Chapter 3: From Now On, Please Call Me by My Full Name, Including the Senju Surname.
The next morning.
Kaede, who had been training until late at night, yawned as he escorted Kushina and Nawaki to school.
To be honest, the Ninja Academy couldn't teach Kaede anything substantial. It was questionable whether these Chunin instructors could even defeat him. The basic ninjutsu taught at the academy was far less comprehensive than the contents of the Senju clan's library. After all, his grandfather, Tobirama Senju, was a genius in ninjutsu research. While his combat abilities might have been a far cry from Hashirama Senju, his talent in ninjutsu was unmatched.
For example, the Shadow Clone Technique and the Reanimation Jutsu were two inventions that had a profound impact on Konoha and the entire ninja world. These legacies were easily accessible to Kaede.
He just hadn't studied them yet because the time wasn't right. Besides, this Ninja Academy was established by his grandfather. It holds the future of a ninja village. Conversely, it could also be seen as a place that nurtures war. Where there are people, there is conflict, and ninjas are the epitome of such conflict.
Walking into the classroom, it seemed that Kaede's long absence from school surprised his classmates. After all, skipping classes was a routine for Kaede. Even the teacher leading this class, Ryuji Yamazaki, wasn't surprised. There was nothing he could do about a student who skipped classes yet still scored perfectly in every subject. Even the Hokage had no objections, so Kaede was free to do as he pleased.
But today, he came. After returning to his seat, he elegantly extended his left and right arms, pulling Mikoto Uchiha and Kushina Uzumaki into his embrace, leaning back like a lord on his unique sofa. Yes, that was his exclusive seat. Kaede had someone bring it in, not to flaunt his status, but simply because it was comfortable.
"Kaede-kun."
In front, a blond boy slowly turned around, looking at Kaede with a curious expression as if he wanted to say something. His name was Minato Namikaze, a classmate of Kaede's. Besides him, there were two Hyuga brothers in the class. As for the future Uchiha clan leader, Fugaku Uchiha, he had already graduated and joined the Uchiha Police Force to earn merits.
To outsiders, it might seem problematic for a member of the Senju clan to be holding an Uchiha girl. But Kaede didn't care. He admired Mikoto; even though she was still young, her gentle aura was extremely attractive. Fugaku? He would end up being killed by his son in the future.
"Are you surprised?" Kaede asked calmly, noticing Minato's astonished gaze. After a night of training, he naturally didn't want to come to school. But today was special. As the eldest son of the Senju clan, even though his clan members were integrating into the village and dying on the battlefield, he could still get some information. For instance, the war on the front lines was intense. A new batch of students would soon undergo early graduation assessments.
At ten years old, it was clearly not time to graduate yet. But ninjas are tied to war, and when war demands more cannon fodder, the role of the Ninja Academy becomes apparent. Even if it's just to help transport supplies, these ninjas can still play a significant role.
Considering the timeline, as a transmigrator, Kaede knew that the day Nawaki would be killed by an explosive tag trap was not far off. So the early graduation assessment was no secret to him. This was the reason he attended the Ninja Academy.
"I'm a bit surprised, but I'm still happy that Kaede-kun came to school," Minato said, his natural warmth evident. Kaede had no ill feelings towards him. As for Kushina, since he had transmigrated, Minato had lost his chance.
Kaede believed he could offer Kushina a better future, something Minato couldn't. As Hokage, Minato might be competent in sacrificing for Konoha, but as a husband and father, he fell short. However, this didn't stop Kaede from appreciating Minato. Being friends with someone like him was always a good thing.
"Big brother, that guy is getting more and more arrogant," Hizashi Hyuga, standing not far behind, seemed displeased with Kaede. As two of the Hyuga clan's geniuses, being overshadowed by Kaede was never a pleasant feeling.
Especially now, when it was clearly time for class, yet that man was sitting on a sofa with a girl in each arm. Is this a student? Are you here to flaunt your noble status? The Hyuga are the true nobles of Konoha! Why is the declining Senju so arrogant?
"Let him be," Hiashi Hyuga, more composed than his brother, found the scene amusing. As the next clan leader of the main family, he had heard many things from his father. Watching Kaede's behavior, he merely saw him as a clown. Someone who doesn't hide their true self will eventually become a thorn in others' eyes. At this time, there's no need to compete with the declining Senju.
"There's no need to target him; the Senju will bring themselves down," was the general sentiment. Many people disliked the Senju.
"Ahem, quiet down." Kaede's arrival had livened up the classroom atmosphere. Ryuji Yamazaki, standing at the podium, didn't bother with the scene of Kaede embracing the girls. With a serious look, he picked up a piece of chalk and began writing on the blackboard. The content was brief, just four simple words: "Graduation Assessment!" When the students saw what was written, they became restless.
Some were excited, others dejected. They didn't know what the future held for them. So, this was the reason Kaede-kun came to school? Minato Namikaze suddenly understood, looking at Kaede with a hint of envy. After all, as the eldest son of the Senju clan, he had access to more information.
"Quiet! Quiet!" Seeing the students' emotions getting out of hand, Ryuji Yamazaki scolded them again. "The early graduation assessment is the Hokage's trust in you and an important step to test if you are ready to become ninjas. Now... those whose names are called, please step forward."
Picking up the roster, Ryuji Yamazaki was somewhat surprised by the first name. "Uh, Kaede, you're first..."
First, huh? Kaede wasn't surprised. He stood up calmly but didn't move forward. Instead, he looked at Ryuji Yamazaki. "I have no problem with the assessment, but during the assessment, please address me by my full name. From now on, please add 'Senju' before 'Kaede'!" "This is a sign of respect for the new head of the Senju clan."
The new head of the Senju clan! With these words, the room fell into an eerie silence. Everyone looked at him as if he were crazy. The new head of the Senju clan!
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