Konoha Year 25
Ninja Academy
Tatsumi woke up just in time, arriving at the Ninja Academy with only minutes to spare before class began. Cherry blossoms bloomed vibrantly on the trees outside, their dazzling beauty catching even Tatsumi's eye, though he wasn't one for flower-gazing elegance.
But the blossoms held his attention for only a fleeting moment.
His mind was elsewhere—focused on his classmates, his soon-to-be comrades in this year's battles. Or rather, his soon-to-be sources of Ninja Points.
Points are art, my foolish classmates.
"Uchiha Tatsumi, you're about to be late!" a low, gentle voice called out. Tatsumi turned to see a ninja in a light green vest, sporting a Konoha headband, with dark skin and a muscular build.
"Oh, it's that black-faced—er, I mean, good morning, Sensei Nishimura!" Tatsumi caught himself just in time. Close call. Calling him 'black-faced uncle' might get me in trouble.
"You were about to call me 'black-faced uncle,' weren't you?" Nishimura's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Haha, you're imagining things!" Tatsumi laughed nervously.
"I'm only in my twenties, kid!" Nishimura grumbled.
"What? I thought you were in your forties!" Tatsumi teased.
Nishimura shot him a menacing look. For context, Nishimura was the Chunin who oversaw yesterday's entrance test. Some student had nicknamed him "Black-Faced Uncle" due to his dark complexion and stern, middle-aged demeanor.
"By the way, who says 'good morning' at a time like this?" Nishimura asked.
"Oh, sorry. Uh… your skin's looking extra dark today!" Tatsumi quipped.
"You little—my skin tone's more important than you being late?!"
"My bad, Sensei! I'm late, I admit it!"
"You're unbelievable. Get to class already," Nishimura sighed, muttering under his breath. As Tatsumi hurried off, Nishimura couldn't help but smile. This kid's different from the usual Uchihas.
The Ninja Academy divided students into classes based on entrance exam results. Top performers, mostly clan heirs, were placed in the elite Class A, destined to be Konoha's pillars, mentored by skilled Jonin upon graduation. Average students landed in regular classes, often becoming battlefield fodder with mediocre Genin instructors. Luck might elevate a few to Chunin or Jonin, but the ninja world was harsh and unforgiving.
Tatsumi dashed through the corridors, pausing at the sign for "First-Year Class A." How should I make my entrance? Flashy? Cool? Or maybe domineering? And how do I farm points without ruining my reputation?
He shook out his Uchiha jacket. I'm overthinking this.
He was already five minutes late.
Pushing open the door, Tatsumi flashed his friendliest smile. "Sorry, I'm a tiny bit late!"
The moment he entered, he felt several hostile glares. Not because of his keen perception, but because the stares were that intense. If this weren't the academy, he was sure they'd jump him.
Glancing over, he recognized the culprits: the Uchiha trio—Ryo, Rei, and Ho—from yesterday's beating. Other clan kids, likely scolded by their elders for being outshined by Tatsumi's dominant performance, glared too.
Getting hated on, huh? Well, that's what happens when you're a genius, Tatsumi thought smugly.
He didn't care about their grudges. If they came for trouble, even better—more points for him. He shook his jacket again, striking a pose.
"SO COOL!"
"I LOVE HIM!"
Screams erupted, mostly from girls. As the entrance test's top scorer, an Uchiha, and undeniably handsome thanks to his clan's genes, Tatsumi was a heartthrob. He'd already landed on the girls' "Top 10 Boyfriend Material" list, his popularity soaring.
Unexpectedly popular, huh?
Finding an empty seat, Tatsumi saw Mikoto waving him over. "Tatsumi, over here!"
He sat beside her, prompting sighs from both boys and girls.
"Morning, Mikoto," he greeted.
"You're late again," she said with concern.
"Uh, sorry. I was helping an old lady cross the street," Tatsumi lied.
"You're so kind, Tatsumi!" Mikoto believed him instantly.
Tatsumi's face reddened slightly. Glancing around, he noticed the blonde boy next to him—Minato Namikaze—studying diligently despite the noisy classroom. In front sat Nawaki Senju, the brown-haired goofball staring at him eagerly.
"What're you staring at?" Tatsumi shot him a dismissive look.
"Mikoto, has Sensei not arrived yet?" he asked, noting the classroom's chaos.
"Nope, Nishimura-sensei's late too," Mikoto replied.
"What? I just saw him outside! Is he really our homeroom teacher?" Getting paid to stroll around campus instead of teaching? I'm reporting him to the Hokage.
The door swung open, and Nishimura entered with an imposing air, textbook in hand. The room quieted instantly.
"Good morning, everyone. I'm Nishimura Shin, your First-Year Class A teacher. Let's get along," he said, standing at the podium. He started to write his name on the board but gave up halfway.
Wow, that's lazy.
The classroom, housing about fifty students, had cobwebs in the corners and a faint moldy smell. The academy's renovation budget must've been pocketed by the principal, Tatsumi whispered to Nawaki.
"Uh, isn't the principal the Hokage?" Nawaki replied.
Never mind, Tatsumi shut up.
"Let's start with introductions," Nishimura announced. "Begin with the student by the aisle."
One by one, students stood. "I'm Kinoshita Rei. I love gardening. My dream is to become a Jonin."
When Minato's turn came, he said with a goofy smile, "I'm Namikaze Minato. My dream is to become Hokage and protect everyone in Konoha."
No one batted an eye—many kids shared that dream, aligning with Konoha's values: love the village, support the Hokage, aim to succeed him.
Nawaki was no different. "I'm Senju Nawaki. My dream is to be like my grandfather, the First Hokage. My current goal is to beat Uchiha Tatsumi."
…
Mikoto's turn arrived. Her gentle tone, slender frame, and loosely tied shoulder-length hair made her utterly charming. "I'm Uchiha Mikoto. My dream is to protect the people I love."
She finished with a sweet smile, earning murmurs of "So cute!" from the class.
Finally, it was Tatsumi's turn. First impressions matter. To make friends and show Konoha I'm not like other Uchihas, I need to come off as a cheerful, sunny guy.
An idea struck. He'd open with a lighthearted joke. Standing, he cleared his throat and said with a playful tone, "Ahem. I'm Uchiha Tatsumi. You can all call me 'Darling'—no need to be shy!"
"DARLING!"
A chorus of rough male voices echoed, far more cringe-inducing than he'd imagined.
"Forget I said that!" Tatsumi winced, feeling nauseated. I didn't expect them to actually call me that. Gross.
Remembering the system's task to farm points by beating others, he continued in a provocative tone, "My foolish classmates, want my status? It's all yours if you can take it. Work hard, challenge me—I'll be waiting!"
A brief silence fell.
Uh-oh. Why do I feel like I messed up?
The room's hostility spiked. These pre-ninja kids' killing intent prickled his skin. He'd just made enemies of most of the boys.
The rest of the introductions were dull, just names without flair. The class passed quickly.
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