Uchiha Gray is a Genius

"My Lord, if we are this aggressive, won't it provoke Konoha into declaring war on us?" a Kumogakure ninja asked, his expression filled with worry.

"While our Kumogakure is powerful, there is still a gap between us and Konoha."

The lead ninja sneered, "Of course, our Kumogakure is currently no match for Konoha, but who says we can't win this war just because we are weaker?"

His face turned cold and savage. "Kumogakure has its advantages. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, there is only one narrow path through a small nation that leads to our village. It is easy to defend and difficult to attack."

"What does Konoha have? Being situated on a plain is their greatest disadvantage!"

"We don't need to fight Konoha at all. We only need to sow the seeds of war, and naturally, the other three hidden villages won't let such a golden opportunity to plunder Konoha slip by!"

"Konoha occupies the most fertile land and the most superior environment. Who wouldn't covet that!?"

"When the time comes, Konoha will be facing four against one!"

The Kumogakure leader's words were completely unmasked. The Anbu ninjas hiding around him heard every word clearly, their faces turning grim.

The opponent's blatant disregard meant they didn't hold Konoha in any regard at all.

This was a slap in their faces! Yet, such was the reality; they had no choice but to swallow their pride!

The ninja who had raised the question suddenly wore a look of pleasant surprise. "Your foresight is truly impressive, My Lord!"

The lead Kumogakure ninja looked smug.

Inside the Hokage's office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was somber. He knew clearly that there was no room for maneuver in this matter for Konoha.

How could that Kumogakure leader possibly have such audacity on his own?

This was clearly what the Raikage wanted them to say: either go to war or pay reparations!

But if they went to war, Konoha would surely fall. Konoha was currently like a fat sheep being eyed by four lions!

"Lord Hokage, a teacher from the Ninja Academy requests an audience. Two students wish to apply for early graduation!"

An Anbu ninja said cautiously.

"Let him in." Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but sigh.

Too many powerful ninjas had died in Konoha over the years, leaving the village without anyone capable of holding the line.

The only one who could currently hold the fort, Jiraiya, was not in the village.

He hoped the next generation would grow into powerful ninjas capable of standing on their own as soon as possible.

The minor teacher entered the Hokage's office, his face flushed with excitement.

Although he was a teacher at the Ninja Academy, this was his first time entering the Hokage's office!

"Lord Hokage, two exceptionally talented students have emerged in this year's Ninja Academy class. They wish to apply for the Genin exam. Here are their files."

The teacher handed over the documents with trembling hands.

If Gray Uchiha or Itachi Uchiha passed the Genin exam, he would gain a certain reputation within Konoha!

"These two students are Gray Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha. Both of them achieved perfect scores in the basic exams. Whether it is the Three Body Technique or shuriken throwing, they are flawless!"

"Oh? Both of them?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression remained unchanged, but he was secretly startled. Two students applying for early graduation, and both were from the Uchiha clan.

Other clans, whether the Hyuga or the Sarutobi, had children in the academy.

But compared to the Uchiha clan, which was known for producing geniuses, they were no different from ordinary children!

"You are aware that only one student from this year's Ninja Academy is allowed to pass the Genin exam, correct?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said indifferently.

"Yes, Lord Hokage. Your subordinate is aware of this. I have already informed them, and they are both very clear on the matter!"

The teacher's eyes were filled with excitement. This was his first time being this close to the Third Hokage; the man was indeed as imposing as the rumors suggested!

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the ninja files of Gray Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha, his brows furrowing slightly.

He knew Itachi Uchiha well; he was the eldest son of the Uchiha clan head, Fugaku Uchiha, and possessed immense ninja talent.

From a young age, he had displayed intelligence, composure, and ninjutsu aptitude far beyond his peers.

As for Gray Uchiha, he had also heard of him; his parents had died in the Third Great Ninja War, leaving him an orphan.

His performance at the Ninja Academy had not been outstanding; in fact, one could even call him a poor student.

"Itachi Uchiha, I know his academic record has always been first, but what is the situation with Gray Uchiha? I recall his grades were not particularly impressive."

"Not particularly impressive" was a euphemism; Gray Uchiha's past performance could be described as that of a dead-last student or a failure.

The teacher's expression turned serious. "Yes, Lord Hokage."

"Originally, Gray Uchiha's performance was not outstanding. Whether it was the Three Body Technique or shuriken throwing, he was failing."

Thinking back on Gray Uchiha's performance, the teacher was still in shock.

His eyes were eager and somewhat indignant as he said, "But none of this was Gray Uchiha's fault; it was that fellow, Shin Uchiha!"

"Because Shin Uchiha often skipped class, Gray Uchiha, as his friend, was always dragged away by him and turned into a delinquent student."

"But in reality, Uchiha Gray had already mastered all the school's curriculum long ago!"

"To have mastered every subject while skipping class—Uchiha Gray is a genius on par with Uchiha Itachi!"

The background teacher spoke with absolute certainty, his eyes burning with approval and fervor.

A flicker of astonishment crossed Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.

Hiding his strength, and possessing talent no less than Uchiha Itachi's despite skipping class!?

His expression turned abruptly grim. Could it be that Uchiha Gray, like Uchiha Madara back in the day, was also a calculating and wicked member of the Uchiha clan?

Uchiha Clan.

After seeing off Uchiha Shinsei, who was gluttonous and lazy, and left fully satisfied after cadging a meal, Gray's gaze remained calm. In truth, Uchiha Shinsei's talent was not lacking in the slightest; it was just that his heart wasn't in training. He preferred playing around to cultivation.

When the Uchiha clan held collective instruction for the Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu, Shinsei had mastered it after only a single attempt.

Moreover, the Fireball Jutsu he unleashed was only slightly less powerful than the one Uchiha Itachi displayed in the original story.

"Since I've already revealed my strength, that old man Sarutobi Hiruzen should have noticed me by now." Uchiha Gray's expression was one of mocking amusement. "Given that old man's level of caution, he will definitely find a way to test my so-called 'capacity'."

"If I can demonstrate the so-called Will of Fire, it's possible I'll be recruited into the Anbu by Sarutobi Hiruzen, just like Uchiha Itachi."

"Perhaps even tasked with the Uchiha clan's extermination plan three years from now." Uchiha Gray's eyes shifted.

The problem now was how to handle Sarutobi Hiruzen's test tomorrow!