The Ultimate Ninja Tool of the Shinobi World

Hyuga Neji's eyes had lost their former luster.

He had fallen into deep self-doubt.

Is someone like Tian Yu really the only one worthy of being called a genius?

The achievements he once took pride in seemed utterly meaningless in comparison.

I... I'm nothing but a complete failure...

Tian Yu sensed the turmoil—confusion and discouragement—in Neji's eyes, but said nothing.

He was always proud, yet naturally easy-going.

Some things, some beliefs, had to be overturned by the person themselves. No one else could do that for them.

"Hey! Quit spacing out and come eat barbecue!" Tian Yu slapped Neji's shoulder and nudged him toward the gathering. "Why are you standing around like a statue? Still thinking so hard? Not jumping in to help with the cooking? Your brain's definitely got issues!"

Then, without waiting for a reply, Tian Yu turned and strode straight toward the riverside barbecue pit.

Neji's expression as he watched him go was complex—emotions swirling like a whirlpool.

But in the end, something shifted in his heart.

He sighed faintly and finally walked toward the group.

…

Zzzzz~

The aroma of roasting meat drifted into the air, teasing everyone's appetite.

Tian Yu and the others, already salivating from the rich smell, couldn't wait any longer. Once the first skewers were ready, they dove in like starving wolves.

"MEAT! Gimme another wild boar skewer!"

"I-I want one too! Neji, hands off mine!"

"Oi, leave a few for Hinata and me! Don't forget to be gentlemanly to girls~!"

"Fresh roast boar belly! Crispy fat, juicy lean—twenty sticks only! First come, first served!"

The sounds of laughter, playful shouting, and light-hearted squabbles echoed beside the river.

After all, they were still just a bunch of children under ten.

Precocious? Sure.

Jaded by their clan's teachings and ninja responsibilities? Maybe.

But at this moment—

Beneath the canopy of trees, by the crystal-clear stream—

What remained was only the laughter of carefree kids.

…

Spring Festival came to an end before long.

The short break left Tian Yu and the others with warm memories they would cherish.

Life returned to its usual pace—ninja school in the mornings, training in the afternoons.

Then, one day, Might Guy suddenly came looking for Tian Yu.

"What? Out-of-village training?" Tian Yu blinked, surprised.

Guy nodded with enthusiasm. "Yes! Tian Yu-kun, your strength has already surpassed the academy's level. But since early graduation isn't allowed, it's a waste to keep you confined to the school."

Tian Yu nodded inwardly in agreement.

He'd long outgrown the curriculum. Staying at the academy now was simply treading water.

But…

This was a rule set by the Third Hokage himself.

Tian Yu could only accept it with resignation.

It's just like in my past life, he thought. College students grinding four years just to get that piece of paper.

Still, from what Might Guy was saying now…

Could this mean he could take a leave of absence, and go out for practical training?

His eyes lit up.

Since his birth in this world, he had never once stepped beyond the borders of Konoha.

The world beyond the gates filled him with curiosity.

Seeing his distant gaze, Might Guy asked, a bit unsure, "What's wrong, Tian Yu? You don't want to go?"

Tian Yu quickly shook his head. "No, no! I was just stunned by the news and zoned out a bit."

"Hahaha! I knew it!" Guy gave his signature thumbs up. "You're just like me! Always ready for the next challenge! That's the fire of our youth!"

"Mr. Guy, when do we leave?" Tian Yu asked excitedly.

"Not just yet." Guy's tone grew more serious. "Hokage-sama just gave me approval today, so I rushed here to tell you. But before we set out, we have some serious prep work to do."

His expression was firm.

"Experience isn't like a spring picnic. We need to pack dry food, water, weapons—everything.

Also, I have to accept a few D-rank or C-rank missions for us to complete along the way. That'll be the content of our training."

Tian Yu nodded.

It made sense. They didn't know how long they'd be out, and in this world without trains, planes, or cars, travel was done on foot.

Even with chakra-enhanced speed, the roads were long and full of unknowns.

Any time, any place, they might encounter danger.

They had to be ready to fight at full strength—chakra reserves full, weapons sharp, senses alert.

Before leaving, there were still many preparations to make.

After finishing the discussion, Tian Yu and Guy separated to start their respective tasks.

Their departure was scheduled for three days later.