Chapter 21 : The so Called Academic Genius

*"Shikaku, about Tonari—now that you and the others know, you absolutely cannot let it slip to anyone, not even those closest to you. I've already spoken with his parents; no one will interfere.

For the time being, Tonari will be living with us. You need to get along with him,"* Nara Shikashin said as he looked at his son.

Shikashin was quite satisfied with his son.

While Shikaku hadn't inherited his father's good looks, he at least inherited his intelligence.

The only downside was his laziness—he didn't like putting effort into things unrelated to him.

That trait… who knows whom he got it from?

*"Understood,"* Nara Shikaku replied flatly.

Though he agreed outwardly, he couldn't help but feel curious about Tonari.

Especially after seeing how the forest had been obliterated. That level of destructive power left a significant impression on his young mind.

How could there be such a vast difference between people?

Tonari was younger than him and didn't even look like a ninja…

Was it because of the "tailed beast" the adults kept mentioning?

After warning Shikaku, Nara Shikashin turned to Tonari, who sat there looking well-behaved, with a complicated expression.

Honestly, if Tonari wasn't the Two-Tails' jinchūriki, Shikashin might genuinely like him.

It definitely wasn't because Tonari looked better than his son. Definitely not!

Ahem…

It was mostly because of Tonari's sharp mind.

A child so young yet with such complex thoughts—surpassing him someday was not out of the question.

The more Shikashin thought about it, the more he understood the Third Hokage's decision.

It all boiled down to the child's potential.

After all, Tonari was born in the Land of Fire. Aside from some influence from Danzo's *Curse of Subjugation Seal*, there was a high chance he wouldn't betray Konoha.

Especially since he was smart enough to recognize that no place could be safer or more comfortable than Konoha.

*"Tonari, for now, stay at our house. Treat it as your own home—no need to feel restrained. If you need anything, just ask me or Aunt Yoshimi.

If that doesn't work, you can even ask Shikaku.

Don't be fooled by his age—he's already a ninja,"* Shikashin said warmly.

A ninja!

In this world, being a ninja symbolized privilege.

Tonari's eyes lit up as he turned to Shikaku. *"Big Brother Shikaku, can you teach me how to become a ninja too?"*

For some reason, Shikaku felt a chill at the look in Tonari's eyes.

Before Shikaku could respond, Shikashin interjected. *"Haha, no need to rush, Tonari. Since you're in Konoha, you'll definitely have a chance to become a ninja.

But it won't be through Shikaku—it'll be through the Ninja Academy."*

*"The Ninja Academy?"* Tonari worked hard to maintain a natural expression.

Shikashin didn't notice anything unusual.

*"That's right—the Ninja Academy. It's the best place to start building a foundation to become a ninja.

The new school term started some time ago, though, and you lack the basic knowledge. If you don't want to attend alongside kids much younger than you, you'll need to study on your own for now.

Don't worry about materials; I'll provide them. If you have any questions, ask me or Shikaku.

Once this busy period is over, I'm sure the Third Hokage will arrange your enrollment."*

As he spoke, Shikashin placed a towering pile of books and scrolls in front of Tonari—stacked as tall as the boy himself.

Staring at the mountain of materials, Tonari blinked.

He had some choice words for Shikashin's ancestors but wisely kept them to himself.

Shikashin was quite pleased with Tonari's dumbfounded expression. *Let's see you try and act clever now, you sly little fox!*

*"Uncle Shikashin, may I ask where my room is?"*

*"Shikaku will show you. Aunt Yoshimi has already prepared it for you,"* Shikashin replied.

Tonari nodded, picked up part of the pile of books, and walked toward the door. Halfway there, he turned to Shikaku. *"What are you waiting for, Shikaku? Come help me carry these!"*

Shikaku: *"..."*

*You really are shameless.*

The Nara clan's estate was quite impressive. Tonari's temporary room was spacious and well-equipped.

After "politely" shooing Shikaku out, Tonari sat at his desk, staring at the mountain of materials.

He began reviewing the day's events.

Outwardly calm, he inwardly cursed the ancestors of everyone involved.

*"Cunning old foxes, all of them. No wonder only those with power and status thrive in this world!"*

Based on the events of the day, Tonari could guess what Konoha's upper echelons were thinking.

It all came down to one thing—**irresistible temptation.**

A free Two-Tails jinchūriki, especially one whose location even Kumogakure couldn't confirm, was simply too enticing.

During the First Hokage's era, they lacked the strength or authority to stop the distribution of tailed beasts. But after seeing their power in battle, they developed a love-hate relationship with these creatures.

Now that the Two-Tails had delivered itself to their doorstep, there was no reason to let it go.

Besides, Konoha was at its peak strength.

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was in his prime; the legendary White Fang, Hatake Sakumo, had made a name for himself during the Second Shinobi War; and the Sannin—Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade—had just earned their title from Hanzo the Salamander.

Compared to this Konoha, Kumogakure was hardly a threat.

*"Danzo, that scheming old fox, must have been the strongest advocate for keeping me here. With his Curse of Subjugation Seal and his brainwashing techniques, he probably still thinks I'm loyal to him."*

Tonari didn't immediately dive into the materials. Instead, he carefully analyzed his current situation.

Understanding his circumstances was far more critical than studying—it would determine how he should position himself in Konoha.

Should he flaunt his talent openly or keep a low profile and stay out of trouble until the end?

*This is crucial.*

The innocent smile he'd been wearing all day vanished.

*"Even Sarutobi Hiruzen isn't as benevolent as he seems. If he hadn't approved it, Danzo couldn't have kept me here, no matter how hard he pushed."*

Tonari rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

*"These scheming old foxes… Why do I feel like they're all drooling over me?"*

He shuddered at the memory of waking up to a group of adults staring at him on the hospital bed.

*"Since I wasn't sent directly to Root, it means Sarutobi Hiruzen hasn't fully turned into the politician he'll become later—he's still quite authoritative.

The Nara clan is a cornerstone of the Hokage faction.

As long as I behave, I should be safe for now.

But knowing Danzo, he won't give up so easily. If he could control a loyal Two-Tails jinchūriki, he'd have the leverage to challenge the Hokage's authority.

And… around this time, that legendary figure is about to get caught in Danzo's web.

Should I intervene?"*

Tonari hesitated. If he could gain that figure's favor, his safety in Konoha would be guaranteed.

But that person had a fragile heart…

For now, Tonari shelved the idea. It wasn't realistic to act just yet—someone of that caliber wouldn't let a kid like him get close.

Instead, he focused on the mountain of materials before him.

*"Think this pile of books will slow me down?

You've clearly never met a true academic genius. Double it, and I'd still devour it all!"*

Smirking, he picked up *Chakra Refinement for Beginners* and began to read.

At the same time, Tonari solidified his strategy.

Being overly cautious wasn't wise. Showing some talent now and then would make the two major factions value him more, ensuring a smoother future.

After all, everything was for the sake of reaching the endgame.