Chapter 4: Chapter Four: The Hyuga Little Rich Girl!

Fujinaka Genma continued, “Currently, it’s only the first stage—Itachi throw mud balls at me, and I dodge.”

“In my planned second stage, I’ll dodge with my hands bound.”

“The third stage is catching the mud balls thrown at me.”

“The fourth stage involves throwing mud balls of different colors, then catching one specific color while avoiding the others to prevent being hit.”

Hyuga Mio’s eyes sparkled with pink stars, her gaze filled with admiration: “Amazing!”

Ebisu, behind his sunglasses, also stared with shining eyes, thinking in awe: “What a genius idea—I’m already itching to try it myself!”

Though his heart burned with excitement, Ebisu maintained a calm expression: “Then let’s begin.”

Training started.

First, one person threw mud balls; once they became proficient, two people threw simultaneously.

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

Mud balls occasionally struck Fujinaka Genma.

Though they were mud balls, they hurt—especially when they hit the face.

Hyuga Mio’s eyes brimmed with concern; she moved hesitantly, trying her best not to aim at Fujinaka Genma’s handsome face.

Ebisu, however, wore a cold expression, his inner fervor growing—he threw mud balls with increasingly sharp angles and faster speeds.

Half an hour later.

All three lay exhausted on the ground.

Fujinaka Genma wiped mud and smudges from his face, smiling as he watched his Agility stat surge on the system.

Agility +0.4!

The plan proved effective—excellent.

After a brief rest, training resumed.

They took turns until sunset, when darkness fell and training ended.

Though exhausted and filthy, Ebisu was thrilled: “Genma, your method is incredible.”

Fujinaka Genma smiled faintly and nodded, saying nothing.

Beside him, Hyuga Mio’s cheeks were still flushed; she softly suggested, “Tomorrow we can buy some modeling clay.”

Ebisu immediately nodded: “Modeling clay is definitely better than dirt.”

Then, slightly embarrassed, he added, “But it probably isn’t cheap—we train daily, so consumption will be high.”

Hyuga Mio quickly said, “Don’t worry—I have enough pocket money, and I have nowhere else to spend it.”

Fujinaka Genma glanced at Hyuga Mio in surprise—she was a little rich girl after all.

Still, the Hyuga clan was known as a wealthy house; even distant branches wouldn’t lack funds.

Worried she might hurt the two boys’ pride, Hyuga Mio quickly added, “Genma-kun is in charge of designing the training plan, so making the mud balls should be your duty. As a participant, I should also take on part of the work.”

After speaking, Hiyama Yui anxiously gazed at Shikigami Genma with her large eyes.

Fujinaka Genma smiled at this: “Then it’s settled!”

Hyuga Mio’s face lit up instantly: “Yogada!”

After a short rest, the team disbanded.

Ebisu went home alone, while Fujinaka Genma escorted Hyuga Mio home.

On the way, Hyuga Mio chattered nonstop.

Fujinaka Genma responded occasionally—briefly, but never letting her feel ignored or bored.

After dropping Hyuga Mio off, Fujinaka Genma touched his own face as he turned home.

He hadn’t expected to become someone’s crush on the second day of school—apparently, too much charm brings minor troubles.

“Still, if there were no war looming, this life wouldn’t be so bad.”

Fujinaka Genma mused silently.

Nightfall.

After dinner, Fujinaka Genma continued his cultivation plan—studying theoretical knowledge of ninjutsu.

Before sleep, he practiced hand seals for one hour.

This was his first-year cultivation plan.

Morning: physical training.

Morning classes.

Noon: research at the Hidden Leaf Village library.

Afternoon classes.

After class: agility training, physical training.

Evening: theoretical study, hand seal practice.

Day after day, this routine was unbearably dull.

But Fujinaka Genma possessed extraordinary self-discipline, and his life was softened by a gentle, adorable little girl and a cool-looking, secretly enthusiastic glasses-wearer.

Thus, ordinary days flew by swiftly.

In an instant, two years passed.

Year 39 of the Hidden Leaf.

Fujinaka Genma successfully entered third grade.

His former desk-mate, Yamashiro Aoba, had graduated, replaced by his previous front-desk neighbor, Hyuga Mio.

One day.

After morning classes ended, Fujinaka Genma immediately blocked his homeroom teacher, Benshan Yusuke, to ask questions.

Benshan Yusuke pinched the bridge of his nose, silently praying Fujinaka Genma wouldn’t ask anything too advanced.

“Teacher Yusuke, I’d like to ask about chakra nature transformation.”

Fujinaka Genma smiled warmly, extremely polite.

Benshan Yusuke exhaled in relief, chuckling: “Chakra nature transformation? Itachi don’t need to study that until Itachi become a Chunin.”

“Still, since Itachi’ve reached this point, I hope Itachi’ll become even more outstanding.”

“I specialize in Fire Release—I can teach Itachi everything about Fire Release chakra nature transformation.”

Fujinaka Genma looked apologetic: “Thank Itachi, Teacher Yusuke, but I’ve already mastered Fire Release chakra nature transformation.”

“What?”

Benshan Yusuke stumbled, sweat breaking on his forehead, laughing and crying: “Um… actually, mastering even one chakra nature at your age is already exceptional.”

“Genma!”

Benshan Yusuke suddenly grew serious, speaking with weight: “Your theoretical knowledge is exceptionally solid—even I have nothing left to teach Itachi. Your chakra control surpasses that of most Chunin.”

But your combat skills are far behind. I advise Itachi to spend more time on practical training.

“What do Itachi think?”

He actually wanted to say he could graduate immediately—but feared crushing Fujinaka Genma’s motivation and ruining such a brilliant ninja seed.

Facing his teacher’s earnest advice, Fujinaka Genma nodded wholeheartedly.

“Itachi’re absolutely right, Teacher.”

Benshan Yusuke immediately smiled.

“But—”

Benshan Yusuke’s heart plummeted.

Teaching a genius student was a point of pride—but a student who was too brilliant and refused to graduate? That was a headache.

Especially when that student was endlessly curious and loved asking Itachi questions.

Could Itachi cruelly refuse such a student?

Benshan Yusuke couldn’t. Especially since Fujinaka Genma, like him, was a civilian ninja.

“Fine. Don’t explain. Which chakra nature transformation do Itachi want to learn?”

Benshan Yusuke crossed his arms, pinched his brow, and surrendered completely.

“Teacher Yusuke, Itachi’re the best teacher I’ve ever met!”

Fujinaka Genma immediately flattered him, then made his request: “Teacher, I’d like to learn Lightning Release chakra nature transformation.”

Benshan Yusuke’s brow furrowed instantly—but before he could speak, Fujinaka Genma handed him a notebook, his gaze earnest and sincere, impossible to refuse: “Teacher Yusuke, this is my personal study notes on sealing jutsu from my spare time. But since learning materials are scarce, I’d like to ask Itachi for guidance on sealing jutsu!”

Benshan Yusuke looked down at the notebook—and his face darkened, sweat pouring down.

Lightning Release wasn’t enough—he wanted to learn the notoriously difficult sealing jutsu? What kind of monster was this?

Benshan Yusuke screamed inwardly in despair.

But—

Looking at Fujinaka Genma’s thirst for knowledge, he couldn’t refuse.

Besides, he’d already promised.

A good teacher must never break his word to a student.

So Benshan Yusuke reluctantly took the notebook and nodded: “I’ll gather sealing jutsu materials for Itachi. And tomorrow, I’ll give Itachi the Lightning Release training methods too.”

“Thank Itachi so much, Teacher Yusuke!”

Fujinaka Genma bowed deeply.

Benshan Yusuke waved him off, then walked away, looking utterly dejected.

Fujinaka Genma watched his retreating back and sincerely praised: “What a wonderful teacher—I hope Itachi live to be a hundred!”

This was also why, despite knowing that much of the knowledge exceeded Chunin capability, he still sought advice from Honsan Yusuke.

In fact, by the time the first academic year had not yet ended, Honsan Yusuke had been drained dry by him.

But Honsan Yusuke was won over by his charm and talent, and continued to exert himself to resolve even more profound questions for him.

Thus, an unspoken understanding was reached.

Fujinaka Genma did not probe into how Honsan Yusuke accomplished it—after all, it could not have come from stealing the Hidden Leaf’s Seal Book.

Turning to join Akie and the others for lunch, Fujinaka Genma’s mind turned to his own plans.

His five-year plan, initiated long ago, was progressing not just smoothly, but beyond expectations.

During the first academic year, he focused on physical conditioning, neural reaction training, and mastering theoretical knowledge.

That year was also the one in which his rank rose fastest.

And as he had anticipated:

After a period of rapid advancement, improvements in physique, agility, and character level all slowed dramatically.

Thus, in the second academic year, while maintaining consistent foundational training, he shifted his focus to chakra control, and deeper study and practice of hand seals and techniques.

The direction was correct.

His character level again rose at a pace comparable to the first academic year.

“I wonder if there’s any chance I could become Minato’s disciple? With my performance, I should have already caught the Third’s eye!”

Fujinaka Genma thought.

“Genma, over here, hurry!”

Suddenly, Akie’s shout interrupted his thoughts.

Fujinaka Genma immediately snapped out of his reverie and quickened his pace.