"What is a Kekkei Genkai?"
"You obviously weren't paying attention in class last week when the teacher just covered this. Hmm... Basically, people with Kekkei Genkai are very strong. Ordinary ninja usually find it very difficult to defeat ninja who possess a Kekkei Genkai."
"Oh, I see. Clans like the Uchiha and the Hyuga are also ninja clans with Kekkei Genkai, but I've never heard that the Nara Clan is one too?"
"Who knows? Maybe they always had this bloodline but just never awakened it before."
Listening to the whispers of the surrounding classmates, Itō Makoto now felt it was necessary to report this matter to the Hokage as soon as possible.
In a village, the emergence of what might be a new type of Kekkei Genkai was far more important than any practical combat assessment.
One must understand that Kekkei Genkai is synonymous with power among ninja. For the village, it could even mean the birth of an entirely new Kekkei Genkai clan.
The village's strength might be able to reach a whole new level because of this.
Teacher Itō's eyes flickered. "No, this matter is far too significant. I must inform the Hokage immediately."
Thinking this, Itō decisively canceled today's practical assessment, dismissed the students on the spot, and hurried straight to the Hokage's office without delay.
...
Hokage's Office.
The already large desk was piled high with all sorts of documents.
Our "Strongest Hokage," Sarutobi Hiruzen, was puffing on his pipe, his face serious as he buried himself in work, dealing with the never-ending pile of paperwork.
Suddenly, a person wearing Anbu attire and an animal mask materialized out of thin air, kneeling on one knee before the Hokage's desk.
"Report."
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't even look up, speaking directly.
"Hokage-sama, Itō Makoto, the instructor for Class A at the Ninja Academy, reports to you that a student in Class A, Nara Ryoma, appears to have awakened a completely new type of Kekkei Genkai."
The Anbu ninja quickly and respectfully reported the newly received information.
Hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen's hand movements noticeably paused, and a look of surprise appeared in his eyes.
"Hmm... The Nara Clan, a possible new Kekkei Genkai?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen fell into deep thought.
As one of the founding clans that joined Konohagakure during the early days of the Land of Fire, members of the Nara Clan had always been primarily responsible for maintaining the normal operation of Konoha's entire medical system.
For generations, they had also raised deer for Konoha, and deer antlers were a precious medicinal ingredient.
The Nara Clan's achievements in medicine and pharmacology were unmatched within Konoha.
Not to mention, the Nara Clan had always made tremendous contributions to Konoha's peace and development.
It was no exaggeration to say that the Nara Clan was fundamentally loyal to the Hokage's faction.
The Will of Fire was particularly evident in this clan.
As the "Deer" of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, the Nara Clan's secret Shadow Imitation Technique was passed down through generations.
Its role in combat was undeniably significant.
Moreover, members of this clan were generally highly intelligent.
For example, the clan's current young and talented leader, Nara Shikaku, had already displayed exceptionally high combat intelligence and talent at a young age.
There was absolutely no doubt he would grow into a role such as a trusted strategist for the Hokage in the future.
Therefore, Sarutobi Hiruzen held the Nara Clan in rather high regard.
If it were truly confirmed to be a new type of Kekkei Genkai, it would simultaneously mean a further strengthening of the Hokage faction's power.
Although there had never been any record of a Kekkei Genkai user appearing in the Nara Clan up to now, who could say for sure?
Ninja understanding of Kekkei Genkai was inherently limited.
Even Sarutobi Hiruzen, known as the "Professor of Ninjutsu," wouldn't dare claim to know exactly how deep his understanding of Kekkei Genkai went.
While they were primarily inherited through genes, with so many people in the ninja world, it wasn't an utterly earth-shattering event for someone to inexplicably awaken a new Kekkei Genkai.
Coupled with his trust in the Nara Clan as steadfast supporters of the Hokage...
"This is not a bad thing."
After careful consideration, Sarutobi Hiruzen reached his final conclusion.
"Bring me all the intelligence on Nara Ryoma from his birth to the present. Also, inform Clan Leader Nara Shikaku of this matter and have him bring Nara Ryoma to see me."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
The Anbu ninja responded respectfully and then vanished instantly.
...
Back at the Ninja Academy, the looks in the eyes of the surrounding students toward Ryoma had changed.
Envy, jealousy, curiosity... their expressions varied.
After all, the future achievements of a ninja with a Kekkei Genkai could be said to be limitless.
Just then, Asuma sneakily sidled over.
He nudged Ryoma with his elbow and said, "Not bad, Ryoma. You hid it well. When did you awaken it?"
Looking at the excited Asuma before him, Ryoma helplessly spread his hands. "I'm not sure either. I suddenly realized my secret technique seemed to have become different while I was training with it."
Asuma grew even more excited. "Now you're really in the spotlight. You've gone from the dead last to a peerless genius in one leap. Hey, interested in a sparring match? That thing that climbed out of your shadow looked pretty cool. Let me see exactly what level you're at now with a Kekkei Genkai."
Asuma continued immediately.
So that's what this is about. He came looking for a fight.
This foolish son of the big shot. Better not provoke him.
Ever since Kakashi graduated early from the Ninja Academy, our dear Asuma's restless heart couldn't take it.
He spent all day thinking about graduating early too and quickly becoming a genin.
It was all because he had been beaten by Kakashi a few times at the academy and had never accepted it.
He always felt he wasn't that much weaker than Kakashi. If Kakashi could graduate early, what would it look like for him, Asuma, to still be stuck at the academy?
Plus, he was practically undefeated within the school (after Kakashi left).
Although his graduation applications kept getting rejected by his old man, Asuma was all about loving to spar with strong opponents.
He believed this would let his Hokage father quickly discover his strength and gain his approval.
That way, he could smoothly graduate early.
Ryoma saw right through Asuma's thoughts.
This foolish son of the Hokage.
Really too young, too simple.
Even if you beat up every teacher at the Ninja Academy, you won't become a genin if your dad doesn't sign off on it or give his nod.
And is it really about approval?
Isn't it that your Hokage father wants you to improve your strength a bit more, to not step into this dark and complex ninja world too early?
He's pulling strings for you because he's afraid young Asuma can't handle it.
So in the end, even I've become part of your little play?
Ryoma instantly felt that Asuma really didn't appreciate his good fortune. He needed to show him some real intensity.
He needed to make Asuma truly understand the darkness of the ninja world.
Make Asuma realize the well-intentioned efforts of his Hokage father.
"Hmm... That's right... I believe the Hokage not only won't blame me, he'll even thank me."
Thinking this, Ryoma revealed a gratified, standard "auntie smile."
Looking at Asuma, he said, "Sparring? It's not out of the question. But Asuma, what's the point of just sparring? How about..."
Hearing Ryoma's words, Asuma instantly got excited again and quickly chimed in, "Then what do you want to do?"
"Like this. Let's add a 'little wager' to the spar. That would make it more interesting."
Ryoma bared his wicked fangs.
Poor Asuma still didn't know what he was about to face and replied with a nonchalant expression, "Sure, I have no problem with that. But let's agree beforehand, I won't accept any reasons that are too inhumane or too perverted."
Ryoma chuckled. "Of course it won't be a wager that makes things too difficult for you. Hehehe."
Poor Asuma only felt the surroundings getting colder and colder, as if he was being enveloped by some scheme, but he couldn't for the life of him find the source.
---