Chapter 3: Becoming a True Ninja

Under the tree, Genichi Shita was keenly aware that the world of the Hokage was not only one where bloodlines reigned supreme but also a realm deeply rooted in the tradition of master-disciple inheritance.

At present, the only confirmed source of jutsu for civilian ninjas was through this lineage of teaching.

Another, less certain source was earning merit and receiving techniques officially from the village.

Furthermore, Genichi was unsure whether original jutsu could be submitted to the village in exchange for other techniques.

The latter two remained uncertain.

For a civilian ninja to have a good teacher, must one be a prodigy?

Take Minato Namikaze, for instance, who was apprenticed by Jiraiya.

Or Sakura Haruno, also considered a civilian ninja.

Before becoming Tsunade’s apprentice, she truly had nothing to her name.

Team leaders didn’t always teach their students jutsu.

As for Naruto and Obito… the former was the son of Kakashi’s teacher, and the latter was a lone survivor of the Uchiha clan in Konoha, with ties to Uchiha Obito.

Of course, Kakashi did teach Sakura at times.

Aside from some basic, inconspicuous ninja abilities, Sakura’s genjutsu likely came from Kakashi.

But she wasn’t taught any standout jutsu.

This was because the relationship between a team leader and students was not like that of Minato and Jiraiya.

Except in special circumstances, it was far less intimate and more about guidance on mission execution.

Whether or not the leader taught jutsu depended entirely on their mood.

Therefore, even if the Rasengan might not suit him perfectly, Genichi immediately included it in his plan.

If mastered, this jutsu would be his key to opening doors.

“When it comes to resources, the Legendary Sannin are undoubtedly the top tier. Orochimaru may be dangerous, but his range of possibilities is vast.”

“Tsunade is unlikely to take on apprentices in her current state. I wonder if I can gain any advantage through Shizune?”

Genichi admitted to being somewhat pragmatic.

But the survival environment was harsh.

“Jiraiya… probably off somewhere ogling women, so chances are slim.”

“As a student, the best resources I can realistically access are Tsunade and Hayate Gekko.”

Choosing the sword technique also had to do with Hayate Gekko.

As a student, Tsunade could be reached through Shizune, and Hayate through Kakashi.

There was also an alternative: the Eight Gates!

Regarding others, Konoha surely had many Jonin Genichi was unfamiliar with, but he currently had no way to contact them.

Thus, establishing a prodigy persona was essential.

With more attention focused on him, perhaps some Jonin would be willing to take him under their wing.

Even if no one did, prodigies were always favored; the Third Hokage would likely invest more resources in their training.

The Ninja Academy was his direct subordinate!

Oh, and Danzo Shimura.

If all else failed, being noticed by Danzo wouldn’t be unacceptable.

Though Genichi thought that possibility was slim.

…

After reviewing his plan, with rest done, Genichi began playing water balloon games, gradually attempting to cultivate the Rasengan.

For two consecutive days, Genichi spent his time training in swordsmanship and the Rasengan.

On March 20, Konoha’s 41st year, the academy officially opened.

Genichi arrived at the Ninja Academy carrying a backpack containing a lunchbox his mother had prepared.

He was assigned to Class 1 of the first year.

Standing at the doorway, his eyes swept across and he recognized familiar figures.

Kurenai Yuhi, Shizune, Ino Yamanaka, and a toothpick-chewing, sunglasses-wearing individual… all arrived quite early.

Genichi smiled and entered the classroom without hesitation, taking a seat beside Shizune.

Shizune was momentarily startled, about to greet him when Genichi extended his hand: “Hello, I’m Genichi Shita. I look forward to working with you!”

Blushing slightly at his bright smile, Shizune shook his hand: “Hello, I’m Shizune.”

Genichi gave a light shake and released his hand, then casually chatted with Shizune while observing other classmates.

More and more students filled the room.

Soon, Might Guy appeared, clad in his green jumpsuit.

Following him was Kakashi, white-haired and hands in pockets.

Glancing at Kakashi, Genichi suddenly realized that young Kakashi resembled Uchiha Sasuke — both wore an air of coldness.

Gradually, the classroom filled, and the bell rang.

After the bell, a middle-aged man entered: “I’m Ryusei Nimoku, and from today on, I will be your teacher!”

No sooner had he spoken than the door burst open with a bang.

Genichi, along with the others, turned to see Uchiha Obito panting heavily like a dog: “So… sorry, I’m late.”

Well, when it came to tardiness, Obito fully committed.

Standing at the podium, Ryusei Nimoku sighed helplessly at the late arrival.

He knew Obito had even missed the entrance ceremony.

He hadn’t noticed before, but now on the first day of school, Obito was late again.

However, he didn’t make things difficult for him, saying, “Obito, please be careful next time. Don’t be late.”

Obito breathed a sigh of relief, smiling broadly and scratching the back of his head: “Yes, teacher!”

Nimoku continued, “Obito, why don’t you start with your self-introduction?”

Obito hesitated briefly, then answered loudly: “Yes!”

He showed no sign of timidity and confidently strode to the podium, head held high.

Kakashi gave a slight smirk.

Nimoku then announced the introduction format: name, favorite food, disliked food, and ninja aspirations.

“My name is Uchiha Obito, from the Uchiha clan. I like moku-gyu rice balls and hate natto.”

Obito grinned, giving a thumbs-up: “As for my goal… of course, it’s to become Hokage!”

Genichi listened quietly, sighing inwardly.

Civilians could become Hokage, but an Uchiha could not.

The highest decision-makers in Konoha were all subordinates of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, and even Hiruzen Sarutobi warily regarded the Uchiha.

Not to mention Danzo Shimura, the village’s second most powerful figure, who, like Tobirama, harbored extreme hostility toward the Uchiha.

Under such circumstances, unless there was an Uchiha coup, Obito had no chance of rising to the top.

Becoming Hokage was a childhood dream for many, so Obito was not ridiculed.

After Obito finished, other classmates took turns introducing themselves.

Soon it was Genichi’s turn.

With a smile, he stepped onto the podium and said, “My name is Genichi Shita. My favorite food is dumplings, and my least favorite food is also dumplings.”

“My goal as a ninja is… to become an outstanding one who can truly protect my family, friends, comrades, and village!”

“As for Hokage, many people aspire to that role; one more or less doesn’t matter.”

There’s a saying: “Hokage is not my ambition, but I wish for the village’s peace.” Unfortunately, it wasn’t the time to say that here.

After all, he was still an unremarkable kid. When he gained the strength to contend for Hokage someday, he could use it to impress others.