After running two hundred laps, Uchiha Hayashi crossed the finish line with a commanding lead. His breathing was steady, his pace strong. Though the exercise had drained most children of their strength, Hayashi still had energy left in reserve.
Nawaki, meanwhile, was bent over with his hands braced against his knees, gasping for breath. Sweat dripped down his face as he struggled to keep from collapsing. Between ragged pants he managed to say, "It seems… you still haven't gone all out."
Hayashi glanced at him, his expression unreadable. For a moment, a flicker of sympathy passed through his eyes. Nawaki wasn't just any boy—he was the grandson of the First Hokage. The weight on his shoulders was far heavier than what an ordinary child could bear. Expectations pressed in from all sides, and every mistake would be magnified.
Unlike his sister Tsunade, who was free to follow her own path, Nawaki was destined to carry the hopes of the Senju clan. And yet, history would later say he died at only twelve years old, on the battlefield, in a way far too cruel for one so young.
Hayashi adjusted his Uchiha clan windbreaker and straightened his posture. "A storm is brewing," he muttered under his breath, almost theatrically. He had forgotten for a moment that his own life, if left to history, was not destined to last much longer either.
Nawaki frowned at the strange look Hayashi gave him. "What's with that expression? Don't tell me…" He shivered slightly, unable to place the feeling.
Truthfully, Nawaki's performance had been impressive. Aside from Hayashi, none of the other children could keep up with him. While he wasn't a monster on the level of his grandfather, the First Hokage—who many regarded as almost godlike—Nawaki was undeniably talented.
This was Hayashi's first real interaction with someone outside of his clan, and he couldn't help but think: if not for that untimely death, Nawaki might have achieved great things.
"What's your name?" Nawaki finally asked after studying the Uchiha crest on Hayashi's clothes.
"Uchiha Hayashi. And you?" Hayashi replied, though he already knew.
"Senju Nawaki," came the answer.
Hayashi smiled faintly, stepped forward, and placed a hand on Nawaki's shoulder. "You're doing well, Nawaki. I understand your eagerness to catch up to me. But don't rush, don't panic. There's plenty of time. I'll be waiting for you." His tone was calm, almost reassuring.
Nawaki blinked in disbelief. "Wha… what?" He stared at Hayashi, completely thrown off by the unexpected encouragement.
With a small smile, Hayashi turned and walked away, pleased with himself. That was acting worthy of full marks. If Nawaki was touched even a little, then his goal was met. He wanted to be seen as different from the typical arrogant Uchiha. Who knew if the old Third Hokage was secretly watching them through his Telescope Technique? If so, best to leave a good impression.
Just then, a familiar notification echoed in Hayashi's mind:
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining the first achievement in the ninja world: Academy Entrance Test, First Place! Special reward: 2000 Ninja Points.]
[Host's remaining Ninja Points: 2890]
Hayashi kept his face calm, but inside he was ecstatic. "Perfect. So achievements really do give a big payout." Normally it would take him a year of effort to collect this many points, and now he had gained them in a single moment.
If the entrance exam gave this much, then the later tests—the theory exams, the practical drills—would all be opportunities to gather more points. If he placed first in every class and year, the rewards would pile up quickly. The thought alone made his heart race with anticipation.
The test soon concluded. Aside from a handful who failed, most of the children passed. Hayashi's attention was caught by a blond boy standing quietly among the group.
Minato Namikaze.
The boy who would one day perfect the Flying Thunder God Technique and become known across the world as the Yellow Flash. A genius who turned the tide of the Third Great Ninja War.
Right now, though, Minato was unremarkable. His scores were average, his body still that of a civilian child, and he hadn't even begun proper chakra training. Compared to the heirs of the great clans, he seemed ordinary. But Hayashi knew better—once Minato received guidance, his potential would explode.
There would be time to befriend him later. They had years together in the academy ahead.
When the running test ended, Mikoto appeared at Hayashi's side. She was a little winded, but still had energy left. She hadn't been thrown off by Hayashi's sudden burst of speed earlier. Instead, she had paced herself wisely, conserving stamina. That was her way—quiet, steady, not eager to show off.
"You were amazing, Hayashi. You're already so fast," Mikoto said sincerely.
Hayashi waved it off with a cool shrug, adjusting his windbreaker. "It was nothing. No need to boast about small things."
After receiving their acceptance letters, the two began walking back toward the Uchiha compound. The streets were quiet, but trouble was never far away. Especially in the Uchiha clan, where pride often led to conflict.
Before long, three figures stepped into their path. All wore the clan's standard dark windbreakers, their faces twisted with hostility.
Hayashi recognized them immediately: Uchiha Ryō, Uchiha Rei, and Uchiha Yutaka. All children of the clan, around his age. And, unfortunately, all with reputations as troublemakers.
Ryō sneered. "You really made a show of yourself in the exam, didn't you?"
Hayashi tilted his head lazily, pretending to think. "Did I? I only used a fraction of my strength." His tone was vague, dismissive, a deliberate provocation.
The three boys stepped closer, clearly here to start something.
Hayashi smirked faintly. "So, it begins. The wannabe villains of the academy, is it?"