Chapter 14: Uzumaki Kushina
The Ninja Academy, Principal's Office.
As Ruofeng stepped into the corridor, Nawaki turned back and gestured for him to stay silent.
Ruofeng nodded silently, following Nawaki's finger toward the principal's office.
A familiar figure appeared—it was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Ruofeng thought, Why is the Third Hokage here? Although he is the principal, he usually doesn't personally visit the Ninja Academy!
He stepped forward, ignoring Nawaki's secretive gesture. In front of Hiruzen, there was no need to hide anyway; Hiruzen could sense his presence the moment he entered the corridor.
Inside the principal's office, Hiruzen said, "Please take care of assigning these two children to their classes."
"Sir… don't worry. I will make sure both children are placed in Class One!" a teacher replied.
Hiruzen nodded silently. "The class itself doesn't matter, but ensure their safety."
Hiruzen then looked at the two little girls, and Ruofeng followed his gaze.
His eyes widened, and an odd feeling filled his mind. What… is this? It's her!
Nawaki glanced at him, puzzled. "What's wrong? Don't tell me you have a thing for the little girl inside?"
Ruofeng shook his head. "Of course not! But… why is their hair red?"
He spoke calmly, though in his mind, he already knew the significance. Red hair marked a certain clan, and the faces were familiar.
Suddenly, Hiruzen spoke again: "Nawaki… you may come in."
Nawaki smiled awkwardly, then tugged Ruofeng inside the office.
As soon as he entered, a little girl glared at him. "My ears are very sharp. What's wrong with my red hair?"
Her gaze was filled with displeasure, as if Ruofeng made a wrong move, she'd attack.
Ruofeng shook his head, smiling sincerely. "Not strange at all. What's strange is people's first impression. Your red hair is beautiful—it suits you. Isn't it lovely?"
A gentle smile accompanied his words. A breeze stirred a lock of her red hair. Ruofeng reached out and caught it. "It's beautiful. I'll treasure it."
The little girl blushed at his words.
Nawaki, stunned, muttered, "Wow… incredible. I admit it!"
Ruofeng ignored Nawaki and introduced himself. "I'm Ruofeng, here to join the Ninja Academy. Maybe we'll be classmates!"
The little girl shyly extended her hand. "I'm Uzumaki Kushina."
She withdrew her hand after a moment. Ruofeng nodded and then turned to another red-haired girl.
She stood on her toes and said softly, "I'm Uzumaki Reiko."
Ruofeng smiled, looking at Kushina and Reiko. They were members of the Uzumaki clan. He didn't know Reiko, but he recognized Kushina—the future mother of the protagonist.
Originally, Ruofeng thought Kushina had already entered the Ninja Academy, but here she was, enrolling alongside him. In the original story, Kushina joined mid-year. Now, she and he were joining together.
Ruofeng looked at the two girls, his gaze sincere. He took out a jade box containing three pieces of dark wood—the Kirin Essence.
He placed Kushina's precious red hair into the jade box with great care.
Nawaki had already given a thumbs-up. "This… this is mastery. Jiraiya may teach me how to flirt, but I always get rejected. This, now, this is a true expert."
Ruofeng didn't know Nawaki's thoughts. To him, the hair was simply precious—it was Uzumaki clan hair! In the original story, Minato Namikaze had used Kushina's red hair to win her over. Now, seeing Kushina first, he would not miss such an opportunity.
Kushina, once furious, now looked shy, unable to meet Ruofeng's gaze.
Hiruzen chuckled. "You've made friends as soon as you arrived. Seems my concern was unnecessary. Study well here."
Hiruzen's words were soon followed by another scene.
Tsunade appeared, dragging Jiraiya into the office. Her furious glare was merciless. "You bastard Jiraiya! Next time, I'll kill you!"
Jiraiya, bruised, replied, "I-I won't… I won't again…"
Ruofeng swallowed, staring in disbelief. Jiraiya's body wasn't seriously injured, but his face was swollen beyond recognition.
Hiruzen looked awkward. "Ah, you two have arrived as well."
Tsunade nodded, then focused on Ruofeng. "Heh… little brother Ruofeng, you seem formidable!"
She glanced at Kushina, then back at Ruofeng.
Ruofeng stayed silent—what could he say now?
Jiraiya spoke up. "Yes, he has received my secret techniques. Remember, these moves…"
Before he could finish, Tsunade struck with another punch.
Jiraiya fell silent. Tsunade smiled lightly, then looked at Nawaki. "Now that you're here to attend school, what are you still doing here?"
Nawaki replied immediately, "I'm going now."
He then looked at Ruofeng. "I'm in Third Grade, Class One. If you need anything, come to me—I've got your back!"
He jumped out the window without concern for the teacher's exasperated look. Nawaki, grandson of the first Hokage, could ignore authority with ease.
Tsunade nodded in satisfaction. "The old man is here. This child comes recommended by Jiraiya—ready for school."
Hiruzen nodded. "I've heard from Jiraiya. This child is Ruofeng, right?"
Ruofeng replied, looking at Hiruzen, "Yes, Lord Hokage."