"Isn't that great? Getting long-term mentoring from a jōnin—that's a pretty valuable opportunity."
Hii Kōri looked up, somewhat confused by Pakura's expression.
He vaguely recalled from the manga that Academy graduates formed three-person teams led by team leader jōnin. But in Sunagakure, that system didn't seem fully developed yet.
At least in current Sunagakure, jōnin didn't have that much free time to teach newly graduated genin. More often, chūnin handled this work, and the fine division of three-person teams didn't exist.
Under these circumstances, gaining a jōnin's favor proactive offering to teach—why wasn't she happy?
"...If I graduate, won't I have to break up from you guys?"
Meeting Hii Kōri's gaze—noticeably more emotional than usual—Pakura bit her lower lip and hesitated.
Yabai. Yabai yo.
Hii Kōri's tactical backpedal, wearing an expression like "the fruit-selling old man getting countered by Zangief, taking full damage and instantly dying."
Unlike Karura, who always clung to him, Pakura seemed normal most of the time but often suddenly unleashed explosive output he couldn't block.
Like now.
Flushed cheeks, moist eyes, slightly trembling nose, paired with a softer, more fragile tone than usual... Whew. Powerful contrast killer move.
They say childhood bonds are the most sincere. Wasn't this moment's emotion equally pure?
Such uncalculated, I feel sorry for the vulnerability—how could he resist?
"It's just graduating early, not transferring to another country. No need for that expression, Pakura."
"But... but, can't you keep guiding me, Kōri?"
Oh, impressive. Second hit follow-up.
"Ah... don't expect so much from me. I'm just your peer after all. I've already taught you everything I can."
Thinking this, Hii Kōri adjusted his glasses, quickly recomposing his expression.
Not peers.
But this wasn't an excuse—it was the real deal.
Hii Kōri was an excellent researcher, but not a good teacher. He could figure out Pakura and Karura's chakra circulation patterns, calculate their physical qualities and potential, and formulate training plans tailored to their individual status.
He could even teach them medical ninjutsu and taijutsu basics based on his experience—adapting his own state to theirs.
After all, tenketsu positions varied but were more or less the same. Basic taijutsu practices and techniques were relatively general.
That was the extent of Hii Kōri's ability.
The claim that chakra nature reflected personality might be biased, but wasn't entirely groundless.
Pakura's aggressive fighting style, her preference for sacrificial technique in taijutsu—her personality inherently contained strong aggression, only suppressed around Hii Kōri.
Similarly, her ninjutsu talent leaned more toward Fire Release than Wind.
Hii Kōri would happily teach her the Wind Release techniques learned from Matazaburō. But application techniques and concepts differed vastly between natures—not teachable on demand.
His Fire Release knowledge, conversely, came entirely from Pakura. Having him guide her Fire Release would be somewhat anti-Tiangang.
As for jōnin—even if not Fire Release specialists, they were well-informed and had their own understanding.
Once everyone's theoretical knowledge was accumulated sufficiently, Hii Kōri wouldn't mind continued communication. But now? Too easy to mislead students. Teaching students in accordance with their aptitude wasn't his strength. Ultimately, each ninja must forge their own fighting style.
"What I've mastered and excel at isn't all for you. You understand that, right?"
Cradling Pakura's Cheeks, feeling their warmth, Hii Kōri advised her earnestly.
"...Yeah..."
Knowing priorities but unable to get past this mental block, the girl lowered her head, buried her face in Hii Kōri's palms, rubbed lightly, and let out a muffled hum.
Somehow reminded of a cat, Hii Kōri instinctively flipped his hand and scratched under her chin.
Such intimate contact made Pakura tense up instantly—yet she didn't lift her chin from his hand, just red-eared and quietly enjoying it.
"Speaking of which, Karura should be able to graduate early too, right?"
Hii Kōri acted unconsciously, turning to Karura. "The old hag's medical corps is pretty understaffed. With your current level, getting in wouldn't be hard."
"Eh... really? Can I?"
The little rabbit obviously lacked confidence. Without clear comparison, she couldn't accurately gauge her ability.
"Be a little confident. In a sense, you're the old hag's direct disciple."
True. The medical ninjutsu she learned basically came from Hii Kōri fleecing Chiyo. Calling it "direct discipleship" wasn't wrong.
Clearly, Karura trusted Hii Kōri's reassurance more than her own feelings. Hearing his confirming tone, the little rabbit instantly relaxed.
"What about you, Kōri?"
"Me? I don't really care. Graduating or not, wherever I go—all the same."
Nothing much would change anyway. He left that half unsaid.
Whether regular graduation or early graduation as some jōnin's disciple and subordinate—none of it would affect his resume.
Sand's primary requirement for him had always been sealing technique mastery. Early in his time here, Chiyo often asked tentatively about his progress.
Though seemingly urging, Hii Kōri sensed concern and care in her inquiries.
A child obviously couldn't compare to his parents. Chiyo's word alone might reassure other senior officials. If his talent proved insufficient, who knows what treatment he'd face.
In places unseen,Chiyo endured considerable pressure too.
But once Hii Kōri's talent fully manifested, no one asked Chiyo those questions anymore.
Under these circumstances, he personally felt no rush to graduate.
***
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