Naruto: Starting with Creating a Genius Persona

Two and a half years later, at Konoha's Fourth Training Ground.

Bang bang bang!

The rapid and solid sounds of fists and feet colliding rang out in quick succession. Two figures in the arena crossed, separated, and collided again at an extremely fast speed. Their movements were clean and neat, and the strong winds they generated stirred up fine dust on the ground.

One of the figures was dark-skinned and burly, with a fierce and powerful attack; it was Ishizuka Takashi. The other was shrewd and composed, with a rigorous and methodical approach in his responses; it was naturally Higashino Shinichi.

"This kid's physique is really extraordinary."

Off the field, a short, stocky middle-aged man with round sunglasses and a somewhat comical demeanor was stroking his chin, deep in thought.

He is none other than Chen Baojun, hailed as Konoha's strongest taijutsu ninja and nicknamed "Konoha Dragon God".

On the field, Ryu's offensive became increasingly fierce, seemingly trying to suppress with strength, but Shinichi's response remained methodical, his defense was watertight, and his occasional counterattacks, seizing gaps, were precise and effective, forcing Ryu to return to defense.

"Hmm... it's about time to end this. This kid is about to get serious." Chen Baojun keenly sensed the subtle changes in Zhenyi's aura and rhythm.

Sure enough, the next moment...

The instant that Ge Kailong landed a heavy punch, Shinichi's foot slipped unpredictably, cutting into the opponent's midline, which was slightly sluggish due to the exertion of force. His right hand transformed from a palm into a finger, and with lightning speed, he lightly touched a certain spot between Ge Kailong's chest and abdomen.

Takashi Ishizuka groaned, feeling his breath suddenly catch in his throat, his gathered power instantly dissipating, and he immediately lost his footing.

Shinichi didn't miss the opportunity and seized the moment with a simple sweeping leg.

boom!

His sturdy body lost its balance and fell heavily backward to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

"Cough... Haha!" Ryu lay on the ground, catching his breath, then laughed, showing no sign of frustration. "Shinichi, you're still so strong! I thought my move just now would at least force you to retreat!"

A smile appeared on Shinichi's face, his breathing steady. He stepped forward and reached out his hand to Ryu, who was lying on the ground.

"You've improved a lot, Ryu."

Long chuckled, grabbed Shinichi's hand, and leaped up, brushing the dirt off his clothes with undiminished fighting spirit: "Next time! We'll continue after school starts in a few days..."

"Maybe... there's no time left, Takashi." Shinichi gently shook his head.

"No time?" Long was stunned and didn't react.

"Kid, are you planning to apply for early graduation?"

A slightly hoarse but powerful voice came from the side. Chen Baojun, wearing sunglasses, had taken a few steps closer. He crossed his arms, and his gaze behind the sunglasses seemed to be fixed on Zhenyi.

Zhenyi turned to Chen Baojun and bowed slightly respectfully: "Yes, Teacher Chen, that's exactly what I was thinking."

The close relationship with Takashi over the years has indeed played the role that Shinichi expected.

About a year ago, when he was sparring with Long at the training ground, Chen Baojun happened to see them.

After that, the Konoha taijutsu expert seemed to take notice of him, occasionally offering seemingly casual comments after watching a match, pointing out minor flaws in his power exertion or footwork.

The frequency of such guidance gradually increased, and the content became more in-depth. They even taught him some physical techniques.

Although Chen Baojun never explicitly mentioned taking on apprentices, what he taught far exceeded the scope of what a senior would typically teach a junior.

Zhenyi was fully aware of the situation and always treated him with the respect due to a disciple, with a humble and sincere attitude.

"That's true." Chen Baojun nodded, his tone calm but with the certainty of someone who's been there: "At your current level, staying at the Ninja Academy won't teach you anything new. It might even limit your growth. Going out to experience real missions and hone your combat skills will be more beneficial for you."

"Shinichi, you're graduating early?" Takashi finally understood, his eyes lighting up with a surge of excitement: "Me too! Let's graduate together..."

"Graduating early my ass!" Chen Baojun interrupted rudely, stepping forward and giving Long a solid thud on the head, cursing, "Your cultivation is still far from sufficient, and you're already thinking about graduating?"

"Ouch!" Ryu rubbed his head, complaining, "But Might Guy from the next class graduated a year ago, didn't he? Back then, his physical skills... I felt were even worse than mine!"

"At least Might Guy knows how to use ninjutsu! Can you?" Chen Baojun glared at him irritably. "The graduation exam definitely tests basic ninjutsu application, especially the Three Body Technique! You can't even do the most basic Shadow Clone Technique, what are you going to use for the exam? Go up there and show off your muscles?"

Chen Baojun's words hit the nail on the head. Might Guy is indeed a master of taijutsu, but he is not completely incapable of ninjutsu.

Ryu's situation is even more special. Like Guy's father Might Dai and the later hard-working genius Rock Lee, he has a congenital obstacle in the form and nature transformation of chakra, making it almost impossible for him to use any conventional ninjutsu.

The reason why Long was able to become a ninja later was probably because the Konoha higher-ups took special care of Chen Baojun, the Konoha Dragon God and a top taijutsu Jonin, and guaranteed his status. But that's another story.

"Huh? Then... then does that mean I'll never graduate?" Hearing the teacher ruthlessly point out the cruel reality, Long felt as if he had been struck by lightning. His excitement just now was instantly extinguished, and he felt that his future was bleak.

"We'll figure something out later!" Chen Baojun rolled his eyes. "For now, just give up on the idea of ​​graduating early. Focus on building a solid foundation and getting stronger!"

"Teacher Chen is right, Ryu." Shinichi also spoke up to comfort him, his tone sincere: "The foundation of a taijutsu-type ninja lies in physical fitness. You are currently in the golden period of building your foundation and growing stronger. Spend more time making your body more robust, so that even if you only know taijutsu, you will be able to handle many more situations and environments when you become a ninja in the future."

".....knew."

"Hey kid." Chen Baojun's attention returned to Shinichi, and his tone unusually earnest: "I know you're a true genius, with outstanding strength. At your current level, even after you graduate, you'll definitely be among the top tier of chunin."

He paused, his voice deepening, "But you must remember, in the ninja profession, strength and talent alone are far from enough. Missions are ever-changing, enemies are cunning, and underestimating your opponent and being complacent are often shortcuts to your grave. The outside world is a thousand times more brutal than the classrooms and training grounds of the ninja academy. Always remain vigilant, never underestimate any opponent, and never overestimate your luck. Understand?"

Zhenyi's expression turned serious. Meeting Chen Baojun's gaze, he nodded solemnly: "I understand, Teacher Chen. Thank you for your teachings. I will keep them in mind."

"Hmm." Seeing his upright attitude, Chen Baojun's expression softened slightly. He nodded, pondered for a moment, and seemed to have made a decision before saying, "Make sure you survive. When you are promoted to Chunin... then I will teach you a new taijutsu technique."

New martial arts techniques?

Shinichi's heart stirred. Over the past year, he had been studying under Chen Baojun and had mastered a great deal of the exquisite physical techniques of Konoha Steel Fist Style.

Is he the Dragon God of Konoha?

He suppressed the turmoil in his heart and respectfully bowed his head again, replying, "Yes, I understand, Teacher Chen. I will try my best."

Chen Baojun said no more, just waved his hand, indicating that they could continue practicing or dismiss. He then turned around and swayed as he walked out of the training field.