Come on, Youngsters

After hearing what Uchiha Matsuzaki had just said, the others immediately began to think it over.

Clearly, they were still too young and hadn't experienced enough.

What Uchiha Matsuzaki had just said was still far too profound for them to understand.

"Fine. Since you don't understand it now, just remember what I said. One day, you'll understand."

Seeing how confused they all looked, Uchiha Matsuzaki smiled as he spoke.

The four of them nodded, seeming to understand but not quite.

Just then, their teacher walked into the classroom with a form in hand.

"All right, students. Follow me in an orderly fashion to the training ground. What happens next will determine the course of your lives."

The teacher walked up to the podium and called out loudly to the class.

"Come on! We can do this!"

"I'm getting into the Anbu. No one can stop me—not even Jesus!"

"You? Give me a break! I've got a better chance than you!"

Some of the students began frantically cheering themselves on.

"Looks like everyone's fired up. I bet there'll be some tough opponents in this competition."

Following along with the group, Uchiha Matsuzaki watched his classmates and thought to himself.

Even with his cheat-like advantage, he couldn't afford to let his guard down. He still wasn't strong enough to be unbeatable.

Under their teacher's guidance, the class finally arrived at the competition grounds.

This was a competition for the entire year, since theirs was the only grade about to graduate.

"I didn't expect so many people to be gathered on the training ground. It's quite a sight!"

"Yeah. Looks like winning today won't be easy!"

"What are you talking about? Our team leader is Uchiha Matsuzaki. With him around, we'll be fine."

The few people following Uchiha Matsuzaki looked at the impressive scene and spoke in hushed voices.

After leading the class to their designated spot, the teacher explained the rules.

"All right, be sure to remember what I've told you. This may be a competition, but you mustn't hurt anyone. Be careful not to go too far."

"There are a few students in this class who are quite strong. I have high hopes for you."

"Matsuzaki, come here for a moment."

The teacher suddenly called out to Uchiha Matsuzaki, seeming to have something to discuss with him privately.

After hesitating for three seconds, Uchiha Matsuzaki slowly began walking toward his teacher.

"Is something the matter, Sensei?"

"Matsuzaki, you're the strongest in our class, as far as I can tell. Make sure you do your best."

"I'm sure you'll meet the standard. Give your teacher something to be proud of. Keep it up."

The teacher spoke quietly to Uchiha Matsuzaki from a corner.

Uchiha Matsuzaki nodded when he heard this.

"Don't worry, Sensei. I won't let you down."

With that, he returned to his group and started chatting with his friends again.

As Uchiha Matsuzaki's teacher watched the group, he lowered his head and adjusted his glasses. Then he whispered to the tree behind him, "I've done what you asked."

A mysterious figure stood behind the tree, wearing a black cloak and a mask.

"All right. I understand."

With that, the mysterious figure vanished in an instant, leaving behind only a faint breeze.

Watching Uchiha Matsuzaki, the teacher whispered, "Young man, I hope the Lord Hokage hasn't misjudged you!"