Xia Ji hesitated for a brief moment. Even if Iruka had just started speaking, it was clear he didn't quite know how to approach Naruto's situation. From the way he addressed him, Xia Ji noticed something when speaking about Naruto, he still said "Naruto Uzumaki."
But that was understandable. After all, Iruka's parents had died during the Nine-Tails' attack.
Thinking of this, Xia Ji's gaze grew firm. He looked Iruka straight in the eye and said seriously,
"I think Naruto is very good."
'Naruto?' Iruka blinked, caught off guard. It seemed Xia Ji really did have a good relationship with him.
"That so? That's… good." Iruka's words felt a little awkward. He clearly didn't know how to respond, so he tried to brush past the topic.
"Mr. Iruka," Xia Ji continued, "I met Naruto even before I entered the academy. Please don't say anything—just watch."
Without another word, he formed hand seals. A puff of smoke later, Naruto Uzumaki's familiar face stood before Iruka.
Iruka's eyes widened. Already mastered the Transformation Technique? Not only that—the boy's movements were clean and practiced. Even up close, Iruka couldn't tell the difference between this and the real Naruto.
Just then, new customers walked into Ichiraku Ramen. The moment they spotted "Naruto," their expressions shifted to disgust. Some muttered insults under their breath. Others didn't even sit down—they turned and left.
Iruka's chest tightened. Watching it firsthand was… different.
With another puff of smoke, Xia Ji dispelled the transformation.
"Naruto's been treated like this for as long as I've known him," Xia Ji said quietly. "It's amazing he can still smile. If it were me… I don't think I could."
Iruka stayed silent for a long moment. "…You're right. It's not easy for Naruto."
"Exactly. He's done nothing wrong. He doesn't even have the circumstances to do anything wrong. But the people in this village still hate him—because of his 'elders.' Yet, as far as I know, he doesn't have a single blood relative. Blaming him for the mistakes of others… that's too much."
Iruka's eyes lowered. Of course he knew the truth—that the villagers didn't hate Naruto himself, but the beast inside him. But Xia Ji's words pierced through the tangle in his heart. He'd always understood it logically, but seeing it play out in front of him made something click.
If he continued to avoid Naruto like this… could he still call himself a teacher?
A weight lifted from his chest, and for the first time in a long while, Iruka exhaled in relief.
He gave Xia Ji a small smile. "Let's not talk about this anymore. Xia Yu, you learned the Transformation Technique so quickly, and you're already this skilled? If I didn't know better, I'd think you'd been practicing for months."
"The Three Basic Techniques are simple enough," Xia Ji said casually—and immediately began forming seals again.
Iruka's eyes narrowed. That hand seal speed…!
A moment later, Xia Ji had created not just a perfect clone, but two, executing both Clone and Substitution Techniques in one smooth sequence.
Iruka was left speechless. At this level… during wartime, he could graduate right now.
This wasn't just talent. This was genius.
"Xia Ji, Iruka, your ramen's ready." Teuchi appeared, placing steaming bowls before them.
Iruka still seemed stunned as Xia Ji nudged him. "Mr. Iruka, it's time to eat."
"Oh… right," Iruka mumbled, picking up his chopsticks, still dazed.
Xia Ji had shown this much for a reason. If he had a powerful background, he might have chosen to hide his abilities. But he didn't—he was a civilian. And civilian ninjas needed recognition if they wanted resources.
If he could catch the attention of one of the Sannin now, he'd change his plans instantly. But Orochimaru was a missing-nin, Jiraiya was traveling because of the prophecy, and Tsunade… well, she wasn't coming back anytime soon.
After finishing his ramen, Xia Ji parted ways with Iruka. The man still looked deep in thought.
Good. That had been the goal. Iruka would talk, and word of his talent would reach the Third Hokage soon enough.
Xia Ji made his way toward the training grounds. Talent was one thing, but fundamentals mattered more. Chakra capacity wouldn't improve itself.
He'd practiced the Three Basic Techniques enough for today—chakra was running low. Next, it would be tree-walking, then water-walking. These didn't require large amounts of chakra, but they demanded precise control. With the way he'd picked up today's lessons, he should learn them quickly.
And after that… maybe he could spar with Lee. Before, it would've been pure humiliation. Now, at least, he'd have the power to fight back.
Still, there was so much ahead—Shadow Clones, chakra nature transformation, shape transformation… The thought made his head ache.
But it was fine. He was improving. Every day, he was closer to the version of himself he wanted to be.
Meanwhile, Iruka had already made his way to the Hokage's office. If Xia Ji had this much talent, he deserved a better teacher.
"Ah, Iruka," Hiruzen greeted warmly. "What brings you here?"
Iruka's eyes flicked briefly toward the crystal ball on the desk—still faintly glowing—but he thought nothing of it. He reported everything he'd seen from Xia Ji that day.
"Oh?" Hiruzen's brows rose in genuine surprise. "Is that so? That is indeed an excellent seedling."
After a moment of thought, the Hokage shook his head slightly. "No need to change his teacher. You are already good for him—but you may teach him jutsu beyond the standard curriculum."
"Yes, Lord Hokage." Iruka bowed and left.
Left alone, Hiruzen took a slow drag from his pipe. The boy's potential was undeniable—possibly on par with Minato's in his youth. Such talent could not be wasted.
But training a student himself… that, he no longer had the time for.
Jiraiya and Tsunade were the obvious choices, but they were both out of reach. Still…
If this boy truly has such potential, perhaps our village could have another yellow flash
A small smile tugged at the old Hokage's lips as the thought took root.