Souta Kiryuu knew very well that the world of shinobi wasn't just about bloodlines — it was also a world that placed tremendous importance on master-disciple inheritance.
For ordinary civilians, the only reliable source of ninjutsu was through a teacher.
Another possible source was gaining merit and receiving techniques as rewards from the village.
There might even be a third option — developing an original ninjutsu and handing it over to the village in exchange for other techniques. But Souta wasn't sure about that.
What he was sure of was this: if a civilian-born shinobi wanted to learn powerful techniques, they needed an excellent teacher. And who got the good teachers? Geniuses.
Take Minato Namikaze, for example, who was taken in as Jiraiya's student.Or Sakura Haruno — also a civilian-born ninja. Before becoming Tsunade's disciple, she had practically nothing.
Team leaders didn't always teach techniques.
Naruto and Sasuke were special cases — one was the son of Minato's student Kakashi, and the other was the last Uchiha orphan in the village, with Obito's shadow hanging over his story.
Of course, Kakashi didn't completely neglect Sakura. Aside from the basics, it was clear her genjutsu foundation likely came from him. But he never passed down any standout techniques.
Because a team leader wasn't the same as a true master. Unless under exceptional circumstances, the relationship was about missions and survival, not legacy.
Whether they taught ninjutsu or not depended entirely on the teacher's mood.
That was why, even though Rasengan might not be the technique most suited to him, Souta put it at the top of his training list.
If he succeeded, it would become his key to opening doors.
"Speaking of resources, the Legendary Sannin are without doubt the first tier. Orochimaru is dangerous, yes, but the possibilities he offers are endless.
Tsunade? Right now, she probably wouldn't take a disciple. Still… maybe I could gain something through Shizune?
And Jiraiya… well, he's probably off peeking at women somewhere. Too unreliable to count on.
That leaves me, as a student, with two main avenues for real resources: Tsunade, through Shizune. Or Sakumo Hatake, through Kakashi."
Choosing kenjutsu as part of his training plan was directly tied to Sakumo.
As a student, Tsunade could be approached through Shizune, and Sakumo through Kakashi.
Another backup option was the Eight Gates.
Beyond them, of course there were other jōnin in Konoha with techniques Souta didn't know about, but he had no channels to reach them yet.
That was why creating the image of a genius was essential.
If enough eyes turned his way, maybe one of those jōnin would take him under their wing.
And even if no master appeared, geniuses were always favored. The Third Hokage himself might pour more resources into nurturing him. After all, the Ninja Academy was under his direct authority.
Oh, and there was also Danzo Shimura.
If things came to it, Souta wouldn't entirely refuse Danzo's attention. But he figured the chances were slim.
After organizing his thoughts, Souta rested briefly, then returned to training — practicing his sword swings and experimenting with water balloons as the first step of Rasengan training.
Two days passed like this.
Then came March 20th, Year 41 of Konoha. The first day of school.
Souta slung on his backpack — his mother had packed him a bento — and headed to the Academy.
Class 1-A.
Standing at the doorway, Souta scanned the room and immediately recognized several familiar faces: Kurenai Yuhi, Shizune, Rin Nohara, and even a boy with sunglasses chewing on a toothpick.
Smiling, Souta walked in confidently and sat right beside Shizune without hesitation.
Shizune blinked, momentarily startled, but before she could speak Souta offered his hand with a bright grin:
"Hi, I'm Souta Kiryuu. I look forward to learning together."
Her cheeks reddened slightly at his warm smile, but she extended her hand back. "Hello… I'm Shizune."
Souta gave her hand a polite squeeze and released it quickly, then started chatting casually, all the while observing the other students around him.
The classroom gradually filled.
Soon, a boy in a green jumpsuit — Might Guy — bounded in with his usual energy.
Not long after, Kakashi Hatake arrived, hands in his pockets, white hair slightly messy.
Glancing at Kakashi, Souta couldn't help noticing how much he resembled Sasuke in his childhood — both wore that same cool, aloof expression.
By now the classroom was almost full. The bell rang.
A middle-aged man entered. "I am Ryusei Futaki. From today on, I will be your teacher."
But before he could say more, the door slammed open with a bang. Souta turned along with everyone else to see Obito Uchiha stumble inside, panting like a dog.
"S-sorry… I'm late."
Well, Souta thought, at least Obito was consistent about being late.
On the podium, Futaki sighed helplessly. He already knew Obito's reputation — the kid had even managed to miss the entrance ceremony.
He hadn't noticed him earlier, but now, on the very first day, here he was again, late.
Still, Futaki didn't press too hard. "Obito, just make sure it doesn't happen again."
Relieved, Obito grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Yes, sensei!"
"Then," Futaki continued, "why don't you start with the self-introductions?"
Obito froze briefly, then straightened, full of energy. "Yes!"
Without a trace of timidity, he marched to the front, chin lifted high, chest puffed out, exuding confidence.
Kakashi gave a quiet, unimpressed scoff.
Futaki then laid out the template for introductions: name, favorite food, disliked food, and their goal as a ninja.
"I'm Obito Uchiha, from the Uchiha clan. My favorite food is rice balls with fish flakes, and I hate natto.
"As for my goal…" He raised his right hand with a thumbs-up. "Of course, to become Hokage!"
Souta sighed inwardly.
Civilians could become Hokage — Minato was living proof. But an Uchiha? Impossible.
Konoha's highest decision-making circle was still filled with Tobirama's loyalists. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi himself kept a wary eye on the Uchiha.
And Danzo… he was practically a second Tobirama in his hostility toward the clan.
Under such a system, an Uchiha had no chance at leadership unless the entire clan staged a coup.
Still, becoming Hokage was such a common childhood dream that no one laughed at Obito.
He returned to his seat, and one by one the other students took their turns.
Finally, it was Souta's turn.
With a smile, he stepped up to the front.
"My name is Souta Kiryuu. My favorite food is dango… and my least favorite food is also dango."
That earned a ripple of amusement from the class.
"As for my goal," Souta's smile softened but his voice rang with determination, "I want to become an outstanding shinobi — someone strong enough to protect my family, my comrades, and the village."