Chapter 13: Senju Nawaki
"Going to the Ninja Academy?"
Ruofeng murmured, turning his head to see Jiraiya grinning cheerfully.
A few days ago, Ruofeng had just spoken with Jiraiya about this, yet it had been resolved so quickly.
Jiraiya said, "That's right. Sooner or later, you'll enter the Ninja Academy. And your grandfather has already agreed."
Ruofeng was a little surprised, looking at his grandfather with confusion. All this time, his grandfather had opposed—or at least not supported—Ruofeng becoming a ninja.
But now he agreed. That felt strange.
His grandfather said, "Since it's decided, then go. I won't stop you, but I won't support you either."
With that, he turned and left.
Ruofeng watched him go, murmuring, "No obstruction, no support… everything depends on myself. Then I'll carve my own path. Though a sliver of fear remains, the fear of this world itself, it's nothing compared to the fear of having no strength!"
His resolve strengthened further. In this violent ninja world, surviving was hard—but without strength, survival was impossible.
Ruofeng walked toward Jiraiya. "Let's go!"
Jiraiya smiled. "Follow me. These past few days have been calm, but the Second Great Ninja War is intensifying. Kirigakure is sending out significant forces, and most of the jonin from the village will have to head to the battlefield. In a few days, I'll likely go to the frontlines as well, so I'm setting things up for you before I leave."
"War… truly an inevitable melody," Ruofeng muttered silently.
In the world of ninjas, war was the only constant.
⸻
They left the courtyard and headed toward a part of the village.
This area was in the center of Konoha, near the left side of the Hokage Rock.
Here was the Ninja Academy, considered safe within the village. Ahead lay the Hokage's office, and behind it were the residences of many ninja clans.
Ruofeng's attention was drawn to a boy standing nearby.
Jiraiya's gaze was slightly peculiar as he said to the boy, "Your sister isn't around, is she?"
The boy replied, "Are you looking for my sister?"
At that moment, a roar came from the distance: "Jiraiya… you bastard!"
Ruofeng followed the voice and saw a familiar figure.
It wasn't Tsunade. Who else could it be?
Ruofeng thought, No way… just a while ago she was beating Jiraiya to near incapacity, now he's provoking her again?
The boy looked at Ruofeng. "You must be Ruofeng. My sister mentioned you. But Jiraiya… he's reckless. He peeped on my sister and got scolded, and after recovering, he teased her with words again. Truly courting death!"
He raised his hand. "I'm Nawaki, Tsunade is my sister. She's told me about you!"
"I'm Ruofeng!" Ruofeng said, raising his hand to shake Nawaki's.
Ruofeng never expected to meet Nawaki here. His connection with Jiraiya was well-established, and now he happened to cross paths with Tsunade's family as well.
In the distance, Tsunade was already throwing a punch, chakra-packed and devastating. A single strike could destroy the ground.
Jiraiya gave an awkward smile. "Tsunade… I'm sorry, I'm sorry. We're going to the battlefield soon, let's not fight, alright?"
Tsunade roared, "No! Die!"
Ruofeng muttered, "Uh… your sister's violent!"
Nawaki sighed. "Ah… it's a bad habit from grandpa. His indulgence in food, drink, and gambling… my sister inherited it all. Lately, she's been staying out at night, probably at your family's casino."
Ruofeng nodded. "I've heard from the person in charge. Though your sister loses over and over, she still loses at the casino. As for those IOUs, they probably don't matter much; the debt could practically buy your family's estate!"
Nawaki twitched at the corner of his mouth. "Forget it. Don't worry about them. Jiraiya and my sister have these friendly sparring sessions every few days—they won't cause deaths. You're heading to the Ninja Academy, right? I'll take you. Once you enter, you'll be my junior. I'm in third grade now!"
Ruofeng also twitched at his mouth. Nawaki's words sounded off—friendly sparring that doesn't kill anyone. Strange, but he followed Nawaki toward the Academy. As for Jiraiya getting beat up by Tsunade, that was his problem. And there was nothing Ruofeng could do—it was Jiraiya's fault.
On the way, Nawaki recounted yesterday's events. Jiraiya, drunk, had run to Tsunade's house. Though he didn't reach her directly, he stood at the gate, shouting… teasing words. Perhaps Jiraiya naturally had the knack for writing… unusual situations.
Tsunade's fury was immense. If Jiraiya hadn't been pulled away by friends, he'd likely be lying at Ruofeng's house recovering now.
Ruofeng shook his head. "If you court death, you won't survive. I used to think Tsunade was too harsh, but now I see—it's all Jiraiya's fault!"
Nawaki shook his head. "Don't worry… aside from losing too much last time, and getting beaten badly for peeping at my sister, she usually maintains some restraint. And with the help of the Sekomiyama healing, he recovers overnight. The more he gets beaten, the stronger his constitution seems to get!"
Ruofeng shook his head. "A self-torturing body!"
Nawaki chuckled and led him into the Ninja Academy. "I'll take you to the principal's office to handle your paperwork."
Ruofeng nodded and followed.
Interestingly, the principal of the Ninja Academy was none other than the Third Hokage. Since the Second Hokage founded the Academy, he had been the first principal. After the Second Hokage passed, the Third Hokage took over.
Even though the Hokage served as principal, they didn't teach. Teachers were retired or experienced chunin, often veterans from the battlefield. Though Ruofeng noticed the politics involved, he didn't care.
As they entered the corridor, Nawaki stopped and motioned for Ruofeng to be quiet.