Year 41 of Konoha. Hidden currents stirred throughout the ninja world, and friction between the great villages grew more frequent by the day.
At that time, Sarutobi Hiruzen held two positions simultaneously: Sandaime Hokage of Konoha and principal of the Ninja Academy. Accompanied by his advisor, Koharu Utatane, he was conducting an inspection of the school.
Standing in his office and gazing through the blinds at the training field outside, Hiruzen let out a sigh heavy with memories.
"When the Nidaime-sama was on his deathbed, he personally appointed me as the Sandaime Hokage. That same year, I also took on the role of principal of the Ninja Academy. For more than ten years, whenever I thought about the weight of responsibility on my shoulders, I could barely eat or sleep."
He paused briefly, his tone softening as he continued.
"Fortunately, I did not betray the Nidaime-sama's expectations. Even if only modestly, I managed to achieve some results. Under my leadership, the Academy produced ninjas such as Orochimaru, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Minato, and Kakashi… Outstanding youths are the future of a village. To be the head of the Ninja Academy is to shoulder an immense burden."
Sensing that the Hokage was lost in reminiscence, the instructor Murakami Keinin understood the moment perfectly and moved to flatter him at just the right time.
"Without a doubt, Hokage-sama, your achievements are extraordinary. Your students, the Sannins, fought Hanzo of the Salamander several years ago, and today they have all become pillars capable of standing on their own. Minato, only a few years after graduating, has already become a jōnin - his future is limitless. With your wise leadership, it would be impossible for Konoha and the Academy not to prosper."
Praise was the safest route.
"Hahaha… I merely did a small part," Hiruzen replied, waving his hand in modest dismissal. Then, as if recalling something, he asked, "After Kakashi graduated, has the Academy produced any other geniuses?"
"Well… that…"
Murakami froze for a moment, unsure how to answer.
Promising talents certainly existed. Konoha had never lacked capable young people. The problem lay in who the Hokage had just mentioned: the Sannins, Namikaze Minato, Hatake Kakashi…
Among them, aside from Jiraiya, every single one had displayed overwhelming talent from a very young age - something obvious at a glance. Comparing people was cruel; comparing geniuses was even worse. After bringing up monsters of that level, any name mentioned next would inevitably seem lacking.
Hiruzen sighed, a trace of disappointment flashing across his eyes.
"Perhaps I am being too greedy. For youths like Minato or Kakashi to appear once every ten years would already be a blessing. As for the current students of the Academy… the oldest among them should be, at most, the same age Kakashi was back then."
Murakami understood the implication. Those students were, in theory, from the same generation as Kakashi. Kakashi had graduated in a single year, while they were still struggling through their time at the Academy. The difference was obvious.
A sense of crisis welled up in Murakami's heart. As an instructor at the Academy, his greatest responsibility was to nurture and uncover outstanding young talents for Konoha.
It was true that geniuses did not appear on command. Still, the Sandaime Hokage had every right to think: "When I focused on education, the Sannins and Minato emerged. Why did everything fall apart with you?"
It struck directly at Murakami's pride.
Clenching his teeth, Murakami made up his mind.
"Talents on the level of the Sannins are naturally rare," he said. "However, during my years as an instructor, I haven't achieved nothing. I have discovered one exceptional young person myself."
"Oh?" Hiruzen's interest was immediately piqued.
"He's from the same generation as Kakashi."
"From Kakashi's generation, yet still in the Academy?" Hiruzen smiled faintly. "Then I definitely want to meet him."
"He's the type of talent that blooms later," Murakami added without hesitation. Asking why would be pointless - the answer was simply that.
He pulled open the blinds and pointed toward a corner of the training field.
"Hokage-sama, please look. That young one over there who's dancing… he's the genius I wish to introduce to you."
Hiruzen and Koharu followed his gaze. Beneath the shade of a tree, a black-haired boy around seven or eight years old was surrounded by more than a dozen children, performing an unfamiliar dance with striking visual impact.
Most of the onlookers were girls, their eyes sparkling as they shouted things like, "Brother Mai, you're so handsome!" and "Brother Mai, do that space step again!"
With just one glance, Hiruzen believed Murakami's words.
That black-haired boy was undoubtedly a rare talent.
Even if he had not yet graduated at seven or eight. Even if he was not even a genin. Even if Kakashi, at the same age, had already become a chūnin. Even so, that boy could not possibly be inferior to Kakashi.
Because he was… far too handsome.
Delicate features, fair skin, perfect lips and teeth - words like these were barely enough to describe his appearance. He was even better-looking than Kakashi, Minato, or even the Nidaime pillar when they were children.
It was hard to believe that someone so handsome could possess an ordinary talent.
The prodigies who became famous early at the Academy all shared one thing in common: they were good-looking. Orochimaru, Minato, Kakashi…
Without a doubt, this was a talent that would bloom later.
"And what is this child's name?" Koharu asked.
"Uchiha Mai."
Seeing their reactions, Murakami knew he had gambled correctly. No one could resist that face. He finally let out a sigh of relief - he had managed to bluff his way through.
"Uchiha…" Hiruzen murmured, narrowing his eyes as he sensed something amiss.
In the early days of the Ninja Academy, the great clans had not taken it seriously. Their most promising youths were trained within their own clans instead. Even now, powerful families like the Uchiha and Hyūga still followed this practice.
So why would such an extraordinary Uchiha be sent to the Academy?
"Then I'll have a good look at him myself," Hiruzen said with a smile.
Murakami's heart nearly leapt out of his chest. He still wanted to see more? Was that face not convincing enough?
"What's wrong? Nervous?" Hiruzen asked, casting him a sideways glance.
"No."
Murakami wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. How could he possibly admit that Uchiha Mai was all looks - completely ordinary in every other regard? That was impossible.
"I'll arrange a demonstration match immediately," he said.
Hiruzen nodded slightly in approval.
After all, nothing proved a ninja's worth better than strength. And nothing displayed strength better than combat.
With a restless heart, Murakami left the office, silently praying that Uchiha Mai would show something - anything - different. At the very least, something that would allow him to justify his words without sounding like empty, forced praise.
"Fwee! Fwee! Fwee!"
A sharp whistle echoed across the field.
Murakami lowered the whistle and shouted loudly:
"Free activity time is over! Everyone, assemble!"
(End of Chapter)