Dawn painted Konoha in shades of gold as twenty students sat nervously in Ashura's academy courtyard. Among them were faces that would one day become legendary: young Hiruzen Sarutobi, Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and several promising clan heirs.
Ashura observed them quietly, his Reincarnation Eyes seeing beyond mere physical forms. Most had strong chakra networks, as expected of chosen clan representatives. But he was looking for something else—the rare spiritual roots that might indicate cultivation potential.
"Before we begin," he announced, stepping forward, "understand that not all who seek healing arts will follow the same path. Your talents will determine your direction."
He placed a formation flag at each corner of the courtyard, creating a subtle Spirit Testing Array. To the students, they appeared to be simple ceremonial markers.
"Close your eyes," he instructed. "Feel the energy around you. Not your chakra—something deeper, more fundamental."
As the students meditated, the formation activated invisibly. Spiritual light, unseen by normal eyes, began to gather around each student in varying intensities.
*Interesting*, Ashura thought. Young Hiruzen glowed particularly bright, though not with cultivation potential. His talent lay in understanding profound truths—a future Hokage's wisdom already manifesting. Homura showed aptitude for formation arrays, while Koharu's spiritual sensitivity suggested talent for medicine refinement.
But there, in the back row, a young Senju girl named Tsunade radiated pure spiritual root potential. Beside her, surprisingly, a civilian-born boy named Dan showed similar promise. Their spiritual cores were untouched by chakra manipulation—perfect for cultivation.
"Each of you possesses unique gifts," Ashura continued. "Today, we begin discovering them. First..." He produced a bowl of clear liquid. "Drink."
"Water, Elder?" Hiruzen asked respectfully.
"Spirit Dew," Ashura corrected. "Your first test."
The liquid was actually ordinary water infused with trace spiritual energy—enough to cause slight reactions in those with different aptitudes. As each student drank, their responses told him more about their potential paths.
Most simply felt refreshed. Hiruzen's chakra became notably clearer. But Tsunade and Dan both showed subtle signs of spiritual energy absorption—their bodies instinctively recognizing and accepting cultivation resources.
"Now," Ashura began drawing a complex diagram in the air—visible chakra patterns hiding subtle spiritual formations. "Watch carefully. The flow of life energy follows certain principles..."
The lesson progressed through basic healing theory, but Ashura's true purpose was observation. He noted how each student resonated with different aspects of his teaching.
By midday, he had mentally sorted them:
- Two with cultivation potential (Tsunade and Dan)
- Three suited for advanced formation arrays
- Five with special talent for medical techniques
- The rest showing various degrees of standard healing aptitude
"Elder," Tsunade spoke up during a break, "the energy you described... it feels different from normal chakra."
"Indeed." Ashura smiled slightly. Her spiritual sensitivity was remarkable. "Perhaps you would benefit from some... additional instruction."
As the day progressed, he began subtle differentiation in his teaching. While all learned basic healing arts, each student received guidance tailored to their aptitudes. None realized they were being sorted into distinct cultivation paths.
That evening, after the students departed, Tobirama appeared.
"I watched today's lesson," he stated. "Your methods are... unusual."
"Each student walks their own path," Ashura replied. "The key is identifying which path suits them best."
"And my grand-niece? I noticed your particular interest in Tsunade."
"She has exceptional talent for healing arts." It wasn't a lie, merely not the complete truth. "As does that civilian boy, Dan. Raw potential sometimes outweighs prestigious bloodlines."
Tobirama nodded slowly. "Just... keep me informed of her progress."
After the future Second Hokage left, Ashura returned to his private chamber within the academy. Through his Divine Sense, he connected with Izuna.
"How goes your breakthrough attempt?"
"Nearly there, Master. Though I felt today's Spirit Testing Array from here. Found some promising talents?"
"Two with true potential," Ashura confirmed. "The others will learn valuable skills, but only a few can walk the cultivation path. Remember your own early struggles?"
Izuna chuckled through their connection. "Hard to forget. At least you're not making them try to catch spirit birds blindfolded like you did with me."
"The day is young," Ashura smiled. "And that exercise was quite effective, as I recall."
He spent the night preparing materials for future lessons. Spirit Gathering Pills disguised as soldier pills, formation arrays hidden in healing seals, and training methods that would slowly attune his chosen students to spiritual energy.
*Patience*, he reminded himself. *Building proper foundations takes time.*
Above, Izuna continued his cultivation breakthrough attempt. Below, his first batch of students dreamed of healing arts, unaware that some of them would soon begin walking a path beyond ordinary ninja techniques.
The spirit veins pulsed gently through his hidden formations as another piece of his grand design fell into place. Sometimes the quietest beginnings led to the most profound changes.
Though he did make a mental note to stock up on spirit herbs. If young Tsunade had the same explosive breakthroughs he sensed she might, his current supply wouldn't last a month.