Chapter 4: The Essence of the Seal!

Under the tree, Genichi Kinoshita adjusted himself slightly. Though the final sentence didn’t quite sound like something a five-year-old brat would say. But this was the world of the Ninja, where even Uchiha Itachi, still in school, was praised for having the mindset of a Hokage! Genichi Kinoshita believed this was the purest expression of the Will of Fire. Absolutely politically correct!

Unfortunately, such words only caught the attention of a few. For example, the teacher Ryusei Futaki couldn’t help but glance sideways upon hearing them. Aspiring to become Hokage was the dream of most children, even himself when he was a student. Thinking back on it now, he felt a twinge of embarrassment. Becoming Hokage was not something easily achieved. Someone like Genichi Kinoshita was truly special.

Unable to contain himself, Ryusei Futaki nodded and smiled, “Well said. I believe, Genichi, that you will grow into an outstanding ninja who can protect the village, your family, and comrades!”

Below, Kakashi surveyed Genichi Kinoshita. This seemingly ordinary classmate had caught his eye because what Genichi said echoed the sentiments his father once shared.

As Genichi stepped down from the podium, he noticed Kakashi’s gaze and met it with a smile and a slight nod. Kakashi, masked as always, returned the gesture with his eyes. This was their first exchange.

Back at his seat, Shizune beside him whispered, “Genichi, why do you like eating dumplings but also dislike them?”

Genichi replied quietly, “Shizune, you can just call me Genichi. As for why… it’s because my family sells dumplings.”

Shizune was momentarily stunned, unable to grasp the meaning behind his words. But before she could ponder further, the teacher on the podium called her name. The first class passed with everyone introducing themselves.

After class, Genichi Kinoshita, Asuma Sarutobi, Kakashi, and Uchiha Obito were called upon by the teacher, along with several other students, to receive their textbooks.

Yes, ninja school had textbooks—and quite a few. Titles included: “Detailed Hand Seals,” “Chakra Overview,” “Introduction to Genjutsu,” “A Brief History of the Ninja World,” “Konoha and the Will of Fire,” “Mathematics,” “Introduction to Seals and Talismans”...

Ninjas had to learn math... Genichi flipped through the book and found it reasonable.

Looking at “Chakra Overview,” it covered basic theories, including discussions on the five fundamental chakra natures.

From this, it was clear that Naruto really learned nothing in class.

Turning to “A Brief History of the Ninja World,” it introduced various factions and an overview of the ninja world’s history—though not in great detail.

Genichi shook his head silently. Uchiha Madara must have suffered from a lack of education, otherwise he wouldn’t have been so thoroughly deceived by Black Zetsu.

Textbooks distributed, the second class began.

This lesson covered chakra. But Ryusei Futaki didn’t immediately teach how to refine chakra; instead, he started from the very basics, explaining the concept of chakra and its origins, mentioning the legendary Sage of the Six Paths.

Genichi noticed many students from ninja clans were occupied with their own affairs; only those who had not undergone preschool education listened attentively.

Glancing at Shizune, who was flipping through “A Brief History of the Ninja World,” Genichi followed the teacher’s pace, taking notes in his book.

A genius persona couldn’t rely on just one Rasengan.

His strength as a Genin would gradually emerge over the coming year—chakra refinement, chakra application, the Three Bodies Technique, taijutsu, shuriken throwing, combat—all would unfold gradually.

Though his grandfather was a ninja, his parents were ordinary civilians, so Genichi’s Genin-level skills couldn’t be unleashed all at once.

Of course, Genin skills weren’t much. But for a commoner who had just entered school, it was enough to be called a prodigy.

Genichi didn’t want to be a suddenly brilliant prodigy who would be met with suspicion. He wanted to be a grounded, meticulous genius who could withstand scrutiny under a magnifying glass.

Most importantly, Genichi felt it necessary to value the basic knowledge he already seemed to master. The more fundamental the knowledge, the more vital it was—like the foundation of a house.

One lesson passed unnoticed.

Genichi, with professional dedication, listened carefully and filled his notebook with notes.

Shizune beside him widened her eyes, noticing that Genichi’s notes weren’t limited to the teacher’s explanations—they also included his own insights, which he marked in parentheses.

“Genichi, have you already studied this content?” she asked.

Genichi nodded and then shook his head, “My grandfather used to be a ninja; I’ve read some of the training notes he left behind.”

This was the truth.

“But the teacher’s explanation is easier to understand.”

Half true, half not.

Shizune praised him, “Genichi, you’re amazing.”

“I have some notes left by my uncle at home, and Lady Tsunade has taught me too, but I feel your understanding is deeper.”

Tsunade!

Genichi’s eyes brightened, “Shizune, you must be modest. Lady Tsunade is one of the Legendary Sannin.”

Shizune blushed slightly, “Lady Tsunade teaches well; I’m just not as smart as you, Genichi.”

If you’re going to flatter me, say more.

Genichi appreciated it and generously said, “I’ll first ask the teacher. If he approves, I’ll show you my notes.”

Shizune nodded eagerly. “Thank you, Genichi.”

Genichi waved it off and then rose to catch up with Ryusei Futaki to seek confirmation on his understanding.

Futaki took the book, glanced over it, and quickly smiled, nodding, “Genichi, very good. Your understanding is absolutely correct. Keep up the good work!”

“Yes, teacher!”

Genichi was a model student.

Back in class, Genichi showed his notes to Shizune while he flipped through “Detailed Hand Seals” amidst the noisy chatter.

Hand seals were an indispensable part of a ninja’s arsenal.

What’s that? You say the Sage of the Six Paths didn’t need hand seals?

Sorry, Genichi didn’t consider the Sage a ninja.

Even Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama needed hand seals to perform ninjutsu—though Hashirama often just smashed things directly.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, revered as a professor, also relied on hand seals.

The most straightforward were Kisame and Zabuza.

Yet, Genichi understood more.

The origin of hand seals lay with Indra, the eldest son of the Sage of the Six Paths.

So, even disregarding the genius persona, Genichi felt it necessary to delve deeply into the study of hand seals.

With his Genin-level knowledge and experience, hand seals were routine, neither rushed nor sluggish.

This naturally required ongoing practice.

More importantly, Genichi felt he needed to grasp the very essence of hand seals more profoundly.