"Senior Watanabe."
"Sit."
Watanabe Shōji pointed to a chair and even produced some top-grade tea leaves to brew.
Masahiko instantly sensed… there was probably a mission, or something he'd have to take the blame for.
He cleared his throat.
"Senior Watanabe, is something the matter? Or… a new assignment?"
"Brother, since you asked, I won't hide it."
Shōji's brows were knitted. "The social-practice class is all set—except we can't find a teacher to lead it."
He looked at Masahiko.
"The Academy wants you; the pay will be bumped up again."
"Pay's secondary. You know I've recently taken a concurrent post at Konoha Hospital's Research Department—I'm afraid I won't have the time…"
Masahiko wore a bitter smile.
Watanabe Shōji blinked. Several seconds passed before he asked, "You're also working at Konoha Hospital's Research Department?"
"Yes, as an Advisor. Hokage-sama approved it."
Masahiko sighed. "I've still got my own research on top of that, Senior. I wish I could split myself into three."
Watanabe Shōji asked, "How's the compensation? If it's not good… why not quit that side?"
"The pay's decent; Senior Goszen gave me Jonin-level treatment and access to rarer archives, so…"
Masahiko replied.
The corner of Watanabe Shōji's mouth twitched; for a moment he had no words.
Jonin-level treatment… Goodfellas!
If it were him, he wouldn't quit either.
Besides, this was the Hokage's personal appointment; the terms must also have the Hokage's nod.
Which meant—
in Hokage-sama's eyes, Yagyu Masahiko's research ability merited Jonin-level treatment?
He instantly dropped any idea of pressuring him.
"So that's how it is. My oversight… but, brother, I'm stuck too—help me out!"
"Your order is my command, Senior, but surely I don't have to lead every single group?"
Masahiko said.
Watanabe Shōji nodded repeatedly: "Of course, of course. You'll handle your own class; I'll shuffle the others."
"All right."
Masahiko nodded.
He rose to take his leave, but Watanabe Shōji quickly pressed him back down.
"Brother, don't rush—one more thing…"
"Mm?"
Masahiko looked at him quizzically.
Watanabe Shōji cleared his throat. "Do you know Hyuga Neji?"
Masahiko hesitated, then nodded and gave a small shake of the head: "I know the name, not much else."
"Here's the thing: the Hyuga Clan heard your taijutsu is outstanding and asked me to inquire whether Neji could sit in on your class."
"This…"
Masahiko was genuinely stunned for several seconds.
But after brief thought he could grasp Hiashi's intention—
by now Masahiko was no longer the nobody he once was.
As one of the Academy's few Special Jonin instructors, his ability and status were widely recognized.
Hiashi's move could quietly favor Neji, ease clan tensions, showcase his own magnanimity, and give him something to cite in any future confrontation with Neji.
It could also spur Hyuga Hinata—maybe even improve her personality.
Many birds with one stone.
For himself, the benefits were considerable… After a moment's reflection Masahiko said, "Sitting in isn't necessary; I'm trialing three-on-three matches and the school wants to expand it—why not have our two classes cooperate and exchange?"
"Cooperate and exchange?"
Watanabe Shōji brightened. "You mean the two classes spar against each other?"
"Exactly. I'll give guidance on the problems that come up in the matches; if it works, he can sit in later."
Masahiko laid out the idea.
Watanabe Shōji nodded again and again, chuckling: "Yes, yes! Let's do it that way!"
"Thank you for arranging it."
Masahiko stood.
Watanabe Shōji dared not accept thanks; he hurriedly rose. "I'm the one who should thank you—you've done me a huge favor. If you need anything later, just say it; if I can do it, I will!"
…Leaving the office, Masahiko kept a gentle smile on his face. Passing Hyuga Neji's classroom, he swept a glance inside.
Neji's face was cold, much like future Sasuke.
Masahiko watched for a second, then continued downstairs.
According to the previous life's anime lore, the Byakugan and Shikotsumyaku were Bloodline Limits from the same origin; the two might suit each other even better.
A rough plan took shape in his mind, and his steps quickened unconsciously.
Masahiko didn't rush to find Hinata.
He returned to his office and began experimenting with the Body Softening Technique.
Per Danzo's data, Orochimaru's version of the technique was extremely complex, involving multiple bodily modifications.
The training space only borrowed its principles and partial tech—using Chakra with taijutsu to make the body more flexible, not a full Softening modification.
It was a method akin to yoga.
Without the upgraded Ninjutsu module, relying solely on the Ninjutsu or Ninja Body Technique modules, even the smart projection wouldn't offer much help.
Even with ideas, implementation required day-after-day attempts and training.
"Sss—!"
It hurt!
Masahiko hissed in a breath but endured, stretching slowly as he'd tried last night.
Repeated attempts and practice; when the pain became unbearable, he used Water Jellyfish to aid recovery.
Water Jellyfish's healing was slow yet perfectly suited to this—during recovery he could read or practice hand seals.
Back and forth the cycle went.
Near dismissal, Masahiko left the office and waited outside the classroom.
Moments later the bell rang; inside, Iruka announced dismissal, and Naruto was first to leap out the window. Spotting Masahiko, he shivered.
"T-teacher, I…"
Naruto's voice trembled.
Masahiko looked at him gently and smiled: "Use the door next time."
"Y-yes!"
Naruto nodded repeatedly.
Masahiko smiled: "Off you go—fifty laps."
"Damn it!"
Naruto looked glum, yet inwardly he was oddly pleased—
these days Masahiko had barely punished him; he'd felt something was missing, life hollow.
These fifty laps… now he felt pumped.
Naruto sprinted off.
Tiny Hyuga Hinata peeked from the rear door, then shrank back when Masahiko's gaze swept over.
Masahiko walked up: "Hinata, may I speak with you?"
"M-me?"
Hyuga Hinata's voice was barely audible as she stood timidly and inched toward him.
The rest watched curiously; Hinata's head drooped lower.
Masahiko said softly: "No need to be nervous—let's talk over there."
"Okay…"
Hinata answered in a whisper.
Once farther away, her fingers twisted uneasily.
"I've learned the class a year above us may start a taijutsu exchange with us later."
"Ah?"
Hinata was first blank, not understanding why he told her.
But the next second her face paled slightly.
Head down, she murmured: "Thank you, sensei."
"I've heard a little about Neji. Do you want to face him? If not, I can arrange things."
Masahiko's voice was gentle, mild as spring wind and rain.
The tension and confusion inside Hinata eased a little; she lifted her head slightly and hesitated: "I don't know."
"Then I'll decide when the time comes."
"Thank you, sensei."
Hinata bowed respectfully.
Masahiko nodded: "Off you go—head home early."
"Yes!"
After Hinata left,
lines of text appeared before Masahiko.
[Filming of naruto: prequel Episode 10 completed!]
[Editing…]
[Export successful!]
[Total screen time: 2 minutes 56 seconds
Shot share: 14%]
[Tip: …]
Even less than expected!
But Masahiko wasn't surprised.
Shisui's unexpected moves had caught him off guard; last night's events were bound to shift the plot.
He only got onscreen thanks to Itachi and Sasuke.
Put plainly… in this episode he was a mere passer-by, and he'd half expected it.
Still.
Small profits, quick turnover.
Even with only "14%" he didn't mind—it was free loot.
What mattered was intel!
Knowing what happened last night was far more important than any small reward.