"Bro, what's the situation?"
"It's terrible!" Hagane Kotetsu snarled, fists clenched. "My stupid cousin said if I tell on him, he'll tell Meihui—MEIHUI—about me wetting the bed when I was three!"
His face twisted with betrayal. The legendary image he'd built in the neighbor girl's mind was seconds away from collapse.
Kamizuki Hayato crossed his arms, squinting like a young tactician plotting a siege.
"…I have a plan."
Kotetsu leaned in instantly.
"I'll go to your cousin's room, pretend I'm still a clueless kid, and absolutely trash the place. If he can't clean it up in time? He eats the blame. Do that a few times—boom. His arrogance collapses."
Kotetsu's eyes glittered.
"With Brother Hayato's wisdom, I'll be untouchable… like the First Hokage with the Second Hokage advising him!"
He made a vow: snacks would be offered as tribute if this succeeded.
As I walked into the classroom, the sound of these two idiots conspiring drifted through the air.
I couldn't help the small smile.
"Class begins."
I stepped onto the podium, letting my voice settle over the room.
"Chakra is the foundation of everything. It's produced by blending physical energy and mental power."
The students leaned forward, captivated. As I taught, I released small pulses of chakra, letting them feel its weight. Stories, humor, unexpected questions—tools to keep their minds awake.
Four periods passed in the blink of an eye.
Before ending, I glanced at Mitarashi Anko—always smiling, always curious—and opened the System appraisal.
[Name: Mitarashi Anko][Potential: A]
Not bad.
I scanned the entire class:
[Name: Hagane Kotetsu — Potential: B-][Name: Kamizuki Hayato — Potential: B-]
Only four students besides Shisui ranked B- or above. One boy I barely remembered also hit B-.Everyone else hovered around C's and D's.
Compared to them, Shisui was…not a prodigy. He was a different species altogether.
Even so—Hongdou surprised me. Her potential was much higher than the anime ever portrayed.
But I couldn't recruit her. I only had four disciple slots. Shisui already took one.
And Danzo wouldn't spare my life because I had a cute student.
[Lecture Completed — Settlement Processing][Evaluation: A][Reward Granted: Multiple Shadow Clone Technique]
A useful Skill… for someone with chakra.
For me? Not yet.
After dinner, I returned to the office.
Iketani Isamu—the poor guy heading to a blind date—was surrounded by teachers offering "advice."
A tall teacher warned:
"Dress properly. Don't look sloppy."
Iketani puffed up. "Of course! Even if I've never dated, I know common sense."
Ueda Aya pinched her temple.
"Honestly? The real danger is you saying dumb things."
Iketani immediately swore vengeance on her disbelief.
Aya noticed me then, smiling warmly.
"Teacher Hanyū, you were incredible today! I passed by your class—the atmosphere was so good I couldn't believe you're new."
I shook my head modestly.
"It's thanks to everyone's guidance… and the students' good behavior."
Aya clearly enjoyed the compliment. She even shared snacks with me—apparently rare currency.
Iketani watched with dead eyes, silently suffering.
After chatting for a bit, I took out my brush and ink to practice calligraphy. A habit from my past life—one of the few elegant ones I kept.
When the time came, I packed up and headed to Class 4-2.
The bell rang just as I stepped inside.
"Teacher Iketani was supposed to teach history today," a student said.
"Teacher Iketani has something to handle. I'll substitute this afternoon."
Right then, a whirlwind burst through the door.
"Sorry—Teacher—I helped an old lady cross the road—so…I'm late!" Uchiha Obito panted dramatically.
I nodded toward a seat.
"Sit. We're starting."
While the students settled, I opened the System.
[Name: Nohara Rin][Chakra: 300][Potential: A-]
[Name: Might Guy][Chakra: 600][Potential: S][Evaluation: Physical-type genius. Highly recommended for master-disciple training.]
[Name: Uchiha Obito][Chakra: 650][Potential: S][Evaluation: Six Paths Bloodline. Rare spatial aptitude. Highly recommended for master-disciple training.]
Two S-ranks. In one classroom.
My heartbeat quickened.
Class 4-2 resembled Class 1-1 in overall quality—mostly C's and D's—but these three stood out like lit beacons.
I asked where they left off last class, then began teaching.
Obito raised his hand halfway through.
"Teacher Yuuma, you explain things way better than the other teachers! If you teach me, I can definitely pass!"
I smiled gently.
"I'll also inform Teacher Iketani… including your tardiness."
His soul left his body on the spot.
Laughter rippled through the room.
During the break, I activated sensory detection.
Clear.
I called two names.
"Obito. Guy. Step outside."