Chapter 13 - The Thousand-Hands of Rope Trees
Chapter 13: The Thousand-Hands of Rope Trees
“Go to Ninja School?”
Ruofeng heard this and turned to see Jiraiya’s smiling face.
A few days ago, Ruofeng had just talked to Jiraiya about this, but he didn’t expect it to be arranged so quickly.
Jiraiya said, “Yes, sooner or later you will enter the Ninja School, and your grandfather has agreed.”
Ruofeng was a little surprised and looked at his grandfather in confusion. All along, Ruofeng’s grandfather had opposed his becoming a ninja, or at least hadn’t supported him.
Now, he had agreed to Ruofeng’s request, which made Ruofeng feel uneasy.
Grandpa said, “Since it has been decided, then go. I won’t stop you, but I won’t support you either.”
After saying that, Grandpa turned and left.
Ruofeng watched his grandfather leave, muttering, “You won’t stop me, nor will you support me? I can only rely on myself to make a name for myself. Although there’s still a trace of fear in my heart—the fear of this world. But these fears are no match for the fear of having no power!”
Ruofeng’s heart became more and more determined. In this Naruto world full of killing, it is very difficult to live well. But without strength, survival is impossible!
Ruofeng walked towards Jiraiya and said, “Let’s go!”
Jiraiya chuckled, “Come with me. It’s only a few days of peace. World War II is getting more intense, and the Hidden Mist Village has sent a lot of combat power. Most of the senior ninjas in the village will have to go to the battlefield soon. In a few days, I’ll probably be off to the frontlines too. I’ll arrange everything for you before I leave.”
“War? It’s an inevitable melody!” Ruofeng said silently.
In the Naruto world, the only thing that never changes is war.
They walked out of the courtyard and headed toward a place in the village.
This was in the center of Kiba Village, near the left of the Hokage Rock.
This was the location of the Ninja School, a safe place in Kiba. The Hokage’s office was in front, and behind were many ninja families.
At this moment, Ruofeng noticed a boy, looking at him strangely.
When the boy appeared, Jiraiya looked a little surprised and asked, “Is your sister not here?”
The boy heard this and responded, “Are you looking for my sister?”
As soon as the words fell, a roar came from a distance: “Jiraiya…you bastard!”
Ruofeng followed the roar and saw a familiar figure.
If it wasn’t Tsunade, who else could it be?
Ruofeng said, “No way, he was beaten by Tsunade some time ago and couldn’t take care of himself. Why provoke her again now?”
The boy looked at Ruofeng and said, “You’re Ruofeng, right? I heard about you from my sister. But Jiraiya is asking for it. He was punished for peeping at her, then flirted with her again after recovering. He’s asking for death!”
The boy raised his hand and continued, “My name is Naoshu, Tsunade is my sister. She told me about you!”
“My name is Ruofeng!” Ruofeng replied, raising his hand to shake Naoshu’s.
Ruofeng had never expected to meet Naoshu here. Although he and Jiraiya had a good relationship, Jiraiya’s connection to Ruofeng’s family was still unclear. And meeting Tsunade had been purely by chance—now he found out they were related.
Looking at the distance, Tsunade had already thrown a punch, chakra wrapping around her fist. The attack was terrifying—just one punch could destroy the earth.
Jiraiya smiled awkwardly, “Tsunade… I was wrong, I was wrong. We have to go to the battlefield in a few days, so let’s not fight!”
Tsunade roared, “No, you die!”
Seeing this, Ruofeng remarked, “Uh… Your sister is so violent!”
Naoshu shook his head helplessly. “Alas… These are all bad habits learned from Grandpa. Grandpa’s eating, drinking, and gambling have all been inherited by my sister. She hasn’t been home these past few days. I think she’s been gambling in your casino!”
Ruofeng nodded. “I’ve heard of it. Your sister always loses at the casino. As for those IOUs, I don’t think they’ll be of much use. After all, the money owed could buy your house!”
Naoshu’s mouth twitched. “Forget it, leave it alone. Jiraiya and my sister spar every few days, and no one dies. You’re going to the Ninja School? I’ll take you there. If you enter, you’ll be my junior in the future. I’m in the third grade now!”
Ruofeng’s mouth twitched. He felt something was off about Naoshu’s words. “Friendly sparring that doesn’t lead to death?” he thought. Strange. But he still followed Naoshu to the Ninja School. As for Jiraiya being beaten up by Tsunade—Ruofeng didn’t care. Besides, Jiraiya was asking for it.
When they reached the Ninja School, Naoshu told Ruofeng what had happened the day before.
Jiraiya had drunk too much and ran to Tsunade’s house under the pretext of drunkenness. Though Jiraiya didn’t enter, he stood in front of Tsunade’s door and roared. His words were especially touching… and teasing. Ruofeng wondered if Jiraiya had a talent for writing “intimate paradise.” He had described many special plots.
Tsunade had been furious. If Jiraiya hadn’t been dragged away by a few friends in time, he might’ve ended up at Ruofeng’s house for another round of healing.
After hearing this, Ruofeng remarked, “It’s true that if you don’t commit suicide, you won’t die. I used to think Tsunade was too heavy-handed, but now it seems like it’s Jiraiya who’s asking for it!”
Naoshu shook his head. “Don’t worry… It was only last time that my sister lost too much money, and Jiraiya tried to peek, so she beat him up. At other times, she’s more measured. Thanks to Miao Mushan’s healing, he’s usually fine by morning. Jiraiya’s body has become stronger after so many beatings!”
Ruofeng shook his head. “Self-abuse physique!”
Naoshu chuckled and walked into the Ninja School. “I’ll take you to the principal’s office to sort out your paperwork.”
Ruofeng nodded and followed Naoshu to the principal’s office.
Funny enough, the principal of the Ninja School was none other than the Third Hokage. Since the Second Hokage founded the school, the Hokage had always served as its principal. After the Second Hokage passed away, the Third Hokage took over. Every Hokage had been the principal at some point.
Of course, while the Hokage was the principal, he didn’t teach. The teachers were all Chuunin—mostly former battlefield veterans. Though Ruofeng saw some politics at play, it was nothing that concerned him.
As they walked down the hallway, they saw Nawaki stop and motioned for Ruofeng to keep his voice down.