The curriculum for the first year of Ninja School was sparse. Aside from cultural studies, it primarily focused on physical conditioning, basic taijutsu training to improve physical fitness, and mastering the art of throwing shuriken and wielding kunai. That was it.
The next step was repetitive training, turning these skills into muscle memory, etching them into the very core of their being.
The process was tedious and monotonous, requiring endless repetition. For children around five or six years old, it was nothing short of torture!
At that age, playing and frolicking were their natural instincts.
It was common for them to slack off and lose focus during training.
Consequently, Watanabe Shinichi’s primary responsibility was supervision.
Only a select few could truly focus at this age, dedicating themselves to these dull but crucial fundamental training exercises.
For example, there was Namikaze Minato, Yakushi Nozomi, and then there was Hyuga Nanao…
Of course, Nanao had the advantage of an adult’s consciousness and an insatiable yearning for extraordinary power.
Training and practicing weren't boring for him.
Witnessing his gradual but continuous growth, day by day, was an exhilarating experience.
Juken, Shunshin, Tenchi Kokyuho…
His physical abilities, mental fortitude, and skills were steadily improving.
…………
That afternoon.
Yakushi Nozomi hesitantly approached Nanao, who was about to leave.
“Nanao-kun, this is the lunch I made…”
“Thank you for helping me the other day…”
Feeling the subtle stares of those around her, Nozomi lowered her head, her face flushed red.
My lunch is so simple, will Nanao-kun accept it?
He’s from a prestigious family!
But this is the best I could do…
As she was lost in thought, she suddenly felt a lightness in her hand.
Nozomi raised her head, her face beaming with surprise.
“I’ll accept your lunch this time, but don’t make any more in the future.”
“You’re in the orphanage, and your monthly allowance isn’t much. You also have your younger siblings to look after.”
Nozomi smiled, “I just wanted to express my gratitude to Nanao-kun…”
Pausing for a moment, she seemed to want to say something else.
Noticing her hesitation, Nanao curiously asked, “What’s wrong? Anything else?”
Nozomi mustered her courage and said, “Nanao-kun, I know this is a bold request, but…I…I…could you possibly guide me in my training?”
“I…I want to become strong and protect them.”
With a trembling heart, Nozomi anxiously looked at Nanao.
Nanao chuckled, “I’m still training myself…”
Nozomi's eyes dimmed.
“So, I can’t guide you every day. I can only give you a direction for your training.”
Her eyes lit up again. Nozomi hurriedly replied, “It’s alright. Even occasional guidance is enough. I understand you’re very busy, Nanao-kun…”
Nanao pondered for a moment and said, “Nozomi, you’re a girl, and you naturally have disadvantages when it comes to strength. Don’t rush into learning any jutsu. First, focus on improving your physical fitness.”
“Don’t be like the others who just slack off and play around.”
Recalling Nozomi's potential, Nanao continued, “Then, you can try learning medical ninjutsu. Maybe you can even cure your nearsightedness!”
“Of course, training in medical ninjutsu is extremely difficult.”
“Alright, that’s all for now. I’m off!”
With a few strides and two swift leaps, Nanao disappeared into the forest.
Yakushi Nozomi was a top-tier intelligence specialist, and Nanao had considered teaching her a simplified version of the Tenchi Kokyuho to build trust and form a small group.
However, firstly, he was still young and growing, and with the "Cage Bird" seal, he wasn't yet capable of establishing his own faction. Secondly, Nozomi would eventually be noticed by Danzo and recruited into Root, and any knowledge he imparted to her might eventually benefit Danzo.
Therefore, he only provided a small suggestion.
When people have a clear goal, their efforts become more meaningful.
Before discovering one’s path, one must first define their destination.
…………
Namikaze Minato was progressing rapidly.
He was like a parched sponge, absorbing all the knowledge and skills Watanabe Shinichi had imparted to him.
Furthermore, due to his exceptional performance, Watanabe Shinichi taught him chakra extraction techniques ahead of schedule.
This was supposed to be taught in the second year.
Upon successfully extracting his first strand of chakra, Minato was ecstatic. He felt he was getting closer to Hyuga Nanao.
He had also reread the book Nanao had recommended, "My Hunting Life in the Death Forest," three times, and even created a notebook to record various ninja techniques and tricks.
Although it lacked a complete jutsu, Minato felt he had gained much from it.
“Nanao-kun is amazing. His insight is truly remarkable…”
“The book he recommended is truly exceptional…”
“Especially the trick to enhance speed by utilizing chakra bursts. It has significantly increased my abilities…”
With new skills, one must test them against adversaries.
One’s abilities only improve through constant competition.
However, in the Ninja Academy, only the upper grades had combat training. The lower grades were still learning basic skills.
Although he knew Hyuga Nanao was incredibly strong, they had never truly fought each other.
“Maybe I should spar with Nanao-kun?”
Such an idea arose in Minato's mind.
…………