Ding Ding Dang Dang!
The school bell rang,erupting the classroom into chaotic chatter!
Uchiha Kōgen pried open his bleary eyes,jolted awake by the uncomfortable desk indentation.After a moment's thought,he approached his desk partner,Kushina.
"Scram,and don't pester me again!"
Kushina,head down as she packed her things,assumed it was that infuriating Monkey Fly Asma again.
But when he stood motionless for an awkward beat,she glanced up—
—and froze mid-sentence:"S-sorry,Uchiha Kōgen!I thought you were that obnoxious—"
Kōgen silenced her with a raised finger."No need.Will you train with me?"
"Huh?"
Kushina's cheeks flushed crimson as the usually solitary Uchiha heir extended an invitation.Had he developed feelings for her?Her pulse raced as she stammered,"I-I'll go!"
"Then let's move."
Without another word,Kōgen took her hand and led her from the classroom.
Watching their retreating figures,Monkey Fly Asma clenched his fists,seething:That tramp ignored me for months,yet she falls for him in a heartbeat?I'll crush him in front of everyone and make her regret toying with me!
---
Kōgen guided Kushina through Konoha's streets into a secluded grove.Before them lay a clearing dotted with training dummies,a wide river glinting beyond.
"Is this your usual training spot?"Kushina asked,surveying the area.
"Yes.Attack me.Let me gauge your skill."
---
Fifteen minutes later
Kushina sat hugging her knees,eyes watering:"I quit!You call this'training'?It's just you beating me up!"
He's utterly heartless,she fumed internally.If he weren't so devilishly handsome,I'd have stormed off hours ago!
"Enemies won't sympathize with your fragility,"Kōgen said coolly."If you can't grasp that,you're better off staying weak."
"Who said I don't get it?Mark my words—I'll defeat you someday and prove it!"
Wiping her tears,Kushina squared her jaw."I'll be waiting for that day."
As dusk painted the sky,the two parted ways.Kōgen returned to the Uchiha compound,where a ninja awaited him.
"Clan head requests your presence."
"Understood.Allow me a moment."
After freshening up,Kōgen followed the messenger into the shadows.
---
One month later
Kōgen now carried billions of grilled fish in his inventory,his bond with Kushina skyrocketing,and he'd received countless swords gifted by the Uchiha clan head.
At the ninja academy,Kōgen settled into his usual window seat as the homeroom teacher announced:"Head to the training grounds—your graduation exam begins today!"
The students assembled on the field as instructors tightened security.On a nearby dais,Hokage Sarutobi and elite ninja observed the proceedings.
"These youngsters are quite spirited this year,"Sarutobi mused,puffing his pipe.
"Tch.Shinobi are mere tools of power.This lawlessness is disgraceful,"Danzo Shimura sneered.
"Danzo,your cynicism is misplaced.I've taken a shine to several candidates,"Sarutobi replied,eyes narrowing.
"Ah?And who has your favor,teacher?"Orochimaru inquired,his pale face twisting with curiosity.
"Uchiha Kōgen.Despite relying heavily on his Sharingan—one tomoe—he shows exceptional promise."
"Hmph.A typical Uchiha—born with malice.What does he know?"Danzo scoffed.
Orochimaru,meanwhile,flicked his tongue over his lips.Those with Kekkei Genkai are naturally superior.His reliance on the Sharingan is forgivable...but if this Kōgen possesses the Uchiha bloodline...would I evolve?
Sarutobi turned to Kakashi below:"Kakashi,Uchiha Kōgen will be your chief rival.Don't lose."
"I won't.I aim to graduate top of the class,"Kakashi replied coldly.
"Excellent.I look forward to your duel,"Sarutobi said with a wolfish grin.
Spotting Minato in the shadows,he added:"Minato,this is your first time leading a genin team.Have you selected your charges?"
"Hokage-sama,I've reviewed their files thoroughly.My team is set,"Minato scratched his head.
"Very well."
As the trio concluded their discussion,the graduation exams commenced.
---
"Next,the students I call will step onto the field in order.This battle determines your graduation—fight with everything you've got.Do not underestimate your opponent based on appearances!"
The instructor's grave tone electrified the crowd.
"First pair:Might Guy vs.Uchiha Obito!"
A fiery youth burst onto the stage."Who knew I'd be first!Time to BURN WITH YOUTH!"
"This is pathetic,"Obito drawled,sauntering onto the stage."My first graduation match is against a dead-last?I was hoping to humble that arrogant Uchiha Kōgen!"
The instructor stepped between them."This isn't sparring—you're on the brink of becoming shinobi.Treat this as a genuine battle,not a child's game!"
The students shifted uneasily,terrified of being eliminated before they'd even graduated!