The next day, at Ebisami's strong request, Kazuyama took Pakura on a tour of Konoha Village.
Though he had obligations at the Ninja Academy, where his lessons were supposed to resume after his mission, he decided to fulfill the request first.
When Pakura found out Kazuyama was a teacher, she looked genuinely surprised.
"You became a teacher at such a young age?"
"What's that supposed to mean? Haven't you heard the saying, 'The skilled become teachers'?"
"Tch, fine. So, what do you teach?"
"Ninja Stealth Training."
Pakura fell silent. The thought of this guy sneaking up on her unnoticed—even in the women's bath—only confirmed that he was skilled in stealth. Yet somehow, the idea of a course like that felt a bit unreliable.
It was her first time visiting another village, and she found herself fascinated. Accustomed to Sunagakure's yellow sands, she couldn't help but envy Konoha's lush, green mountains and sparkling waters.
The streets were bustling with small shops, and the entire village felt vibrant and alive.
"Well? Don't you think Konoha's beautiful?" Kazuyama asked with a smirk.
"Hahaha, if you like it so much, why don't you just stay here and never go back?"
Pakura quickly averted her gaze, her expression hardening. Though the scenery was beautiful, she scoffed.
"Hmph, don't get any ideas. I'm just your prisoner for now. I'll have to go back eventually."
Kazuyama smiled faintly at her stubbornness. He understood—it wasn't easy for someone like Pakura, tied to Sunagakure, to even consider abandoning her home. Regardless, for now, she had no choice but to remain.
"Eh? Kazuyama-sensei, you're back!"
A voice interrupted their moment, and Kazuyama turned to see Obito Uchiha, Rin, and Might Guy heading toward the Ninja Academy.
"Who's that?" Rin asked curiously, eyeing Pakura.
"Ah, well… she's my friend," Kazuyama replied nonchalantly.
"Sensei's friend? She must be really strong!" Obito's eyes lit up with excitement. Currently focused on improving his skills, he was determined to graduate next year.
Guy, on the other hand, seemed even more motivated.
"Let's spar! I've been training even harder since the last graduation exam!"
It looked like Obito had found a new sparring partner now that Kakashi was gone.
"Yes! Youth is about burning with passion! Kazuyama-sensei! And this... female sensei!"
Pakura was momentarily taken aback by the way the young man addressed her. Sensei... She's just a prisoner…
"Hahaha, Guy, you're absolutely right."
"Let's go to the Academy training grounds. I'll let Pakura-sensei accompany you in training!"
Without giving Pakura a chance to refuse, Kazuyama decided on their next activity with a loud laugh. Hearing this, Obito and Guy ran straight toward the Ninja Academy. Rin, after greeting Kazuyama, followed them.
"Hey, who said I was training these kids?" Pakura said, clearly annoyed. She hadn't agreed to this.
"Haha, let's go. We're just going to hang out anyway. Even though you have my seal on you, you can still show you some basic techniques. Just be careful—I don't want the guards catching you."
Shrugging as though it was no big deal, Kazuyama grabbed Pakura's hand and began walking toward the Academy.
"Hey, you brat, let go of me!" Pakura snapped. "I can walk by myself!"
But no matter what she said, Kazuyama held on firmly. Not wanting to draw attention, Pakura quickly fell silent, though a faint blush appeared on her face.
"So, this is your Ninja Academy? Doesn't look all that impressive," Pakura said, a hint of disdain in her eyes as she glanced at the plain, three-story building.
"Hey, ever heard of the phrase 'simple and unadorned beauty'? It's meant to teach and educate, not to look fancy!"
Simple and unadorned beauty... To teach and educate, it doesn't need to be fancy…
Pakura listened to Kazuyama's words and couldn't help but nod slightly. He's right. As long as it nurtures future generations, who cares if it's run-down...
What? This brat... Why do his words sound so convincing...?
The two of them headed straight for the playground.
Sure enough, Obito and Guy were already waiting. It was unclear whether they'd spread the word themselves or simply been spotted on their way there. By now, the playground was surrounded by a crowd.
"Why are there so many people?" Pakura asked, her tone sharp. "Kazuyama, I'm telling you, I'm not going!"
She was already a prisoner, and now there was an audience? What did they take her for? An object of entertainment?
Even Kazuyama looked a little surprised. It was just supposed to be a friendly sparring session. Why had it turned into such a spectacle?
"Hey, Kazuyama-sensei, it's not my fault! It was Guy, that bigmouth, who told everyone!"
"As soon as they heard that a beautiful sensei was coming to the Academy, they all showed up."
Beautiful sensei... Hmm, that's quite the compliment.
"Pakura, look. The students are all very friendly. If you can't handle it, just spar with these two little brats and get it over with."
Before she could protest further, Kazuyama abruptly shoved Pakura onto the playground, ignoring her growing anger.
"Pakura-sensei, my name is Obito Uchiha!"
"Please teach us!" both teenagers said excitedly.
Pakura felt the stares of the crowd on her and glanced at the two eager boys in front of her. Internally, she muttered, Bastard Kazuyama... I'll make you pay for this.
Her gaze shifted to Obito, and she paused for a moment. A kid from the Uchiha Clan? Read full story at 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢•𝓷𝓮𝓽
The Uchiha had always been regarded as the most prestigious clan in Konoha. Pakura hadn't expected to encounter one so soon.
"My name is Pakura," she said coolly. "My strength? Barely Jōnin, I guess."
With her chakra sealed, she couldn't use Scorch Release or advanced ninjutsu, but she was still an elite Jōnin from Sunagakure. Her combat instincts and awareness hadn't dulled.
"Our Academy has another powerful Sensei!"
The students erupted in excitement. Their regular teachers were all Chūnin, and Jōnin instructors were a rarity. In fact, the only Jōnin at the Academy had retired due to injury.
Meanwhile, the other teachers exchanged curious glances, frowning slightly. A Jōnin this young, here to teach? And there had been no official announcement of a new teacher joining the Academy.