Chapter 4: A Hidden Trial – The Academy Under Watch
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Even after my encounter with Danzo, life at the Academy returned to normal—at least on the surface.
But I wasn't stupid.
Danzo wasn't the type to just let things be. He wouldn't accept my vague answers and walk away. No, he would test me.
That meant Root was watching.
And sooner or later, they would strike.
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The Academy – Business as Usual?
The day started like any other.
Iruka stood at the front of the classroom, giving another lecture about chakra control. Naruto, as usual, was barely paying attention, Sasuke was acting like he was too cool to care, and the other students were either bored or daydreaming.
I sat at my desk, pretending to listen, when I noticed it.
A presence.
Not in the classroom, but just outside. Someone was watching us.
I didn't react. I kept my expression neutral, acting like I didn't notice anything.
But in my mind, I was already analyzing.
Root operatives.
Danzo had begun his test.
The question was… what kind of test was it?
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A Subtle Attack – The First Trial Begins
During break time, the students gathered outside to practice basic kunai throwing. It was an easy drill—hit the targets, show off a little, then go back inside.
That's when I felt it.
A slight shift in the air.
Something was wrong.
I picked up a kunai, pretending to focus on the target. But my real attention was elsewhere.
A shadow flickered in the trees.
Then—a kunai came flying straight at my back.
It wasn't thrown by a student. It was faster, more precise—lethal.
A normal student would have died instantly.
But I wasn't normal.
Without even turning, I tilted my body slightly—just enough to let the kunai graze past my shoulder, embedding itself into the tree in front of me.
A near miss.
To everyone else, it looked like an accident.
But I knew better.
Root had just tried to "test" me with a real assassination attempt.
And I had just sent them a message: You won't catch me that easily.
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Sasuke Notices – A Growing Rivalry
"You dodged that pretty well," a voice said behind me.
I turned to see Sasuke standing there, arms crossed, looking at me with narrowed eyes.
I smirked. "What, jealous?"
He scoffed. "Hmph. Don't flatter yourself. But that was… impressive."
It wasn't just admiration—it was suspicion.
Sasuke had noticed. He wasn't stupid. He could tell that I had reacted too quickly, too naturally.
If I wasn't careful, I might gain another unwanted observer.
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Root's Next Move – A Silent Warning
Later that night, as I walked home, I sensed it again.
I was being followed.
This time, they didn't hide.
Three figures in masks stepped out from the shadows, blocking my path.
"You dodged our first test," one of them said, voice cold and emotionless. "But Danzo-sama wishes to see more."
A second operative held up a scroll.
"A mission. If you refuse, you will no longer be given a choice."
A mission?
Danzo was already trying to pull me into his web.
I stared at them, weighing my options.
Then, I smiled.
"Alright," I said, taking the scroll. "Let's see what Danzo has planned for me."
Because if he wanted to play games…
Then I'd play them better.
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End of Chapter 4
(Next Chapter: A Root Mission – A Game of Deception!)
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