Becoming a True Ninja

Shita Genichi knew very well that the world of Naruto was not just a world where bloodlines reigned supreme; it was also a world that placed immense importance on the master-disciple lineage.

Currently, the only source of ninjutsu resources for civilian ninjas he could confirm was through master-disciple inheritance.

Another uncertain source was through meritorious service, obtained officially from the village.

Furthermore, Shita Genichi was unsure if one could submit original ninjutsu to the village in exchange for other techniques.

The latter two remained uncertain.

For a civilian ninja to secure a good teacher, didn't they have to be a genius?

Take Namikaze Minato, for example, who was taken in as a student by Jiraiya.

Or consider Haruno Sakura, who could also be considered a civilian ninja.

Before she apprenticed under Tsunade, she truly had nothing to her name.

A squad leader was not necessarily obligated to teach their students ninjutsu.

As for Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke... the former was the son of Kakashi's teacher, and the latter was an orphan of the Uchiha in Konoha, with the added layer of his connection to Uchiha Obito.

Of course, it wasn't as if Kakashi hadn't taught Haruno Sakura anything.

Beyond some basic, inconspicuous ninja abilities, Haruno Sakura's talent for genjutsu likely came from Kakashi.

It was just that he hadn't taught her any particularly flashy ninjutsu.

Because the relationship between a squad leader and their students was not like the master-disciple bond between Namikaze Minato and Jiraiya.

Except in special circumstances, it was far less intimate, serving more as guidance for mission execution.

Whether or not they taught ninjutsu depended entirely on the squad leader's mood.

Therefore, even if the Rasengan might not be suitable for him, Shita Genichi still listed it as a priority in his plan.

If he could master it, this ninjutsu would be his stepping stone.

"When it comes to resources, the Sannin are definitely the first tier. Orochimaru, while dangerous, offers a vast array of possibilities."

"As for Tsunade, given her current situation, she likely won't be taking on any students. I wonder if I could squeeze some benefits out of her by going through Shizune?"

Shita Genichi admitted he was being a bit opportunistic.

But his survival environment was simply too harsh.

"Jiraiya... he's probably off peeping at beauties somewhere; the opportunity is too slim."

"As a student, the best resources I'm most likely to access are actually Tsunade and Hatake Sakumo."

His choice of swordsmanship was also due to Hatake Sakumo.

As a student, he could reach Tsunade through Shizune, and Hatake Sakumo through Kakashi.

There was also a backup option: the Eight Inner Gates!

As for others, Konoha certainly had many Jonin that Shita Genichi wasn't familiar with, but he currently lacked the channels to reach them.

Therefore, establishing a persona as a genius was essential.

Once more eyes were on him, perhaps some Jonin would be willing to take him on as a student?

Even if no one took him in, geniuses were always favored; surely the Third Hokage would invest more resources into nurturing him?

The Ninja Academy was his direct sphere of influence, after all!

Oh, and there was also Pot Kage Danzo.

If it really came down to it, Shita Genichi wouldn't be entirely opposed to being scouted by Pot Kage Danzo.

But he felt the probability of that was very low.

After sorting through his plan and getting some rest, Shita Genichi began playing with a water balloon, attempting to practice the Rasengan bit by bit.

For two consecutive days, Shita Genichi spent his time alternating between practicing swordsmanship and the Rasengan.

On March 20th, in the 41st year of Konoha, school officially began.

Shita Genichi arrived at the Ninja Academy with a backpack containing a bento prepared by his mother.

Class 1, First Year.

Standing at the entrance and scanning the room, Shita Genichi spotted several familiar figures.

Yuhi Kurenai, Shizune, Nohara Rin, and someone chewing on a toothpick, wearing sunglasses... they had arrived quite early.

With a smile on his lips, Shita Genichi walked into the classroom and sat down next to Shizune without hesitation.

Shizune was startled for a moment and was about to greet him when Shita Genichi reached out his hand: "Hello, I'm Shita Genichi. Please take care of me from now on!"

Seeing Shita Genichi's bright smile, Shizune couldn't help but blush, then reached out to shake his hand: "Hello, I'm Shizune."

Shita Genichi released her hand after a light shake, then began chatting with Shizune as if they were old friends, all while observing the other students.

The classroom was filling up with more and more people.

Soon, Might Guy, dressed in his green spandex suit, also appeared.

Soon after, Kakashi arrived with his white hair and hands tucked into his pockets.

Glancing at Kakashi, Shita Genichi suddenly realized that young Kakashi and Uchiha Sasuke were actually quite similar, both sporting that same cold, aloof expression.

Gradually, the classroom filled with students, and the bell rang.

Following the bell, a middle-aged man walked into the classroom: "I am Futaki Ryusei, and from today on, I will be your teacher!"

The words had barely left his mouth when the classroom door was pushed open with a bang. Shita Genichi, like everyone else, turned to look and saw Uchiha Obito panting heavily like a dog: "So... sorry, I'm late."

Well, when it came to being late, Uchiha Obito certainly followed through.

On the podium, Futaki Ryusei sighed helplessly as he looked at the tardy Uchiha Obito.

He knew Uchiha Obito; this was the guy who had even managed to miss the entrance ceremony by being late.

He hadn't paid attention earlier, but he hadn't expected him to be late on the very first day of school.

However, since it was the first day, he didn't make things difficult for Uchiha Obito and said, "Student Obito, be careful next time and don't be late."

Uchiha Obito breathed a sigh of relief, beamed, and scratched the back of his head: "Yes, teacher!"

Futaki Ryusei added, "Student Obito, let's start the self-introductions with you!"

Uchiha Obito was stunned for a moment, then responded loudly: "Yes!"

He showed no signs of timidity, walking up to the podium under the gazes of Shita Genichi and the others with his head held high and full of confidence.

Kakashi couldn't help but curl his lip at the sight.

Futaki Ryusei then announced the template for the self-introductions: name, favorite food, disliked food, and goal for becoming a ninja.

"My name is Uchiha Obito, I come from the Uchiha clan, I like bonito rice balls, and I hate eating natto."

Uchiha Obito grinned and gave a thumbs-up with his right hand: "As for my goal... it is, of course, to become Hokage!"

Listening to this, Shita Genichi sighed inwardly.

A commoner might be able to become Hokage, but an Uchiha never could.

The highest decision-making level of Konoha consisted entirely of subordinates of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, and even Sarutobi Hiruzen harbored wariness toward the Uchiha.

Not to mention that the second most powerful figure in Konoha, the Pot Kage Danzo, was someone who, much like Senju Tobirama, was extremely hostile toward the Uchiha.

Under such a structure, unless the Uchiha staged a coup, there was no chance of them taking power.

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

After Uchiha Obito stepped down, the other students went up to the podium one by one to introduce themselves.

Soon, it was Shita Genichi's turn.

Walking to the podium with a smile, Shita Genichi said: "My name is Shita Genichi, my favorite food is dango, and the food I dislike is also dango."

"My goal as a ninja is... to become an outstanding ninja, strong enough to protect my family, friends, comrades, and the village!"