Perhaps due to the abundant resources in the world of the Hokage, Yahiko quickly caught several fish, more than enough to feed all four of them. However, Yahiko was still a bit concerned and wanted to catch a few more.
Asahi promptly intervened, saying, "That's enough, kids. Catching more would be wasteful."
Hearing this, Yahiko finally came ashore, his excitement apparent. As soon as he reached the shore, he couldn't help but ask, "So, have we completed the mission?"
In response to their eager anticipation, Asahi smiled and nodded, saying, "Yes, you have."
"Yahoo!"
Excitement filled the voices of the three youngsters. In this dark world, they had never felt such brightness in their future.
Suddenly, Asahi's expression turned serious, and he put away his smile.
"I can take you on as my disciples, but there are rules in my clan that you must follow."
"First, never betray or harm your teacher!"
"Second, do not engage in evil deeds!"
"Third, do not bully the weak!"
"Fourth, do not harm your fellow clan members!"
Asahi finished listing the rules, but Yahiko and the others were still staring at him in a daze, which furrowed his brows. "What's the matter? Can't you handle these rules?"
"Ah? No, no!" The three hurriedly reassured him.
"So why are you just standing there?" Asahi asked, puzzled.
The three youngsters exchanged glances before Yahiko, as their de facto leader, stepped forward and cautiously asked, "Um, are these the only rules?"
"Oh, I see!" Asahi chuckled. "So, do you want more rules then?"
"No, no!" Yahiko quickly waved his hands. "I heard that there are many rules in the Great Ninja Village, so I was just curious."
The Great Ninja Village certainly has many rules, but Asahi is not from the Great Ninja Village; he is the head of the Tazuna Clan. Moreover, his clan currently consists only of him, so why would he need so many rules? He doesn't plan to stay in one place for long, so four rules are enough. If he has disciples in the future, they can set their own rules. He just wants to be a peaceful clan leader without the hassle of founding and managing a clan; it's too much trouble!
"Haha, I'm not a ninja from the Great Ninja Village, or more accurately, I don't even have a ninja village."
"By the way, my clan is called the Tazuna Clan! You can think of it as an organization or large family, they're pretty much the same."
"I am the current head of the Tazuna Clan, and from now on, you are my disciples."
Asahi explained to the three youngsters. When they heard this, they weren't too concerned about the rules; they were just elated that they would be Asahi's disciples.
Their faces couldn't hide their smiles, and they quickly bowed, shouting, "Sensei!"
Asahi shook his head and said, "Kneel down and bow three times!"
"Huh?" Clearly, the three youngsters were confused.
"These are the rules, the apprentice-taking rules of our Tazuna Clan!" Asahi didn't explain that these were simplified traditions of bowing to a teacher but rather presented them as the rules of the Tazuna Clan.
Plop!
Upon hearing this, the three youngsters immediately knelt on the ground and bowed three times.
[Ding~ Congratulations to the host for acquiring a disciple with B-grade talent—Yahiko. Reward: Chakra Refinement Method (Spiritual Technique Version).]
[Ding~ Congratulations to the host for acquiring a disciple with A-grade talent—Konan. Reward: Comprehensive Basic Ninjutsu Manual.]
[Ding~ Congratulations to the host for acquiring a disciple with S-grade talent—Nagato. Reward: B-grade Complete Ninjutsu Manual, advancement to Chunin-level strength!]
Boom! The three youngsters, who had not yet started their training, couldn't sense it, but Asahi could easily feel that the surrounding energy had instantly become denser. Then, this energy quickly entered his body and underwent rapid transformation. In an instant, it was as if he had been practicing diligently for months, but without any signs of instability.
Asahi was quite satisfied with this deal. He had experienced the benefits of being stronger before, so taking on disciples would save him several months of time. What a profitable venture!
Asahi nodded in satisfaction and said, "Alright, get up! According to the customs of the ninja world, let's start with some self-introductions. Tell me about your dreams."
Ah, it reminded Asahi of the time when he used to read the original Naruto manga. Every time a new class was formed, there was always a self-introduction session like this. This was his way of commemorating the original story since he knew that his presence might change everything.
Upon hearing Asahi's request for self-introductions, Yahiko eagerly raised his hands and shouted, "I'll go first, I'll go first!"
Asahi smiled. After all, they were just kids, no matter how mature they tried to act.
"I'm Yahiko, and I like eating a full meal with Nagato and Konan. I hate war and going hungry. My dream is to bring peace to this weeping country!"
"Peace, that's a noble dream. But it's not an easy one to achieve. You'll have to work hard for it in the future!" Asahi encouraged Yahiko with a smile.
Different from before when he was often ridiculed, this time Yahiko received approval and encouragement. It came from his teacher, and that excited him.
"Don't worry, Sensei! I'll definitely work hard. Sooner or later, I'll bring peace to this country!"
"Good, I believe in you!" After that, Asahi turned his gaze to Nagato.
"I'm Nagato. I like standing behind Yahiko, and I dislike being alone. My dream is to help Yahiko achieve his dream."
Nagato's voice was gentle, giving him an elegant demeanor. It was hard to imagine how much impact Yahiko's death in the original story had on him to make him so determined.
This time, Asahi didn't need to say anything before Yahiko became dissatisfied.
"Nagato, you're a man, how can you just follow behind me? You need to have your own dream!"
Hearing Yahiko's loud complaints, Nagato continued to smile gently. "Is that so? Then my dream is to bring peace to the Land of Rain."
"What? That's just the same as before!" Yahiko complained.
"Alright, alright. On the path to realizing your dreams, the support of your companions is essential. Yahiko, you're very lucky," Asahi interrupted Yahiko's complaints and approved of Nagato's dream, which made Yahiko quiet down.
"I'm Konan. I like being with Yahiko and Nagato, and well, I like candy too. I hate wandering alone. My dream is to watch Yahiko and the others succeed and earn our teacher's approval."
Konan's eyes were practically smiling, giving her a lively appearance.
After hearing the self-introductions, Asahi felt a sense of nostalgia. He was moved by their shared experiences of hating hunger, war, and loneliness. These were things that a modern person, born under the banner of peace, would find it difficult to imagine.
Despite being an orphan himself, Asahi had inherited a substantial fortune and never had to worry about basic needs.
Now that the three of them had finished introducing themselves, they looked at Asahi expectantly.
"Teacher, what about you?"