Shita Genichi knew very well that the Naruto world wasn't just one where bloodlines reigned supreme; it was also a world that placed great importance on passing down knowledge from teacher to student.
So far, the only source of ninjutsu resources he could confirm for civilian ninja was through a teacher's instruction.
Another possible source was earning merit and receiving resources from the village.
Shita Genichi wasn't sure whether he could submit original ninjutsu to the village in exchange for other techniques, either.
The latter two possibilities were uncertain.
Did a civilian ninja need to be a genius to get a good teacher?
Take Namikaze Minato, for example. Jiraiya had taken him on as a student.
Haruno Sakura was another example of a civilian ninja.
Before she became Tsunade's student, she had practically nothing going for her.
A team leader might not teach their students any ninjutsu.
As for Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke... the former was Kakashi-sensei's son, while the latter was the Uchiha Clan's last orphan in Konoha, with his ties to Uchiha Obito on top of that.
Of course, Kakashi had taught Haruno Sakura some things, too.
Aside from a few basic, unremarkable ninja skills, Haruno Sakura's Genjutsu skills had probably come from Kakashi.
But he hadn't taught her any particularly impressive techniques.
That was because the relationship between a team leader and their students wasn't like the bond between Namikaze Minato and Jiraiya.
Except in special circumstances, they weren't nearly as close. Their relationship was mostly about guidance in carrying out missions.
Whether they taught their students ninjutsu was entirely up to the team leader.
So even if the Rasengan might not suit him, Shita Genichi had still put it on his list of plans right away.
If he mastered it, the technique would be his ticket to getting his foot in the door.
"When it comes to resources, the Sannin are definitely in the top tier. Orochimaru might be a little dangerous, but he offers plenty of possibilities."
"As for Tsunade... given her current situation, she probably won't take on a student. I just don't know if I could get anything out of Shizune."
Shita Genichi admitted he was being a little opportunistic.
But his living conditions were just too harsh.
"Jiraiya... he's probably off somewhere peeping on pretty women. It'd be incredibly hard to get a chance with him."
"As a student, the best resources I can realistically get my hands on are Tsunade and Hatake Sakumo."
Hatake Sakumo was also one of the reasons he'd chosen Kenjutsu.
As a student, he could reach Tsunade through Shizune and Hatake Sakumo through Kakashi.
There was another backup option: the Eight Inner Gates!
There were surely plenty of other Jonin in Konoha whom Shita Genichi didn't know, but right now he had no way to get in touch with them.
That was why it was important to establish himself as a genius.
With enough eyes on him, maybe some Jonin would be willing to take him on as a student.
Even if no one did, geniuses were always favored. Wouldn't the Third Hokage invest more resources in his training, too?
The Ninja Academy was his own domain, after all!
Oh, and there was Pot Kage Danzo.
If all else failed, Shita Genichi could accept being noticed by Pot Kage Danzo.
But he thought the chances were slim.
After going over his plans and resting enough, Shita Genichi started playing with a water balloon, slowly trying to learn the Rasengan.
For two days straight, Shita Genichi spent his time practicing Kenjutsu and the Rasengan.
On March 20, Konoha Year 41, school officially began.
Shita Genichi put on the backpack holding the lunch his mother had packed and headed to the Ninja Academy.
Class 1, Grade 1.
He stood in the doorway and glanced around. A few familiar figures caught his eye.
Yuhi Kurenai, Shizune, Nohara Rin, and a boy with a toothpick in his mouth and sunglasses on... They'd arrived pretty early.
With a smile, Shita Genichi walked into the classroom and sat down beside Shizune without hesitation.
Shizune froze for a moment and was just about to greet him when Shita Genichi held out his hand. "Hi, I'm Shita Genichi. I look forward to getting along with you!"
Shizune looked at Shita Genichi's bright smile and couldn't help blushing. Then she reached out and shook his hand. "Hi, I'm Shizune."
Shita Genichi gave her hand a light squeeze before letting go. Then, acting like an old friend, he chatted with Shizune about this and that while sizing up their other classmates.
More and more students filled the classroom.
Soon, Might Guy showed up in his green jumpsuit.
Then Kakashi arrived, his white hair standing out as he walked in with both hands in his pockets.
After sneaking a few glances at Kakashi, Shita Genichi suddenly realized that Kakashi as a child and Uchiha Sasuke were actually quite alike. They both had that cool, aloof look.
The classroom gradually filled with students, and then the bell rang.
After the bell, a middle-aged man walked into the classroom. "I'm Futaki Ryusei. Starting today, I'll be your teacher!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the classroom door banged open. Shita Genichi and the others turned to look. Uchiha Obito was panting like a dog. "S-sorry, I'm late."
Well, Uchiha Obito was certainly consistent when it came to being late.
At the front of the classroom, Futaki Ryusei looked at Uchiha Obito and sighed helplessly.
He knew Uchiha Obito—the kid who'd even been late for the entrance ceremony and missed it.
He hadn't noticed him earlier. He hadn't expected him to be late again on the first day of school.
Still, it was the first day, so he didn't give Uchiha Obito a hard time. "Obito, be careful next time. Don't be late."
Uchiha Obito breathed a sigh of relief and grinned as he scratched the back of his head. "Yes, Sensei!"
Futaki Ryusei continued, "Obito, why don't you start us off with your introduction?"
Uchiha Obito froze for a moment, then called out loudly, "Yes!"
He didn't show the slightest bit of nervousness. Under the watchful eyes of Shita Genichi and the others, he walked up to the lectern with his head held high and his chest puffed out, brimming with confidence.
Kakashi watched and couldn't help giving a slight sneer.
Futaki Ryusei then explained what to include in their introductions: their name, favorite food, least favorite food, and goal as a ninja.
"My name is Uchiha Obito. I'm from the Uchiha Clan. I like rice balls with bonito flakes, and I hate natto."
Uchiha Obito grinned and gave a thumbs-up with his right hand. "As for my goal... of course, it's to become Hokage!"
As Shita Genichi listened, he sighed inwardly.
Civilians could become Hokage, but the Uchiha couldn't.
The highest decision-makers in Konoha were all subordinates of the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen was wary of the Uchiha.
And the second most powerful person in Konoha right now was Pot Kage Danzo, who was just as hostile toward the Uchiha as Tobirama Senju had been.
Under those circumstances, the Uchiha had no chance of rising to power unless they staged a coup.
Becoming Hokage was a childhood dream for many, so no one made fun of Uchiha Obito.
After Uchiha Obito went back to his seat, the other students took turns introducing themselves at the front of the class.
Soon, it was Shita Genichi's turn.
Shita Genichi walked up to the lectern with a smile. "My name is Shita Genichi. My favorite food is dumplings, and the food I like least is dumplings, too."
"My goal as a ninja is... to become a great and powerful ninja who can protect my family, my friends, my comrades, and our village!"
Before you continue