The next day…
Uchiha Tatsumi got up with just minutes to spare and sprinted toward the Ninja Academy, barely avoiding being late on his first official day.
At the school gates, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. The trees gently swayed in the morning breeze, scattering petals like confetti across the entrance.
Even though Tatsumi wasn't the type to stop and appreciate flowers like some cultured noble, he couldn't help but pause for a heartbeat. Beautiful...
But it was just that—a fleeting moment.
There were far more important things on his mind.
Like classmates. Potential rivals. And more importantly…
Points.
Points are art.
My stupid classmates.
---
A calm, gravelly voice called out from nearby. "Uchiha Tatsumi. You're cutting it close."
Tatsumi turned and saw a familiar figure—Nishimura-sensei, the instructor from the entrance exam. Dressed in a flak jacket, Konoha forehead protector secure, his skin was tanned from years of field work. Despite being in his twenties, he had the aura—and face—of a man pushing forty.
"Ah, it's the—uh, good morning, Nishimura-sensei!"
Whew. That was close. Almost called him 'Uncle Blackface.'
Would he throw a kunai at me if I said that?
Nishimura narrowed his eyes. "You were about to call me something rude, weren't you?"
"Heh... You're imagining things, Sensei."
"I'm only in my twenties, brat!"
"What?! I could've sworn you were like... forty-something."
Nishimura's eye twitched. "You want to run laps until you actually age ten years?"
"Ahaha... Sorry! I'm late, I'll head in now!"
"Tch… Just get to class." Nishimura muttered but couldn't help the faint smile tugging at his lips. This kid really isn't like most Uchiha.
---
The Academy placed students in different classes based on their entrance exam results.
Top scorers were assigned to Class A, the "elite" track—usually filled with heirs of prestigious clans. These students would be Konoha's future captains, mentored directly by elite Jōnin after graduation.
Those in regular classes? Often destined to be cannon fodder.
Harsh. But that's the shinobi world.
Tatsumi dashed through the halls and skidded to a stop in front of a door marked: "First-Year, Class A."
He hesitated.
How should I make my entrance? Cool? Intimidating? Friendly?
He shook his cloak.
"Bah, I'm overthinking this."
Already five minutes late.
With dramatic flair, he slid the classroom door open and stepped in, flashing his brightest, most insincere smile.
"Sorry, I was a little late."
Immediately, he felt the air shift. Several intense stares locked onto him.
He didn't need sensory skills to feel the hostility.
Yikes. They're practically frothing at the mouth.
He glanced around.
Ah. The three Uchiha boys he beat down during yesterday's exam. Plus a few others—Hyūga, Inuzuka, Nara—probably the ones he leapfrogged in the rankings. Their eyes screamed grudge.
Hostility points unlocked. Jackpot.
He smirked internally. Come fight me one by one, I'll take all your points, thank you very much.
Tatsumi adjusted his coat with a flourish.
"So cool!"
"I love him already…"
This time, it wasn't hate in the stares—it was pure admiration.
From the girls.
Top of the class. From a famous clan. And yes, thanks to those Uchiha genes—ridiculously handsome.
Within 24 hours, Uchiha Tatsumi had already shot to the top of the Academy's unofficial "Most Wanted Boyfriend" rankings.
His popularity was… skyrocketing.
He scanned the room and spotted Mikoto waving him over.
"Tatsumi, over here."
He walked over and took the seat beside her, triggering a wave of disappointed sighs across the room—from boys and girls alike.
"Morning, Mikoto."
"You're late again," she said with a small frown.
"Sorry. I helped an old lady cross the street."
"…You're so kind, Tatsumi."
His face flushed. Oops. That lie landed way too well.
On his other side sat a blond boy with calm eyes, silently reviewing his textbook.
Minato Namikaze. Even in the manga, this guy was built different. No wonder he becomes Hokage.
In front of him was a brown-haired, freckled boy with a wide smile and a loud voice.
"Hey! What're you looking at?" Tatsumi snapped.
Senju Nawaki, the grandson of the First Hokage and Tsunade's younger brother, turned around with a grin.
"No reason."
"…Hmph."
Tatsumi turned to Mikoto. "Has Sensei not shown up yet?"
"Nishimura-sensei's late."
Wow. Wandering around campus while collecting a paycheck. Classic.
I should file a complaint with Hokage-sama.
Wait. Crap. The current Hokage is the Third…
And Nawaki is family.
Tatsumi immediately shut his mouth.
---
A loud click! echoed as the classroom door opened.
Nishimura strode in with a textbook under his arm. The classroom immediately fell silent.
He stood at the podium and cleared his throat. "Good morning. I'm Shin Nishimura, homeroom teacher for Class A. I look forward to working with all of you."
He glanced at the blackboard as if considering writing his name, then shrugged and didn't bother.
Wow. That's peak laziness.
The classroom was packed with fifty students. Cobwebs clung to the corners, and a faint musty smell lingered in the air.
Pretty sure the budget for this place went straight into someone's pocket…
Tatsumi leaned forward. "Rope Tree, this place smells like mold."
"Uh, the Academy's under the Hokage's jurisdiction. So... the principal might be Uncle Hiruzen."
"…Forget I said anything."
---
"Let's start with introductions," Nishimura announced. "We'll go row by row, starting with the corridor side."
One by one, students stood up and gave their names, goals, and dreams.
"My name is Kinoshita Rei. I like gardening. I want to become a Shinobi and spread peace."
Then—
"My name is Minato Namikaze. I want to become Hokage and protect everyone in Konoha."
It didn't cause a stir. Lots of students said the same thing.
Nawaki stood up next.
"Senju Nawaki. My goal is to become like my grandfather—the First Hokage. Also, I'm going to beat Uchiha Tatsumi!"
"…"
Mikoto followed.
"I'm Uchiha Mikoto. My dream is to protect the people I care about. Please take care of me."
Her soft smile sent a wave of admiration through the class.
Finally—it was Tatsumi's turn.
He stood.
First impressions matter. Be friendly. Show them you're different from the usual Uchiha stereotype. Cheerful. Positive. Charming.
He smiled confidently.
"My name is Uchiha Tatsumi. You can call me… 'Dear.' Don't be shy!"
A moment of silence.
Then—
"Dear!!" chorused a dozen boys in raspy voices.
Disgusting. That backfired horribly.
Tatsumi's eye twitched. "Forget I said that."
He took a deep breath and changed gears. This time, with an aura of challenge and provocation:
"My foolish classmates… do you want my title? My strength? My top rank?"
"If so… come and take it. I'm right here."
Boom.
The atmosphere shifted instantly. Tension spiked. Murderous intent flared.
Tatsumi could feel the collective bloodlust.
Yep. I'm hated now.
Perfect.
One by one, the rest of the students gave boring, forgettable introductions. Names, dreams, basic stuff.
And just like that, the first lesson passed.