The Ultimate Ninja Tool of the Shinobi World

Just as the final student finished his assessment, Tian Yu stepped forward.

"Alright, then it's my turn," Tian Yu said with a calm smile. He turned toward Li Luo and Neji, grinning. "You two don't leave just yet. After I finish, let's go grab some barbecue together. Teacher Guy is treating us!"

Both Hyuga Neji and Rock Lee nodded without hesitation.

Might Guy, who had been standing with arms folded, suddenly clutched his head and howled, "YOUTH! Why am I always the one treating?!"

Tian Yu tilted his head, grinning slyly. "Teacher Guy, you're a full-fledged jōnin… You're not going to make us genin candidates pay, are you? That'd be a bit embarrassing if word got out."

Might Guy: "..."

This little rascal… does your conscience not sting even a little?

If we're talking about wealth, even ten of me wouldn't match him! That one piece of refined chakra ore he bought the other day probably cost more than I make on missions in half a year…

And you still make me pay for dinner? What kind of warped moral high ground is this?!

For the first time, Might Guy felt there was a downside to raising a brilliant disciple:

Even as a teacher, if he let his guard down for a second, he'd get outsmarted!

"...Fine! I'll treat you all today!"

Despite the complaint, Guy was ultimately generous. He didn't care much about the money—he cared about the youth and the bond.

Tian Yu stepped into the examination room shortly after and completed the practical graduation test with ease and composure. The proctor barely had to glance at the results before stamping the pass.

Soon after, the five of them—Tian Yu, Guy, Tian Tian, Rock Lee, and Hyuga Neji—headed to their favorite barbecue place. True to his word, Might Guy treated everyone. The meal was boisterous and full of laughter, with everyone digging in heartily.

Even Tian Yu, usually refined in his manners, couldn't help but sigh in contentment.

He had traveled through many places in the past few years, but when it came to food—nothing beat the simple pleasures of Konoha's barbecue and Ichiraku Ramen.

The culinary world of the Hidden Leaf… truly divine!

---

Chapter 49: Ino and Cosmos

After passing the ninja school graduation exam, Tian Yu finally received the standard forehead protector engraved with the iconic Konoha swirl—a symbol that officially marked his status as a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf.

As agreed beforehand, the five of them headed together toward the village's best barbecue joint.

Walking along the bustling streets of Konoha, Tian Yu felt a swell of emotion. After four years away, he was finally back.

He couldn't help but think, No wonder other great nations are constantly coveting the Land of Fire...

Whether it was the favorable climate or fertile lands, the Fire Country remained the most ideal region for survival and growth.

At twelve years old, Tian Yu had matured both in thought and appearance.

Gone was the childish roundness from his face. What remained were sharp, noble features—thick, arched brows, deep-set black eyes like ink, a tall, defined nose, and a strong jawline with a clean arc. His long black hair was tied into a high ponytail, a white jade crown keeping it in place.

He wore a feathered haori with subtle dark patterns, silver-white boots, and carried himself with a noble grace that made him look like a figure out of a painting.

As he strolled through the streets flanked by Might Guy, Tian Tian, Rock Lee, and Neji, heads turned everywhere he went.

Whispers followed in their wake.

"Wow! Who is that boy? He's so handsome!"

"Look at that face! Where did this prince even come from?!"

"Wait—isn't that Neji from the Hyuga clan beside him? And yet that other boy outshines Neji?!"

Tian Yu simply smiled politely, nodding to villagers he hadn't seen in years.

Inside the Yamanaka Flower Shop, Ino was tending to blossoms when she heard the commotion.

She peeked outside—and immediately froze when she caught a glimpse of Tian Yu's face.

"Whoa... That's my type!"

Ino's face lit up with a dreamy expression as she leaned against the counter.

Shikamaru, nearby, glanced over lazily. "What happened? You were all about Sasuke just yesterday."

"Sasuke who?" Ino retorted. "If I can date that guy, Sasuke can have Sakura and her big forehead!"

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "Troublesome…"

"I can't let this chance go!" Ino declared. Grabbing a basket of flowers, she rushed out of the shop.

"What's she doing?" Choji asked, mouth full of chips.

"Trying to flirt," Shikamaru muttered, unimpressed.

---

Ino dashed up to Tian Yu with her best smile and a practiced sparkle in her eyes. "Handsome guy, would you like a free bouquet of flowers? Our shop's doing a special promotion today!"

Her pale blonde hair fluttered in the wind, and her smile was as radiant as the flowers she carried.

Tian Yu paused, then pointed at a bouquet. "Then I'll take this one."

Ino blinked in surprise. Cosmos? That was her favorite flower.

"A coincidence?" she asked herself, stunned for a moment.

"Is it not okay?" Tian Yu asked, smiling.

Ino snapped back to reality. "No, no! Of course it's okay!"

She quickly handed the bouquet over, cheeks faintly flushed.

"How… how did you pick that bunch?" she asked.

Tian Yu responded gently, "I think these flowers are beautiful—and their meaning is even better."

The flower language of cosmos: a girl's sincere heart.

Ino's face flushed a deeper red. Did… did he just compliment me indirectly?!

Then Tian Yu added, "Is your family the one that runs this flower shop? Can I place a regular order? I'd like a bouquet delivered to my house every week."

"Yes!" Ino exclaimed a bit too quickly. Then she caught herself and smiled demurely. "Of course! We'd be happy to."

Tian Yu handed her a folded note. "This is my address. I'll look forward to your flowers every week, Miss Ino."

With that, he turned and walked off with his group.

Ino stood there for a moment, stunned, gripping the note like it was gold.

He knows my name?!

---

Tian Yu's return to Konoha and his successful graduation were events of celebration in the Tian household.

Tianxiong and his wife were overjoyed. Every customer who visited the family's ninja tool shop heard the good news—how both Tian Yu and Tian Tian were now official genin.

Tianxiong's pride was barely containable. "My son and daughter, both shinobi now! What fine children!"

Tian Yu and Tian Tian could only sigh at their parents' overexcitement, but seeing them so happy… they couldn't bear to correct them.

Meanwhile, the news of Tian Yu's return spread like wildfire.

Early the next morning, Naruto Uzumaki, ignoring school entirely, came knocking.

"Big Bro Tian Yu! I heard you're back!" Naruto shouted excitedly.

Tian Yu stepped out of his room, still rubbing his eyes. "Naruto? You're skipping class again?"

"I had to! You gotta tell me everything! Did you meet monsters with six arms and three eyes?! Or people with no heads but ten legs?! Do they eat people?!"

Tian Yu stared blankly at him. "Naruto… what kind of manga have you been reading?"

Though in truth, he had met beings that bizarre during his travels.

Naruto's enthusiasm was infectious as always.

And so, Tian Yu's new chapter in Konoha began—with flowers, barbecue, and a few unexpected sparks.