Chapter 194 – Covered in Explosive Tags and Still Dared to Move? Bold of You!

Words : 1837 Updated : Oct 6th, 2025

"Yes, welcome, Konan-sensei!" The group responded in unison, politely bowing before quietly settling into their seats, not daring to make a sound. The atmosphere was so silent it was unsettling—Konan’s face turned a shade paler. What... ...was going on? She felt a little uneasy, but Kyoichi understood these kids well. After all, he had once been a student himself. They weren’t unhappy. It was just that with him still standing there, they didn’t quite know how to react. After all, most of them were Genin who hadn’t made it past the second stage of the Chūnin Exams. Or worse—complete slackers. Kyoichi swept his gaze across the room and said plainly, “Not everyone can pass the Chūnin Exams. In a format like this, strength is one part, but luck also plays a role. Of course, I’ve pulled a few who did pass back here for a little self-reflection.” Some students lowered their heads. Though they had passed and technically earned the rank of Chūnin, everyone knew how they’d done it. Pure freeloaders. Take Suzume and Yu, for example. They practically coasted through on luck. In terms of actual ability, they hadn’t yet reached Chūnin level. So they were brought back for more training to shore up their weak spots. The training they’d undergone earlier? That was just a temporary fix. Eventually, these ones would be moved to the Chūnin Special Training Class—right now, they just didn’t have suitable instructors. Hearing Kyoichi’s "sentence," many students breathed a sigh of relief. “Konan, you handle this group. I have other matters to attend to.” “Wait, what?!” Konan was dumbfounded. He was leaving her here just like that? Kyoichi gave her an encouraging look—then made a swift and decisive exit. Konan stood there in a daze. She stared at the dozen or so students in the room and took a deep breath. A dozen Genin... Fine. Just pretend they’re Ame-nin. Once Kyoichi left, the classroom remained quiet for a long while—then suddenly burst into chatter. “Konan-sensei, you’re from Amegakure? How do you know Kyoichi-sensei?” “Can you share a story or two…” “I really want to hear!” A female teacher— From Amegakure, no less—and by the looks of it, she seemed to know Kyoichi fairly well. Curiosity is only natural. Even more so for these kids. Kyoichi kept them all in line, but in front of someone who looked gentle and easy to talk to—like Konan—it was a different story. “I came to Konoha for an exchange and to learn. Kyoichi-kun was assigned to handle the arrangements. I haven’t been a Jōnin for very long, but I’ll do my best to teach well during my time here.” Konan didn’t reveal how close she actually was with Kyoichi—nor did she mention that her mentor was Jiraiya. She worried that her background might affect how people in Konoha viewed either of them. After that little introduction, she gradually steadied herself. Just pretend they’re the bratty kids from Akatsuki. No big deal. Still… What should she teach? Konan found herself drawing a blank. After some thought, she recalled Kyoichi’s words. After weighing her options, she took a seat and said, “I’m not much older than you all. Just treat me like a friend and let’s talk freely.” “Yay! Sensei, what’s Amegakure like? Is it pretty?” “It’s a country where it rains year-round. Pretty...? Definitely not as grand or beautiful as Konoha. Our Jōnin in Amegakure probably aren’t even as strong as your Chūnin here.” Konan replied humbly. “Really? I don’t believe that…” A less-than-harmonious voice cut through. Konan turned to look. That symbol… Uchiha? No wonder. Dealing with them was always tricky. Sёarch* The ηovelFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When she was chatting with the other kids earlier, none of them said anything so blunt. She grumbled inwardly but kept a smile on her face. “Small villages and large ones have very different standards. It’s not fair to measure them with the same yardstick. That’s exactly why Amegakure came here—to learn.” Meanwhile, in the teachers' office, Kyoichi watched through his Telescope Technique and gave a small shake of his head. Konan was still too soft. But… It was hard to say for now. Hopefully, she wouldn’t need rescuing. As for Obito… Nothing he did would surprise Kyoichi. Like Naruto, Obito was the kind of ninja full of surprises. He’d performed well in the Chūnin Exams, making it to the third round thanks to good teamwork with Yamashiro Aoba and Rin. However… He’d still been pulled into this class. The reason was simple: he’d missed checking multiple traps. If Yamashiro Aoba hadn’t pointed them out, they might’ve triggered. And now— Konan’s words were clearly self-effacing. But if that guy actually believed her... Things might get ugly. Kyoichi was still deep in thought when he saw Obito suddenly stand up. “Sensei, something just came up. May I be excused?” “No.” Konan narrowed her eyes, her expression gradually growing dangerous. But… Obito clearly hadn’t noticed. “It’s really important.” His real thought was: If it’s going to be an Amegakure shinobi teaching us, I’d rather go train with Kakashi and Guy, or just on my own. Sitting around chatting here is a complete waste of time. But he wasn’t stupid—he couldn’t just say that out loud. “You’re trying to ditch class, aren’t you?” Konan asked. “W-What?! No way!” Obito quickly denied it and glanced around cautiously. Kyoichi-sensei shouldn’t be nearby, right? “Relax,” Konan said. “Kyoichi’s not here. I may have only just made jōnin, and yes, Amegakure’s jōnin aren’t exactly on par with those from Konoha, but I am capable of teaching you.” She gave him a gentle smile. “Tell you what—if you can escape this classroom, I’ll approve your leave. You won’t have to show up for the rest of the week.” “Really?!” Obito’s eyes lit up. Konan smiled even brighter. Yup, definitely trying to ditch class. Caught him with one line. She nodded. “Really. Same goes for the rest of you.” “Alright!” The whole class leapt up, preparing to bolt through the windows. But the next second, sheets of white paper burst from Konan’s body and flooded the entire classroom. A sea of paper surged across the room. In the blink of an eye… The classroom transformed into a paper prison. Those who had stood were all caught in midair by paper chains, bound and dangling helplessly. Dance of the Shikigami: Paper Prison! Obito was still struggling when, suddenly, the paper beside him gathered and formed an exact replica of Konan. “Still moving around with so many explosive tags on you? I gotta say, kid, I admire your guts.” “What? I can definitely—AHHHHH!” Obito tried to declare that he wasn’t afraid and could break free. But the next moment, he let out a terrified scream. A whole mass of explosive tags! Wait— This must be a genjutsu, right?! he thought, panicked. “Oh no, they’re real,” Konan said sweetly. “H-How do you know what I’m thinking?!” “Heh… I may not be as strong as your Kyoichi or Minato-sensei, but I am a jōnin. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.” Konan chuckled. In truth, she didn’t even need to guess—Obito’s thoughts were written all over his face. Obito turned away, fuming. Damn it! One day… no, someday for sure—I’ll beat this woman! Back at the podium, Konan looked at the suspended students and spoke calmly. “I hadn’t decided what to teach at first, but now I have—I’ll be teaching you all some survival strategies used by shinobi from smaller villages.” The room went dead silent. Everyone instantly understood: This woman wasn’t as soft as she looked—no, to be precise, she could be gentle, but she could also be brutal. This was what it meant to be a jōnin. The entire class sat obediently. “In small villages, unlike the major ones, we have fewer people and can’t afford mistakes. That’s why, with every squad I’ve led, I always teach my subordinates that every decision must be made with care. Your choices don’t just affect your own life—but your teammates’ as well.” “And for those of you who tried to escape—you’ll stay suspended and listen to this whole lesson like that.” Konan smiled sweetly as paper danced around her, forming a delicate paper flower in her palm. “Those who perform well… will receive this paper flower as a reward.” She was gradually finding her rhythm. Teaching students… wasn’t as hard as she’d feared. At least with genin—it was still manageable. They knew what they wanted, and once they realized she was more than capable, their attitudes shifted. Pure gentleness wouldn’t cut it. Konan silently reminded herself. You only truly understand something through experience. She now wholeheartedly agreed with what Kyoichi had once told her—and with his so-called “words of wisdom.” But just then— Obito suddenly blurted out, “Konan-sensei, I think I’ve seen that jutsu before. My sensei used it once. You sure you’re not close with Kyoichi-sensei? That kind of secret technique—" “Mm—” A piece of paper instantly sealed his mouth. Konan swept her gaze across the room and noticed that the others were only curious—not suspicious or critical. Relieved, she calmly replied, “Paper-style techniques are my own invention. Kyoichi simply developed something similar—that’s all.” “Yes, Sensei!” Everyone nodded in unison. Strength speaks loudest. No one dared challenge her authority now—and the only one who had was currently gagged. “Alright, let’s continue. Where were we? Oh yes—every decision must be made with care. That includes what you say. Speak carelessly, and you’ll be punished. Make a mistake on the battlefield, and it could cost lives.” “The stronger you become… the more you need to understand that.” Konan steered the lesson back on track. This wasn’t some doctrine passed down by Amegakure, but her own belief—one she had instilled in all her subordinates. Take responsibility for yourself. And for your team. Meanwhile, in the office, Kyoichi smiled, closed the crystal ball, and stretched with a yawn. Looks like… He could slack off for a bit. Maybe swing by the lab and check how Orochimaru’s research was progressing. It had been two days since the exam ended—Orochimaru should’ve resumed work by now. The Grass Release project had already succeeded. But… To promote it further, the entry threshold needed to be lowered. Right now, only those with Senju lineage could manage it. That was still too high a bar. Kyoichi was brainstorming alternatives, but nothing concrete had emerged. Well… he did have one idea. Cultivate Hashirama cells into trees—then draw Wood Release chakra directly from them. There were many benefits to this approach. But the downside… Hashirama cells were too easy to steal. Once they became widespread, it could spiral out of control—into something truly terrifying. And that… Was a line Kyoichi didn’t dare cross.

Chapter 194 – Covered in Explosive Tags and Still Dared to Move? Bold of You!

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