Instructor Hayato continued, his voice carrying across the field and silencing most of the excited children. Others soon quieted to a faint murmur and then fell silent. "Today, we will conduct preliminary assessments to determine class placement. This is not a test you can fail—it is simply a way for us to understand where each student currently stands and how best to guide their development."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Some parents looked pleased, others concerned.
Kuro's father remained impassive, though his hand rested reassuringly on Kuro's shoulder.
"All students, please say goodbye to your parents and line up in front of me. We will begin shortly."
Kuro's mother knelt down one more time, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Be good. Listen to your instructors. And remember—we're proud of you no matter what happens today."
"I know, Mom," Kuro said softly, returning the hug briefly before stepping back.
His father ruffled his hair. "Show them what a Genki can do."
Kuro nodded and turned toward the academy steps, joining the stream of children making their way forward. He noticed Hana walking beside him, still looking nervous. Other children chatted excitedly, some with their chests puffed high, others speculating about what the assessment would involve.
Kuro remained silent, observing.
The line formed quickly—roughly over a hundred children in total, ranging from those who looked the same age as him to some even older, perhaps civilian kids who had recently relocated to the village.
Instructor Hayato waited until the last child joined the line, then gestured to several other instructors who had emerged from the academy building. "We will conduct two assessments today. The first will determine if you have unlocked your chakra and can demonstrate basic control. The second will assess your physical capabilities and advanced chakra control."
A ripple of anxiety passed through the group. Some children shifted uncomfortably. Others stood straighter, clearly confident in their abilities.
"Those who demonstrate both unlocked chakra and basic control will be placed in either Class 1-A or Class 1-B based on further assessment. Those who have unlocked their chakra but cannot yet demonstrate control will be placed directly in Class 1-B. Those who have not yet unlocked their chakra will be placed in the preparatory classes, where you will receive guidance until you achieve this milestone. The instructor look at them all before continuing there is no shame in any outcome—every shinobi develops at their own pace."
"Follow me," Hayato commanded, turning and walking into the academy building.
The children followed in a somewhat disorganized column, their footsteps echoing in the corridor. The interior was surprisingly well-maintained—wooden floors polished to a shine, walls decorated with paintings depicting famous battles and legendary shinobi. Display cases held weapons and armor from past eras, museum pieces meant to inspire.
They were led to a large gymnasium-style room with high ceilings and wide-open space. Several instructors stood along the walls, clipboards in hand, expressions neutral and assessing.
"Form three lines," Hayato instructed. "When your name is called, step forward. You will be asked to perform a simple chakra exercise. If you succeed in sticking the leaf, you will move to the right side of the room. If you have unlocked your chakra but cannot stick the leaf, you will move to the center—you will be placed in Class 1-B automatically. If you do not yet have access to your chakra at all, you will move to the left side. Again, there is no judgment here—only assessment."
The children quickly scrambled into three lines. Kuro found himself in the middle line, roughly halfway back. He used the time to observe the instructors more carefully.
A few people in particular caught his attention. One woman had short black hair and sharp eyes, and she was watching the children with an intensity that suggested she was evaluating possible competition . looking for those who were similar to or better than her current self. Peeking a bit more, he saw the Uchiha symbol at the back of her top.
A quick look around revealed quite a few more—around seven uchiha total, most male. Truly a great clan. As he remembered from the anime, the true geniuses weren't sent to the academy—they were trained privately.
Snapping his attention back to the front of the line, he refocused on the assessment.
The first child was called—a boy with messy brown hair who looked confident. He stepped forward and was handed a single leaf by Hayato.
"Place the leaf on your forehead and use your chakra to hold it there. You have one minute."
The boy pressed the leaf to his forehead, closing his eyes in concentration. For several seconds, nothing happened. Then, slowly, his hand lowered, and the leaf remained stuck to his skin.
"Good," Hayato said, making a mark on his clipboard. "Move to the right."
The boy grinned and jogged over to the right side of the room.
The next child—a girl with blonde pigtails—also succeeded, though it took her longer to stabilize the leaf. She joined the right side as well.
The third child, Hayato observed for a moment, then shook his head slightly. "You haven't unlocked your chakra yet. Don't worry—you'll get there. Move to the left."
The boy's face flushed with embarrassment, but Hayato's expression remained neutral and kind.
The fourth child was different. When called forward, she pressed the leaf to her forehead with visible concentration. Hayato nodded slightly. "I can sense your chakra. You've unlocked it. Now try to hold the leaf."
She removed her hand carefully, but the leaf fell immediately. She tried again. And again. Each time, the leaf tumbled to the floor.
"You've unlocked your chakra, which is an important milestone," Hayato said gently. "But your control needs foundational work. Move to the center. You'll be placed in Class 1-B, where you'll receive the training you need to develop proper control."
The girl looked disappointed but nodded, walking to the center of the room where —those with chakra but insufficient control for advanced placement.
The process continued, each child called forward in turn. Kuro watched carefully, noting the success rate and the three distinct groups forming.
The division was fascinating to observe. Some children who clearly came from ninja background but hadn't been trained properly ended up in the center—they had the chakra but lacked the training and know how to control it.
Roughly a third of the children managed to stick the leaf and moved right. Another third had unlocked chakra but couldn't maintain the leaf adhesion, moving to the center and automatically being assigned to Class 1-B. The final third hadn't unlocked their chakra at all and moved left to the preparatory classes.
Clan children, almost universally, succeeded and moved right. The Uchiha boy who was called forward stuck the leaf effortlessly, his expression bored as if this was beneath him. A Hyuga girl did the same with quiet ease. Even civilian children from ninja families performed well, their parents clearly having taught them the basics.
"Genki Kuro."
He stepped forward, his expression calm. Hayato handed him a leaf, studying him briefly.
"Whenever you're ready."
Kuro pressed the leaf to his forehead. He could feel his chakra—the familiar energy that flowed through his body. But along with it, he could sense something else. That faint, dark presence. The black substance, still small, still growing.
He carefully directed his chakra to the point of contact with the leaf, creating a thin adhesive layer. The leaf stuck easily.
He lowered his hand.
"Good control," Hayato noted, making a mark on his clipboard. "Move to the right."
Kuro joined the growing group on the right side of the room. He noticed a few children glancing at him, sizing him up. He met their gazes briefly before looking away, not interested in making early impressions.
The assessments continued until all children had been tested. In the end, the room was divided into three distinct groups: those without chakra on the left, those with chakra but no control in the center (automatically Class 1-B), and those with both chakra and basic control on the right.
"Congratulations to all of you," Hayato said, his voice carrying across the gymnasium. "To those on the left—you will begin foundational training to help you unlock your chakra. To those in the center—you have achieved an important milestone by unlocking your chakra and will be placed in Class 1-B to develop your control. And to those on the right—you will now undergo a second assessment to determine your currect physical and chaarka control limit while beign plced in the respective in Class 1-A or Class 1-B. or observe the remainder of the assessment. You'll receive your Class 1-B assignment details tomorrow."
About eighteen children from the center group filed out, some looking relieved, others disappointed. That left roughly thirty-two children on the right side for the advanced assessment.
Hayato gestured, and several instructors moved forward, each carrying a basket filled with leaves.
"The leaf adhesion exercise you just completed was the most basic form of chakra control. Now, we will see how many leaves you can maintain simultaneously across different parts of your body. This will give us a clearer picture of your current control level."
The woman with sharp eyes stepped forward. "I am Instructor Kimura. I will be overseeing Class 1-A. Class 1-A is reserved for students who demonstrate not only chakra access and basic control, but also refined control and physical aptitude. Class 1-B will be for those who have good foundations but need more development before advancing to higher-level training."
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the children. "Some of you may feel disappointed if you are placed in Class 1-B. Do not be. The academy's goal is to meet you where you are and help you grow. Advancement between classes is possible based on your progress. Several of your peers have already been placed in Class 1-B, and they are no less capable—they simply need different support right now."
Kuro appreciated the pragmatism. It was a meritocracy, but one that acknowledged growth potential and different starting points.
"Line up again," Hayato commanded. "You will each be given leaves. Attach as many as you can to your body using chakra control. You have two minutes."
The children lined up once more, this time with noticeable nervousness. The earlier confidence had been replaced with apprehension. This was harder—much harder.
The first child stepped forward—a boy from a minor clan. He was handed a small pile of leaves and instructed to begin.
He managed to attach one to his forehead, another to his palm, and with great effort, a third to his forearm. Three leaves total. The instructors noted this down.
"Physical assessment," Instructor Kimura said, pulling out a stopwatch. "Run from here to the far wall and back. Go."
The boy sprinted across the gymnasium, his form decent. He returned breathing hard.
"Adequate," Kimura said neutrally. "Class 1-B."
The boy looked relieved rather than disappointed. Class 1-B was still an achievement, especially compared to those who had been automatically placed there.
The next child, the Uchiha boy, stepped forward with confidence. He attached leaves to his forehead, both palms, both forearms, his chest, and even one on his ankle. Seven leaves total, held with steady control.
"Impressive," Hayato murmured.
The physical test followed. The Uchiha boy completed the sprint with excellent form, barely winded.
"Class 1-A," Kimura said without hesitation.
The pattern continued. Most children managed between two and four leaves, placing them in Class 1-B. A select few managed five to seven, earning spots in Class 1-A alongside the Uchiha boy.
"Genki Kuro."
Kuro stepped forward, taking the leaves handed to him. He felt the weight of expectation—not just from the instructors, but from his own goals.
His father's words echoed in his mind: Don't reveal everything you can do.
He had been practicing chakra control in secret for months, using meditation techniques from his past life combined with the basics his father had taught him. He could attach more than seven leaves. Probably forty or more if he pushed himself.
But should he?
Showing too little would place him in Class 1-B, potentially slowing his development.
He needed to strike a balance. Show competence, but not overwhelming ability. Just enough to demonstrate potential.
He made his decision.
Kuro attached leaves methodically. One on his forehead. One on each palm. One on each forearm. One on his chest. One on his shoulder.
Seven leaves, held steady.
"Very good," Hayato said, genuine approval in his voice. "Comparable to the clan students."
The physical test came next. With the Uchiha boy in his mind as a baseline, Kuro aimed for just slightly below his performance. He ran, keeping his pace controlled and efficient. He crossed the finish line with measured breathing.
Kimura studied him for a long moment. "Class 1-A."
Kuro nodded respectfully and moved to join the growing group of students designated for the advanced class. He caught sight of the Uchiha boy watching him with narrowed eyes, scrutinizing him.
Kuro looked back, a small smile forming. The Uchiha would be his baseline for the academy for the foreseeable future. Their rivalry would push the boy past his limits and give Kuro the breathing room needed to stretch his wings a bit. The early years of the curriculum must be more complete than the streamlined version seen in the anime. Most of the advanced knowledge required either a jonin teacher or having a relation to one to be taught properly.
The assessments continued until all thirty-two children from the right side had been tested. In the end, fourteen were placed in Class 1-A, and eighteen in Class 1-B—joining the eighteen who had been automatically placed there earlier for a total of thirty-six students in Class 1-B.
Hayato addressed the remaining students from the left side who hadn't unlocked their chakra. "For the rest of you students who haven't unlocked your chakra yet—in the coming months, you will be taught the required knowledge and techniques. Depending on how quickly you progress under the guidance of your teachers, you will eventually join the ranked classes. The instructors will work with you individually, so do not give up hope. There is still every chance to become shinobi of Konohagakure. Many great ninja were late bloomers."
Some of the children on the left side looked encouraged by this, straightening their shoulders.
Continuing, Instructor Hayato stepped forward once more, addressing all the groups. "Students of Class 1-A and 1-B, congratulations. You have taken your first official step toward becoming shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village." With a small smile and his hand on his hip holding his clipboard, he added, "Your parents are waiting outside. Go on, give them the good news. The first official day of classes is tomorrow at eight o'clock sharp—you'll all start then. Dismissed."
The children filed out of the gymnasium, excited chatter filling the air. The three groups naturally clustered—Class 1-A students walked with visible pride, Class 1-B students with determination or relief, and the preparatory students with a mix of disappointment and resolve.
Kuro walked quietly, his mind processing what had just occurred. The three-tier system was more comprehensive than he'd expected—it created clear pathways while still offering mobility between levels. Smart design, he thought as he walked outside.
The afternoon sun hit his face as he emerged from the building. Slowly looking around, he saw his parents near the edge of the field.
His mother was shouting his name over the excited voices of the children reuniting with their families. His father was waving, his expression carefully neutral but his eyes showing clear interest.
Seeing this, Kuro smiled and waved back, walking over at an unhurried pace.
He looked up at both of them and said without waiting for them to ask, "Class 1-A."
His mother's face lit up with joy, and she immediately pulled him into a tight hug. "I knew it! I knew you could do it!"
His father's carefully neutral expression finally broke into a genuine smile. He placed a hand on Kuro's shoulder, his grip firm and proud. "Well done, son. Class 1-A on the first assessment. That's exceptional."
"What does Class 1-A mean?" his mother asked, looking between them.
"It means he's in the advanced track," Ryo explained. "Top performers only. Out of over a hundred children, only fourteen made it into 1-A."
Kuro nodded. "They tested us in three stages. First, whether we'd unlocked our chakra. Then basic control with a single leaf. Then advanced control with multiple leaves and a physical test."
"And you passed all three?" his mother asked, her voice warm with pride.
"Yes," Kuro said simply.
His father's eyes gleamed with understanding. "How many leaves?"
"Seven," Kuro replied. "Same as the top Uchiha student."
Ryo's eyebrows rose slightly. He knew his son had been practicing, but matching an Uchiha in chakra control at age six was no small feat. "And the physical test?"
"Just below the Uchiha's time," Kuro said. "Nothing remarkable."
His father studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. He understood. Kuro had calibrated his performance carefully—good enough for Class 1-A, but not so exceptional as to draw unwanted attention. Smart.
"Well," his mother said, straightening Kuro's collar again, "I think this deserves a celebration. How about we stop by Ichiraku's on the way home? I hear they have a new broth recipe."
Kuro's expression softened slightly. "That sounds good, Mom."
As they walked toward the village center, Kuro glanced back at the academy one more time. Tomorrow, the real work would begin.
He was ready.