JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCED 30+ CHAPTERS
patreon.com/FrancisMW
Inside the Konoha Ninja Academy—
Today, Tian Yu, recognized as an exceptional graduate and currently a rising star in the Anbu, was scheduled to give a special pre-exam motivational speech. News of this had already spread among the students.
Haruno Sakura, seated near the window, couldn't stop herself from casting dreamy glances at Uchiha Sasuke sitting a few rows ahead. Her face flushed, and her mouth hung open slightly as she drooled in a lovestruck daze.
"Wow... Sasuke-kun is just too handsome, every single day! Heehee! I swear, I have to defeat Ino and become Sasuke's girlfriend! Hmph! I'm the only one worthy of standing beside him!" she gushed inwardly, caught up in her own fantasy.
But suddenly, her expression froze.
Wait... come to think of it—Ino hadn't been around Sasuke much lately, had she?
Could it be… she gave up? Admitted defeat because she knew she couldn't compete with me?
Haruno Sakura's gaze drifted across the room until it landed on Yamanaka Ino—who was sitting calmly between Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Choji.
And then, Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief.
Wait a second… Is Ino wearing makeup?!
Oh my god!
She actually looks stunning today!
Ino had always had an elegant aura, a bit like a blooming cosmos flower. But now, with that refined makeup accentuating her features, she looked almost doll-like—striking, sexy, and sophisticated.
Even though Sakura didn't want to admit it…
Today, Ino had completely outshone her.
Fueled by jealousy, Sakura abruptly stood up, marched over to Ino, and declared sharply,
"Ino! Wearing makeup won't help you! Sasuke still won't like you!"
"Huh?" Ino blinked, looking up in mild confusion.
Then, remembering their long-standing rivalry over Sasuke, she smirked playfully. Her blue eyes sparkled.
"Relax, Sakura. I'm not trying to take Sasuke from you. I've already found someone else I like."
"…What?" Sakura froze in place.
Someone else?
"You mean… a guy who made you give up Sasuke?!" she blurted. "Is he more handsome than Sasuke?!"
Ino laughed softly, then leaned forward with a proud look. "Of course. Not only is he more handsome, he's stronger than Sasuke. And his personality? Way gentler. He's the ideal man in every way."
Sakura stepped back instinctively, shock spreading across her face.
"That's impossible… No one could be more handsome than Sasuke…"
But Ino didn't care to explain further. She casually waved her hand.
"Believe it or not, that's your problem. I don't have time to argue. I still need to touch up my makeup."
Her tone grew soft, but her expression was serious.
"My dream guy is giving a speech in our class today. I have to be at my best when he sees me."
Shikamaru, lounging lazily in his chair, let out a sigh and muttered to Choji, "Women are such a drag… That Tian Yu guy's gonna have a tough life dealing with them."
Choji nodded while munching on chips. "Mmm… yeah…"
---
At the Academy's front gates—
Tian Yu walked alongside Naruto as they returned to the school together.
When they reached the classroom, it was already packed with students.
Tian Yu noticed some of the classmates he hadn't interacted with before—Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino—all part of the new generation known as Konoha's Twelve.
Naruto cheerfully returned to his seat.
Tian Yu, meanwhile, made his way to the teacher's office and greeted Iruka Umino.
Moments later, Iruka stepped into the classroom and addressed the students.
"Everyone, today is your graduation exam. Once you pass, you'll officially become genin—real shinobi!"
The classroom buzzed with anticipation.
"But before we begin the assessment," Iruka continued, "we have a special guest—an outstanding graduate from last year."
He paused and gestured toward the doorway.
"Please welcome Anbu Captain Tian Yu! Though only a year older than you, he already holds a captain's position. He's a true genius ninja!"
Clap clap clap…!
Thunderous applause erupted.
Curiosity peaked as several students leaned forward, necks craning toward the door.
And then Tian Yu stepped in.
Time seemed to freeze.
The room fell silent—almost reverent—as the students stared wide-eyed.
A few sharp gasps pierced the silence.
"He's… so handsome…" Haruno Sakura whispered, her voice trembling.
Her hand flew to her mouth as she gawked at the tall figure entering the room.
It's true… He really is more handsome than Sasuke!
In that moment, Sakura began to understand why Ino had changed her mind.
No! No! I still love Sasuke-kun!
But her resolve wavered—just a little.
---
Standing at the front, Tian Yu began his speech.
He spoke about his journey, the hardships he faced, and the determination required to walk the path of the shinobi.
The students were enthralled—his words lit a fire in their young hearts.
They listened with admiration, many of them envisioning themselves fighting on missions, protecting their village with pride.
When Tian Yu finished—
Clap clap clap clap!
Another round of applause roared through the room.
Even Iruka looked deeply moved. He murmured to himself,
"As expected of Lord Tian Yu… Just ten minutes, and he's inspired these students more than any lecture I've given all year. With someone like him on the battlefield, the students wouldn't hesitate to charge forward—even if it meant getting hurt."
Iruka's eyes glimmered with genuine respect.
This charisma… It's like the Third Hokage in his prime.
Uchiha Sasuke hadn't looked away once.
He didn't care about appearance, unlike Sakura.
But strength? Recognition?
He'd heard Tian Yu was only thirteen—and already a captain in Anbu.
Even that man—Itachi—hadn't risen this quickly.
Then—
"Heehee! You guys saw that, right?! That's my big bro Tian Yu! Told you he was awesome!" Naruto boasted loudly.
Sasuke frowned. "Tch. What are you bragging for? That's him, not you."
"Shut up! I can be proud of my big bro! What, you don't have one?" Naruto climbed onto his chair, fists clenched.
"You loudmouth! Sit down, dead last!" Sasuke snarled back.
And just then—bump!
Shikamaru, shifting in his seat, accidentally bumped Naruto forward.
Smack!
In perfect accidental timing, Naruto and Sasuke's lips collided.
The room froze.
A second later—
"AHHHHH!!!"
Both boys screamed and recoiled, gagging violently.
Each turned to face a corner and vomit.
Sakura and the other girls shrieked in unison.
"Nooo!! That was Sasuke-kun's first kiss!!"
The chaos was deafening.
Tian Yu pinched the bridge of his nose. I knew it was coming, but it's still more intense in person…
Iruka looked skyward in resignation.
Despite the earlier admiration Tian Yu had earned, Sasuke's Uchiha genetics still held sway. Many girls remained diehard fans.
And now—
"Naruto!!"
Screaming girls mobbed Naruto, slapping and hitting him with rage-fueled vengeance.
---
Later, in the exam hall—
Students lined up, just like Tian Yu's class had done the year before, awaiting their turn to demonstrate ninjutsu.
"Next—Yamanaka Ino!" Iruka called out.
Ino strode forward confidently.
She formed a seal, focused her chakra, and in a puff of smoke—poof!
She transformed flawlessly into a copy of herself.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCED 30+ CHAPTERS
patreon.com/FrancisMW