"Did I teach this precious disciple poorly? Why does he seem so… dull?"
"In the Ninja World, there are many talented people — but geniuses without strategy usually don't last long."
Aoyama Ryuyun glanced at Minato Namikaze and spoke calmly.
It was a subtle reminder for Minato to be more cautious in his decisions.
Ryuyun harbored no ill will toward Minato himself, so long as he didn't remain blindly loyal to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Unfortunately, Minato completely missed the underlying message.
Instead, he nodded earnestly.
"That's a great saying! It can even be used to teach students. As expected of Lord Liu Yun — every word is profound!"
"…"
Aoyama Ryuyun almost laughed aloud.
Was that really the point of what I just said?
Even Orochimaru and Tsunade beside him looked as though they were holding back laughter.
Orochimaru tilted his pale face toward Jiraiya, whose expression had turned awkward.
"Indeed… your way of teaching disciples never fails to impress," he murmured with mock praise.
"…"
Don't think I can't tell you're mocking me, you damned snake.
Jiraiya glared at Orochimaru irritably, then grabbed Minato by the shoulder.
He decided he'd have to start drilling some common sense into the boy before it was too late.
If Minato's strength grew but his mind didn't, he really wouldn't live long in this world.
Just then, the graduation assessment for the Academy's latest class began.
"First match: Inuzuka Aka versus Yamanaka Heiji!"
Both were clan children, but Ryuyun had never heard of either name — clearly minor figures.
To him, the match was boring.
A simple spar between unseasoned students, hardly worth a glance from someone of his level.
To a powerhouse like Aoyama Ryuyun, it was no more exciting than children playing ninja.
In the end, the Inuzuka boy narrowly won with the help of his partner ninken.
The following matches were much the same — uninspired, predictable.
Only the battle between Kurenai Yuhi and Shizune stood out.
After years of training, Kurenai's ability far surpassed that of an average Genin.
Her movements were swift and precise; she dispatched her opponent cleanly.
"Liu Yun-gege!"
Kurenai beamed as she received her headband, waving happily toward the stands.
Aoyama Ryuyun waved back with a small smile.
Then he turned — only to catch Yuhi Shinko giving him a rather resentful look.
"Uh… what's wrong?"
"...Nothing."
After a long pause, Yuhi Shinko said nothing more.
Why didn't my own daughter greet me first after passing her assessment?
The thought left Shinko puzzled — and just a little heartbroken.
"Is that girl Kurenai Yuhi? Remarkable," someone nearby murmured.
"Indeed, she already fights at Chunin level right after graduation. No wonder she caught the attention of Lord Liu Yun and Lady Tsunade."
Without Aoyama Ryuyun and Tsunade's training, few would have noticed Kurenai's talent, no matter how bright she shone.
Ryuyun only smiled quietly, offering no comment.
Tsunade, on the other hand, allowed herself a touch of pride.
For once, she wasn't the one watching others boast — now it was her turn to bask in the praise of her student.
True or not, the compliments were music to her ears.
Initially, Ryuyun thought only Kurenai and Shizune were worth watching.
But then, a young man wearing the Uchiha clan crest caught his attention.
"Who's that?"
The boy appeared to be around Kurenai's age, but his expression was calm, mature — far beyond his years.
His chakra and bearing suggested an exceptional talent, perhaps even on par with Kurenai herself.
Tsunade and the others noticed as well, exchanging curious glances.
"Don't recognize him," Tsunade said after a moment.
Still, it was rare to see an Uchiha prodigy at an academy exam.
"Cough, cough!"
A deliberate cough came from nearby.
Ryuyun raised an eyebrow and turned to see a stern man in Uchiha attire approaching.
"Lord Liu Yun," the man said respectfully, "this young one is from my Uchiha Clan — Uchiha Shisui."
A hint of pride colored his tone; after all, the prodigy making waves on the field was one of his own.
The surrounding clan heads looked unimpressed, their expressions indifferent — a silent reflection of the strained relations the Uchiha held with the rest of the village.
"You are…?" Ryuyun asked mildly.
"Lord Liu Yun, I am Uchiha Fugaku — head of the Uchiha Clan."
"Ah. No wonder you looked familiar," Ryuyun replied with feigned recognition.
Fugaku didn't seem bothered by the perfunctory response.
He turned his gaze toward Shisui, who had just finished his match and was helping his defeated opponent to his feet.
"Shisui has always been one of the most gifted among our young generation," Fugaku said proudly.
"…"
Right. In the original course of history, it was because of this very Uchiha Shisui that the clan's downfall accelerated.
A genius, yes — but one utterly consumed by the Will of Fire.
Another brilliant fool without foresight.
Thinking that, Ryuyun's eyes shifted toward Minato once more.
"Uh…"
Minato felt uneasy under his teacher's gaze but couldn't quite grasp why.
Since Ryuyun said nothing, he didn't dare to ask.
The graduation assessment concluded soon after.
Kurenai Yuhi and Shizune, both glowing with joy, walked up together clutching their new headbands.
"Liu Yun-gege, wasn't I amazing?" Kurenai said proudly.
Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters