Following the instructions on the scroll, Uchiha Tsukiki channeled chakra to perform Lightning Release, attempting to stimulate his cells for enhancement.
However, his control over chakra wasn't yet refined. He often lost grip on the lightning's intensity, electrocuting himself until his hair stood on end.
Realizing the core issue, Tsukiki set aside Lightning Release training for the moment and turned his focus to tree climbing and water walking—two fundamental ninja skills essential for overall chakra control. These had to be mastered first.
Fortunately, there were still several days before the Ninja Academy's term began. Even if he couldn't master them in time, he'd have at least half a year to practice after enrollment.
Why half a year? The Third Hokage didn't want to appear too desperate by sending fresh recruits straight to the battlefield. Doing so would make it difficult to attract future students.
Tsukiki made his way to the edge of the training ground—an area reserved for the Uchiha clan. In the distance was a lake used specifically for Fire Release practice.
He found a secluded spot to practice tree climbing. Spies nearby? Unlikely. The Uchiha's power and their role leading Konoha's police force made it impossible for enemies to infiltrate their territory.
"This tree looks good—tall and straight, clearly very old. Why are all the trees around Konoha so ancient? Did the First Hokage grow them with Wood Release?"
Placing one foot on the trunk, he coated it with chakra, allowing it to adhere. Then the other foot. Soon, he was walking vertically at a 90-degree angle.
But within a few steps, he fell. Thanks to his reflexes, he landed safely. He tried again, fell again, compared each attempt, and tried once more.
It took him three full days to barely grasp tree climbing. Throughout this time, he never neglected his physical training:
Running laps around Konoha, push-ups, sit-ups—he did them all. Of course, he couldn't compare to the likes of Might Guy—that guy was a monster. Tsukiki was just a hard-working, ordinary Uchiha.
On the morning of enrollment, Tsukiki woke early, ran a lap around the village, returned home to cook noodles for breakfast, dressed, checked himself in the mirror, put on his special ninja shoes, said "I'm off," and closed the door behind him.
He walked to the academy, passing many other Uchiha children—some accompanied by family—all heading to the same destination.
The streets of Konoha were still quiet, many shops not yet open. With no one to talk to, Tsukiki quickened his pace, uninterested in the scenery.
At the school gate, he found a crowd had already gathered. On the notice board, he found his name: Fourth Grade, Class 5.
Scanning the class list, he saw it was filled with children from major clans—Uchiha made up the largest number, followed by Hyuga. Every notable clan in Konoha had descendants in this class. On name alone, it was an elite lineup.
But the more he looked, the more Tsukiki frowned. His class had over 60 students—severely over capacity. Normally, a Ninja Academy class had 30-40 students. His had over 60.
Looking further, he found the fourth grade had six classes. The first four had around 40 students each, but the last two were hugely overcrowded. A sense of foreboding settled over him.
Reviewing the lists of the first four classes confirmed his fears: they were filled with the core descendants of major clans. In Class 2, he even found the twins Uchiha Homura and Uchiha En.
These were the children the clans deemed worth investing in—future pillars of their clans, provided they survived the war.
Skeptical, Tsukiki checked the lists for all grades, observing the parents and students around him, gauging their strength through behavior and demeanor.
Unlike the Uchiha, who prioritized the Sharingan above all, other clans valued strength—except the peculiar Hyuga, with their rigid hierarchy.
As the crowd thinned, Tsukiki blended in and entered the school. After gathering enough intel, he confirmed his initial suspicion:
The front classes were for high-talent civilian-born ninjas with no backing, or children of non-clan ninjas. The rest were elite scions of major clans.
But their strength varied widely. From appearance alone, it was hard to gauge the older students' abilities. Some clan heirs already knew secret techniques—Tsukiki admitted he couldn't defeat them yet.
For the Uchiha, those in the top classes either showed signs of awakening the Sharingan, displayed exceptional talent young, or came from high-status families.
Branch family members were placed in temporarily added classes, like his, with over 60 students. One graduating class even exceeded 100. Tsukiki could only shake his head at the blatant disparity.
Many were frowning, but the Hokage's advisors had an explanation: these additionally enrolled students had received clan training, their foundations were solid, even surpassing many of their peers.
Tsukiki scoffed. Initially, the academy didn't allow early graduation, but as war intensified, it was encouraged. The latest one could graduate was the sixth year.
Rumors said graduation required mastering one of the three basic jutsu; some said all three were needed, though proficiency was unclear.
Now, graduation exams were gone. Even if you didn't want to graduate, you'd automatically do so when the time came. Cannon fodder was needed on the front lines.
"Sigh."
Tsukiki found his classroom based on the guide. At the door, he saw it was spacious, but the desks were arranged tightly and neatly. On closer look, he realized he'd underestimated—there were nearly 80 students.
Two students per desk, four desks per row, eight rows—almost full. This was insane.
"Student, are you in this class? Why are you so late? You're the last one. What's your name? Hurry in and find your seat."
Tsukiki turned to see an older teacher on the podium—past his prime as a ninja, likely on a decline without unique jutsu.
"Yes, if I haven't taken the wrong path, this should be my classroom."
With that, Tsukiki walked straight in. His confident, almost dismissive demeanor instantly drew attention, especially from the clan children.
The teacher frowned, about to speak up, but then he spotted the Uchiha fan on Tsukiki's back and fell silent. He knew only one Uchiha was assigned to this class—Uchiha Tsukiki. The rest were in the lower sections.
"Who's this guy? So full of himself—even more arrogant than me."
"Great, another problem child. Just what we needed."
"Want some chips? They're really good."
The classroom, once quiet, buzzed with speculation about this cocky newcomer. Tsukiki, in a sour mood, simply appeared aloof.
"Hm?"
"That symbol…"
"So he's a Uchiha. No wonder he's so cold."
…
Tsukiki walked to the last row. The room was packed—only one seat remained, next to a Hyuga girl.
"Is this seat taken?"
He asked twice before the girl slowly looked up, glanced at the teacher, then nodded at him.
As Tsukiki sat down, he noticed everyone watching him. He acted as if nothing mattered, ex an air of indifference.
"Two problem children together. Who knows what'll happen? Will they fight? Uchiha and Hyuga never got along. So troublesome."
"This'll be interesting, right, Kuromaru?"
"Woof!"
Though the whispers were soft, Tsukiki heard every word. He turned to study his Hyuga deskmate—she showed no reaction.
Just as he was about to look away, the girl finally moved. She took a pen and drew a clear "38th parallel" across the desk, then stared directly at him with her Byakugan.
Tsukiki's lip twitched. He understood now—this one was no easygoing person either. Her calm appearance hid a strong will. This was going to be a headache.