After the battle, the other four gathered around Feng Zheng and Senju Teru. Mieko looked at Uchiha Rai and mocked him.
"Rai, how does it feel to be the first one eliminated after all that bragging?"
Uchiha Rai retorted.
"You guys cheated! The rules said no teaming up, but you two—no, all three of you—ganged up on me!"
Mieko sneered.
"Who was it that said he could defeat all of us by himself?"
Uchiha Rai wanted to continue arguing, but Senju Teru interrupted him.
"That's enough, Rai. Arguing is pointless."
Uchiha Rai snorted and fell silent.
The group discussed various Ninjutsu, tactics, and so on for a while. An hour later, they dispersed.
Feng Zheng returned home, thinking to himself.
"Not bad, much better than I expected. I didn't think we'd spend most of the time talking about Ninjutsu and tactics. It was surprisingly insightful."
After returning home, Feng Zheng tidied up the mess and waited for Genshu to arrive.
He created a Shadow Clone and sent it to the Library. The goal was to find Kakuzu's Iron Skin Technique and any other useful Ninjutsu in the Rank B section.
After some time, Adachi Genki arrived. When he saw Feng Zheng's house from the outside, his jaw dropped. He thought to himself.
"What's going on here? Why does he have such a big house? Where did he get so much money? Did he convince Hokage-sama to give him another reward?"
He knocked on the door, his mind full of questions. Feng Zheng immediately opened the door and welcomed him in.
Genshu said awkwardly.
"Feng Zheng, it seems you're doing very well."
Feng Zheng didn't understand the implication, so he nodded and said.
"Yes, Sensei."
Genshu sighed inwardly. He realized Feng Zheng hadn't understood his meaning.
Feng Zheng asked.
"Sensei, would you like something to eat?"
Genshu was surprised. He asked.
"What do you have?"
Feng Zheng said.
"Well, I have some snacks, and I can quickly cook some fried chicken."
Genshu said.
"Sounds good."
Feng Zheng created a Shadow Clone and had it make the fried chicken.
Genshu saw the Shadow Clone and thought to himself.
"He's actually using a Shadow Clone for this? Don't tell me he built this huge house just for his Shadow Clones to live in!"
Genshu said.
"Come on, Feng Zheng, tell me what you've been through since graduating from the Ninja Academy."
The two sat down, and Feng Zheng began recounting most of the less important events.
Genshu listened carefully, asking questions or offering comments, praise, and criticism. They discussed and ate fried chicken.
After their chat, Genshu asked.
"Feng Zheng, is this house a reward from Hokage-sama?"
Feng Zheng tilted his head and asked.
"Does Hokage-sama give houses as rewards?"
He lowered his head and muttered softly.
"Was I scammed? I should go ask him!"
Genshu heard this and was startled!
Considering past experiences, Genshu believed Feng Zheng would mention his name and go to Hokage-sama to demand reimbursement. Oh, he might even ask for interest!
He quickly retorted.
"No, no, no, Hokage-sama doesn't have such rewards. I was just wondering how you could afford such a large house."
Feng Zheng understood and said.
"Oh, we did several Rank A Missions in a row, and I killed some bounty Ninja during those missions."
Genshu was surprised. He asked incredulously.
"Rank A Missions?"
Feng Zheng nodded and said.
"Yes, Renjiro-sensei took us with him."
Genshu said nothing. He thought.
"Feng Zheng and his team have already completed Rank A Missions? They did Rank A Missions at the same age I was when I was still in the Ninja Academy. Sigh, I only did my first Rank A Mission after graduation!"
Genshu had come here to motivate and encourage his student, to give him a little inspiration. Instead, he ended up questioning his own life choices and achievements.
He recalled how he used to introduce himself as an Elite Chunin in every class he taught. He remembered how he celebrated all night when he was promoted to Jonin. Now he found that his student, in just one short year, had undertaken missions of comparable difficulty to his own! And his student's financial situation seemed better than his!
Genshu sighed in his heart.
"When I was teaching, I always thought I'd be proud when my students surpassed me and achieved great things. I never thought I'd be depressed. Alas, it seems I'm getting old."
Feng Zheng didn't understand why Genshu was lost in thought. He said.
"It's a shame these missions are classified. So I can't tell you the details, Sensei."
Genshu said.
"That's fine. Anyway, Rank A Missions are dangerous. It's good to have someone as strong as Renjiro leading the team. But don't undertake Rank A Missions without him."
Feng Zheng nodded. Even with Renjiro, they almost died. However, that time was likely because Renjiro's presence attracted Kakuzu.
Feng Zheng asked.
"Sensei, are you teaching or going on missions?"
Genshu replied.
"After you all graduated, I was promoted to Jonin, so I've been doing Rank A Missions."
Feng Zheng's eyes lit up. He said.
"Congratulations, Sensei!"
Genshu smiled, regaining some of his pride. However, that pride was destined to be shattered again.
Feng Zheng asked.
"Sensei, can you invite me to go on a Rank A Mission?"
Genshu immediately refused.
"No, it's too dangerous!"
He thought to himself.
"What? I thought he admired me. Instead, he just wants to use me! His greed hasn't diminished at all!"
Feng Zheng said.
"Sensei, please! As long as it's not a Jonin, I can handle it. And my perception abilities and Wind Release manipulation can provide perfect support!"
But Genshu still said firmly.
"No."
Feng Zheng looked at Genshu expressionlessly.
Genshu thought to himself.
"Why is he looking at me like that?"
He felt a little uncomfortable and asked.
"What's wrong?"
Feng Zheng said.
"At least give me a proper reason..."
Genshu sighed and said.
"I'm a newly promoted Jonin, and I'm not the leader of our team, so I can't take you with me."
Feng Zheng thought for a moment.
"That makes sense, but..."
Feng Zheng sighed and said.
"Alright, Sensei. But at least recommend my name when someone with my skills is needed."
Genshu finally nodded and said.
"Alright. But don't get your hopes up too high."
Feng Zheng smiled and nodded.
Genshu gave Feng Zheng some advice on how to take care of the house, then left.
After he left, Feng Zheng sighed.
"Being a host is too tiring. But it's fine occasionally. And, the guests today didn't notice the basement. It seems the cover-up is good enough."
Feng Zheng created a Shadow Clone, which almost immediately dissipated. The clone's memories were transferred to the clone in the Library. Then the Shadow Clone there also dissipated.
Feng Zheng received the memories and exclaimed in surprise.
"Wow! I didn't realize there were so many good things I hadn't checked out! The Ninjutsu Kakuzu used is called Iron Skin Technique. Also, there are many Sealing Jutsu placed in the Rank B section. It would be great if I could use them with my Sealing Technique."
"There's also Summoning Technique: Rashomon! This is also a very good defensive Ninjutsu. Although there isn't a Triple or more Rashomon Technique. But even without it, this is still very good."
"Wild Lion's Mane Technique is another good one. This is the Ninjutsu Jiraiya uses to extend and strengthen his hair. And the Needle Jizo Technique, which is based on this Ninjutsu, is also there."
"Then I can form a new defensive system with Rashomon, Iron Skin Technique, and Wild Lion's Mane Technique. Coupled with my high speed, and Wind Release Ninjutsu for mid-range interception or deterrent attacks, it will be very difficult to harm me."
"Tobirama's Bringer-of-Darkness Technique, which he created to target the Uchiha, also appears in the Rank B section. Hmm, so I need to master 5 Rank B Ninjutsu. I might also need some Sealing Jutsu. After I complete my Lightning Release, I'll focus on these."
"Once all of that is done, I'll try the Summoning Technique! With such good defenses, even if I encounter a wild, fierce, and unreasonable summoned beast, it shouldn't be a problem."