Naruto: Choosing from Birth

Once again, thank you to all the readers who have silently supported me. As long as there are still one or two hundred people reading, I'll keep writing.

That's all!*

The next day, after a year of "secluded training," Uchiha Cheng was finally permitted to have his confinement lifted.

Soon afterward, the Anbu sent word for Uchiha Cheng to make a trip to the Hokage's office.

Arriving at the rebuilt Hokage Tower and entering the Hokage's office, Uchiha Cheng looked at the smiling Third Hokage before him.

Uchiha Cheng always felt as though he were facing a grandmotherly wolf.

"I called you here today because I appreciate your talent. It is rare for our Konoha to produce another powerful genius ninja."

"You must not be gradually buried away. Your immense potential should be fully unleashed. Although your Uchiha Clan's own training is quite good, there have been few particularly outstanding figures in recent years."

"And my disciple Orochimaru is Konoha's publicly recognized super-genius. He graduated from the Ninja Academy with perfect scores when he was young. What do you think of having him as your teacher?"

"Of course, I have already discussed this with your father, the Uchiha clan head. He was quite willing, but I still need to ask for your opinion."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile. Asking for your opinion was merely a formality. Would you refuse such a good opportunity? Could you refuse it?

"Ding. Faced with what is suspected to be an indirect recruitment attempt by the Third Hokage, please choose."

"A: Accept and become Orochimaru's disciple. Reward: Summoning Technique! (Summon snakes)"

"B: Refuse. You will eventually become the White Fang's disciple. Reward: Swordsmanship Mastery + Secret Art: Mirage Moon Wheel!"

"C: Refuse and personally lead a graduating class! Reward: High-level defensive ninjutsu: Triple Rashomon!"

Uchiha Cheng looked at the information suddenly displayed by the system. In an instant, images of Orochimaru, the Konoha White Fang, and himself leading a graduating class flashed through his mind.

"Can... can I refuse? Does Lord Orochimaru want a key?"

The seemingly cautious voice entered Hiruzen Sarutobi's ears. What did that mean? Was he going to refuse?

The Third Hokage, who did not understand deadpan humor, immediately had the smile freeze on his face.

"I feel... Orochimaru isn't much stronger than me!"

The voice, as though he had made up his mind, entered Hiruzen Sarutobi's ears once more!

Huh?

My disciple wasn't much stronger than this brat?

Although you awakened the Sharingan at such a young age.

Although you had consecutively created several new ninjutsu.

Although you already possessed the strength of a Jonin.

Damn it, had he become this strong? Could Orochimaru... keep him in line?

His heart suddenly felt exhausted. Damn Uchiha!

But!

The upper and lower limits of Jonin strength could differ enormously. Elite Jonin were far beyond ordinary Jonin.

Let Orochimaru teach this kid who did not know the immensity of heaven and earth a proper lesson.

"Summon Orochimaru to the Hokage's office!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi rapped the desk with a dark expression.

"Yes!"

An Anbu immediately turned into smoke and vanished.

Before long, Orochimaru arrived at the Hokage's office.

The instant he stepped into the room, the temperature inside seemed to drop several degrees.

Orochimaru's cold eyes swept over the scene in the room, lingering on Uchiha Cheng for three seconds in particular.

Then he stared at the Third Hokage, his distinctive hoarse voice sounding out. "Old man, why did you call me here?"

"Hm. Uchiha Cheng's strength has advanced by leaps and bounds recently. I want you to conduct a practical combat assessment on him. If he truly performs well, he will be exceptionally promoted to Jonin!"

Since you do not want to become a disciple and think yourself so strong, then I need not care about your age. Prepare to shoulder the burden.

"An interesting little Uchiha. Has your strength reached this level already? Then enough nonsense. Let's begin now!" Orochimaru licked his lips excitedly.

"Wait! Everyone, move to Konoha Training Ground No. 1."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at his Hokage Tower, which had only been rebuilt less than a year ago, with lingering fear in his heart.

Konoha Training Ground No. 1!

Uchiha Cheng and Orochimaru stood facing each other and formed the Seal of Confrontation!

"Please enlighten me!"

Courtesy before force!

After speaking, Uchiha Cheng did not hesitate in the slightest. He directly used the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, creating three Shadow Clones that charged toward Orochimaru.

Orochimaru calmly flung out a Shuriken. At the same time, he brought his hands together and shouted coldly:

"Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique!"

Unlike the C-rank Shadow Shuriken Minato Namikaze had used at the Ninja Academy, where only one was real.

This Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique was an A-rank ninjutsu. Every single one was solid, and each Shuriken possessed tremendous killing power.

It was an extremely difficult ninjutsu created by the Third Hokage after he drew inspiration from the Shadow Clone developed by the Second Hokage.

It used Chakra to multiply the number of Shuriken, forming a sword formation that covered the heavens and earth!

The Shuriken flying through the air suddenly blurred, splitting into two afterimages, then four, six, eight, sixteen...

In the blink of an eye, Shuriken filled the sky, sweeping toward Uchiha Cheng like a violent storm amid sharp howling winds.*

When Uchiha Cheng saw Orochimaru release the Shuriken, he swiftly flung out a Sealing Scroll as well.

His hands turned into afterimages as waves of Shuriken shot out, continuously colliding in midair.

A single Shuriken of his could actually destroy three or four of the enemy's Shuriken clones.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The incessant sounds of metal striking metal rang out like firecrackers.

"His Shuriken Throwing Technique has truly reached perfection. I have to say, the Uchiha Clan's Shuriken training methods really are unmatched."

"Yes. To possess such attainment at this age... in Shuriken throwing alone, I'm afraid even I am no match for him."

At the edge of the training ground, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hatake Sakumo commented on the battle within.

"Hmph!"

Seeing that his hidden weapons were ineffective, Orochimaru snorted coldly.

He stomped his right foot on the ground.

Serpent Step!

Two enormous pythons burst from beneath his feet, raising Orochimaru up as they charged toward the three incoming Shadow Clones.

Bzzzt—rip!

A deep rumble of thunder suddenly erupted.

Lightning Release: Chidori Sharp Spear!

The Shadow Clone at the front instantly caused intense lightning to burst from the kunai in his hand, transforming it into a lightning spear several meters long.

It swept horizontally toward the incoming giant snakes.

Blood immediately sprayed everywhere as two massive snake heads were sent flying into the sky.

Bang!

Orochimaru, who had leaped down from the pythons, directly closed in beside the Shadow Clone.

Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!

Tiny snake shadows rapidly shot out from his sleeve, biting out the Shadow Clone in a single exchange.

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!

Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!

Taking advantage of the opening while Orochimaru attacked the first Shadow Clone, the other two Shadow Clones at his sides immediately unleashed a combination ninjutsu.