Naruto: Starting with Creating a Genius Persona

A head of bronze and arms of iron?

It should be called "Indestructible Vajra" instead!

Looking at the tall, seemingly unharmed young man in the distance, Yagyu Soichiro couldn't help but mentally complain.

You know, with that all-out blow he just delivered, even a head made of bronze or iron should have been smashed to pieces.

"How did it go?" Isshin grinned, a smile brimming with the undisguised sharpness and arrogance unique to youth. "Did I pass, President?"

A subtle silence fell over the room. All eyes darted back and forth between Isshin, who stood tall and proud, and Souichirou Yagyu, who was barely holding on.

Shock, bewilderment, awe, and complex emotions permeated the shattered temple.

After a few moments of silence, Yagyu Soichiro finally took a deep breath, suppressing his churning blood and the numbness in his arms, and slowly stood up.

"Hmph." He snorted, "Since I made a promise beforehand, I will naturally not go back on my word."

His gaze swept across the entire room, finally settling on Isshin, and he said in a deep voice, "From this moment on, you are a recognized instructor by the Red Armor Castle Swordsmanship Association, and you are qualified to open a dojo in Red Armor Castle and teach your Ashina style."

"Dedicated to Teacher Training".

"Haha!" Isshin laughed heartily, casually cupping his hands in a fist salute. "Then thank you, Chairman!"

He then turned to the brothel owners around him, whose expressions were complicated, and laughed heartily, "Thank you all for your guidance and witnessing just now. In the future, we will be in the same city, and I hope you will take care of me."

Upon hearing this, the museum owners' facial muscles twitched, and they forced out stiff smiles, bowing in return and saying polite things like "Congratulations on Yixin Normal School," "You're so promising at such a young age," and "Let's have more exchanges in the future."

After exchanging pleasantries, Isshin seemed to suddenly remember something, turned to Yagyu Souichirou, winked, and asked, "Chairman, now that I'm officially in charge, according to our customs, is there any proper ceremony? Like announcing it to the whole city, holding a banquet, so everyone can get to know each other?"

Upon hearing this, Yagyu Soichiro frowned and snorted irritably, "A ceremony? Do you think this is a festival or a wedding? There's no need for all that fancy stuff! Do you expect us to make a big fuss and let the whole of Akakō Castle know you're here?"

"Hey, Guild Master, you've hit the nail on the head!" Instead of being annoyed, Isshin's eyes lit up, and his smile widened. He bluntly stated, "To be honest, I've always loved this kind of fame! Why practice swordsmanship? Besides seeking enlightenment, isn't it all for making a name for myself and letting more people know the name of the Ashina School? The more lively it is, the better!"

"You..." Yagyu Soichiro was taken aback by his undisguised pragmatism and was about to say something more.

Just then, a man dressed in simple samurai attire who had been standing quietly to the side quickly stepped forward and respectfully whispered a few words in Yagyu Soichiro's ear.

After the guards withdrew, Yagyu Soichiro looked at Isshin again and sneered, "You want a ceremony to announce it to the public?"

"right!"

"Then come with me!"

.........

Inside the Palace of the Lord of Scarlet Armor City.

Yagyu Soichiro succinctly explained the situation, and only after Yagyu finished speaking did Takeda Nobutsuna slowly begin to speak.

He didn't ask for details, nor did he bother with pleasantries; his conditions were direct and pragmatic:

The castle lord's mansion can make an exception and hold a grand enough initiation ceremony for this newly appointed "Ashina School" instructor, one that will be known throughout the entire city, to fulfill his wish to become famous.

Not only that, but afterwards he could also have people spread the word about this incident throughout the southeastern region of the Land of Iron.

However, the condition is that Isshin must represent Red Armor Castle in the next Iron Country National Swordsmanship Tournament.

For the warriors of the Land of Iron, this tournament is as significant and weighty as the Jonin selection within the five great ninja villages.

It is not only the ultimate arena for skill, but also a ladder to fame and power.

Those who excel will be awarded the nationally recognized title of "Sword Master," and may even be directly promoted to military rank, obtaining the position of general, and stepping into the national power hierarchy.

Upon hearing this, Yi Xin agreed without any hesitation; these so-called conditions were exactly what she wanted!

His fundamental purpose in coming to the Iron Kingdom was to gain fame through battle, prove his path through fame, and quickly acquire enough knowledge to propel the professional attribute [Swordsman] to the higher levels of [Sword Master] and even [Sword Saint].

The National Swordplay Competition is the most ideal and broadest stage.

Takeda Nobutsuna's proposal essentially put him on this fast track, complete with a grand starting ceremony and pre-launch publicity.

……

A few days later, a fresh topic of discussion spread like ink drops into a pond, quickly permeating the streets and alleys of Red Armor City.

"Have you heard? A remarkable young swordsman has arrived in our Crimson Armor City and become an instructor recognized by the association!"

"I've not only heard about it! The commotion at the 'Jingxin Mingzhi Liu' dojo in the south of the city that day could be heard half a street away, like a house being demolished!"

"It is said that Chairman Yagyu personally tested his strength, and the result... tsk tsk, half of the dojo collapsed."

"Really? That must be incredibly skilled! I heard he's very young!"

"The City Lord's Mansion and the Swordsmanship Association jointly issued a notice that an induction ceremony for him will be held in the central square in three days. It's a grand event that hasn't been seen in many years!"

Curiosity, doubt, anticipation, awe... all sorts of emotions mingled in casual conversations over tea and after meals.

The fact that a young, outsider swordsman barged in with such a forceful attitude is itself a topic of much discussion.

Three days later, the central square was packed with people.

On the high platform, Major General Takeda Nobutsuna and Chairman Yagyu Soichiro stood side by side, both dressed in formal attire and with solemn expressions.

Below, prominent warriors of Red Armor City, dojo masters, and numerous citizens who had come to admire the place packed the square.

The ceremony was simple yet solemn. In full view of everyone, Takeda Nobutsuna personally announced the recognition of "Ashina-ryu Isshin", while Yagyu Soichiro, on behalf of the sword association, presented a plaque and documents symbolizing the official headmaster status.

There were no lengthy speeches, but the simultaneous appearance of the two giants of Red Armor City carried more weight than a thousand words.

Under the sunlight, Isshin, dressed in a simple swordsman's uniform, received the token and stood tall, his figure deeply imprinted in the eyes of countless onlookers.

His name, along with the unfamiliar "Ashina Style," was officially etched into the consciousness of the Red Armor Castle at this moment.

However, after the commotion of the ceremony, this newly appointed young instructor did not rush to open a dojo, recruit many disciples, or quickly transform his reputation into tangible power and profits, as everyone had expected.

On the contrary, his behavior was somewhat baffling.

He didn't have a fixed place of practice; he just rented a secluded courtyard at random.

Every morning or afternoon, people could see him carrying a common samurai sword, like a lion surveying its territory.

He strolled leisurely through the streets and alleys of Chijia City, from bustling main roads to quiet residential areas, his footprints seemingly covering the entire city.

Occasionally, when he comes to an open space, the entrance to a market, or the head of a bridge, and sees a large crowd gathered there, he will suddenly stop.

Regardless of whether the gazes from those around him were curious, scrutinizing, or awe-inspiring, he found an open space and began practicing with undivided attention.

He practiced with such composure and immersion that it was as if the surrounding crowd, whispers, and even the entire Crimson Armor City were merely part of the background as he practiced his sword.

After finishing his practice and calming his breathing, he strolled away like a lion surveying its territory, leaving behind a trail of speculation and discussion.

What exactly does this young man, who is dedicated to becoming a teacher, want to do?

Was it merely to use this peculiar method to make more people remember his face and his sword?

Or is it using this city as a whetstone, silently polishing something?

No one knows the answer, and time slips away quietly in this seemingly casual daily routine.

……