Leo didn't tell anyone about the ambush by Uchiha Shiro in the street. After a brief exchange with a few ANBU operatives, he went alone to the Ninja Academy.
On the way, he mulled over many things. From the tone of those ANBU, he could faintly sense that they might be trying to recruit him into their ranks.
In this era, Ninja Academy students could apply for early graduation—provided they were talented enough.
After all, both Kakashi Hatake and Uchiha Itachi from the original story had done just that—graduating early to enter the ANBU for field experience.
A flower raised in a greenhouse will never survive the wind and rain.
Over the past three months, Leo had spent most of his time training alone, occasionally requesting leave from Instructor Okamoto.
Okamoto-sensei knew Leo was pushing himself hard to prepare for potential retaliation from the Uchiha Clan. Considering Leo already possessed the skills of a graduate, the teacher readily approved his requests.
When Leo stepped into the Academy grounds, laughter and chatter filled the air—students living simple, carefree lives.
Compared to them, Leo seemed to exist in a completely different world.
"Run! The Red-Haired Pepper Demon is coming again!"
In an open training field, a few little boys bolted in panic, tripping over themselves as they fled.
Behind them stormed a red-haired girl with a pretty face and a terrifying aura that made everyone's blood run cold.
Who else could it be but Kushina Uzumaki?
Of all the people who had changed over these three months, aside from Leo himself, none had transformed more than her.
Through her studies at the Academy, Kushina's talent as a ninja—and the Uzumaki Clan's extraordinary vitality—had quickly propelled her into the ranks of the Academy's elite prodigies.
And with newfound power came a much bolder temper.
After all, Kushina was the princess of the Uzumaki Clan. Her goal in coming to Konoha wasn't just to learn ninjutsu—it was to become Hokage.
Yes, Hokage!
That naive dream naturally drew plenty of mockery from her classmates.
But after her strength grew, and with the elders of Konoha already instructed to "take care" of her, Kushina simply beat up everyone who dared to laugh.
The funny part was that none of those students even dared to fight back—their parents had told them not to.
At the Ninja Academy, everyone knew: you can afford to offend an Uchiha, but don't ever mess with Uzumaki Kushina.
Her backing was just too strong.
"Damn it!"
"I will become Hokage someday!"
Kushina stomped through the schoolyard, small fists clenched tight, anger blazing in her bright red eyes. Her long crimson hair whipped behind her like fire in the wind.
But suddenly, her expression froze—because she saw Leo standing not far away, as cold and aloof as ever.
"Leo-kun!"
Instantly, Kushina's anger vanished. Her face blossomed into a brilliant smile, gentle and radiant like a flower opening under the sun.
"Long time no see," Leo said, giving a slight nod.
Kushina's eyes widened in surprise. Based on what she knew of him, she'd expected nothing more than a curt grunt at best. But this time—four whole words!
That was practically a speech coming from Leo.
Of course, he only said that because over the past three months, they'd rarely crossed paths. Leo often took leave to train, and Kushina too had been absent frequently.
As for where she disappeared to—Leo could guess. It was most likely related to her training with the First Hokage's wife, Uzumaki Mito—the First Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.
Besides her classes at the Academy, Kushina was probably also being personally instructed by Mito in the art of sealing techniques—the true legacy of the Uzumaki Clan, unmatched throughout the ninja world.
Lost in thought, Kushina stood there, cheeks slightly flushed, twisting shyly like a bashful young girl.
The watching students shivered. The terrifying "Queen of the Academy" actually blushing? What was the world coming to?
But when they saw who she was looking at, they all understood.
That guy was terrifying in his own right—the same Leo who had once punched Uchiha Tsuki so hard that the boy couldn't get out of bed for three months.
Even now, Tsuki was still recovering. Who knew if he'd even manage to graduate on time?
Leo gave Kushina a brief glance, then walked past her toward the school building.
Kushina remained frozen in place, daydreaming happily.
"Uh… sis? He's gone," a chubby student nearby said timidly.
"???"
Kushina blinked, snapping out of her trance.
Whoosh!
A gust of wind swept past—but Leo's figure had already vanished from sight.
"Ugh! Why didn't you say something sooner?!" she shouted, glaring at the poor boy, eyes blazing.
"B-but, Big Sis, you didn't ask…" the boy stammered, shrinking back in fear.
Kushina stomped her foot angrily, then took off running after Leo, cheeks burning in embarrassment.
Ugh! That was so embarrassing!
In class, Instructor Okamoto walked in and noticed Leo sitting in his usual seat. The two exchanged a brief glance—no words were needed.
Though Leo had already mastered chakra refining, the three basic techniques, and shuriken throwing, he still attended class with unwavering focus.
Every repetition gave him new insight.
Most other students, however, were half-asleep.
Only those from Konoha's great clans—Hyūga, Uchiha, Kurama, Nara, Yamanaka—sat attentively.
Among the commoners, only a few like Minato Namikaze truly listened. The rest were mentally absent.
Different backgrounds, different ambitions.
Soon, the theory lesson ended, and the students went outside for physical training.
But Okamoto called Leo up to the rooftop for a private conversation.
"Leo, I heard about the attack on you in the village streets," Okamoto said gravely.
"Thank you for your concern, Sensei," Leo replied with a respectful bow.
"Heh… There's not much I can do. I can't oppose the Uchiha Clan. My own talent is mediocre—I can't even protect my own students. I am." He gave a bitter smile.
"Don't blame yourself, Sensei."
Since Leo's victory over Uchiha Tsuki, Okamoto's attitude toward him had changed noticeably—he now treated him with genuine care.
"Leo, I called you here to tell you this: in one week, the Academy will hold an inter-student combat tournament."
"Participants must have studied for at least a year. The Hokage himself and several jonin from the village will be observing."
"Outstanding students can apply for early graduation and be taken as apprentices by a jonin—or even be scouted for the ANBU."
"You've only been here for half a year, but I still want you to participate. Do your best—find yourself a strong mentor or patron. That way, you won't have to live under the Uchiha Clan's shadow anymore."
Leo nodded firmly. "I will, Sensei."
"Good." Okamoto smiled warmly. With Leo's talent, he was sure the boy would do well.
Still, Leo couldn't help but wonder why the teacher was being so invested in his future. After a moment's hesitation, he asked:
"Sensei… why are you doing this for me?"
He was, after all, an outsider—a refugee from another village. Okamoto had no obligation to care this much.
It was as if the teacher had expected that question all along. His smile faded, replaced by quiet melancholy. He took a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and said softly:
"Because after the tournament, I'll be leaving Konoha for the Land of Rain. I'm part of the first wave of shinobi being sent to the front lines."
He took a slow drag, exhaled the smoke, and added in a low voice:
"…And I probably won't be coming back."
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on P@treon if you're interested: patreon.com/HorizonStudios0