Hinata, sitting in the front row of the classroom, her fair little face slightly lowered, seemed to be reviewing her textbook, but her Byakugan eyes couldn't help but secretly observe the situation by the window in the back row.
When she saw Naruto surrounded by Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, and even Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi, Ino Yamanaka, and Sakura Haruno, all chatting and laughing in a harmonious atmosphere, her slender fingers unconsciously clenched into small fists, filled with envy.
That feeling of being able to talk naturally with others and having many friends was something distant yet deeply longed for by a shy and introverted girl like her.
However, this envy contained no jealousy; instead, it carried a sense of happiness for the person she admired.
Naruto-kun... she softly whispered his name in her heart, and a warmth and admiration welled up within her.
He's really amazing!
In her opinion, being able to break through isolation and attract and unite these companions was, in itself, a remarkable feat.
Uchiha Sasuke sat in the front row, somewhat impatiently, his back poker straight, forming a stark contrast to the slightly relaxed atmosphere in the back row.
He folded his arms, his fingers unconsciously tapping his elbow, his sharp gaze fixed on the door, waiting for the teacher to arrive.
The surrounding noise seemed to have nothing to do with him; he was enveloped in a cold aura that kept others at bay.
Although his chest was filled with a burning rage for revenge against Uchiha Itachi, that hatred seared and churned like magma in his heart, almost bursting forth.
However, at this moment, he still needed to grow.
This realization was like a cold rein, tightly holding back his almost uncontrollable emotions.
He knew that with his current negligible strength, facing that man would be like throwing an egg at a rock.
He had to endure, he had to make good use of every minute and second at school, learn all knowledge that could make him stronger, and accumulate the capital to strike at that man.
This extreme hatred and extreme restraint fiercely clashed within his young body, making him appear even more solitary and anxious.
Soon, Iruka Umino arrived in the classroom.
The Ninja Academy students also quieted down to listen.
"Today I'm going to introduce you to a new teacher. For the next while, he will occasionally come to teach practical combat classes."
Iruka clapped his hands when he saw that the students had all quieted down.
A green figure entered from the doorway.
"Hello, everyone! I'm Might Guy!"
Huh?
Naruto's eyes widened.
This isn't right, is it? Why is Guy-sensei at the Ninja Academy?
————————
Yesterday afternoon.
"Be a teacher... me?"
Hearing what the Third Hokage said to him in the Hokage Office, Might Guy was utterly bewildered, almost incredulously pointing to himself with a finger, his rugged face filled with confusion and doubt.
Did Sandaime-sama drink too much?
The Third Hokage, seated behind his desk, had a gentle and affirmative smile on his face. He took a puff from his pipe, slowly exhaled smoke, and calmly confirmed, "Yes, it's you, Guy."
He looked at Guy, who still seemed a bit dazed, and further explained, with undisguised admiration in his tone: "You've mentored such an excellent student as Naruto. Naruto's strength and character far exceed my expectations.
This proves that you have unique and effective methods in guiding and nurturing young people.
Therefore, I think it's time for you to take on more important responsibilities."
The Sandaime leaned forward slightly, his gaze falling on Guy, and stated his final decision: "Starting from the next cohort, I think I can let you lead a Genin squad. Pass on your 'youth' and passion to Konoha's new sprouts."
"Can Kakashi lead students in the same batch as me?"
Guy immediately asked, a challenging fire burning in his eyes.
In his heart, no matter what he did, it was most meaningful to do it with Kakashi, his eternal rival and closest friend.
"That's not possible."
The Sandaime shook his head, his tone firm.
"Kakashi is still an Anbu member; he has his own missions and responsibilities."
But Guy didn't give up. He puffed out his chest and stated his reasons in a loud voice: "Hokage-sama! I believe that letting Kakashi interact more with Konoha's Genin, with these vibrant new generations, would be more beneficial for him to emerge from his past shadows than keeping him in Anbu to perform those dark missions!
Therefore, I formally request to lead students in the same cohort as Kakashi Hatake!"
Looking at Guy's incredibly serious, almost stubborn expression, the Sandaime fell silent for a moment.
"That is not possible at the moment."
He reiterated, but his tone softened, "Since you insist on this..."
He pondered for a moment and made a concession, "I can agree to postpone your team leader appointment.
You can try to persuade Kakashi himself to voluntarily apply to transfer to the Jonin instructor sequence."
Considering that Kakashi was indeed a very powerful Ninja and also the Fourth Hokage's disciple, having him teach the next generation was truly suitable, both for the inheritance of strength and for symbolic significance. The Sandaime finally relented.
But he also put forward an undeniable condition: "However."
He looked at Guy, his eyes becoming a bit more serious.
"During the time you are persuading Kakashi, you must first go to the Ninja Academy and undertake one month of practical combat guidance classes each year.
This will also serve to accumulate some experience in teaching students for your future team leadership, and at the same time, allow you to better understand the young sprouts who might become your subordinates in the future."
"Yes!"
Might Guy, upon hearing this, did not feel it was a burden. Instead, it was as if he had received the most glorious mission. He straightened up abruptly, his eyes burning with fierce flames, his clenched fists trembling slightly with excitement.
Then Might Guy shouted in his characteristic, booming voice that could almost shatter the Hokage Office windows: "I will use all my passion and youth to diligently teach those children! I will absolutely not let you down, Hokage-sama!"
His surging enthusiasm seemed eager to rush to the school and instill the "essence of youth" into every student.
Kakashi, I'm going to be a teacher.
But I won't stop training because of it. Just you wait!
Youth never stops!
The Eight Gates Formation Taijutsu that I have diligently honed will always be reserved for you, and it will continuously be updated!
Whether it's Morning Peacock, Daytime Tiger, or Evening Elephant, Might Guy always felt that something was still missing to defeat Kakashi.
How about I prepare a Ninjutsu for the Eighth Gate of the Eight Gates Formation in advance?
Morning sun, midday, dusk... I've got it!
When night falls, I will unleash the final movement of youth in Guy's name!
The last move of opening the Eighth Gate, let's call it Night Guy!