The moment Yuichi stepped back into Konoha, something felt wrong.
Even beneath the cloak of night, shadows flickered across the rooftops—shinobi moving with urgency, their steps sharp and deliberate.
To the untrained eye, nothing would seem out of place. But Yuichi was no ordinary bystander. Ever since awakening his Wood Style, his chakra perception had sharpened immensely. And right now, it told him one thing—these ninja were all searching for Naruto.
So it's tonight… the night he steals the Book of Seals.
Yuichi's lips curved faintly.
"Go home early and rest, huh? I was planning to grind my ninjutsu levels after dinner…"
He exhaled softly.
"Looks like I'll just turn in early tonight."
The night passed without further incident.
By dawn, the commotion had already faded. The tale had played out as it always would—Naruto, the boy who failed his graduation exam, had now "miraculously" become a Genin.
---
The next morning, Yuichi arrived at the academy earlier than most, ready for the team assignment ceremony.
This time, things were different.
He already knew—there was no chance he would be placed alongside the original Twelve Genin.
After all… among those twelve, who was truly a civilian ninja?
None. Every single one of them carried a name, a bloodline, or the backing of a clan. Even Tenten's endless supply of exotic weapons spoke of wealth. Even Rock Lee, "just an underdog," had Guy-sensei's support from the beginning.
Soon, a Jōnin entered the room.
Yuichi didn't recognize his face—an unremarkable man, the kind of background character that never made the original story.
Without ceremony, the man led Yuichi and two other rookies away.
As they passed another classroom, Yuichi's gaze drifted for just a moment. Naruto sat there, restless as ever.
Contact with him is necessary… but it can't be forced.
Too much attention would draw the Third Hokage's eyes. And if I approach too suddenly, it won't feel natural.
Yuichi already had a plan.
Ichiraku Ramen.
If he visited often enough, their paths would cross naturally. A casual conversation here, a shared meal there—it would draw no suspicion.
Perfect.
What he didn't realize was that he had already been noticed.
By none other than—Sasuke Uchiha.
That guy from yesterday…
Who's he looking at? Naruto?
Why him?
Sasuke's fists clenched. The boy who had humiliated him yesterday now ignored him completely—his eyes fixed instead on Naruto.
Yuichi, oblivious to the burning stare boring into his back, followed his assigned instructor out of the academy.
---
The team's new Jōnin-sensei led them to a quiet hillside outside the village. His uniform was standard issue—no special markings, no reputation.
Stopping before the three fresh Genin, he gave a curt nod.
"My name is Kazuya Shi. From today onward, I'll be your Jōnin instructor."
He gestured at them lazily.
"Alright, introduce yourselves."
The two standing to Yuichi's left went first.
"My name is Jidō Yumu. Teacher, everyone, you can just call me Jidō."
"Pinglin Fengtai."
Two unfamiliar names—definitely civilians.
So it's a full civilian team. Figures.
Then, it was Yuichi's turn.
Just as he opened his mouth, a familiar blue window flashed before his eyes.
> [Daily Selection Enabled]
Choose:
• Special self-introduction → Reward: Earth Style – Headhunter Jutsu
• Plain self-introduction → Reward: Water Style – Water Prison Jutsu
• Indifferent self-introduction → Reward: Body Flicker Technique
Yuichi's eyes narrowed slightly.
Interesting. I just awakened Earth chakra yesterday, and now the system offers Earth Style? So it tailors rewards to my affinities… no wasted jutsu, then.
"Hey, kid!" Kazuya barked, snapping him from his thoughts. "Why're you zoning out? Introduce yourself! These are your teammates now."
With a faint sigh, Yuichi glanced at the options once more.
Then, his face settled into a calm, indifferent mask.
"Nagano Yuichi."
> [Congratulations, Host has acquired: Body Flicker Technique]
A ghost of a smirk tugged at his lips.
Best choice.
Headhunter Jutsu? Useless against any competent ninja—just dig out of the ground and it's over.
Water Prison? Too restrictive—one hand tied up, leaving me exposed.
But Body Flicker… pure movement, pure survival. Exactly what I need.
---
"Good. Introductions over," Kazuya said with a dismissive wave.
"Now, a simple test. Show me the Three Basic Techniques. After that, you're free for today. Tomorrow, we start missions."
Yuichi nearly laughed aloud.
That's it? I was expecting at least a bell test…
Well, less trouble for me.
He performed the Clone, Substitution, and Transformation Techniques—deliberately slower than his true speed. Even so, Kazuya's evaluation placed him at the top of the three.
If this is considered 'talent' among civilians… no wonder they can't compete with the clans.
With the brief assignment complete, Yuichi departed—his next destination: Hokage Rock.
Yesterday, the Valley of the End had granted him a fragment of Hashirama's power. Perhaps today, the faces carved into the mountain would hold another secret.
---
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the village, the original story marched on.
Team 7 had just completed their bell test. As expected, Kakashi had toyed with them easily. Nothing out of place—yet.
But when the training ended, Sasuke did not leave.
He followed Kakashi quietly, his presence thin but determined.
It didn't take long before Kakashi stopped and turned, his lone visible eye narrowing.
"What do you want, Sasuke?"
Caught, the boy didn't even flinch.
"Teach me ninjutsu."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? You haven't even mastered the Great Fireball yet."
"I don't want Fire Style," Sasuke replied coldly.
That made Kakashi pause.
"Not Fire? The Uchiha specialize in Fire. If not that, then what?"
"…Earth Style."
Kakashi blinked.
"Earth Style? Why Earth Style?"
Sasuke's fists clenched, his voice low but sharp.
"Because only Earth Style… can restrain Water."