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Chapter 6: The Entrance Exam
After completing 200 laps, Uchiha Tatsumi crossed the finish line with a significant lead.
Running at high speed for two hundred laps was still challenging for him, but he had reserves left.
Upon finishing, Nawaki bent over, hands on his knees, trying to steady himself. Gasping for breath, he remarked, "It seems you haven't exhausted all your strength."
Looking at Nawaki, Uchiha Tatsumi felt a pang of sympathy.
As the grandson of the First Hokage, Nawaki must bear more pressure than most. Many have high expectations of him. Countless eyes are upon him, amplifying every move he makes.
Unlike Tsunade, Nawaki is destined to support the clan. Unfortunately, he died on the battlefield at only 12 years old, and the manner of his death was tragic.
It's truly unfortunate. While pitying Nawaki, Uchiha Tatsumi adjusted his Uchiha clan windbreaker.
Always maintain composure.
"The wind's picking up."
Uchiha Tatsumi spoke with feigned emotion.
He may have forgotten that he himself would soon follow history's path and face a similar fate.
Nawaki glanced at him, puzzled.
This person shouldn't be... that.
Nawaki shuddered.
In truth, Senju Nawaki's strength is commendable. Except for Uchiha Tatsumi, others can't match Nawaki's speed.
Although Nawaki doesn't possess the extraordinary abilities of his grandfather, the First Hokage...
What is the First Hokage, if not a god?
Well, yes, the First Hokage is revered as a god.
This is the first time Uchiha Tatsumi has interacted with children from other clans. Had he not met an untimely end, perhaps Nawaki's achievements would have been remarkable.
"What's your name?" Senju Nawaki inquired, noticing the Uchiha clan emblem on Uchiha Tatsumi's attire.
Nawaki was intrigued by the Uchiha clan's young member who had surpassed him by such a margin.
If he loses, he loses; he can still learn from it.
Although the Uchiha and Senju clans have a history of rivalry, it's no longer the Warring States period. On the surface, there's no overt animosity.
Before entering the academy, Nawaki's elder sister Tsunade advised him to be aware of noteworthy opponents. After all, he aspires to become Hokage.
"Uchiha Tatsumi. And you?" Tatsumi asked, already knowing the answer.
Nawaki replied, "Nawaki, Senju Nawaki."
With a kind smile, Uchiha Tatsumi patted Nawaki's shoulder and said, "You're impressive, Nawaki. I understand your eagerness to surpass me. Don't rush; take your time. I'm here, waiting for you."
Nawaki stood there, dazed.
What... was that?
Uchiha Tatsumi smiled and walked away.
He silently awarded himself full marks for his acting skills.
Did Nawaki not feel moved by that?
Uchiha Tatsumi intended to present an image of warmth and approachability, distinct from the typical Uchiha arrogance.
Perhaps the Third Hokage is currently observing them through the Crystal Ball Jutsu. It's good to leave a favorable impression.
Indeed.
As he walked, he received a system notification:
"Congratulations to the host for achieving first place in the entrance test. Special reward: 2000 ninja points."
System update:
Host's ninja points balance: 2890
"This feels great!"
Uchiha Tatsumi maintained a calm exterior, but inside, he was elated. Earning achievements grants substantial ninja points; 2000 ninja points is what he would typically earn in a year.
So, pursuing achievements is a shortcut. The entrance test was just a small hurdle.
There are also various theoretical and practical exams at the academy. Achieving first place in class or age would be quite profitable.
Uchiha Tatsumi eagerly anticipated the upcoming major exams.
Soon, the 200-lap test concluded. Except for a few who failed, most passed the entrance exam. After all, those who reached this stage were quite confident in their abilities.
Among them, Uchiha Tatsumi particularly noticed a young boy with golden hair.
Namikaze Minato!
In the future, he would improve the Flying Thunder God Jutsu and become the fastest man in the ninja world, known as the "Yellow Flash." During the Third Great Ninja War, Konoha's strength was bolstered by him, closing the gap with the other four great villages.
Uchiha Tatsumi was interested in befriending Minato, but it wasn't the right time yet.
Minato wasn't particularly outstanding at this stage. His admission grades were average. Though a genius, he was from a commoner background, with average physical fitness and no chakra extraction.
Currently, he couldn't compete with the younger generation from the great clans who had been trained since childhood.
Minato's true rise began after Jiraiya became his teacher. Some individuals, once provided with resources, can soar to great heights. After he improved the Flying Thunder God Jutsu, he would ascend rapidly.
In any case, in the coming years, everyone would study at the academy, providing opportunities to form friendships.
After the physical test, Mikoto had already approached. She observed that although she was slightly out of breath, she was still in good condition, indicating she had paced herself without overexerting.
Mikoto is such a person; she doesn't like to show off her abilities.
"Tatsumi, you're amazing. You ran so fast."
Uchiha Tatsumi adjusted his coat and assumed a composed posture.
Remain calm. Men shouldn't be proud of such minor achievements.
After receiving the admission notice, Uchiha Tatsumi and Mikoto began walking back to the Uchiha clan compound.
This world always has its share of troublemakers, especially in the Uchiha clan. There are always mischievous kids looking to cause trouble.
Just as Uchiha Tatsumi and Mikoto were walking back, three individuals wearing Uchiha clan windbreakers stopped in front of them.
"Who?"
Uchiha Tatsumi lazily lifted his head and looked ahead, finally seeing the three faces filled with anger.
To be honest, the three troublemakers aren't unattractive. The Uchiha clan's genes are still strong.
The clan specializes in producing handsome individuals.
However, these three angry faces ruined the aesthetic of the area.
—Uchiha Ryo, Uchiha Ling, and Uchiha Shigeru.
These are children of the same age as Uchiha Tatsumi, who will also be students in the future.
"You kid, you were very popular just now in the test," Uchiha Ryo said.
"Is that so? Not at all. I just showed a bit of strength," Uchiha Tatsumi responded, dismissing Uchiha Ryo's accusation.