Chapter 4: self introduction
The self-introduction session that usually came when Shin was a student in his previous life began.
Uchiha Shin looked at Nishio Yutaro, the chunin standing on the edge of the podium, and quietly thought about what kind of self-introduction he should prepare.
Since this was the academy where the Will of Fire was instilled, the teachers must also be transmitters of that philosophy. The ninja academy was, after all, the base where the "new leaves" sprouted, and ideological training would never be neglected by Konoha.
But Shin never trusted such things. In his heart, he recalled an essay from his past life: "Since ancient times, history has written of benevolence and justice, yet between the cracks, one only sees the words 'man-eating.'" That was exactly how Shin felt now. The so-called ninja system was "eating" children, and he, too, would be swallowed unless he played along—pretending to uphold the Will of Fire on the surface.
He thought of his current identity: a member of the Uchiha clan. Did the Uchiha truly agree with the Will of Fire? He wasn't sure. Still, since the clan had long been entrusted with the Konoha Military Police Force, it seemed they had once stood aligned with the village. Perhaps he needed to ask Shisui or even Fugaku later.
As these thoughts ran through his head, several children went up to introduce themselves. Most declared dreams of becoming Hokage, and their likes were simple things—food, games, or training.
Listening to these loud declarations of wanting to be Hokage, Shin sighed inwardly. The Hokage's position was clearly enviable. Yet he pitied these children, for many might not even live long enough to attempt the dream, cut down on some distant battlefield.
Moreover, could the head of a military village and the protector of the Land of Fire truly be chosen from ordinary commoner families? Shin doubted it. If he were Hokage, he would appoint someone loyal to his faction as successor. Ordinary shinobi were more likely to become "fallen leaves," trampled into the soil for the sake of the village.
"My name is Hyūga Neji. I have no likes or dislikes. My dream is to become a powerful ninja."
While Shin's thoughts wandered, a boy with a white bandage on his forehead spoke firmly on the podium.
Shin refocused his gaze. Wasn't this the boy who had brushed past him earlier, saying only "boring"? His pale Byakugan eyes, his white clan robes, his forehead protector hidden under a bandage—everything about him was strikingly austere.
Though Neji claimed he had no preferences, Shin sensed turbulence beneath the surface. The Hyūga clan was one of Konoha's most ancient noble clans, famed for the Byakugan, a dōjutsu rivaling the Sharingan. Could someone like Neji truly have no likes, no dislikes? Shin didn't believe it.
More intriguing was the bandage covering Neji's forehead. Shin suspected it hid something significant—something connected to the Hyūga clan's internal divisions. His curiosity grew. Neji was the first to introduce himself without boasting of becoming Hokage. There had to be a story there.
The classroom fell into silence for a moment, broken only by the whispers of a few girls, quietly remarking on Neji's appearance.
Seeing the pause, Nishio Yutaro nodded and called the next student.
"The next one is Tenten."
Shin's gaze followed as the bun-haired girl he had met earlier stepped onto the podium.
"Hi everyone, I'm Tenten! I like meat buns and sesame balls, but I hate sour plums. My hobby is divination, and my dream is to become a great kunoichi like Tsunade-sama!"
Tenten finished her self-introduction with a proud look, which made Uchiha Shin suppress a laugh, a faint smile curling on his lips.
Is this girl really a foodie? Shin thought. Instead of keeping her introduction simple, she openly listed her favorite foods—meat buns and sesame balls—and even her dislike for sour plums.
In order to maintain the dignity of the Uchiha name, Shin forced himself not to laugh outright. Yet, on the podium, Tenten seemed to notice his suppressed snicker. Her cheeks reddened slightly as she glared in his direction.
"Very good! The next one is… Uchiha Makoto," called Nishio Yutaro, the supervising chunin.
Shin quickly erased his smile and stepped past Tenten as she left the stage. It was now his turn.
"Is he really from the Uchiha clan? I heard the Uchiha are incredibly strong."
"He doesn't look that special…"
"You're wrong! He's so handsome—more handsome than Neji-kun!"
"Don't be ridiculous! Obviously Neji-kun is better looking!"
"What did you say? Zhenjun is clearly the most handsome!"
The whispering of the girls in class grew louder, and Shin caught every word. Being praised for his appearance wasn't especially important, but it was still pleasing.
Appearance… maybe I can use it. In this world, looks matter. Handsome, cheerful people rarely draw suspicion.
He stepped to the podium's center. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Nishio Yutaro watching him closely—more carefully than he had the other students.
"My name is Uchiha Shin. I like learning new ninjutsu. What I hate is giving up halfway. My hobby is reading. My dream is to become Hokage and master all ninjutsu."
Shin spoke with deliberate calm. He knew the details of likes and dislikes were trivial—the dream was what mattered. As long as one declared "to be Hokage," no one could criticize it. Saying anything strange, like "world peace," would only invite suspicion. The academy was, after all, the training ground where Konoha shaped loyal shinobi. Any hint of anti-village sentiment could lead to consequences—perhaps even before the Uchiha massacre came to pass.
"As expected of Shin-kun, even his dream is on another level!" sighed one girl, clearly smitten by his looks.
"You're contradicting yourself! Just a minute ago, you said becoming Hokage was impossible!" her friend retorted in annoyance.
Out of the corner of his eye, Shin saw Nishio Yutaro raise an eyebrow but show no real reaction. The chunin only noted his words and moved on.
"Shin… can I call you that? I don't know why, but I feel your dream will come true!" said Tenten brightly when he returned to his seat, apparently forgetting his earlier teasing smile.
"Of course. And I believe you'll become a great kunoichi too," Shin replied smoothly.