The next morning, Houka got up early. After breakfast, he headed to the Ninja Academy.
The school was on break, so the vast grounds held only a couple dozen people. Every one of them wore a Konoha Headband; they were all Genin there to take the Chunin Ninja Exams.
As Houka observed them, they observed him in turn.
"That kid's so young. Is he Kakashi?"
"Hey, Kakashi has white hair. It can't be him."
"Honestly, these brats have no respect for their seniors. They're so young, yet they're taking the Chunin Ninja Exams. What does that make the rest of us?"
Most of the Genin were already in their teens, and a few were even old enough to be called middle-aged. Their prospects were utterly bleak. Seeing someone as young as Houka, they couldn't help expressing their displeasure—albeit in a tactful way.
"You're Uchiha Houka, right?" A young man suddenly approached with a friendly smile. His clothes were dark, and the Uchiha crest was emblazoned on his back. "I'm Uchiha Tenzen."
As he spoke, the young man showed off his Two-Tomoe Sharingan with a flourish.
Uchiha Tenzen was seventeen or eighteen, with sharply angled brows and bright eyes. He looked every bit the idol type.
Houka's heart skipped a beat. His first thought was that the guy had been sent by Danzo.
"Hello. You know me?" Houka asked warily.
"Of course. My father is Uchiha Yamano, the captain of the Konoha Military Police Force!" Uchiha Tenzen wore a restrained air of pride as he smiled. "I've heard about you from him."
"I see." Houka made no comment. They'd only just met, and he wasn't naive enough to take someone's word at face value. And even if it was true, so what? With Danzo's methods, what couldn't he pull off?
"Ah,