Chapter 334: The Konoha Preschool Class Is Established; Precise Chakra Control [HN]

Three months passed quietly.

At Chiya’s residence in the Uchiha Clan district, Tsunade was somewhat clumsily trying to change little Mirai’s diaper.

Her movements were nowhere near as smooth as when she used Medical Ninjutsu or threw a Monster Strength punch, and she even looked a little flustered.

Yet the care and concentration she showed revealed a completely new kind of toughness, one that came from being a mother.

“Hmph, this little thing certainly has a lot of strength.”

Tsunade muttered as she held down Mirai’s kicking legs, though her face carried a doting smile.

Mirai seemed to have inherited her mother’s powerful vitality.

Although she had only been born recently, her little hands and feet were already surprisingly strong, and her occasional unconscious movements could even create faint gusts of wind.

At that moment, Mikoto gently walked in while carrying little Chimi, accompanied by Shizune, the temporary nurse.

Mikoto had recovered well, and her gentle expression was even softer than before.

Yet whenever she looked at her daughter, there was occasionally a trace of the same worry and boundless affection that could be seen in Tsunade’s eyes.

“Tsunade-nee, do you need any help?”

Mikoto asked softly as she carefully placed Chimi on the padded couch.

Chimi was unusually quiet.

She opened her large, grape-like eyes that looked almost exactly like Mikoto’s and curiously examined her surroundings while her pale little hands unconsciously grasped at the air.

“No need!~”

Tsunade let out a long breath after finally completing the difficult task, wiped her forehead as though there were sweat there, and looked at Mikoto and Chimi with a softened expression.

“Finally, I’m done. This little girl really knows how to cause trouble.”

There was not the slightest trace of complaint in her tone, only affection.

She walked over to the couch and leaned down to look at the quiet and obedient Chimi, then could not help reaching out to gently touch her soft cheek.

“Chimi is so well behaved. Unlike Mirai, who’s like a little monster with too much energy.”

Mikoto covered her mouth and laughed softly.

“Mirai is just full of energy, just like you, Tsunade-nee. Chimi is simply quieter…”

She paused and looked at Chimi’s little hand, which was still unconsciously grasping at the air, her tone carrying a trace of complicated emotion.

“Sometimes, being too quiet is what makes people worry.”

Just then, Chimi seemed to be attracted by Tsunade’s finger and reached toward it.

A nearly imperceptible strand of chakra thread quietly emerged from her fingertip.

It was extremely precise, almost as though it were alive, and gently wrapped around Tsunade’s finger.

The sensation was so faint that it would have been almost impossible to notice without Tsunade’s sharp senses.

Her body stiffened slightly, and surprise flashed through her eyes before quickly turning into deeper understanding and a trace of seriousness.

She looked up at Mikoto.

Mikoto had unknowingly activated her Sharingan, and her scarlet eyes had clearly seen the entire movement.

The two women saw the same thing in each other’s eyes.

Chimi’s talent for chakra control was truly astonishing.

Such precise control performed unconsciously far exceeded that of an infant her age, and even many Genin might not have been capable of doing it.

“Looks like Orochimaru didn’t completely give that toy away blindly after all.”

Tsunade withdrew her finger, and the strand of chakra thread disappeared with it.

Her tone was complicated.

She was proud of Chimi’s talent, but she could not help worrying whether there might be unknown risks hidden behind such an early display of talent.

Mikoto gently took Chimi back into her arms and spoke softly.

“Chiya-nii said he’ll keep an eye on her. As long as she’s guided properly, this talent will be Chimi’s blessing.”

The two fell silent for a moment.

The only sound in the room was little Mirai’s occasional babbling.

…

At the same time, on the edge of the Uchiha Clan district, a newly built “school” stood there.

It was the former location of the “Ninja Basic Education Class” hosted by Uchiha Hikari and Uchiha Izumi, but today it was holding a simple yet meaningful unveiling ceremony.

A brand-new plaque had been hung above the gate of the newly renovated courtyard.

Written on it in bold characters was the name personally inscribed by Chiya.

Konoha Ninja Preschool.

This was a new project approved by Chiya.

Chiya stood below the stage, with Nara Shikaku, Namikaze Minato, other Konoha officials, and representatives from the various clans standing beside him.

Below the stage were the first group of students, selected from children between the ages of three and six.

They wore specially made dark blue miniature ninja uniforms, and their faces were filled with curiosity, nervousness, and excitement.

Uchiha Hikari stood beneath the plaque, still wearing her practical dark-colored ninja uniform.

Yet the silence and distance that had once filled her eyes had faded, replaced by greater involvement and determination.

Uchiha Izumi stood beside her, her face filled with excitement and pride.

“From this day forward, the Konoha Ninja Preschool is officially established!”

Hikari’s clear voice spread throughout the entire venue.

“This place will no longer be a family’s backyard. It will be the place where every promising young seed in Konoha first comes into contact with the ninja path and lays down its foundation.

“We will follow the will of the Hokage and focus on discovering talent and teaching according to each child’s abilities.

“Before they enter the Ninja Academy, they will become familiar with the basics of being a ninja.

“While building a foundation in taijutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu, we will place even greater emphasis on perseverance, cooperation, identification with the village, and the desire to protect it!”

Her eyes swept across the young faces below the stage, and her voice became solemn.

“The path of a ninja is long and difficult, but every beginning lies in the foundation and in one’s character.

“We hope that every child who leaves this place, no matter what they accomplish in the future, will eventually become a strong and upright pillar capable of supporting Konoha’s great tree!”

Thunderous applause erupted.

Many parents from civilian families had tears in their eyes.

They saw hope that their children could change their destinies.

The representatives of the various clans also looked solemn.

They understood that the establishment of the preschool meant Konoha’s system for cultivating talent was undergoing a profound transformation.

Resources would increasingly be directed toward those with talent, breaking the clan-dominated education system and undoubtedly increasing the village’s overall potential.

After the ceremony ended, the first class officially began.

On the spacious training ground, the children formed neat lines according to Hikari’s instructions.

Izumi was responsible for demonstrating the most basic chakra refinement posture and breathing method.

Her explanation was patient and detailed, and she tried to describe the mysterious energy in words the children could understand.

Hikari walked between the lines.

Her Sharingan was not activated, but the combat awareness she had accumulated over many years allowed her to precisely identify even the smallest problems each child had.

“Make your breathing deeper and feel the flow of energy in your abdomen.”

“Don’t rush. Guiding chakra requires patience.”

“…”

She stopped beside a black-haired boy and gently corrected his slightly crooked arm.

The boy nodded nervously and tried his best to adjust his posture.

Hikari noticed that the child lacked physical strength.

However, his mental focus was unusually strong, so refining chakra should not be too difficult for him.

On the other side of the line, a red-haired little girl with a few freckles seemed to be having trouble.

Her little face had turned bright red, but she still could not sense the chakra everyone was talking about.

She was so anxious that her eyes were beginning to redden.

Izumi walked over, crouched down, and gently held her hand.

“It’s okay. Not everyone can sense it immediately.

“Close your eyes and imagine the happiest moment of your life. Think about that warm feeling…”

Hikari swept her gaze across the entire training ground and memorized each child’s performance.

She knew that everyone’s talent was different.

Geniuses like Kakashi and Guy were rare, while most people were ordinary ninjas with average aptitude.

That was the meaning of the preschool.

It was meant to discover their individual strengths as early as possible and help them establish goals.

With proper guidance, geniuses would be less likely to lose their way.

Those who worked hard would find their direction, while even ordinary children could build a solid foundation.

“Do you see it, Izumi?”

During the break, Hikari spoke to the girl beside her.

“This is the foundation of the future. Teaching them isn’t only about passing on skills. It’s also about shaping their souls.

“Protecting Konoha isn’t only about defeating enemies on the battlefield. It’s also about protecting these young seedlings.

“Letting them grow strong so that they can eventually become great trees that shelter the generations after them.”

Izumi nodded firmly.

“Izumi, I know you like Uchiha Chiya, but you have to understand…”

The moment she heard the words “like Uchiha Chiya,” Izumi’s face reddened, and she became somewhat flustered.

“Hikari-nee…”

Hikari did not stop and continued.

“If you want to stay by his side, you have to improve your strength…”

Hikari’s eyes were filled with seriousness.

Izumi froze for a moment.

Uchiha Chiya’s figure flashed through her mind.

Her eyes soon filled with determination.

“I understand, Hikari-nee! I’ll definitely work hard!”

…

At the Hokage residence, Chiya rarely spent the evening with both Tsunade and Mikoto at the same time.

Little Mirai was in Tsunade’s arms, waving her tiny fists while babbling.

Little Chimi lay quietly in Mikoto’s arms, her large eyes open as though she were listening to the adults’ conversation.

Chiya looked at his two daughters with a gentle expression.

He reached out and stroked both girls’ soft hair at the same time, feeling the deep connection of their shared blood.

“The village’s affairs have finally settled down somewhat. Over at the Science Academy, Orochimaru’s ‘Regional Adaptive Defense Barrier’ already has a preliminary model, and they’re conducting small-scale tests in Loran Town.”

Chiya spoke about village affairs in a relaxed tone.

“The Young Ninja Academy is also on the right track. Hikari and Izumi are doing even better than expected.”

Tsunade snorted and adjusted Mirai in her arms.

“Don’t put too much responsibility on them. They’re still young themselves.”

Mikoto smiled gently.

“Hikari and Izumi are both very serious. I’m happy to see that they’ve found something they want to do.”

At that moment, Mirai, who was in Tsunade’s arms, seemed somewhat dissatisfied that her father kept paying attention to her sister.

She let out two loud “Ah-ah” sounds, drawing Chiya’s attention.

Chiya looked over in amusement and teased her.

“What’s wrong? Does our little Mirai have something to say too?”

Little Mirai looked at her father’s face as he leaned closer.

She suddenly stopped waving her fists, opened her little mouth, and uttered a vague yet clear syllable.

“Pa…Pa…”

The entire room fell silent.

Tsunade’s eyes widened as she stared at her daughter in disbelief.

Mikoto covered her mouth, her eyes filled with surprise and delight.

Chiya’s body stiffened as immense and indescribable joy flooded over him like a wave.

‘Did I just imagine that?’

‘My daughter was only born a short while ago, and she already…’

He almost held his breath as he carefully leaned closer.

“Mirai… what did you just call me?”

Little Mirai seemed amused by her father’s reaction.

She opened her toothless little mouth and tried again.

“Pa…Pa!”

“Hahaha! Did you hear that? She called me Daddy!”

Chiya could no longer contain his excitement and burst into loud laughter.

His laughter was filled with the pure joy of becoming a father.

He reached out, took Mirai from Tsunade’s arms, and lifted her high.

Then he carefully brought her back into his arms and kissed her tender cheeks several times.

Tsunade watched the scene with slightly heated eyes, her heart filled with complicated warmth.

This woman, who could face any powerful enemy on the battlefield without changing expression, had now been struck in the softest part of her heart by her daughter’s vague “Daddy.”

She turned her face away and quietly wiped the moisture from the corner of her eye.

When she turned back, her face already carried a proud and happy smile.

“Hmph, looks like you got the advantage first.”

Mikoto was also sincerely happy for them.

Little Chimi in her arms seemed to be infected by the cheerful atmosphere, and the corners of her tiny mouth curved upward slightly.

However, in the next moment, everyone’s attention was drawn to Chimi again.

Little Chimi, lying in Mikoto’s arms, had somehow turned her gaze toward a soft white sheet of cotton paper placed on the table for wrapping gifts.

Her black, shining eyes stared intently at the paper, and her pale little hand moved gently in its direction.

There was no hand seal and not even an obvious chakra fluctuation, yet the cotton paper seemed to be pulled by invisible threads.

It quietly floated off the table and folded and turned through the air with incredible precision.

Within a few breaths, it had actually become a small, delicate, lifelike paper crane.

It gently landed on Chimi’s outstretched fingertip.

The paper crane’s wings trembled slightly, as though it could take flight at any moment.

This scene was even more shocking than Mirai’s “Daddy.”

The smile on Chiya’s face slowly faded and was replaced by focused concentration.

He walked over to Mikoto and looked down at the paper crane on his daughter’s fingertip.

He could sense the faint yet terrifyingly precise chakra control within it.

This was not a Ninjutsu.

It was more like… instinct.

A talent that allowed her to control chakra as naturally as moving her own limbs and turn it into an extension of herself.

Tsunade also walked over, her expression serious.

“At such a young age, she doesn’t even know what chakra is, yet she already has this kind of control… I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Mikoto held her daughter tighter, pride and a deeper trace of unease visible in her eyes.

“Chiya-nii…”

Chiya reached out and gently touched the paper crane with his finger.

The crane trembled but did not disappear.

He raised his head and looked at Mikoto and Tsunade.

His expression had returned to calm determination, the steadiness of someone capable of weathering any storm.

“Don’t worry.”

His voice was low and filled with strength.

“This is Chimi’s talent. It’s a gift from heaven.

“We’ll protect her and guide her, and we’ll make sure she uses this power to create and protect rather than destroy.”

He leaned down and gently kissed Chimi’s smooth forehead, then looked at Mirai, who was still babbling in his arms.

“Mirai, Chimi… you are both Daddy’s most precious treasures.”

Chiya’s voice was filled with solemnity.

“The peace of Konoha, the continuation of the clan, your smiles… this is everything I must protect.

“And I will also make sure that you have the power to protect what you cherish.”

Outside the window, night deepened, and the lights of Konoha gradually illuminated one after another like stars protecting the land.

Inside, the warmth of the family intertwined with the peace outside.

The two daughters, so different in personality and talent…

Would surely shine brilliantly in Konoha’s future!