"Senior Shōji."
"Sit."
Watanabe Shōji gestured to a seat, proceeding to brew a pot of high-quality tea.
Immediately, Masahiko felt a distinct sinking feeling…
This smelled like a mission assignment, or perhaps a situation requiring a scapegoat.
He cleared his throat lightly. "Senior Shōji, is something the matter? Do you have a commission for me?"
"Brother, since you asked, I won't hide it from you." Shōji's brow was furrowed with worry. "It's about the Social Studies Fieldwork. The itinerary and regulations are all set, but we're struggling to find a lead teacher."
He looked meaningfully at Masahiko. " The school's intention is for you to lead it. We can even raise your compensation a bit."
"The money is secondary. As you know, I've recently taken up a concurrent post at the Konoha Hospital's Research Department. I'm afraid I simply don't have the time…" Masahiko put on a pained expression.
Watanabe Shōji froze. It took him several seconds to process the information. "You're holding a concurrent post at the Research Department?"
"Yes, as a Teaching Consultant for the Research Department. Hokage-sama approved it himself." Masahiko sighed softly. "I have my own research to conduct as well. Senior, I currently wish I could break myself into three pieces just to get everything done."
Watanabe Shōji asked tentatively, "How is the compensation? If it's not great… maybe you could resign from that side?"
"The treatment is decent. Senior Gozan granted me Jōnin-level privileges, which allows me access to rare archives and library collections. So…" Masahiko trailed off.
The corner of Watanabe Shōji's mouth twitched, and he was momentarily rendered speechless.
Jōnin-level privileges…
Good heavens!
If it were him, he wouldn't quit either.
Moreover, since this was personally appointed by the Hokage, the high-level treatment was likely approved by the Lord Hokage as well.
This implied one terrifying fact—in the eyes of the Hokage, Yagyu Masahiko's research capabilities were valuable enough to warrant the standing of a Jōnin.
Shōji instantly abandoned any thought of using strong-arm tactics.
"I see. That was thoughtless of me… But brother, I'm in a really tight spot here. Please, help me out!"
"Senior, I certainly won't refuse your command, but I can't possibly supervise everyone, can I?" Masahiko replied.
Watanabe Shōji nodded repeatedly. "Yes, of course! You'll only be responsible for your own class. I'll make adjustments for the other classes."
"Deal." Masahiko nodded.
He stood up, preparing to bow and take his leave, but Watanabe Shōji hurriedly held him back.
"Brother, don't rush, don't rush. There's one more thing…"
"Hm?" Masahiko looked at him in confusion.
Watanabe Shōji cleared his throat. "Hyūga Neji. Do you know him?"
Masahiko hesitated for a moment, nodded, then shook his head slightly. "I know the name, but not much else."
"It's like this. The Hyūga family heard that your Taijutsu is exceptionally strong. They asked me to pass on a request—could we allow Neji to audit your class?"
"This…"
Masahiko was genuinely stunned for a few seconds.
However, after a brief thought, he understood Hyūga Hiashi's logic.
The current Masahiko was no longer the unknown nobody of the past. As one of the few Tokubetsu Jōnin instructors in the Academy, his abilities and status were widely recognized.
By doing this, Hiashi could quietly bestow a favor upon Neji, buffering the internal conflicts of the clan and projecting an image of magnanimity. In the future, if he ever needed to confront Neji, he could use this favor as leverage.
Additionally, this move could stimulate Hyūga Hinata, perhaps serving as a catalyst to improve her timid personality.
It killed multiple birds with one stone.
And for Masahiko, there were benefits to be had as well…
After a moment of contemplation, Masahiko spoke. "I don't think auditing is necessary. As it happens, I'm currently experimenting with three-man combat drills, and the school intends to promote this format. Why not organize a cooperative exchange between our two classes?"
"A cooperative exchange?" Watanabe Shōji's interest was piqued. "You mean, a sparring match between the two classes?"
"Correct. I will provide guidance on any issues that arise during the duels. If that proves effective, we can discuss him auditing my class later; it won't be too late."
Watanabe Shōji nodded enthusiastically, beaming. "Right, right! Let's do exactly that!"
"I'll trouble you to arrange it then." Masahiko stood up.
Watanabe Shōji didn't dare accept the formal bow, quickly standing up himself. "I should be the one thanking you. You've done me a huge favor. If you need anything in the future, just speak up—if I can do it, consider it done!"
Leaving the office, Masahiko maintained a gentle smile on his face. As he passed Hyūga Neji's classroom, he cast a casual glance inside.
Neji wore an expression of icy indifference, looking exactly like a proto-Sasuke.
Masahiko held his gaze for a second before continuing forward, heading downstairs.
According to the lore of his previous life, the Byakugan and the Shikotsumyaku were Kekkei Genkai that shared a common lineage. The two might be more compatible than one would assume.
A rough concept began to form in his mind, and his pace unconsciously quickened.
Masahiko didn't rush to find Hinata immediately.
Instead, he returned to his office and began attempting the "Soft Physique Modification."
Based on the data provided by Danzō, Orochimaru's version of the Soft Physique Modification was incredibly complex, involving extensive surgical alterations to the body.
The version within his training space, however, only extracted the core principles and partial techniques. It utilized Chakra combined with Taijutsu to make the body more flexible, rather than a complete biological overhaul.
It was essentially a method similar to extreme yoga.
If he hadn't upgraded his Ninjutsu Module, the Smart Projection likely wouldn't have been able to provide much assistance relying solely on the Taijutsu or Nintaijutsu modules.
Even with the concept clear, achieving it required days and months of accumulated trials and cultivation.
"Hiss!"
Pain!
Masahiko sucked in a sharp breath but gritted his teeth, slowly stretching his body according to last night's experiments.
He repeated the cycle of trial and cultivation. When the pain became unbearable, he would summon a Water Jellyfish to assist in his recovery.
The Water Jellyfish's medical capabilities were slow, but for this specific purpose, it was surprisingly suitable. During the recovery intervals, he could even read books or practice hand seals.
This cycle repeated until the end of the day.
Approaching dismissal time, Masahiko left his office and waited outside the classroom.
Moments later, the bell rang. Inside, Iruka announced the end of class. Naruto was the first to leap out the window, but the moment he saw Masahiko, he shuddered violently.
"Tea—Teacher, I…"
Naruto's voice was trembling.
Masahiko gazed at him warmly, a gentle smile gracing his features. "Next time, use the front door."
"Yes! Yes, sir!" Naruto nodded furiously.
Masahiko smiled. "Go on then. Fifty laps."
"Damn it!"
Naruto feigned bad luck and depression on the surface, but deep down, a secret wave of relief washed over him.
These past few days, Masahiko hadn't punished him much. It had left him feeling like something was missing, his life feeling strangely empty and hollow.
Now, facing these fifty laps…
He felt a sudden surge of motivation return to his body.
Naruto sprinted off toward the tracks.
From the back door, the petite Hyūga Hinata peered out cautiously. She immediately shrank back into the classroom when she saw Masahiko's gaze sweep in her direction.
Masahiko walked over. "Student Hinata, could you come out for a moment?"
"M—Me?"
Hyūga Hinata's voice was barely audible. She stood up timidly, shuffling toward Masahiko step by agonizing step.
The other students looked on with curiosity, causing Hinata's head to droop even lower.
Masahiko spoke softly. "No need to be nervous. Let's talk a little further away."
"Yes!" Hinata whispered.
Once they were at a distance, her fingers began to twist together anxiously.
"I received some news. The class a year above yours may soon be conducting a Taijutsu exchange with us."
"Huh?"
Hinata was initially blank, confused as to why he was telling her this.
But a second later, her face went slightly pale.
Head bowed, she whispered, "Thank you, teacher."
"I've heard a little about the situation with Neji. Do you want to face him? If you don't, I can make arrangements to shield you."
Masahiko's voice was soft and gentle, like a spring breeze or fine rain.
The tension and confusion in Hinata's heart seemed to dissipate slightly. She looked up just a fraction, hesitating for a moment before saying, "I… I don't know."
"In that case, I'll arrange things based on the situation when the time comes."
"Thank you, Sensei." Hinata bowed respectfully.
Masahiko nodded. "Go on. Head home early."
"Yes!"
After Hinata left.
Lines of text began to materialize before Masahiko's eyes.
["Naruto: The Prequel" Episode 10 — Filming Complete!]
[Editing in progress…]
[Production Successful!]
[Total Appearance Time: 2 minutes 56 seconds.
Screen Time Ratio: 14%]
[System Prompt: …]
'Even less than I expected.'
But Masahiko wasn't entirely surprised.
Shisui's irregular movements had genuinely exceeded his expectations. The events of last night inevitably involved a massive shift in the storyline.
He was only able to get on camera thanks to his proximity to Itachi and Sasuke.
To put it bluntly…
In this episode, he was purely a passerby NPC. He had sensed this coming.
However.
Small profits add up.
Even if it was only "14%," he didn't mind. It was free rewards, after all.
The key was the intelligence.
Knowing exactly what happened last night was far more important than a handful of rewards.