Sporadic residual flames clung to Ye Chen's body, leaving faint scorched black burns on his skin. His body stood still, resembling an ancient statue, having shattered a C-rank ninjutsu with a single punch—an extraordinary display of power.
Silence enveloped the surroundings as everyone processed the astonishing spectacle. However, Ye Chen paid no heed to their reactions, as a series of system prompts flooded his mind.
"Ding, experience +10!"
"Experience +25!"
"Experience +40!"
"Experience +30!"
...
Throughout the battle with Uchiha Yue, his experience points had surged significantly, totaling over 190.
The final punch, which had incapacitated Uchiha Yue, alone had boosted his experience by more than 60 points.
Currently, his experience level stood at 195/1000, requiring 1000 points to ascend from Level 2 to Level 3. However, this wasn't the time for an upgrade.
"Ye Chen!" Kushina approached him, her lips quivering, eyes glistening with tears—tears of relief.
Ye Chen was slightly taken aback by Kushina's emotional response, but he assured her, "I'm fine."
"You fool!" Kushina retorted angrily, her eyes narrowing as she noticed his burning arm. "Your arm is scorched!"
The ninja teacher, who had been lost in thought, finally snapped back to reality. He cast a meaningful glance at Ye Chen and addressed him, "Minato, Kyo, get some boys to take Uchiha Yue to the infirmary. Everyone else, disperse."
Minato and Kagami, two of Ye Chen's classmates, were assigned the task of moving Uchiha Yue, who was in a dazed state.
Uchiha Yue's eyes were vacant, her mouth agape in shock, still reeling from the impact of Ye Chen's punch.
The remaining students gradually dispersed, their gazes lingering on Ye Chen. After today, his name would resonate throughout the ninja school. He was no ordinary student; he was a genius who could shatter a C-rank ninjutsu with a single punch.
The ninja teacher and Ye Chen remained on the deserted school grounds, the silence heavy in the air.
The ninja teacher began, "Student Ye Chen, I didn't expect you to defeat Uchiha Yue. I, as your instructor, failed to recognize your talents, and for that, I apologize."
Ye Chen listened attentively but remained silent.
The teacher continued, "I want you to understand that I haven't given you much attention before because you come from an outside village. You are aware of the disdain some Konoha shinobi hold for outsiders. My parents were killed by shinobi from other villages, so my apprehensions are deep-seated. I hope you can comprehend my position."
Ye Chen nodded solemnly. The era they lived in was far from the peaceful times of future ninjas. When shinobi from different villages crossed paths, battles were inevitable, as they fought for resources and benefits. Such conflicts often ended in bloodshed.
The ninja teacher was not in the wrong; it was the world they lived in that was flawed.
"Your battle with Uchiha Yue was inherently uneven. I couldn't openly support you, given my limited status as a Chūnin instructor. I regret not being able to do more for you," the teacher admitted.
Ye Chen responded, "Thank you for your honesty, sensei."
"The Uchiha clan won't take your victory lightly," the teacher warned. "You must remain vigilant."
Ye Chen replied confidently, "This is Konoha Village. Even if the Uchiha clan bears a grudge, they won't dare to act recklessly, will they?"
"You underestimate the Uchiha clan," the teacher cautioned. "After the Second Hokage's passing, the Uchiha clan has grown more unruly. Furthermore, the Konoha Police Force detains prisoners under their jurisdiction. As an outsider, if they find a pretext to detain you, not even the Hokage can guarantee your safety."
Ye Chen's momentary elation gave way to caution. He took a deep breath and acknowledged, "Thank you for the warning, sensei."
The teacher added, "Ye Chen-kun, I can see a bright future ahead for you, one that surpasses my own. I hope that you'll live up to the teachings and nurturing of Konoha. Although the current Konoha has its flaws, I believe it will evolve into something remarkable with time."
Ye Chen nodded in agreement, determined to contribute to Konoha's growth. The village had given him refuge and purpose, and he intended to repay it with his loyalty and strength.
The teacher concluded, "One more thing, Ye Chen-kun. With your talents, you should utilize them fully. By gaining recognition and support from Lord Hokage, you can ensure your safety. Even the Uchiha clan would think twice before crossing paths with someone under Hokage's protection."
With a bow, the teacher performed a respectful farewell and departed.
Ye Chen had spent a long day unraveling the layers of his instructor's character. The man who had been an ordinary Chūnin turned out to be an honorable teacher who genuinely cared for his students.
However, words alone could not change their reality. The ninja world was far from perfect.
"The Uchiha clan? They can come at me," Ye Chen thought. He was unafraid of challenges and saw difficulties and dangers as opportunities for growth.
Later, he visited the school's medical office for a simple bandage. While the Fire Style technique had been broken, his arm bore burn marks. But he considered these injuries minor.
As the day passed, Ye Chen observed Kushina waiting for him at the school gate after classes ended. Yet, the gate closed, and he never appeared.
Unbeknownst to Kushina, Ye Chen had quietly watched from a distance, ensuring her safe return home. He had eaten her bento that morning and had repaid her kindness by silently protecting her on her way home.
Nevertheless, when Kushina realized that he had not shown up, she left the empty street corner with a heavy heart. The image of her standing alone in the fading sunset was a poignant sight.
Meanwhile, at the end of the street, a figure, not very tall, silently observed. Ye Chen continued to watch until he was certain Kushina had returned home safely before departing.