c11: Teach Red Beans
Chiba stood quietly on the Academy's training field, listening as the instructors announced the class placements. Names were read one after another, many unfamiliar, until a particular list caught his attention.
"The students in Class Six are: Kurenai Yuhi, Uchiha Obito, Might Guy, Asuma Sarutobi, Ibiki Morino, Hyuga Yahiko, and Hatake Chiba…"
When Chiba finally heard his own name, a faint smile appeared on his lips.
At last. I wasn't grouped with the average crowd. These kids are all future pillars of the Leaf, Chiba thought with satisfaction.
Among the names, one in particular piqued his curiosity—Hyuga Yahiko. The Hyuga clan was widely regarded as one of the strongest noble clans in Konoha, possessing the powerful Byakugan and specializing in the Gentle Fist, one of the village's three great taijutsu styles. Chiba was curious about Yahiko's potential. Was he a main branch member? Did he show promise?
As for Uchiha Obito, Chiba couldn't help but glance sideways. Right now, Obito was still considered the class dunce a cheerful but unremarkable student with poor grades and slower reflexes. Chiba wasn't impressed.
Right now, Obito's nothing special. Poor aptitude, weak comprehension. But with Uchiha Madara's manipulation in the future, everything will change. The so-called "dead last" will become the fearsome Tobi, he thought.
Once his class was assigned, Chiba tuned out the rest of the announcements. Whatever happened with the other students didn't concern him.
With the opening ceremony completed, families began to leave the Academy grounds. Since no classes would start until the following day, there was no reason for anyone to linger.
Chiba didn't waste time. Instead of returning home, he headed toward the outskirts of the village to continue his solo training. But on the way, while passing a small public training field half playground, half open square he came across a familiar face.
It was the girl he had saved half a month ago from a group of traffickers: Mitarashi Anko.
Chiba recalled that encounter vividly. He had taken down four traffickers on his own, impressing the young girl deeply. Inspired by that event, Anko had resolved to grow stronger strong enough to protect herself and others. Though she wasn't yet old enough to attend the Academy, she had already begun her personal training.
Now, watching her practice alone with a wooden kunai, repeating basic taijutsu movements with clumsy but determined resolve, Chiba couldn't help but feel a flicker of emotion. He smiled, not mockingly, but with quiet approval.
Moved by her effort, Chiba changed course. Instead of continuing on his way, he stepped forward and walked onto the field.
"Anko, training all by yourself?" he called out.
Startled by the voice, Anko froze mid-motion. She turned quickly, eyes widening when she recognized Chiba the boy who had saved her. Her face turned red, and she suddenly didn't seem to know what to do with her hands.
Seeing her flustered expression, Chiba chuckled softly and approached, ruffling her hair with a gentle hand.
"Little miss, why are you so nervous?" he said teasingly.
"Ch-Chiba, what are you doing here?" Anko asked, fidgeting shyly.
"I was heading out for some training, just passing through," Chiba replied. "Saw you here and figured I'd check in. Am I not welcome?"
"N-no! Of course you're welcome!" Anko shook her head quickly.
"You've already started training?" Chiba asked, surprised.
Anko nodded, her gaze determined. "After you saved me, I decided I want to be strong. I want to protect myself... and protect others too. Like you did."
Chiba was genuinely impressed by her words. He could see that her resolve wasn't just childish imitation it came from a real emotional drive.
"Got any questions about your training? I can help out," Chiba offered. He had a soft spot for Anko and respected her determination.
"Really? You'll teach me?" she asked, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Of course. I'm not one to make empty promises," he said with a grin.
Wasting no time, Anko eagerly explained all the difficulties she was facing her poor balance, slow strikes, and clumsy stances. While Chiba couldn't claim the qualifications of a jōnin instructor, he had enough knowledge and experience to guide someone at Anko's level.
So, he stayed. Rather than heading to his original training spot in the woods, Chiba spent the afternoon with Anko, correcting her footwork, adjusting her grip, and helping her refine basic drills.
She wasn't very skilled yet her movements were rough, her chakra control undeveloped but what mattered most was her drive. She took every correction seriously and practiced with real intensity. That, Chiba thought, was rarer than talent.
By the time the sun began to set, Anko was drenched in sweat but brimming with enthusiasm. The day's impromptu lesson had helped her smooth out some of the foundational mistakes she'd been making. Progress was slow, but definite.
As they packed up to leave, Anko turned to him with a bright, grateful expression.
"Chiba, thank you for teaching me today," she said earnestly.
"No need for thanks. Just keep working hard. Strength doesn't come overnight," Chiba replied, patting her on the shoulder.
"I will! I'll keep training, and one day I'll catch up to you. Maybe even surpass you!" she declared.
Chiba laughed lightly at her boldness. "Surpass me, huh? That's a tall order. I plan on being the strongest ninja in the village."
He said it casually, but it wasn't just talk he meant it.
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