Ye Chen chose to keep the incident of his encounter with Uchiha Zhiruo on the street to himself. After a brief conversation with the Anbu ninja, he made his way to the ninja school alone.
During his journey, he contemplated the implications of the Anbu ninja's words. It seemed that they were interested in recruiting him into their ranks.
In this era, it was possible for students of the ninja school to apply for early graduation if they demonstrated exceptional skills. Both Kakashi and Uchiha Itachi from the original story had graduated early and joined the Anbu.
After all, nurturing young talents in a protected environment wouldn't prepare them for the harsh realities of the ninja world.
Over the past three months, Ye Chen had dedicated most of his time to self-improvement, often seeking permission from Mr. Okamoto to take leave. Mr. Okamoto was aware of Ye Chen's rigorous training regimen and the impending threat from the Uchiha clan, so he readily granted his requests.
As Ye Chen entered the campus, he observed his fellow students, who were carefree and cheerful. In comparison, he felt somewhat disconnected from their world.
"Run! The scarlet chili peppers are here to bully people again!"
In an open area, a group of young children fled in a hurry, stumbling over one another.
Close behind them, a girl with fiery red hair marched forward confidently, exuding an aura that sent shivers down the spines of those around her.
Who else could it be but Kushina?
Kushina had undergone significant changes over the past three months. Her time spent in ninja training had revealed her extraordinary talent, coupled with the unique Uzumaki bloodline traits, and her strength had skyrocketed. She had quickly become a prodigious student at the ninja school.
They say that with increased strength often comes a more robust temper, and this couldn't have been truer for Kushina. Originally the princess of the Uzumaki clan, she had come to Konoha with the ambition of becoming Hokage and learning ninjutsu.
This lofty goal had drawn ridicule from many of her classmates, but with her newfound power and support from Konoha's high-ranking officials, she had defeated anyone who dared to challenge her. The defeated students couldn't retaliate, as their parents had cautioned them against it.
In the ninja school, it was better to provoke an Uchiha than an Uzumaki like Kushina, given her formidable background.
"Damn it! I'll become Hokage no matter what!"
Kushina muttered angrily to herself, her face contorted with frustration. Her vibrant red hair fluttered in the breeze as she walked forward with clenched fists, her determination clear.
However, her demeanor changed abruptly when she noticed Ye Chen standing not far away, still as stoic as ever.
"Ye Chen-kun!"
Kushina's anger vanished in an instant, replaced by a bright smile that bloomed like a flower.
"Long time no see," Ye Chen greeted with a nod.
Kushina appeared taken aback. Based on what she knew of Ye Chen, he would typically respond with a simple "hmph" at most. She hadn't expected him to say four words.
Considering Ye Chen's penchant for brevity, their lack of interaction was partly due to him frequently requesting leave over the past three months. Kushina herself had occasionally been absent from the ninja school, resulting in their schedules rarely aligning.
As for the reason behind Kushina's frequent absences, Ye Chen could guess that it likely had something to do with Uzumaki Mito, the wife of the First Hokage.
Uzumaki Mito was also the first Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, and she was known for her expertise in sealing techniques—a specialty of the Uzumaki clan. Kushina probably sought to learn more about seal arts from her.
Kushina's emotions seemed to fluctuate as she stood there lost in thought, revealing a side of her that was rarely seen—vulnerability.
This abrupt transformation surprised the students around them, as the usually tough and confident Kushina now displayed a more delicate side. However, they were comforted by the fact that Ye Chen was present; he was a tough and fearless individual who had defeated Uchiha Zhiruo, leaving him bedridden for three months.
Ye Chen glanced at Kushina before heading directly to the ninja school building.
Kushina, meanwhile, still appeared lost in her own thoughts.
There was a chubby student nearby, simple and honest-looking, who couldn't help but remind her, "Sis, everyone's moving on without you!"
"??"
Startled by the comment, Kushina snapped back to reality.
"Whoosh!"
The cold wind blew, but Ye Chen's figure was nowhere to be seen.
"Damn it, why didn't you say so earlier!" Kushina scolded the chubby boy, her beautiful eyes flashing with irritation.
"Elder sister, you didn't ask," the chubby boy mumbled, his head drooping in fear.
Kushina vented her frustration by kicking her foot into the ground before rushing to catch up