Chapter 17: Sensor Ninja
Genki also discussed specialization paths in depth. He elaborated:
"Genjutsu mastery, taijutsu expertise, various elemental ninjutsu—if a shinobi specializes intensively in one of these areas, they can become extraordinarily powerful. However, maintaining fundamental competence in other areas remains crucial. Otherwise, they'll develop severe exploitable weaknesses."
He explained this concept thoroughly, and the class session continued for two full hours.
Around 10 AM, Genki finally concluded his comprehensive lecture. He announced:
"Alright, you are all officially on holiday now."
Kaito felt very satisfied with the content of this final class. He thought:
Perfect, I finally have an opportunity!
Many students became excited and began celebrating the start of vacation.
But Genki raised his voice and continued seriously:
"Students, carefully consider what we discussed today. Go home and consult with your families, and choose the training path that best suits your individual talents and interests. If anyone has questions or needs guidance, you may consult me. I'll be in the staff office until noon today."
With that final announcement, he dismissed the class.
Many students immediately rushed out of the classroom excitedly.
Kaito went to the training grounds and began practicing his shuriken throwing for half an hour.
Then he decided it was time to visit Genki's office.
Upon arriving, he knocked on the door and entered after receiving permission.
Genki was the only instructor remaining in the office.
This made sense, considering the holiday had officially begun for everyone else.
Genki looked at Kaito, still appearing somewhat annoyed.
But after a few seconds, he sighed internally and thought:
Never mind. Perhaps he's simply too introverted and couldn't participate actively during class discussions.
Kaito noticed Genki's sigh and felt slightly confused.
He called out "Sensei" to get his instructor's attention.
Genki responded, "Do you have any questions for me?"
Kaito replied politely, "Sensei, could you revise my training plan once more? And could you explain more about those Gravity Seal tags and how to properly use them?"
Genki nodded and reviewed Kaito's current training regimen carefully.
After considering how to incorporate the sealing tags effectively, he made several modifications to the plan and explained the changes to Kaito. He instructed:
"Alright, follow this updated routine. If you feel you've fully adapted to the current resistance level, you can gradually increase the gravitational pressure the seals apply. However, don't increase the pressure too dramatically at once, or you might seriously injure yourself and be unable to train for several weeks."
Kaito nodded gratefully. "Thank you very much, sensei."
But he remained standing there and asked a question Genki would never have anticipated. He said:
"Sensei, I've been thinking about the specializations you mentioned in today's class. I'm particularly interested in becoming a Sensor-type ninja. Could you tell me how I should begin training for that path?"
Genki was genuinely surprised by this specific request. He didn't immediately understand the reasoning and asked:
"Why do you want to become a Sensor-type specifically?"
Kaito replied with rehearsed confidence:
"Sensei, if an enemy ever ambushes me or my team in the future, being a Sensor-type could help me detect them early and protect everyone. I could also sense enemies from considerable distances, preventing us from walking into dangerous situations. That's why I want to develop sensory abilities."
After speaking earnestly, Kaito secretly congratulated himself internally.
Genki was somewhat surprised by this mature answer.
What Kaito had just articulated were all points he himself had emphasized during class. He thought:
No wonder he scored perfectly on the written exam—he clearly pays attention when it matters. But something still doesn't quite add up. He seems excessively interested in becoming a Sensor-type. This isn't a decision someone makes after just two hours of lecture. It's almost as if he'd been researching Sensor abilities beforehand.
He asked more directly, "When did you first start wanting to become a Sensor-type?"
Kaito wasn't unaware that Genki might find this request somewhat suspicious. He put on a nervous expression and said:
"Uh... I didn't actually know about Sensor-types until today's class."
He scratched the back of his head awkwardly and continued:
"However, ever since you approached me silently from behind in the Library that day, I started having this concern. If that had been an enemy shinobi instead, they might have killed me before I even realized what was happening."
Genki was stunned by this answer and thought:
I didn't expect such a simple incident to have such a profound impact on him. And that was only his first day at the Academy! Well, I suppose his fixation is ultimately because of my actions.
He then replied honestly, "I'm not a Sensor-type myself, so I cannot train you in those techniques directly."
Hearing this, Genki saw Kaito's expression become visibly disappointed. Kaito was thinking:
Oh come on, please no more manipulative games! I don't want to wait until next year's final exam for this!
Then Genki offered some encouraging news. He continued:
"However, I have a close friend who is an accomplished Sensor-type and works in a specialized department here in Konoha. I'll ask him to provide you with some training during the holiday break—assuming you don't have other conflicting plans."
Kaito immediately showed an excited expression while thinking to himself:
Sorry, I actually have extensive plans—not just for this holiday, but for the next year or two!
But he said enthusiastically aloud, "That would be wonderful, sensei! Thank you!"
Genki smiled and said he would pick up Kaito at eight o'clock tomorrow morning.
Kaito then expressed his gratitude, said goodbye properly, and departed.
The next morning at precisely eight o'clock, Genki appeared at Kaito's apartment door.
After collecting him, they traveled together to one of the Academy's training grounds.
Kaito observed that a man who appeared to be in his mid-to-late twenties was already waiting there.
He immediately noticed the Yamanaka clan symbol displayed on the man's clothing. He thought:
I should have guessed. In Konoha, the Yamanaka clan produces the most skilled Sensor-types.
Genki approached the man casually and said, "Hey. This is the kid I told you about."
Then he turned to Kaito and made introductions:
"Kaito, this is Yamanaka Inoichi's younger cousin, Yamanaka Shin. He's my former Academy classmate and currently a tokubetsu jonin. He'll teach you some fundamental techniques for developing sensory abilities. He can be rather short-tempered at times, but don't worry—he's genuinely a kind person underneath."
Kaito nodded politely and bowed.
"Good morning, Yamanaka-sensei."
He noticed that Yamanaka Shin already looked somewhat irritated due to Genki's unflattering introduction.
But after Kaito's formal greeting, his temper seemed to worsen even further.
Yamanaka Shin said angrily to Genki:
"Not only did you give such a terrible introduction, but now you're trying to rope me into being called a teacher?"
Then he looked at Kaito seriously and said firmly:
"Kid, don't call me 'sensei' anymore."
Kaito asked with genuine confusion, "Why is everyone acting so strange?"
Genki then asked mockingly, "Oh? Why are you losing your temper so early in the morning, Shin?"
Kaito put on a nervous expression and asked, "Then... what should I call you?"
Yamanaka Shin thought for a few seconds, then a peculiar smile appeared on his face, his eyes almost twinkling mischievously, and he said:
"Call me Big Brother Yamanaka!"
His expression looked somewhat unsettling.
Kaito's face immediately became cold and deadpan, almost blurting out:
Why don't I just call you 'old man' instead?
Genki covered his face in embarrassment and said firmly:
"Don't be creepy! Just let him call you sensei like a normal person!"
Yamanaka Shin sighed in obvious disappointment and relented:
"Fine, 'sensei' it is... for now."
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