Life at the Ninja Academy was uneventful for Ling on the surface, but currents ran beneath it. He was like an ultra-efficient processor, rapidly absorbing everything taught in class. Whether it was the complex theory of Chakra Nature Transformation, the tangled history of the Shinobi World during the Warring States period, or even the dull mission management regulations, he could memorize it at a glance and draw inferences from it.
During a theory lesson, when the Chunin instructor posed a question about "the challenges of maintaining a technique's stability in difficult terrain," most of the students furrowed their brows. Even Nara Shikamaru, who was known for his intelligence, looked thoughtful.
In the silence, Ling calmly raised his hand and stood after the teacher nodded. He didn't answer directly. Instead, he walked to the podium, picked up a piece of chalk, and quickly sketched a simple valley on the blackboard, then marked several key chakra nodes and the direction of energy flow.
"The key lies in the resonance and diversion between nodes," Ling said in a clear, calm voice, as if stating the simplest fact. "We can inject a tiny amount of chakra in reverse to simulate the fluctuations of Natural Energy, thereby counteracting the irregular interference caused by the terrain. The specific formula is as follows."
He wrote a series of complex formulas and seal structures on the blackboard, so intricate that even the Chunin instructor had to study them closely. The entire process flowed smoothly, without the slightest pause.
The classroom fell silent. All the students, including Shikamaru, stared at the blackboard in stunned disbelief. Was this kid really around their age? This was beyond the realm of "genius"—he was practically an old scholar in a child's body!
The Chunin instructor studied the rigorous, intimidating derivation on the blackboard, sweat beading on his forehead. He had only meant to offer a hint and draw out an answer, but instead he'd uncovered a treasure trove of knowledge! He opened his mouth, then finally managed to say, "Uchiha Ling's answer is perfect. It even exceeds the requirements of the curriculum."
Ling gave a slight nod and calmly returned to his seat, as if he'd done nothing noteworthy. He felt several gazes fall on him—some full of admiration, some curious, and one from Uchiha Sasuke in the back row, cold and complicated.
Sasuke clenched his fists, his nails nearly digging into his palms. Theory had always been his pride. He had thought that even after losing everything, he could at least maintain his edge in his studies and make that one of the foundations of his revenge. But Ling's performance had been like an insurmountable mountain, crushing that little bit of pride with ease. Why? Why could this guy do it so effortlessly? What gave him the right? A jumble of jealousy, resentment, and a deeper, more profound loneliness took root in Sasuke's heart.
During a break between classes, Ling approached Sasuke again. He carried notes on optimizing the chakra form transformation of the Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique and went over to Sasuke, who was sitting alone in a corner.
"Sasuke, I put together some notes on the Phoenix Flower Jutsu. They might be useful to you."
"I don't need them." Sasuke cut him off coldly, not even looking up at the notes. "I don't need anyone's guidance on my path, especially not yours."
His voice carried unmistakable rejection and a trace of barely concealed insecurity. He couldn't accept that this newly appeared clan member seemed to surpass him in both strength and knowledge.
Ling didn't press him. He put the notes away and simply said, "The path to strength doesn't have to be walked alone. Whenever you need me, I'll be here."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Sasuke with a figure he had to look up to.
After school, Ling carried Naruto, who had come to meet him, as they walked home. The setting sun stretched the brothers' shadows across the road. Naruto chattered about where his nanny had taken him that day and the interesting things he'd seen. Ling listened patiently, occasionally ruffling his blond hair.
But their warm moment was soon interrupted. As they passed the outskirts of the Hyuga Clan Compound, Ling spotted a familiar figure: Hyuga Hinata.
The shy young heiress of the Hyuga Main Family was surrounded by several children from the branch family. Their leader was a boy a few years older than Hinata, with a spitefulness beyond his age in his eyes.
"You're the young lady of the Main Family, and you can't even get the most basic Gentle Fist stance right. You're bringing shame on the Hyuga."
"Exactly. Even the branch family members put in more effort than you."
"With that timid attitude, how are you supposed to inherit the Main Family?"
Hinata lowered her head and gripped the hem of her clothes tightly. Her eyes reddened, but she didn't dare argue.
Ling furrowed his brow. He knew about the Hyuga Clan's strict division between the Main and branch families, as well as the vicious Caged Bird Cursed Seal. Seeing Hinata's pitiful, resigned expression, he felt a nameless anger rise within him.
He wasn't one to meddle in other people's business, but Hinata would play an important part in Naruto's future, and her kindness deserved to be treated with kindness in return. Besides, perhaps the Hyuga Clan's internal conflict could be put to use one day.
As he considered this, the boy leading the branch family children apparently decided that insults weren't enough. He reached out and shoved Hinata hard.
"Ah!" Hinata cried out as her small frame toppled backward.
Just as she was about to fall, a figure appeared behind her like a ghost and gently caught her.
Still shaken, Hinata looked up and saw a handsome, composed profile. It was the Uchiha prodigy who had effortlessly defeated Hyuga Ko at the Academy.
Ling steadied Hinata and swept his cold gaze over the branch family children. He didn't release any killing intent, but the natural pressure of his strength and status made them fall silent at once and unconsciously step back.
"Is this how you honor the Hyuga Clan—by bullying your own kin?" Ling's voice was not loud, but carried an unquestionable authority.
The children's faces turned pale, then flushed. They wanted to argue, but under Ling's deep gaze, they couldn't even get a word out. In the end, they ran off in disgrace.
"Th-thank you," Hinata said, blushing, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz. She didn't dare look Ling in the eye.
"You're welcome." Ling let go of her, his tone gentler now. "Weakness and avoidance won't solve anything. If you want to change, you have to make yourself stronger first."
His words were meant for Hinata, but it was as if he were also speaking to someone in the distance, lost in hatred.
Then he turned and left, carrying Naruto.
Hinata watched Ling walk away, one hand pressed to her still-pounding heart. For the first time, her Byakugan had taken in someone other than her father and Neji—someone powerful who made her feel safe.
On the distant wall surrounding the Hyuga Clan Compound, a white-eyed boy with the Caged Bird Cursed Seal carved into his forehead, Hyuga Neji, had witnessed everything. He watched Ling walk away, then looked down at Hinata, who was still timid as ever. His clenched fist slowly relaxed, and a complicated, unreadable glimmer passed through his eyes.
This sudden anomaly, Uchiha Ling, seemed to be quietly stirring up the balance among Konoha's younger generation.
Ling knew that Sasuke's hatred, the Hyuga Clan's internal conflicts, and the malice Danzo concealed in the shadows were all hidden reefs lying in wait. His newly launched ship would have to navigate around them with caution—or crush them completely when necessary.
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