Hiruzen Sarutobi's Special Reward

Well...

Yu Mikami felt that he was truly opening his heart and sharing his experience with Kurenai Yuhi.

However, Kurenai Yuhi thought that Yu Mikami was just joking.

Well, not entirely. At least the idea of ​​"taking ninjutsu seriously" sounds reasonable, but it's a bit too general and not easy to understand intuitively.

As the daughter of a Konoha Jonin, Kurenai Yuhi's combat record is indeed unworthy of her lineage.

Because she put almost all her talent points into genjutsu, but the ninja academy mainly tests ninjutsu and taijutsu. In these two areas, Kurenai Yuhi is only considered to be at a mid-level. She is definitely stronger than most commoner students, but she would most likely lose to any ninja clan member.

Therefore, Kurenai was very anxious.

She tried to consult Sarutobi Asuma.

But Asma didn't have any good solutions either.

As the son of the current Hokage and a descendant of the Sarutobi clan, Asuma's starting point was far higher than that of ordinary people. Before entering the academy, he was already proficient in the Three Body Techniques and most D-rank ninjutsu. Only the exceptionally talented Kakashi could surpass him. Therefore, Asuma had no idea how someone with a poor foundation could improve.

But Yu Mikami is different.

In the past, his practical test scores were about the same as Kurenai Yuhi's, but now he has suddenly jumped to first place, which is hard not to attract Kurenai Yuhi's attention.

"that……"

Kurenai Yuhi mustered her courage and said, "Mikami-kun, I would like to ask you to give me some guidance in my training, even if it's just once or twice. I can pay you according to the number of lessons."

"?"

Mikami Yuu hesitated for a moment: "How much?"

"Three thousand taels per lesson, is that alright?"

Kurenai hesitated for a moment before giving the number.

"Really, Hong?"

Mikami Yu's eyes lit up.

For a ninja academy student, this is no small sum; a typical D-rank mission only costs about this much, and afterwards you still have to pump water for the village. If Kurenai Yuhi could get a few dozen hours of training, that would be over a hundred thousand ryo!

"Ahem, we're all classmates, helping each other out is only right. How about this, winter break is in a few days, I'll help you out then, so we can all improve together. As for the tuition... it doesn't need to be three thousand taels, two thousand five will do."

"Great! I'll come find you after school!"

Kurenai left with a heart full of joy.

Yuya Mikami turned around and noticed that Rin Nohara was talking to Obito. Her gaze kept drifting towards him, and her expression was slightly subtle.

But soon.

Mr. Oki came out, clapped his hands, and ushered everyone into the classroom. He then began his end-of-term summary speech and announced important points for the winter break: "Remember, your most important task now is to solidify your foundation and prepare for the graduation exam in two months! You must always remember the legacy of the 'Will of Fire'..."

"Regarding this point, I may not be able to explain it fully to you, because I am still in the process of learning and understanding. Only one adult can truly and completely understand the 'Will of Fire,' and that is..."

"Sandaime-sama!"

at this time.

Many students turned to look at the classroom door and discovered that a figure wearing a white Hokage robe and a straw hat had appeared there. Although his face looked slightly weathered, his eyes were bright and his lips were curved in a gentle smile. He was none other than Hiruzen Sarutobi, the current Hokage of Konoha.

"Hokage-sama!"

All the students, including Mr. Oki, stood up to greet him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and waved his hand, gesturing for everyone to sit down. He then walked up to the podium, his gaze sweeping over the young and energetic faces below: "Children, I am very pleased to see your vibrant energy."

"You are the future of Konoha, the inheritors of the 'Will of Fire.' Everything you learn now is for the purpose of protecting our home and our cherished comrades in the future. Some of you have performed exceptionally well in the recent exams, which fills me with confidence for the future of Konoha..."

"..."

This talk about the "Will of Fire" captivated all the children.

Yuya Mikami pretended to listen intently, but inwardly he sighed: "All that fancy talk, let's get down to business."

It seems to be in response to Yu Mikami.

After a long speech, Hiruzen Sarutobi paused and said, "Today I've come not only to see everyone, but also to announce something."

"That is, in order to encourage everyone to give their all and achieve good results in the graduation exam in two months, I have decided that the top three in this graduation exam will receive a special reward from the village! Especially the first place... will receive a special honor! They can make a request to me, and as long as it is within a reasonable range, the village will do its best to fulfill it!"

"For example—you can specify a ninjutsu of C rank or higher that is not a family secret technique, and I will personally teach and guide you!"

"Wow--!!!"

The entire classroom erupted in cheers! The gasps and chatter nearly lifted the roof off.

"The Hokage himself taught me?!"

"Ninjutsu of rank C or higher?!"

"Oh my god! I absolutely have to get first place!"

Putting aside the question of whether or not they could actually use ninjutsu, the mere fact that the Hokage himself would teach them was an unimaginable temptation for the students present. Even Asuma instinctively straightened his back, while Might Guy, Obito, Hyuga Himon, and others clenched their fists, their faces flushed with excitement.

Yuya Mikami mimicked the excited expression of the child next to him, but his mind remained calm and collected.

Rank C and above... that means you can learn Rank B or even Rank A ninjutsu!

Although the level of ninjutsu is determined by the difficulty of training, a higher level is generally not weaker than a lower level.

more importantly,

Yu Mikami possesses the "Gala Wood System," which allows him to unlock new special abilities by mastering ninjutsu. The Three Body Techniques are already quite remarkable; imagine the power of even more powerful ninjutsu…

Yu Mikami is determined to win first place!

After exchanging a few more words, Hiruzen Sarutobi left first.

At this point, the students in the class had no interest in listening to what Mr. Oki was saying. Everyone was whispering and discussing the "graduation rewards," with some even starting to predict the top three for next year. Many eyes were on Yu Mikami and Asuma Sarutobi.

Under these circumstances, Mr. Oki could only hastily conclude the matter and then announce the official start of the three-week winter break. After the three weeks were over, it would basically be time for the graduation exams.

"Yu-kun, want to go home together?"

Nohara Rin packed her schoolbag and asked Mikami Yu, as usual.

"No, I have something to do."

"Alright then, Obito and I will head back first."

After watching Nohara Rin leave, Mikami Yu stretched and then turned his gaze to Yuhi Kurenai. Kurenai was also waving goodbye to Asuma and Shiranui Genma.

After most of the students had left the classroom, Kurenai Yuhi turned around and looked at Yu Mikami:

"Let's go, Mikami-kun."