As the class returned from lunch, the students gathered at the training grounds behind the academy, where a series of wooden targets had been set up. Iruka stood at the front of the group, holding a set of kunai in one hand.
"Alright, everyone, today we're focusing on kunai throwing and accuracy," Iruka explained, gesturing to the targets. "I want each of you to take turns and aim for the center of the target. Focus on your breathing, stance, and control over your movements. This is essential for your development as shinobi."
The students lined up in front of the targets, ready to demonstrate their skill. Naruto, always eager to impress, was bouncing on his feet with excitement.
"I'm gonna nail this!" Naruto shouted, grabbing a kunai with too much enthusiasm.
Kai stood near the back of the group, watching quietly. He already knew this exercise would be simple for him. His skills far surpassed what the academy required, but for now, he was content to observe how the others performed.
Sasuke was first in line. He stepped forward with his usual calm demeanor, kunai in hand, and took a measured stance. His eyes narrowed as he concentrated, and with a swift motion, he threw the kunai directly at the target. It hit dead center with a sharp thud, earning him quiet admiration from the other students.
"Hmph. Too easy," Sasuke muttered under his breath, walking back to his spot with an air of confidence.
Naruto gritted his teeth, glaring at Sasuke. "Show off… I'll hit it too, just watch!"
Next, it was Naruto's turn. He stepped up, gripping the kunai tightly and squinting at the target. He pulled his arm back, took a deep breath, and launched the kunai… which veered off wildly and embedded itself in the ground several feet away from the target.
The class erupted into laughter.
"Naruto, you need to focus on your aim, not just your strength," Iruka sighed, though there was a trace of sympathy in his voice. "You're putting too much power into it without controlling the direction."
Naruto scratched the back of his head, embarrassed but determined. "Yeah, yeah, I'll get it next time!"
Kai couldn't help but notice the drastic difference in the students' performances. Sasuke was precise and methodical, while Naruto was unpredictable and clumsy. Yet, despite Naruto's failure, there was something in him—an energy, a spark—that Kai found intriguing.
("Naruto's chakra… it's almost overwhelming. He has potential, but his control is non-existent. He doesn't know what's inside him yet. He's unaware of the power he's carrying.")
After a few more students took their turns, it was Kai's moment to step forward. Iruka handed him a kunai, and the other students watched closely, curious to see how the new student would perform. Even Sasuke glanced over, his eyes narrowing slightly in quiet appraisal.
Kai stood calmly before the target, his posture relaxed, as if this were a trivial task. He didn't need to put in much effort to succeed here—he had done this countless times in training before reincarnating into this world. But like before, he didn't want to stand out too much.
("I'll keep it simple. Just enough to pass.")
With a fluid motion, Kai threw the kunai. It sailed through the air in a perfect arc and landed precisely in the center of the target, right next to Sasuke's. The class murmured in surprise and approval.
Iruka smiled. "Excellent form, Kai! You're clearly comfortable with the basics."
Kai simply nodded, walking back to his place in line, ignoring the quiet whispers from the students. He could feel Sasuke's gaze on him, though the Uchiha said nothing. There was a tension between them now—a silent acknowledgment that they were both skilled in ways that set them apart from the rest of the class. But for now, Sasuke kept his thoughts to himself.
("Sasuke is paying attention. He's already comparing me to himself. That's fine. Let him. It will keep him off balance.")
The practice continued, with students taking turns and improving their technique under Iruka's guidance. As the session went on, Kai continued to observe the dynamics between his classmates. Naruto remained determined, despite his continued failure, but what Kai noticed more than anything was the frustration building inside the boy. It wasn't just about missing the target. Naruto was fighting for something deeper—for recognition, for acceptance, for respect.
("He's desperate to prove himself. Always trying to rise out of the shadows of others. He doesn't even know how important he will be in the future… or what's sealed inside him.")
When the training session finally wrapped up, the students began to pack away their things, chatting about the upcoming graduation exams. Many were anxious, knowing that failure would mean another year stuck in the academy. Naruto, in particular, looked uneasy as he plopped down on a nearby bench, sighing heavily.
"I've gotta pass this time. I have to," Naruto muttered to himself, his expression uncharacteristically serious.
Kai overheard him and glanced in his direction, considering the boy's words.
("The graduation exam… I know what's coming. Naruto's going to struggle with the Clone Jutsu. But his real test is yet to come. I'll keep my distance for now, but there's no harm in watching how things unfold.")
The students began to disperse, and as Kai started to head back toward the academy building, he felt a familiar presence nearby. He turned slightly and saw Ino approaching him, looking hesitant but determined. Her usual confident air seemed somewhat diminished as she approached, and Kai noticed the slight pink in her cheeks.
"Hey, uh, Kai, right?" Ino said, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear nervously.
Kai raised an eyebrow but kept his expression neutral. "Yes?"
Ino shifted on her feet, looking a bit unsure of herself. "I just wanted to say… your kunai throwing was really good. You seem like you've had some training before."
Kai nodded. "I've practiced."
There was an awkward silence for a moment before Ino gave a small smile, clearly trying to find a way to continue the conversation. "So, um… are you getting used to the academy? It must be weird being the new student so close to graduation."
Kai considered his response carefully. He didn't want to reveal too much, but he also didn't want to completely brush her off.
("Ino Yamanaka… She's curious, but harmless for now. Still, best to keep her at a distance.")
"It's different," Kai replied simply, offering a vague answer. "But I'm adjusting."
Ino seemed satisfied with that and gave him a nod before turning to rejoin her friends, who were waiting for her near the academy gate. Kai watched her go, then turned his gaze back toward the academy.
The day was winding down, but Kai knew that this calm was only temporary. Soon, the real challenges would begin—not just for Naruto, but for the entire village. And when that time came, he would be ready.
As he walked back into the academy, Kai couldn't help but feel a quiet thrill of anticipation. This was only the beginning. Soon enough, he would make his mark on this world, and nothing would stand in his way.
("I'll play along for now… But in time, they'll all see just how powerful I truly am.")