and the power he displays is unimaginable."

"At least for him, he is a 'Reversed Heavenly Gang'; previously the Senju would gang‑up on the Uchiha."

"In his case, others just watch and cheer; he alone goes up and beats the Uchiha."

"So, there's another 'Guan Yu vs Qin Qiang' question: who is stronger, Hashirama Senju or those Asura?"

"This question truly makes Yuzhi hard to evaluate, after all, the 'Nine‑Tails Chakra Mode' is so fierce; just look at Naruto to know."

"'True Number Senju' can beat Madara Uchiha's 'Armored Susanoo', but Yuzhi himself has tried 'Susanoo with Nine‑Tails'."

"Those two powers have no resonance; it's merely a simple '11', and the answer might not even be '2'."

"Thus being beaten isn't surprising, while 'Nine‑Tails Chakra Mode' fully merges the two powers into a massive force."

"Its strength far exceeds imagination, though it was still hammered by Madara with the Rinnegan; the issue is, it's Rinnegan‑Madara!"

"He's only a step away from the 'Six Paths'."

"So, it's really not that easy to judge; perhaps Hashirama Senju could suppress one?"

Even if you can't hold it down, Asura without the tailed beast will probably end up getting hammered, right?

Even if you can't hold it down, Asura without the tailed beast will probably end up getting hammered, right? (same as above)

Even if you can't hold it down, Asura without the tailed beast will probably end up getting hammered, right? (same)

However, in terms of bloodline, I'm afraid it's still the same as Indra compared to Madara Uchiha—being completely defeated.

However, regarding bloodline, I'm afraid it's still the same as Indra compared to Madara Uchiha—being completely defeated. Wait we already used 【127】 for that. Actually 【129】 is the interpretation note for 【127】. Let's check: The user gave 【127】 Chinese line, then 【129】 Interpretation: "However, in terms of bloodline, I'm afraid it's still the same as Indra compared to Madara Uchiha, being completely defeated." Actually they gave interpretation at 【129】. So we need to translate 【129】 as that interpretation. So 【127】 we translated the Chinese line. 【129】 we need to output the interpretation (which is already English). Let's re-evaluate.

When it comes to bloodline comparisons, I'm afraid no one can match those two true "second‑generation" heirs, since they're direct descendants and there's no way around that.

【133】

But if we talk about combat power, it's hard to say for sure; nevertheless, the possibilities brought by Hashirama Senju have already been fully considered by Haori.

Actually 【135】 is the interpretation note for 【133】. It says: "But if we really talk about combat power, that's also hard to say; however, no matter what, the possibilities brought by Senju ZhuZhang have already been figured out by Yuzhi." So output same.

So what he needs to do is simple: experiment, replicate, then do it himself, ultimately achieving the true "Six Paths bloodline"!

Interpretation: "So what he needs to do is simple: try, replicate, then do it himself, and finally achieve the true meaning of 'Six Paths Bloodline'!" We'll translate: "So what he needs to do is simple: try, replicate, then do it himself, and finally achieve the true meaning of the 'Six Paths Bloodline'!"

【142】

Interpretation: "Or rather, it's the 'Otsutsuki Bloodline'." We'll translate: "Or rather, it's the 'Otsutsuki Bloodline'."

As for how to become an Ōtsutsuki without the "Wedge" and without being affected by Indra's and Asura's chakra…

Interpretation: "Regarding how to become an Otsutsuki, without that 'wedge' thing, and also not wanting to be influenced by the chakra of Indra and Asura." We'll translate: "As for how to become an Otsutsuki, without that 'wedge', and also not wanting to be influenced by the chakra of Indra and Asura—"

【148】

Interpretation: "So the choices Yuzhi can make are already fixed, but over these years, with his cheat getting stronger and his own continual optimization, he's also basically made it clear." We'll translate: "So the choices Yuzhi can make are already set, but over these years, with his cheat getting stronger and his own continual optimization, he's also basically figured it out."

"Indra's chakra, Asura's chakra, bloodline elevation, blood inheritance net—this is my path!"

Actually 【150】 is the interpretation note for 【148】. It says: '"Indra's chakra, Asura's chakra, bloodline enhancement, bloodline net—this is my path!"' So output same.

"——"

Just an em dash line. We'll output as "——". Keep same.

Haori's meeting this time went on for a long time because there were just so many things involved.

Interpretation: "Yuzhi's meeting this time lasted a long time, because there are really a lot of things involved." We'll translate: "Yuzhi's meeting this time went on for a long time, because there were really a lot of things involved."

【160】

Interpretation: "Fortunately, this time they also confirmed a lot of content, whether it's Leaf Village's or Yuzhi's own." We'll translate: "Fortunately, this time they also confirmed a lot of content, whether it pertains to Leaf Village or to Yuzhi himself."

Of course, the meeting also settled a minor matter: Haori's first disciple.

Interpretation: "Of course, this meeting also confirmed some small matters, namely Yuzhi's first disciple." We'll translate: "Of course, this meeting also confirmed some small matters, namely Yuzhi's first disciple."

【166】

Interpretation: "Inside the ninja academy, everything is full of vigor." We'll translate: "Inside the ninja academy, everything was full of vigor."

But today, because of one incident, an accidental discussion broke out among everyone.

Interpretation: "However, today because of one matter, it inadvertently sparked everyone's discussion." We'll translate: "However, today, because of one matter, it inadvertently sparked everyone's discussion."

【171】

"Tsk, how did it end up being that glasses‑wearing guy?"

【175】

Interpretation: '"Exactly, why didn't they pick me?"' We'll translate: '"Exactly, why didn't they choose me?"'

Inside the classroom, Sasuke and Naruto sat together, their expressions looking rather grim.

Interpretation: "Inside the classroom, Sasuke and Naruto sat together, their complexions looking somewhat not good." We'll translate: "Inside the classroom, Sasuke and Naruto sat together, their faces looking somewhat grim."

【181】

Interpretation: "Sasuke might be a bit better, after all Yuzhi is his father; even if he doesn't become a disciple it doesn't matter, and Yuzhi usually hasn't spared teaching him some things." We'll translate: "Sasuke might be a bit better, after all Yuzhi is his father; even if he doesn't become a disciple it doesn't matter, and Yuzhi usually hasn't spared teaching him some things."

Especially since Haori recently taught him a Lightning Release technique, and he even heard that Haori, to help him adapt, borrowed Kakashi's Chidori as well.

Interpretation: "Especially recently, Yuzhi taught him a Lightning Release technique; moreover, he heard that Yuzhi, in order to let him adapt better, even went and got Kakashi's Chidori from Uncle Kakashi." We'll translate: "Especially recently, Yuzhi taught him a Lightning Release technique; moreover, he heard that Yuzhi, in order to let him adapt better, even went and got Kakashi's Chidori from Uncle Kakashi."

【187】

Interpretation: "Although I don't know why Yuzhi, his own father, thinks he would be more suited to Chidori, that Lightning Release." We'll translate: "Although I don't know why Yuzhi, his own father, thinks he would be more suited to Chidori, that Lightning Release."

He felt that, like his father, he should be better at fire techniques, but he didn't dare argue.

Interpretation: "He feels he should, like his father, be more skilled in Fire Release, but he doesn't dare to object." We'll translate: "He feels he should, like his father, be more skilled in Fire Release, but he doesn't dare to object."

【193】

Interpretation: "Moreover, he must admit that his speed of learning Lightning Release seems indeed faster than learning Fire Release." We'll translate: "Moreover, he must admit that his speed of learning Lightning Release seems indeed faster than learning Fire Release."

It made him wonder whether his father had been watching him secretly all along, leading to that judgment.

Interpretation: "This makes him wonder if his father has been secretly observing him, leading to that judgment." We'll translate: "This makes him wonder if his father has been secretly observing him, leading to that judgment."

【199】

Interpretation: "This makes him feel especially happy, because Yuzhi is so concerned about him!" We'll translate: "This makes him feel especially happy, because Yuzhi is so concerned about him!"

Now that he has an extra disciple, does that mean they're competing for his favor? It made him a bit uneasy.

Interpretation: "But now that there's an additional disciple, doesn't that mean they're here to compete for affection? This makes him somewhat torn." We'll translate: "But now that there's an additional disciple, doesn't that mean they're here to compete for affection? This makes him somewhat torn."

【205】

Interpretation: "And Naruto is simpler; he heard that his own father and Yuzhi, this Hokage, have a very good relationship, and his father hasn't just said once or twice how strong Yuzhi is." We'll translate: "And Naruto is simpler; he heard that his own father and Yuzhi, this Hokage, have a very good relationship, and his father hasn't just said once or twice how strong Yuzhi is."

Even though his father is strong, he thought that if he could become Haori's disciple and learn a few more techniques…

Interpretation: "Although his father is also strong, he's thinking, if he could become Yuzhi's disciple and learn a thing or two." We'll translate: "Although his father is also strong, he's thinking, if he could become Yuzhi's disciple and learn a thing or two."

【211】

Interpretation: "Combining his own father and this Hokage uncle, wouldn't he become even stronger in the future?" We'll translate: "Combining his own father and this Hokage uncle, wouldn't he become even stronger in the future?"

Then maybe, in the future, he could even become Hokage!

Interpretation: "In that case, maybe someday he could even become Hokage himself!" We'll translate: "In that case, maybe someday he could even become Hokage himself!"

【217】

Interpretation: "As a result, it turned out not to be him." We'll translate: "As a result, it turned out not to be him."

"Cut it out, stop dreaming. How could Lord Father ever choose you?"

Interpretation: '"Tsk, stop dreaming, Father would never choose you."' We'll translate: '"Tsk, stop dreaming, Father would never choose you."'

【223】

Interpretation: "After hearing Naruto's words, Sasuke felt somewhat torn; he glared at Naruto angrily and spoke." We'll translate: "After hearing Naruto's words, Sasuke felt somewhat torn; he glared at Naruto angrily and spoke."

Naruto immediately stood up; although his mind was full of thoughts about his childhood friend, for some reason he always gets easily irritated.

Interpretation: "And Naruto immediately stood up; although his heart is all about this 'childhood friend', he doesn't know why he's always prone to blowing up." We'll translate: "And Naruto immediately stood up; although his heart is all about this 'childhood friend', he doesn't know why he's always prone to blowing up."

【229】

Interpretation: '"Bastard, weren't you not chosen either!"' We'll translate: '"Bastard, you weren't chosen either!"'

"I don't need to; I can see Lord Father every day."

Interpretation: '"I don't need it; I can see Father every day."' We'll translate: '"I don't need it; I can see Father every day."'

【235】

Interpretation: '"You talk as if you don't care!"' We'll translate: '"You talk as if you don't care!"'

"I just don't care."

Interpretation: '"I just don't care."' We'll translate: '"I just don't care."'

【241】

Interpretation: '"Really?"' We'll translate: '"Really?"'

"Really!"

Interpretation: '"Really!"' We'll translate: '"Really!"'

【247】

Interpretation: '"Really?"' We'll translate: '"Really?"'

"Idiot, shut up!"

Interpretation: '"Idiot, shut your mouth!"' We'll translate: '"Idiot, shut your mouth!"'

【253】

Interpretation: "Faced with Naruto's incessant talking, Sasuke also couldn't hold back." We'll translate: "Faced with Naruto's incessant talking, Sasuke also couldn't hold back."

He kept wondering if that white‑eyed guy would steal the spotlight, and Naruto's nonstop chatter was really getting on his nerves.

Interpretation: "He was still wondering if that white-eyed guy would steal his attention; now Naruto's constant chatter is really annoying him to no end." We'll translate: "He was still wondering if that white-eyed guy would steal his attention; now Naruto's constant chatter is really annoying him to no end."

【259】

Interpretation: '"Your father picking a disciple—you weren't chosen either, what are you being arrogant about?"' We'll translate: '"Your father picking a disciple—you weren't chosen either, what are you being arrogant about?"'

"You bastard, you're lying to me! I was still a kid back then!"

Interpretation: '"This... bastard, you're deceiving me; back then I was still little!"' We'll translate: '"This... bastard, you're deceiving me; back then I was still little!"'

【265】

Interpretation: "Sasuke's remark left Naruto stunned for a moment, but he quickly reacted, wondering how old he was back then." We'll translate: "Sasuke's remark left Naruto stunned for a moment, but he quickly reacted, wondering how old he was back then."

His father hasn't been out of the Hokage seat for long, and now he can't even pick himself as a disciple, let alone anyone else!

Interpretation: "His father hasn't been Hokage for that long; wanting to choose himself as a disciple, he couldn't even manage that, right?" We'll translate: "His father hasn't been Hokage for that long; wanting to choose himself as a disciple, he couldn't even manage that, right?"

【271】

Interpretation: "For a moment, the two started 'mouth exercises', seeming ready to jump out and duel; this made Shikamaru sitting in front of them feel somewhat gloomy." We'll translate: "For a moment, the two started 'mouth exercises', seeming ready to jump out and duel; this made Shikamaru sitting in front of them feel somewhat gloomy."

"What a hassle, those two idiots."

Interpretation: '"Really troublesome, these two idiots."' We'll translate: '"Really troublesome, these two idiots."'

【277】

Interpretation: "Shikamaru listening to those two's childish conversation couldn't help but sigh for a moment." We'll translate: "Shikamaru listening to those two's childish conversation couldn't help but sigh."

He had already explained that the two of them could never become so‑called Hokage disciples, since they're both literally "children of the Hokage."

Interpretation: "He had long explained that those two could never become so-called Hokage disciples, after all they are both 'sons of the Hokage'." We'll translate: "He had long explained that those two could never become so-called Hokage disciples, after all they are both 'sons of the Hokage'."

【283】

Interpretation: "Even with favoritism, it's impossible to favor to the point of putting it on one's own son's head, right?" We'll translate: "Even with favoritism, it's impossible to favor to the point of putting it on one's own son's head, right?"

Besides, it's essential: at home he can be taught anything, whereas a Hokage disciple would probably never even get a chance to see the Hokage.

Interpretation: "Moreover, this is fundamentally needed; at home I can teach anything, whereas becoming a Hokage disciple probably makes it hard to even see the Hokage." We'll translate: "Moreover, this is fundamentally needed; at home I can teach anything, whereas becoming a Hokage disciple probably makes it hard to even see the Hokage."

【289】

Interpretation: "Furthermore, as a Hokage disciple, you must excel in all aspects, otherwise everywhere people will secretly talk about you." We'll translate: "Furthermore, as a Hokage disciple, you must excel in all aspects, otherwise everywhere people will secretly talk about you."

People won't say the Hokage's chosen disciples are bad; they'll just say you didn't work hard enough, that you squandered great resources without reaching the goal, and that everything is your fault.

Interpretation: "Nobody will say the Hokage's chosen disciple is bad; they'll only say you're not trying hard enough, occupying such good resources yet failing to meet the goal—everything is your fault." We'll translate: "Nobody will say the Hokage's chosen disciple is bad; they'll only say you're not trying hard enough, occupying such good resources yet failing to meet the goal—everything is your fault."

【295】

Interpretation: "Such great pressure truly isn't something ordinary people can bear; at least Shikamaru doesn't think becoming a Hokage disciple has any good." We'll translate: "Such great pressure truly isn't something ordinary people can bear; at least Shikamaru doesn't think becoming a Hokage disciple has any good."

"What are you talking about!"

Interpretation: '"What are you saying!"' We'll translate: '"What are you saying!"'

【362】

Interpretation: "Although Shikamaru was muttering quietly, his words still reached Naruto and Sasuke's ears." We'll translate: "Although Shikamaru was muttering quietly, his words still reached Naruto and Sasuke's ears."

These two little brats instantly stopped, all turning their heads unhappily to look at Shikamaru.

"Alright, stop making noise."

Ding Ci, standing nearby, got a little nervous at the sight; Xiao Pangzi knew just how strong the two were.

Normally their training assessments only involve sparring with body techniques, and these two are always each other's opponents in any assessment.

And they have taken that training to a level beyond its scope.

Physical combat is ordinary sparring, tossing hidden weapons at each other is routine, and even when angry they sometimes unleash Jonin‑level techniques on each other.

One could say that every time these two clash, onlookers are terrified, even Iruka the teacher looks a bit flustered.

It is said that Iruka has more than once wanted to make them graduate and get lost, or just skip a grade.

But in the end the matter was suppressed; they continue to stay here obediently, going nowhere.

Moreover, Xiao Pangzi remembers that once they ventured to the back mountain and encountered a wild boar that bared its tusks at them.

In the end, they were rubbing their stomachs, holding toothpicks, while grinning.

Now the two have set their sights on Shikamaru, and Xiao Pangzi truly fears they might tear Shikamaru apart.

"Have some chips, the last two pieces, they're the best."

Xiao Pangzi said that while wincing in pain, he handed over the chip bag; the last chips had always been his favorite, and now he had to give them up.

"Alright, it's no big deal; these two guys have always been like this."

Shikamaru snatched the chip bag back in one motion, preventing Naruto and Sasuke from getting it, then said lazily.

"You keep arguing; Iruka will be here soon."

"Tch, who's scared?"

Naruto and Sasuke's heads involuntarily flinched at the words; though they said they weren't afraid, they felt guilty.

Naruto, taught by his parents, knows what "respect the teacher and uphold the way" means, and Sasuke needs no further explanation.

Yuzhi is a transmigrator; he didn't present the "Teacher's Sayings" for him to memorize, and that's thanks to Yuzhi himself almost forgetting the entire text, remembering only its classic lines.

Otherwise, any "Teacher's Sayings" and everything he learned as a child would become a sea that drowns Sasuke's entire childhood.

"If you're not scared, then fine; after all, you're both children of the Hokage, right?"

Shikamaru blinked, then lazily spoke.

"It's just going out for a punishment stand, but the punishment means you can't finish the review in time."

Tonight the Fifth Hokage is hosting a disciple‑recruiting banquet; if you haven't finished your review, you won't be able to go.

"Don't think Iruka will let you off; he's a junior of the Fifth Hokage, and they're close."

"This…"

Naruto and Sasuke were both stunned; their review for skipping class really wasn't finished yet.

But soon, Sasuke tentatively asked.

"You skipped class with us, right? And Ya too, have you finished?"

Shikamaru, Ding Ci, and Ya will all attend the ceremony with their parents tonight; Sasuke knows this, so he's especially curious.

"We finished it in the last class."

Shikamaru shrugged, and the chubby kid Ding Ci gave a shy smile; then Shikamaru pointed at Ya, who was bent over, frantically writing.

"See, he's far smarter than you two."

"Oh no!"

Seeing their friends who skipped class slip away, Naruto and Sasuke could no longer hold back; they exchanged a glance and let out a heavy "hmm."

Then they bowed their heads, each frantically rushing to finish the assignment; if the review isn't completed, Iruka might really not let them go.

"What an idiot, why am I friends with them?"

The one who had been silent, Ino with yellow hair, covered her face; she really couldn't watch any longer.

And not far away, Hinata looked on with curiosity; she also intended to attend tonight's ceremony, after all it was her cousin Neji.

But she was also curious why her father, upon learning of this, was so angry and upset.

"Shouldn't this be something to be happy about?"

——

"Be a bit happier, Neji, you're about to become a Hokage disciple!"

While Hinata was curious, in the first‑year class, Xiao Li looked excitedly at Neji and said.

Tenten also hovered around Neji, while Neji kept an expressionless face, trying to appear calm.

Xiao Li, though lacking talent and with weak chakra, seemed especially diligent; whatever he did, he was unusually serious.

At first Neji didn't think much of Xiao Li, but because his father worked in the police department, he often went over.

Over time, he not only became familiar inside, but also learned many interesting things.

He knows that his father's former superior, now the Fifth Hokage of Leaf Village, has a close friend, the current Leaf Village Jonin Mayte Kai.

This Jonin is said to have originally been good with chakra, even always considered the laggard, only slightly better than the school's Yuzhi and Obito.

Of course, aside from Uchiha Obito, who reliably stays at the bottom, this Jonin Kai isn't far from the Hokage.

But now, aside from the deceased Uchiha Obito, Mayte Kai has become a Leaf Village Jonin and is recognized as a physical‑technique master.

And Yuzhi need not be mentioned; that string of titles makes him feel both amazed and a bit dizzy.

Sometimes, he can't help but wonder—

"Is the laggard actually a hidden big shot?"

Although that notion is biased, Xiao Li's situation is clearly different; though he sometimes self‑destructs, his effort is moving.

His father isn't dead, so Neji is naturally different.

Although he initially dismissed Xiao Li, gradually their relationship improved; Xiao Li often asks him about cultivation questions, and he gladly instructs.

Moreover, he heard from his father that Xiao Li now seems to have attracted Jonin Kai's attention.

This made little Ningci a bit uneasy; he felt he might even witness the "underdog's comeback."

【364】

But now he was a little dazed, because he truly never expected he could become a Hokage disciple!

【366】

When Ningci first heard the news, he couldn't help but think that, after all, he didn't consider himself that great, and he was just a branch family.

【368】

Hinata was different; although she also came from the main family, she never gave him a hard time, and sometimes when problems arose, little Hinata would handle them herself instead of dragging him into them.

【370】

After double‑checking, he finally realized there was no mistake—he really had become a Hokage disciple!

【372】

And now he felt a certain pressure: as a Hokage's disciple, if he performed poorly, wouldn't that embarrass everyone?

【374】

Ningci forced himself to suppress his nervousness, forced a smile, and spoke.

【376】

"Kimimaro, and also Shiro?"

【378】

Or rather, those two aren't really his competition; they tend to slack off on many assessments, basically just goofing around at school.

【380】

Whether it's the white‑haired guy who looks as pretty as a girl, or the perpetually expressionless but equally good‑looking Kimimaro, both are terrifyingly powerful.

【382】

That left Ningci especially puzzled, and even more so because those two seemed to get along unbelievably well with the Uchiha.

【384】

But a name can't be faked; at least their surnames aren't Uchiha.

【386】

While Ningci was daydreaming, Shiro smiled sweetly at him, and Kimimaro also nodded toward Ningci.

【388】

"Thanks, thanks."

【390】

"But you have to remember this."

【392】

"If you underperform and embarrass the Lord Hokage, I'll kill you with my own hands!"

【395】

「. 」

Ningci felt he couldn't hold back; he really didn't know how to retort to that.

【397】

His father might personally slay him under the pretext of a "family misfortune"; he knows exactly how highly the Lord Hokage is regarded in his father's eyes.

【399】

Xiao Li was a bit unconvinced; although Kimimaro's fierce demeanor and his impressive school record made Xiao Li nervous, he still mustered the courage to stand up for his friend.

【401】

Tian Tian couldn't help but speak up, but this time she also noticed everyone's eyes turning toward them.

【403】

After all, the clan head chose a Hyūga as a disciple, so they'd certainly get a good‑natured scolding when they got home.

【405】

And Kimimaro's relationship with them isn't bad; although they don't usually talk about it, it was Kimimaro and Shiro who requested it, and being family won't change that.

【407】

"Alright, that's enough."

【409】

"Sorry, don't take it to heart; he's always respected the Lord Hokage."

【411】

Ningci gave an awkward smile; after hearing all that, how could he not know?

【413】

Shiro smiled, encouraged Ningci with a word, then grabbed Kimimaro and turned to leave, not forgetting to say it with a grin.

【415】

"Okay, see you tonight?"

【417】

"See you tonight?"

【419】

For a moment, Ningci felt a bit lost.

(End of chapter)