"Uchiha Shisui."
In the Hokage's office within the administrative building, Hiruzen couldn't help but feel a throbbing headache as he examined the extraordinary graduate profile before him.
He had already settled on the composition of the Genin teams, when suddenly, Uchiha Shisui materialized, entirely derailing his meticulously crafted placement scheme. His initial intention had been to let the examiners subject the kid to a stern test, potentially even causing him to stumble and fail.
However, Uchiha Shisui's prowess in genjutsu was nothing short of astounding, completely exceeding his expectations. Seizing an opportune moment when the examiner's vigilance momentarily wavered, Shisui effortlessly ensnared them in a single, potent genjutsu. Should Shisui not pass this test, it would be blatantly clear that some sort of manipulation was at play behind the scenes.
"You appear to be troubled, Hiruzen," Danzo's voice interjected, as he walked into the room–an old partner with nearly half a century of shared history, wearing an expression that suggested he believed the world owed him money.
"And what if I assert my claim over him?" Danzo mused.
"Taking something away at your whims isn't on the table," Sarutobi Hiruzen responded indifferently.
"Do you truly believe the Uchiha clan would hand over their prodigious genius to you?"
Ever since the era of Uchiha Kagami, the Uchiha clan had been devoid of a standout powerhouse. Even Uchiha Kagami hadn't etched his name into Konoha's annals because of his untimely demise. Finally, a prodigy had emerged, and Danzo wanted to snatch it. How could the Fugaku and the Uchiha clan possibly allow Danzo to let Shisui enter into root?
"Heh, you remain quite naïve, Hiruzen," Danzo chuckled.
"Though my strength might not match your own, my forte lies in manipulation. Hiruzen, you undervalue yourself and me more than you should."
...
...
Within the ninja academy, in a specific classroom, the students who had successfully navigated the early graduation assessment and had received their forehead protectors. They awaited their head classroom teacher, Senju Nawaki, to divulge the placement outcomes.
Among this group of graduates, averaging around 10 years of age, the 5-year-old Uchiha Shisui seemed distinctly out of place.
"First group: Might Guy, Shiranui Genma, and Ebisu," Nawaki announced, holding a list adorned with the Hokage's seal.
"Next group: Kato Shizune, Rin..."
When Nawaki called out Rin's name, Obito swiftly jabbed himself, nearly leaping from his seat as his internal voice clamored, "Me! Me! Me!"
"Kurenai Yuhi."
The last name Nawaki uttered crushed Obito's last vestige of hope.
Fortunately, his misfortune hadn't yet pushed him into the depths of despair.
After all, Rin's group was devoid of any male members, particularly the bothersome Kakashi.
"Now, for the last team: Hatake Kakashi, Sarutobi Asuma, and... Uchiha Obito."
Nawaki's subsequent words cast Obito into a pit of desolation.
Puffing up from his seat, Obito pointed at Kakashi, cursing, "Nawaki-sensei! Why must I be grouped with that imbecilic Kakashi?"
"As if I have any desire to work with you? The dead last."
Kakashi retorted unsparingly.
"To balance the prowess within each group, the first and last ranked members can balance each other," Nawaki calmly clarified, attempting to mollify Obito's frustrations.
"Good luck, Obito," Rin, situated behind Obito, consoled him.
The encouragement from the goddess of his heart bestowed upon single Dog a sensation akin to a gentle spring breeze. He promptly settled back down, his countenance a picture of intoxication.
"Um... Mr. Nawaki, what about me?" Shisui queried, pointing at himself. How had he been left behind?
"You..."
Gazing at Uchiha Shisui's classification details, Senju Nawaki couldn't help but furrow his brows before explaining, "You possess unique talent; your placement will be arranged in a higher category. Just wait a moment."
"Understood," Shisui nodded obediently.
Honestly, he harbored a desire for Tatsuya to be his instructor. That sword technique was the embodiment of a dream come true. Yet, after careful contemplation, Shisui found such an outcome unlikely. After all, Master Tatsuya himself seemed to be a Genin.
"Jonin, the instructor for each class, will return shortly to collect you. Everyone, get ready," Nawaki concluded, leaving a few encouraging words before exiting the classroom.
Nevertheless, a sense of unease lingered within me regarding this grouping. It stood to reason that Sarutobi Hiruzen should be highly vigilant now that the Hatake brothers were on the move. How then could he place his son in the same class as the White Fang's son?
...
...
Just as Nawaki had foretold, the Jonin instructors for the three Genin teams arrived in quick succession.
Overseeing the Mighty Guy team was a Konoha Jonin with a relatively moderate overall prowess.
Two minutes later, Namikaze Minato, having removed his mask, entered the classroom. Sporting a smile, he gave a thumbs-up and gestured, "Uchiha Obito, Hatake Kakashi, and Sarutobi Asuma, follow me."
The trio, destined to be teammates, silently rose from their seats and followed Namikaze Minato out.
Before departing, Obito waved fervently to Rin repeatedly.
Internally, Minato sighed ruefully, sensing that this class might be quite the challenge.
"Whom am I entrusted with? Show yourselves!"
An unabashed voice evoked a sense of familiarity in Rin and Kurenai as Tsunade entered the classroom, her expression tinged with annoyance.
The trio of girls, including Shizune, were thrilled beyond measure. This was their idol!
"Master Tsunade, which team will you lead as the Jonin?" one of them asked excitedly.
"I'm ecstatic! Could I potentially learn from you, Tsunade-sama?" another inquired eagerly.
"Enough with the enthusiasm," Tsunade retorted while ruffling her blonde hair, a hint of resentment in her tone.
"That reckless Tatsuya makes decisions on a whim. I'm entirely too free to say anything about it. He can't escape so easily next time."
"Hehe, don't let it weigh on you; it's an intriguing experience."
A chilling voice emerged, catching Tsunade's attention.
Tsunade turned her gaze, raising her eyebrows slightly. "Orochimaru? It's been quite a while. Why are you here?"
"Hehe, I'm here to recruit disciples as well."
Orochimaru circled Tsunade before entering the classroom, declaring, "Uchiha Shisui, the prodigy of the Uchiha clan, come forward."
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