When Nara Shikamaru used the word "monster," Nara Shikaku's breathing faltered for a moment, his eyes widening in surprise.
Shikamaru always complained that things were "troublesome," but his pride was hardly low… For him to give such an assessment —tinged with a sense of powerlessness —was more than enough to show how terrifying Tejima Shinichi's strength really was!
"Third point," Shikamaru paused, groping for the right words. "Detached, yet not exactly cold. He shows no interest in most things —especially pointless bickering or jealous spats—he can't be bothered. But he's not emotionless; he's simply… more rational, more focused on his own goals. He won't start trouble, yet once his principles or interests are touched, his counter-strike is swift and decisive."
Shikamaru recalled the scenes at the Academy and the occasional rumors about Tejima Shinichi.
"To sum up," Shikamaru placed a stone and looked at Shikaku, "he's a guy whose IQ is always online, whose strength is unfathomable, and whose goals are crystal-clear —extremely rational."
"He knows exactly what he wants and has both the ability and the mindset to obtain it. Becoming the Hokage's disciple… though surprising, if you think about it, given his talent and that… unique 'low profile,' it makes sense the Hokage would take a fancy to him."
Shikaku listened quietly to his son's analysis, a thoughtful look on his face.
"Sounds like you rate him highly." Shikaku lifted his teacup for a sip. "For such a person to step onto the stage at this moment… the wind in Konoha is about to shift."
Shikamaru sighed and lapsed back into his lazy manner.
"Yeah, troublesome times are coming. Let's just hope they don't drag us in."
Yet he knew that, given the Nara clan's position in Konoha, staying completely out of it was nearly impossible.
Tejima Shinichi's rise would undoubtedly add a heavy weight to the future power balance.
After that topic, father and son fell silent, focusing on the board in front of them.
Shikaku looked at the game and dropped the stone that decided victory.
"You've lost this match," he said, then lifted his eyes and stared intently at his son. "Shikamaru, keep a closer eye on him from now on. This Tejima Shinichi… may become one of the key figures who shape Konoha's future."
Shikamaru glanced at his doomed position and curled his lip.
"Got it… Super troublesome, honestly."
'Troublesome or not, you have to watch,' Shikaku added silently, looking at Shikamaru. 'After all, the future of the Nara clan will rest on your shoulders.'
…Early the next morning, Third Training Ground.
As usual, Tejima Shinichi arrived at the rendezvous to find Kobayashi Takeshi and Satō Yū already waiting.
The instant they spotted him, they rushed over, eyes sparkling.
"Shinichi! Is it true?!" Kobayashi's voice trembled with excitement, almost pouncing on him. "The whole village is saying the Third Hokage took you as his disciple?!"
Satō Yū nodded vigorously, cheeks flushed. "We heard! Amazing—that's the Hokage!"
No political calculation showed on their faces; only reverence and yearning for the title "Hokage."
To them, Tejima Shinichi was now the person closest to that supreme position!
Looking at his teammates' admiration and excitement, Shinichi felt the Wood Release Scroll tucked inside his jacket and was indeed a little more relaxed than usual.
The corner of his mouth curved as he nodded.
"Mm."
At the confirmation Kobayashi grew even wilder, waving his arms. "I knew it! The top student is different! From now on, when Team One walks around, everyone will look up to us!"
"Of course —we're in the same squad as the Hokage's disciple!"
Satō Yū chimed in with a grin, eyes shining with shared pride.
Just then a figure quietly appeared at the edge of the training ground.
"You three look awfully happy today!"
Yamato's voice rang out.
They turned to see Yamato standing at the perimeter, smiling at them.
"You bet, Yamato-sensei!" Kobayashi shouted at once. "Shinichi's become the Hokage's disciple —how could we not be happy?!"
Satō Yū nodded hard, blush still on her cheeks. "We're all happy for Shinichi-kun!"
Yamato chuckled and walked over.
Glancing at Tejima Shinichi, he saw the boy still wore that calm look, yet Yamato could sense a faint tension that had once clung to him was now gone.
"Ah, I already know about that," Yamato said evenly. "It is indeed something to celebrate."
He shifted the subject:
"But fun aside, as your Jonin instructor, seeing how you've grown lately has made me think about our next arrangements."
At those words the trio's attention snapped to him.
Yamato looked at them and announced, "From today on I'm cutting back your squad's D-Rank missions."
"Really?!" Kobayashi and Satō Yū exclaimed in unison, eyes sparkling. No one enjoyed those dull, challenge-free chores.
Shinichi also raised his eyes. "Then we're continuing with C-Rank missions?"
"No, not exactly." Yamato shook his head. "I said reduce, not cancel, D-Ranks. C-Ranks… can't be taken lightly or frequently either."
He regarded his three subordinates seriously. "Before that, I need to put you through special training. You'll keep taking a few low-level missions for experience and income while undergoing targeted instruction from me. I want each of you to rise another notch."
His gaze lingered especially on Kobayashi and Satō Yū.
Their excitement dimmed slightly, replaced by understanding and gratitude.
They knew full well the huge gap between themselves and Tejima Shinichi.
If they didn't want to become dead weight —or be left behind —boosting their strength was the only option.
That their teacher would adjust the mission schedule for their sake clearly showed his concern for them.
"We understand, Yamato-sensei!" Kobayashi clenched his fist, fired up. "We'll give it everything!"
Satō Yū nodded firmly. "Thank you, Yamato-sensei. We won't let you down."
Seeing his teammates' resolve, Shinichi also gave a slight nod; raising the team's overall strength benefited him as well.
Satisfied that they understood, Yamato finally revealed his real goal:
"The main reason is… I want you to enter the Chunin Exams in two and a half months."
"The Chunin Exams?!"
The exclamation burst again from Kobayashi and Satō Yū.
The Chunin Exams!
The very path for Genin to rise to Chunin —and the stage where every nation showcases its new generation!
For newly graduated Genin like them, it was a supremely tempting yet daunting target!
A glint flashed in Tejima Shinichi's eyes.
The Chunin Exams… meaning that scheme by his "senior" against Konoha —more precisely against Hiruzen Sarutobi —was about to begin!
"Two and a half months… that's tight."
Shinichi pinpointed the crux.
"Exactly," Yamato affirmed. "That's why the special training matters. I'll tailor plans for each of you based on strengths and weaknesses. The goal isn't just to participate —it's to pass and qualify as Chunin."
He looked around at the three of them and encouraged,
"So —do you have the confidence?"
Kobayashi and Satō Yū exchanged glances, seeing blazing fighting spirit and a hint of nerves, but mostly eagerness.
"Yes!"
They answered in chorus, voices loud and clear.
Shinichi looked at Yamato and uttered two words:
"Of course."
Seeing the resolve in their eyes, Yamato clapped his hands in praise:
"Excellent! That's the spirit!"
"In that case, let's start —today!"
"Yes, sir!"