Uchiha Gray Is a Genius

"Sir, if we take such a hard line, won't we make the Leaf turn against us and start a war?" a Cloud ninja asked worriedly.

"Although our Cloud Village is powerful, we're still a ways behind the Leaf."

The leading ninja sneered. "Our Cloud Village may not be able to match the Leaf right now, but who says we can't win this war just because we're weaker?"

His expression was cold and vicious. "Our Cloud Village has its own advantages. It's surrounded by sea on three sides, and only one narrow stretch of land connects it to our village. It's easy to defend and difficult to attack."

"What does the Leaf have? Its greatest weakness is that it's located on a plain!"

"We don't need to fight the Leaf at all. We only need to give the appearance of starting a war. The other three villages naturally won't pass up such a good chance to plunder the Leaf!"

"The Leaf occupies the most fertile land and enjoys the best environment. Who wouldn't covet it?"

"By then, the Leaf will be up against all four of us!"

The Cloud ninja leader made no attempt to hide his words. The Anbu Ninja concealed nearby heard every word, their faces darkening.

He was speaking so openly that he clearly didn't take the Leaf seriously.

He was slapping them in the face! But it was the truth, and all they could do was swallow their anger!

The Cloud ninja who had asked the question immediately looked delighted. "You really have thought of everything, sir!"

The leading Cloud ninja looked thoroughly pleased with himself.

Inside the Hokage Office.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression was grim. He knew the Leaf had no room to maneuver in this matter.

How could the leading Cloud ninja possibly have the nerve to make such a demand?

These were obviously the words the Raikage wanted him to deliver: either start a war or pay compensation!

But if they went to war, the Leaf would lose. Right now, it was like a fat sheep being eyed by four lions!

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

An Anbu ninja spoke cautiously.

"Let him in," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a sigh.

Too many powerful ninja had died over the years. The Leaf no longer had anyone capable of holding the line.

Jiraiya was the only one who could do that now, and he wasn't in the village.

He hoped the next generation would grow into powerful ninja who could stand on their own as soon as possible.

Extra Teacher entered the Hokage Office, his face alight with excitement.

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

"Lord Hokage, two students in this year's class have been outstanding. They want to apply for the Genin exam. Here are their records."

Extra Teacher handed over the records excitedly.

If Uchiha Gray or Uchiha Itachi passed the Genin exam, he would gain some renown in the Leaf as well!

"The two students are Uchiha Gray and Uchiha Itachi. They both earned perfect scores on their basic exams. They were excellent in everything, from the Three Basic Techniques to Shuriken throwing!"

"Oh? Two students?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression didn't change, but he was secretly surprised. Both students applying for early Genin graduation were from the Uchiha Clan.

Other clans, whether the Hyuga Clan or Sarutobi Clan, had children at the Ninja Academy too.

But compared to the Uchiha Clan, which produced geniuses in droves, their children were no different from those of ordinary families!

"You know that only one student from this year's class can pass the Genin exam, correct?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen asked calmly.

"Yes, Lord Hokage. I know. I told them in advance, and they both understand perfectly!"

Extra Teacher was overcome with excitement. This was his first time meeting the Third at such close range. Just as the rumors said, the Hokage was imposing!

Sarutobi Hiruzen studied the ninja records of Uchiha Gray and Uchiha Itachi, his brow furrowing slightly.

He knew Uchiha Itachi very well. He was the eldest son of Uchiha Fugaku, the Uchiha Clan leader, and had exceptional talent as a ninja.

From a young age, he had displayed intelligence, composure, and a talent for ninjutsu far beyond that of ordinary children.

He had heard of Uchiha Gray as well. His parents had died in the Third Shinobi World War, leaving him an orphan.

His performance at the Ninja Academy had been nothing special. In fact, he could be called a poor student.

"Uchiha Itachi—I know he's always been top of the class. But what's the situation with Uchiha Gray? I remember his grades weren't very good."

"Weren't very good" was putting it mildly. Uchiha Gray's grades had usually been so poor that he could only be described as the class laggard.

Extra Teacher's expression grew serious. "Yes, Lord Hokage."

"Uchiha Gray's grades were originally nothing special. He failed both the Three Basic Techniques and Shuriken throwing."

Even now, Extra Teacher was still shocked when he thought about Uchiha Gray's performance.

His eyes burned with indignation as he said, "But none of this was Uchiha Gray's fault. It was that Uchiha Shinsei fellow!"

"Uchiha Shinsei was always skipping class, and Uchiha Gray was his friend, so he kept getting dragged along and turned into a delinquent."

"But the truth is, Uchiha Gray had already mastered everything taught at the academy!"

"He learned the entire curriculum despite skipping class. Uchiha Gray is a genius, just like Uchiha Itachi!"

Extra Teacher spoke with conviction, his eyes brimming with approval and enthusiasm!

A flicker of surprise crossed Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.

He had been hiding his abilities, and despite skipping class, he had talent equal to Uchiha Itachi's!?

His expression darkened abruptly. Could Uchiha Gray be like Uchiha Madara in his day—a cunning and evil Uchiha with a scheming mind?

The Uchiha Clan.

After seeing off the greedy, lazy Uchiha Shinsei, who had left satisfied after mooching a meal,

Gray's gaze was calm. In truth, Uchiha Shinsei's talent was every bit as good as his own. He simply wasn't interested in training. He preferred to play around.

When the clan held a lesson on the Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique, Uchiha Shinsei had learned the Great Fireball Technique after seeing it just once.

And the Great Fireball Technique he performed was only a little weaker than Uchiha Itachi's in the original story.

"Now that I've shown what I can do, that old man Sarutobi Hiruzen should have noticed me."

Uchiha Gray's expression was faintly amused. "Given how cautious that old man Sarutobi Hiruzen is, he'll definitely find a way to test my so-called 'mettle.'"

"If I can show that I possess the so-called Will of Fire, then, like Uchiha Itachi, I might be taken into the Anbu by Sarutobi Hiruzen."

"I might even take part in the Uchiha Clan's extermination plan three years from now." Uchiha Gray's gaze shifted.

The question now was how to deal with Sarutobi Hiruzen's test tomorrow!