Kajiro observed his students thoughtfully. He had already been impressed by Minato and Mikoto, who showed sharp intellect and tactical flexibility during sparring. Yet Kuro stood out even among them — not through clever tricks or complex strategies, but through overwhelming physical strength and speed already comparable to that of a Chunin.
If this boy keeps developing at such terrifying speed… he might surpass even veteran chunin, or maybe even…
Realizing the class was already impressed enough by the earlier sparring matches, the sensei clapped his hands loudly, drawing everyone's attention.
"Now then," he began, "Shintaro and Jibi will help you learn a technique that will become one of the most important tools in your arsenal. This is the basic Body Replacement Technique. Despite being ranked only E-class, as Minato demonstrated today—it can save your life. Those who already know it may practice cloning with Jibi."
Kuro, standing slightly to the side, frowned.
E-rank… such a useful technique, yet it's considered only E-rank? I've lived in this world for over a year now and never bothered to learn it. Probably because something so simple didn't catch my attention… clearly a mistake.
Shintaro stepped forward with his usual wide grin.
"All right, kids! Let me show you how it's done! Those who already mastered it — go to Jibi, he'll help you with cloning."
The dark-haired swordsman nodded silently. Several students immediately approached him — all from big clans except Minato.
Am I the only one who hasn't learned it!?
Kuro thought as Shintaro gave him a puzzled look.
"Hm? Don't tell me you haven't—?"
"No. I focused on physical training."
"Ah, I see. Well then, let's begin."
Once everyone gathered around, Senju started explaining the technique.
"As you saw, Replacement allows you to instantly switch places with an object nearby. It requires quick reaction and precise timing, but mastering it can save your life."
He formed the seals, vanished — and a wooden log dropped where he had stood. A moment later, the real Shintaro appeared nearby with arms crossed.
"Your turn."
The students enthusiastically began practicing. The training yard soon filled with flashes of chakra and frustrated groans. Kuro, however, carefully replayed the entire demonstration in his mind, analyzing every detail. Stabilizing his breathing, he gathered his chakra, grateful for the hours spent sharpening his control during the break.
He formed the seal—and his body instantly dissolved into smoke. A log thudded onto the ground as Kuro reappeared behind the class with a satisfied smile.
Shintaro whistled.
"Whoa, first try? Now you're just showing off!"
Kuro shrugged.
"It's a simple technique. No idea why I never learned it before."
Kajiro huffed.
"Simplicity doesn't mean weakness, Kuro. Even low-rank techniques can save your life—or your comrades'—if used correctly. Remember that."
Kuro nodded, though a spark of interest flashed in his eyes. He was already imagining advanced ways to use Replacement mid-combat.
After finishing with the class, Shintaro approached Kuro, scratching the back of his head.
"We should train together sometime."
"Why not," Kuro replied. "It could be useful."
Nawaki, overhearing the conversation, practically jumped between them.
"Oh! Count me in! Let's do a three-way sparring match!"
Kuro smirked at the boy's enthusiasm.
The second year passed steadily. Between regular classes, the trio occasionally trained together, practicing techniques and tactics. During this time, Kuro managed to master all basic Academy techniques — including clone and transformation — and discovered his chakra natures: Water, Wind, and Fire.
He hadn't yet grasped the latter two, but Shintaro helped him with Water techniques. His arsenal now included the Raging Wave and the Water Clone. As for the Shadow Clone Technique—the old man promised to teach it only if Kuro placed first in the year-end exams. Because of that, Nara had to intensify his theoretical studies as well.
When exam day came, Kuro was fully prepared.
Unlike last year, the atmosphere in the class was calm. Everyone knew what to expect. Some students reviewed their notes; others, like Shikaku, simply relaxed.
The first part was the written test. Kuro scanned the sheet of questions — most were easy, but a few at the end were genuinely challenging.
If I hadn't pushed myself so hard, I wouldn't have solved these, he thought, then got to work.
Two hours later, the papers were collected.
After a short break, the practical exam began. Sarutobi Kajiro and the second examiner, Inuzuka Taicho, stood before the students.
"Today we'll test your mastery of the basic Academy taijutsu," Kajiro said. "Each of you will spar with one of us. We'll evaluate your strength, combat ability, and technique."
Students went one by one. The teachers observed everything — stance, footwork, defense. Some performed well; others clearly lacked practice. Short comments followed each match.
When Mikoto and the Hyuga brothers tried using their clan styles, Taicho stopped them.
"We're testing Academy basics, not your clan techniques. Try again."
Finally, it was Kuro's turn.
Taicho Inuzuka stepped forward with a grin.
"Ready?"
"Always."
Even without going all out, Kuro's movements were sharp and aggressive. He used Academy techniques flawlessly, dodging effortlessly and counterattacking with machine-like precision. His speed increased with every exchange.
Taicho, who had never seen Kuro fight before, looked surprised. Feeling the boy's strength, he narrowed his eyes and increased his own pace — yet Kuro still read every strike flawlessly.
After the spar ended, Inuzuka stepped back and nodded.
"Exceptional execution. Very well done."
Kajiro huffed quietly. Kuro had exceeded expectations once again.
After the exam, Nara left the Academy, planning to head to his usual training field. But as he stepped outside the gate, Nawaki appeared in front of him, practically buzzing with energy.
"Hey, Kuro! Let's train again next week!"
Kuro raised a brow.
"Shintaro's on a mission. Without him—"
"Hah! That's where you're wrong!" Nawaki puffed up proudly. "My big sister is coming back soon! Tsunade — the student of the Third Hokage! I'll convince her to train us! Imagine what we could learn!"
Kuro froze for a moment. His eyes widened slightly — then he forced himself back to calm. He couldn't let such an opportunity slip away.
"I'm in."
"Great! I'll tell you when she agrees!"
Nawaki ran off excitedly.
Kuro remained standing… until a familiar translucent screen suddenly appeared before his eyes.
"Finally…" he muttered.
[Unlocked Character Power: 15%]