Konoha.
Early morning.
On the smooth streets, vendors' cries rose and fell.
Compared to six years ago, Konoha was now more than ten times as prosperous.
The entrance to the Ninja Academy was especially packed with people.
Countless villagers crowded outside the security line, craning their necks to look inside.
The heads of the Major Clans had also arrived early, making the scene comparable to a grand festival.
Fugaku Uchiha stood at the front of the crowd with his arms crossed.
The people around him consciously made way, leaving a patch of Kong ground, and no one dared squeeze into the Police Department chief's space.
"Clan Head Fugaku."
"I heard Young Master Sasuke is guaranteed to take first place this time?"
A Civilian Ninja Jonin stepped forward to strike up a conversation, his tone flattering.
Fugaku Uchiha put on a stern expression and waved his hands repeatedly.
"Not at all..."
"That Naruto kid isn't weak either. Shikamaru may be lazy, but he's got a good head on his shoulders."
Though his words were modest.
The upward curve of his eyes completely gave away the pride in his heart.
Over the past six years, the Uchiha Clan had completely cast off the shadow of suspicion under Chiba's rule.
As long as they were willing to work, they could earn the status they deserved.
Fugaku Uchiha was immensely satisfied with this.
Hyuga Hiashi gave a cold snort as he walked past.
The two clans jointly managed the Police Department, and their open and covert rivalry had never stopped.
"Hinata has been training very diligently lately."
"The Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist will never lose to anyone."
Hyuga Hiashi spoke in a hard voice, his gaze unwilling to yield in the slightest.
Akimichi Choza grabbed a handful of chips and stuffed them into his