The Academy was bustling with life, just like the village itself. A long banner reading "Academy Opening Ceremony" hung over the gate, fluttering in the morning breeze. Five six-year-old children chattered nonstop as they stood in front, their voices blending with the ambient noise of the awakening village.
Here, the distinction between clan children and commoners was immediately visible.
The commoners clustered together, curious about everything, fidgeting nervously. For them, becoming a ninja represented a chance to rise above others — perhaps even achieve the status of Lord-Ninja, gaining a level of prestige otherwise unattainable.
The harsh realities of the Ninja World were distant for them. Most of these children were war orphans, untrained, with Level 0 attributes according to system standards. Some would enter the Academy, only to become cannon fodder on future battlefields.
How many could rise above and become legends like Jiraiya, Orochimaru, or the Fourth Hokage? The truth was cruel.
Children from Great Clans stood more sparsely, confident in their position. Their entry into the Academy was almost guaranteed. Many had undergone simple Taijutsu training, with most ranked at Level 1, and a few already at Level 2.
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A black-faced Chunin wearing a Konoha Ninja headband walked past, signaling the children to follow. While both clans and commoners could enter the Academy, enrollment was not automatic — one had to pass the Academy's assessment.
For most, it was simple: run 200 laps around the training grounds. Not just a test of will, but a measure of physical stamina. Ninja combat required both Chakra and a strong body.
For ordinary children, 200 laps were grueling. But in a world infused with Chakra, early childhood training built impressive endurance. For Uchiha Tatsumi, this was basic. The sunlight filtered softly through leaves, warming the determined faces of the young students.
Tatsumi's goal was clear: first place.
The difference between winning and coming second could define his reputation. Securing a huge lead would demonstrate his innate talent — something vital for an orphan of the Uchiha Clan who lacked mentors within his family.
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At the start, Tatsumi sprinted forward, eyes fixed on the boy beside him: Senju Nawaki, also five years old, with brown-and-yellow hair and a spirited look. The Senju Clan emblem was visible on his uniform.
"So Nawaki is my competition…", Tatsumi thought quietly.
Tatsumi didn't hesitate to show his ability — after all, he had no guidance in his clan and didn't intend to rely on a Jonin teacher from within. If he wanted a future in Konoha, he had to prove himself to the Hokage.
To surpass Nawaki, grandson of the First Hokage, and take first place in the entrance exam was the perfect strategy. It wasn't just about winning; it was about making a statement.
Nawaki's innate talent was undeniable: massive Chakra reserves, good physique, and guidance from elders like Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru, along with his grandmother Uzumaki Mito.
Before Tatsumi had started enhancing his abilities with ninja points, he stood no chance against Nawaki's Taijutsu. But now… everything had changed.
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Tatsumi pushed forward, feeling his Level 3 Taijutsu in perfect harmony. According to the system, Level 3 significantly enhanced endurance, strength, speed, and Taijutsu understanding. In practice, it was like he could fly.
Soon, he began to distance himself from Nawaki. The boy clenched his teeth, determined, but Tatsumi only widened the gap, maintaining his lead effortlessly.
"Have you taken stimulants?!" Nawaki thought, frustrated.
Tatsumi glanced back briefly, taking in the determined faces of those chasing him.
"My foolish classmates… if you want to catch me, try your best. Maybe one day, when you reach my speed, come find me."
And with that, he surged ahead, leading the pack, his every stride demonstrating the terrifying potential of an Uchiha orphan left to cultivate himself.