Ren and Rin Nohara stepped into the classroom together.
The familiar chatter of the Ninja Academy filled the air. Students were already gathering in small groups, talking excitedly about the final examination scheduled for that day.
Before long, more familiar faces entered one after another.
Might Guy.
Asuma Sarutobi.
Kurenai Yuhi.
Ebisu.
And several other classmates.
Among them, the most energetic as always was Might Guy. The moment he saw Ren, Guy immediately struck a dramatic pose. He threw a few punches into the air, each one slicing through the classroom with a loud whoosh.
Then he gave Ren a thumbs-up, flashing his trademark brilliant white smile.
"Good morning, Ren!" Guy shouted enthusiastically. "Today is the day of the final exam! Are you ready to burn with the flames of youth?!"
Ren stared at him for a moment.
Then he sighed.
"I can't burn," he replied dryly. "I'm already burnt out. You go ahead and burn by yourself."
Guy didn't seem discouraged in the slightest.
If anything, Ren's response only made him more fired up.
---
Not far away, Asuma Sarutobi walked into the classroom.
Even at a young age, Asuma already carried himself like a little delinquent noble.
His hair was carefully styled, clearly inspired by a certain cool prodigy who had already graduated early from the academy—Kakashi Hatake.
Hands stuffed casually in his pockets, Asuma walked forward with the confidence of someone who knew exactly who his father was.
Behind him followed two loyal companions.
One was Ebisu, wearing his signature sunglasses.
The other was Aoba Yamashiro, who already had the calm demeanor of someone older than his years.
The three of them looked like a miniature gang as they walked in.
Kurenai Yuhi also joined their group, chatting happily with Asuma along the way. Her voice was light and cheerful, and she laughed easily at his jokes.
But when she spotted Ren sitting by the window, she paused briefly.
She raised her hand slightly and gave him a quiet wave.
"Good morning, Ren."
Ren nodded in return with a faint smile.
---
Gradually, the classroom filled up.
Students took their seats.
The noise slowly died down.
Then—
Ring!
The school bell rang.
A moment later, the classroom door opened.
Their homeroom teacher, Mr. Oki, walked in holding a stack of lesson plans.
He cleared his throat and began writing on the blackboard.
"Today's final exam will determine a large portion of your yearly evaluation," he said.
The classroom instantly became quiet.
Mr. Oki continued explaining the rules carefully.
"The examination will include three main parts."
"First, the Three Basic Jutsu."
"Second, written cultural subjects."
"Third, practical combat testing."
"Each score will be recorded and added to your annual total."
"These results will also become an important reference for next year's graduation exam."
Just as he was explaining the rules—
BANG!
The classroom door slammed open.
Everyone jumped.
Standing at the doorway was Obito Uchiha, panting heavily.
He raised his hand dramatically.
"Re-reporting for duty!"
The classroom fell silent.
Mr. Oki's forehead instantly wrinkled.
"…Obito."
"Why is it you again?"
"How many times have you been late this month?"
Obito scratched the back of his head nervously.
"I'm sorry, teacher."
"On my way to school, I met an old lady who was lost."
"I helped escort her home, so that's why I'm late."
The teacher sighed deeply.
"It's always the same excuse!"
"Stand in the back for this lesson!"
"Yes, sir…"
Obito lowered his head.
But before walking away, he secretly glanced toward Rin.
Then he walked to the back of the classroom with a defeated expression.
Mr. Oki tapped the blackboard to regain everyone's attention.
"Ahem."
"Let's continue."
"The testing begins at ten o'clock this morning."
"Except for practical combat, all tests will follow the previous ranking order."
"Everyone must prioritize safety during combat practice."
"Understood?"
"Yes, teacher!"
---
After finishing his instructions, Mr. Oki left the classroom to prepare the testing area.
The moment he stepped outside—
The classroom instantly exploded into noise.
A tall boy turned around in his seat and looked toward Obito.
"Hey Obito," he said teasingly.
"Why are you late every single day?"
"And you always use the same lame excuses."
Obito immediately protested.
"I'm not lying! I'm telling the truth!"
"Don't slander my innocence!"
Another student laughed.
"Truth? This is the third time this week you've helped an old lady cross the street."
"Does Konoha really have that many old ladies?"
"Yeah!" someone else added.
"The last excuse was even worse."
"You said you got lost because you were chasing a missing black cat!"
The classroom erupted into laughter.
Another student stood up dramatically.
"You know what? Every time you're late, the teacher wastes one minute scolding you."
"One minute times twenty students equals twenty minutes!"
"As the saying goes, time is gold!"
"You should compensate each of us with a piece of gold!"
"Exactly!"
The teasing grew louder and louder.
Obito's face turned bright red.
Veins popped on his forehead as he shouted back.
"I'm telling the truth!"
"I know every elderly person in the entire village!"
"Uncle Murata can testify for me!"
The more he tried to explain, the harder everyone laughed.
Soon the entire classroom was filled with cheerful chaos.
---
"Hmph. How childish."
A calm voice spoke from near the window.
It was Asuma Sarutobi.
He crossed his arms and curled his lip.
"The exam is about to start, and you're all still joking around."
"Are you that confident?"
He leaned back in his chair.
"I heard something interesting."
"If someone ranks at the bottom of this test, they might be held back and forced to repeat the year."
The room instantly went quiet.
"Held back?!"
Several students looked shocked.
Before anyone could question it, Ebisu immediately jumped forward.
He pushed up his glasses confidently.
"Of course it's true!"
"Don't forget who Asuma's father is!"
"How could the Hokage's son possibly be wrong?"
The flattery was so obvious that several students rolled their eyes.
But Ebisu didn't care.
After all, he already had excellent political instincts at a young age.
No wonder he would later become Konohamaru's private tutor.
---
On the opposite side of the room, another voice spoke coldly.
"There's no need to wait for next year's exam."
Everyone turned.
It was Hyuga Homon.
His pale Byakugan eyes looked proud and confident.
"Today's practical test will prove it."
"I, Hyuga Homon, will show everyone that the Hyuga Clan is the strongest."
"First place belongs to me."
Before anyone else could respond—
A loud shout interrupted him.
"Bullshit!"
"The Uchiha Clan is the strongest!"
Obito suddenly stood up.
His earlier embarrassment completely disappeared.
"I, Obito Uchiha, will defeat all of you!"
"Then I'll beat that arrogant Kakashi!"
"I'll get the Third Hokage's attention!"
"And I will become the future Hokage!"
The room burst into laughter again.
---
At that exact moment—
A green blur suddenly jumped onto a desk.
It was Might Guy.
His fists swung wildly through the air, creating sharp whistling sounds.
"I can feel it!" he shouted.
"The passion burning in every one of you!"
His eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Then starting now—"
"Let us ignite our youth together!"
"First task!"
"Let's run five hundred laps around the playground!"
Before anyone could respond—
BANG!
Guy dashed out of the classroom at full speed.
A moment later, students could see him outside already sprinting across the playground.
Silence filled the classroom.
Ren slowly covered his face with one hand.
"…Unbelievable."
Truly—
This classroom was like a gathering of strange immortals.
If someone had to face this group of students every day, being a Ninja Academy teacher must be an incredibly difficult job.
---
The earlier argument about Obito's lateness was just a small distraction.
Soon, time passed quickly.
Before anyone realized it—
Ten o'clock arrived.
Students walked out of the classroom in small groups and gathered at the academy playground.
The testing arena had already been prepared.
Two teachers stood near the platform.
One was Mr. Oki, their homeroom teacher.
The other was Mr. Himura, the teacher from the neighboring class.
Mr. Oki clapped his hands loudly.
"Everyone quiet!"
The students quickly lined up.
"Is everyone here?"
After confirming attendance, he nodded.
"I've already explained the rules earlier."
"So I now declare—"
"The final exam officially begins!"
The students instantly became tense.
"The first test will be the Three Basic Jutsu."
"When your name is called, step forward and perform the designated ninjutsu."
"Everyone else should remain ready."
He opened the list.
Then began reading.
"Asuma Sarutobi."
"Hyuga Homon."
"Nara Shinen."
"…Ren."
---
Among the students waiting below the stage, reactions varied.
Some students looked excited.
These were the ones confident in their skills.
They hoped to show off their abilities—especially in front of the classmates they liked.
If they could catch the attention of the academy teachers…
Or even impress the Third Hokage…
Their future would look very promising.
Others looked nervous.
Students with average skills quietly prayed they wouldn't embarrass themselves.
---
Soon, the demonstrations began.
One student after another stepped forward.
The first to perform was Asuma Sarutobi.
Since Kakashi had already graduated early, Asuma had become the strongest student in the academy.
His foundation in the Three Basic Jutsu, shuriken throwing, and combat training was extremely solid.
His performance was impressive.
Clean.
Precise.
Confident.
Several teachers nodded approvingly.
After a few more students finished their demonstrations—
Mr. Oki looked down at his list again.
Then he called out the next name.
"Ren."
The playground suddenly became quiet.
All eyes turned toward him.
And slowly—
Ren stepped forward onto the stage.