Special Class

In the spring of Konoha Year 57, the world was lush and green.

Xingye was nine years old and had already reached the peak of Chunin-level strength. Under normal circumstances, children his age would only just be preparing to enter the Ninja Academy.

But because Xingye's strength far surpassed that of his peers, the Third Hokage had specially approved his early enrollment.

That day, Xingye stood at the gates of the Ninja Academy, watching the bustling crowd of new students.

"Xingye, look at that guy!" a boy said, pointing into the distance.

Xingye followed his finger and saw a blond boy with six whisker marks on his cheeks, dressed in orange.

That was Uzumaki Naruto, Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Xingye's thoughts stirred, and the system interface immediately displayed Naruto's talent information:

[Uzumaki Naruto]

[Age: 9]

[Strength: Genin (basic training)]

[Talent Traits: Sage Body (Red), Talk no Jutsu (Green), Never Give Up (Green)]

Red rank!

Xingye's pupils contracted.

The Sage Body was a mythical-level talent! Naruto actually possessed such a powerful bloodline!

It was just that Naruto was still too weak, and his Sage Body had yet to fully awaken.

This kid will become an important ally of mine in the future, Xingye mused.

Just then, another figure caught Xingye's attention.

A pink-haired girl was carefully straightening her clothes, looking nervous yet eager.

That was Haruno Sakura, one of the heroines of the original story.

Xingye looked at her, and the system interface displayed Sakura's talents:

[Haruno Sakura]

[Age: 9]

[Strength: Genin (basic training)]

[Talent Traits: Top Student (Green), Super Strength (Blue), Medical Talent (Green)]

Sakura had quite good talents, especially her super strength. With proper training, she would become a powerful support in the future.

"Sakura, you're in this class too!" A brown-haired girl ran over and took Sakura's hand.

That was Yamanaka Ino, Sakura's childhood friend.

Xingye looked at Ino, and the system interface displayed her talents:

[Yamanaka Ino]

[Age: 9]

[Strength: Genin (basic training)]

[Talent Traits: Clan Secret Technique (Blue), Perception (Green), Medical Talent (Green)]

The Yamanaka Clan had good talents, and their perception abilities were especially useful.

"Students, quiet down!"

A stern voice rang out.

Everyone turned toward it and saw a middle-aged man approaching. It was Iruka, a teacher at the Ninja Academy.

"Welcome to the Ninja Academy. I'm your homeroom teacher, Iruka."

"Starting today, you'll learn the basic skills of a ninja, including chakra control, the Three Basic Techniques, Taijutsu, and weapons use."

"Now, line up by height. I'll assign you to your classes."

The new students began lining up. Xingye stood at the end of the line because he was short, but according to the special arrangements, he would be assigned to a special class.

"Uchiha Xingye, please come with me," Iruka said.

Xingye followed Iruka to a separate classroom.

"Xingye, because your strength far surpasses that of your peers, the school has decided to create a special class for you," Iruka said. "Here, you'll receive more advanced training."

Xingye nodded.

"This class has been specially arranged for you." Iruka pushed open the classroom door.

A few students were already seated inside.

A black-haired boy sat with a cold expression. That was Uchiha Sasuke.

A boy wearing sunglasses—that was Aburame Shino.

A boy with a dog—that was Inuzuka Kiba.

A girl who looked very shy—that was Hinata Hyuga.

And a red-haired girl—that was Kurenai Yuhi.

"Xingye, introduce yourself," Iruka said.

Xingye stood in the middle of the classroom and spoke evenly. "Hello, everyone. I'm Uchiha Xingye."

The other students in the classroom all looked at Xingye with curiosity and wariness in their eyes.

Sasuke especially stared at Xingye, his expression complicated.

Another genius from the Uchiha Clan?

Xingye noticed Sasuke's gaze and smiled faintly.

"Starting today, we'll study together," Xingye said. "I hope we can become friends."

The atmosphere in the classroom eased a little.

"Good. Let's begin our first lesson," Iruka said.

Xingye sat down, already making plans in his mind.

Everyone in the special class was a genius. This was exactly the environment he wanted.

Here, he could better control the power of the future.

Sasuke and Hinata in particular—both of them had important destinies in the original story.

Now, he would change their fates.

[Information on special class members collected]

[Available traits to plunder: Sasuke (Sharingan Prodigy), Hinata (Byakugan Talent), Kiba (Keen Sense of Smell), Shino (Insect Handler Talent), Kurenai (Genjutsu Talent)]

Xingye was delighted.

These traits were all very useful, especially Sasuke and Hinata's talents.

But Xingye wouldn't rush to plunder them. First, he would build bonds with them, then wait for the right opportunity to choose.

Starting today, my life at the Ninja Academy begins, Xingye mused. This stage will be an important step in my rise to power.

Just then, a new prompt suddenly appeared on the system interface:

[Special plot point detected: Chunin Ninja Exams moved up]

[Option A: Take the Chunin Ninja Exams early, show off your strength, and shock the Shinobi World]

[Option B: Train steadily and take the Chunin Ninja Exams according to the original plan]

A cold glint flashed in Xingye's eyes.

Taking the Chunin Ninja Exams early is exactly the opportunity I want, Xingye mused. I'll make the entire Shinobi World know that Uchiha Xingye exists.

[Option A selected — Take the Chunin Ninja Exams early]

Xingye had made up his mind.

He would take the Chunin Ninja Exams early and shock the entire Shinobi World with his strength.