Consolidation, undercurrents, and the first day of school

In the courtyard of the Hatake Residence, the seasons turned, and the plants withered and bloomed.

After that dangerous failure with [Rending Space] had nearly exposed him, Ling made slight adjustments to his training strategy. Under Tobirama's strict orders, he suspended all dangerous attempts that might trigger large-scale spatial disturbances and devoted his energy to improving more fundamental, discreet abilities.

On the surface, he remained the gifted boy who was "steadily improving" under Kakashi's guidance.

Four years passed. Ling was eight.

Under Kakashi's sporadic guidance, which always managed to address the essentials, his publicly visible progress was excellent-and entirely plausible:

Shurikenjutsu: he had reached or even surpassed the level of an ordinary Chunin, throwing with precision from tricky angles. He could also begin incorporating wind release chakra to improve power and stability.

Three Body Technique: he had mastered its use, especially the Substitution Technique and Clone Technique. His hand seals were extremely fast, and his decoys were convincing enough to pass for the real thing.

Water Release: Wild Water Wave: he could now spit out a substantial torrent with considerable force, far exceeding the standard of others his age.

Taijutsu and basic ninja knowledge: his foundations were exceptionally solid, and his theoretical results were outstanding, thanks to Tobirama's intensive instruction and the lessons he picked up in secret. His stamina and reaction speed ranked among the best of the Genin.

He became widely recognized as a "genius" among his peers, and his reputation even spread beyond the Ninja Academy. The Third Hokage's "chance" inspections continued, and he expressed satisfaction with Ling's "healthy development" and "understanding of the will of fire"-an outward show.

Kakashi's attitude toward him gradually shifted from scrutiny and probing to... familiarity. Sometimes, when he took Ling to Ichiraku Ramen, he would casually push the vegetables he disliked into Ling's bowl, as naturally as if that were how things ought to be. An odd but fairly harmonious relationship had formed between guardian and ward.

Yet the real transformation happened in secret, where no one knew.

With the wholehearted instruction of a master like Tobirama and vast resources poured into his training, Ling's true strength had long since reached a terrifying level:

[Glimmering Water Blade]: it was no longer limited to a simple blade shape. He could freely shape it into needles, shields, whips, and more. Its wind release vibrations were completely contained, giving it astonishing cutting power without a sound, and it could briefly leave his body to attack.

[Ice-Breath Concealment Technique]: he had achieved consummate mastery. Not only could he conceal himself perfectly, but he could also mimic the surrounding environment's signature for extended periods. Unless a Byakugan or Sharingan looked directly at him from close range, detecting him was extremely difficult.

[Chakra control]: his precision had reached an absurd level, allowing him to perform multiple delicate operations at once.

[Taijutsu and reactions]: under Tobirama's hellish training, these far exceeded what he showed in public. He was particularly adept at exploiting his surroundings and disengaging after a single strike.

[Theory and knowledge]: Tobirama had already crammed his head with advanced ninjutsu principles, the foundations of Sealing Jutsu, ways to break Genjutsu, Poison Identification, and even intelligence and secrets from various countries.

The only regret was his progress with [Rending Space]. Under Tobirama's strict requirements, Ling did not push ahead recklessly. Instead, he continually reinforced his foundations, practicing extreme stability over ultra-short distances measured in centimeters. He ensured that energy leakage was minimized and coordinate precision maximized, laying the strongest possible foundation for the future. The accident never happened again.

By Konoha's calendar, it was the eve of the Ninja Academy's next enrollment.

That evening, Kakashi casually tossed an admission notice onto the table.

"Here. The start date. The list of things you'll need is on the back." His tone was as lazy as ever, as though he were merely handing over a flyer.

Ling picked up the notice, his feelings complicated. After waiting so long, he was finally about to enter a place both familiar and strange.

"Understood. Thank you, Mr. Kakashi."

Kakashi glanced at him and suddenly said, "There are plenty of hidden talents at school, and all sorts of people mixed in with them. Keep your little tricks to yourself. Stay low-key."

It sounded like a reminder, but it was really a warning. Ling understood that Kakashi had never entirely set aside his doubts. He was telling Ling not to reveal too much of his true strength at school and invite unnecessary trouble.

"I will." Ling nodded obediently.

That night, in the Hokage's Office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third, watched the scene at the Hatake Residence in his crystal ball and exhaled a smoke ring.

"Four years. He's developed better than expected, and he's also more... stable." He seemed to be speaking to the Anbu behind him, yet also to himself. "Kakashi has taught him well and kept a close watch on him. He also seems to be developing a sense of belonging to the village."

"Yes, Lord Hokage," the Anbu ninja replied quietly.

"Will sending him to school be a good thing or a bad thing?" The Third's gaze was deep. "Contact with children his age might soften him further and help him truly become part of Konoha. But it also means he'll officially come into everyone's view. As for Danzo..."

"Root's surveillance has never stopped, though they seem to have pulled back somewhat lately."

"Hmph. Pulled back? That old fellow is merely waiting for a better opportunity." The Third tapped his pipe. "Increase Anbu patrols around the school, especially during the first days of term. I don't want any 'accidents.'"

"Yes, sir!"

In Root's gloomy base.

Shimura Danzō listened to his subordinate's report, a cold light flickering in his lone eye.

"The Ninja Academy... so he's finally stepping into the spotlight." His voice was hoarse. "Four years of observation are enough to prove that his value far exceeds that of an ordinary genius. That exquisite chakra control, that composure beyond his years that occasionally shows through... and that anomalous spatial disturbance a few years ago..."

"I haven't been able to detect any similar disturbances since."

"Either it was an accident, or... he's hiding far more deeply than we imagined." Danzo thumped his cane against the floor. "The school is a good place. More people, more eyes, more chances for him to slip up. Arrange for our people to go in and observe him at close range. If necessary... they may devise a few 'tests.'"

"Yes, Lord Danzo."

The sun shone brightly on the first day of school.

The entrance to the Ninja Academy buzzed with voices, packed with parents bringing their children to enroll and curious, excited new students.

Dressed in clean new clothes and carrying a standard ninja tool pouch, Ling arrived at the school gates alone. Naturally, Kakashi would not come to see him off.

His striking gray hair and composed demeanor made him stand out among the noisy children, immediately drawing plenty of looks. Some were curious, some appraising, and a few carried a hint of scrutiny.

"Look, that's the boy from the Hatake Clan..."

"I heard he's really good..."

"He looks so cool..."

Ling ignored the chatter around him and calmly scanned the crowd. He spotted Naruto Uzumaki, with his brilliant blond hair and whisker marks, trying hard to look cheerful despite the subtle rejection of those around him. He also saw Sasuke Uchiha, wearing a dark blue short-sleeved shirt, his cool, aloof expression warning strangers to keep their distance.

At that moment, the gears of fate slowly meshed.

Just then, a somewhat timid voice sounded beside him. "Um... are you here by yourself too?"

Ling turned to see a girl from the Hyuga Clan with white pupils looking at him, her expression nervous and shy.

"Yes." Ling nodded, his tone even.

"I... my name is Hinata Hyuga..." the girl said softly, her cheeks faintly flushed.

"Ling Hatake."

After that brief exchange, the two fell silent. Hinata seemed to have mustered all her courage to approach him, and now she had no idea what else to say.

Ling looked past the crowd and spotted a silver-haired figure leaning lazily in the shade of a distant tree, holding a copy of Icha Icha Paradise as though he were merely passing by.

It was Kakashi.

He seemed to notice Ling's gaze and lifted his head. Across the noisy crowd, he gave Ling an almost imperceptible nod. Then his figure flickered, and he vanished.

Ling looked away, something stirring in his heart.

Was this... another way of seeing him off?

The school bell rang.

The new students poured into the grounds like a tide.

Ling took a deep breath and pushed all his thoughts aside, his gaze turning firm and calm.

Whether it was attention in the open or prying eyes in the shadows, gifted peers or hidden enemies.

The Ninja Academy was merely a new starting point.

He still had a long road ahead.

He stepped forward and followed the crowd through the gates of the Konoha Ninja Academy.

A new chapter had officially begun.