Because of the Third Shinobi World War, Konoha had suffered too many casualties among its Chunin and Genin by the time Obito's class attended the Ninja Academy.
So a three-year curriculum was adopted: they enrolled at six and all graduated at nine.
Their foundations were far weaker than those of Naruto, Neji, and the other Genin who graduated in peacetime.
Fortunately, Obito's class had two extraordinary prodigies, Kakashi Hatake and Might Guy.
At the Ninja Academy, Kakashi and Guy had done an excellent job of spurring the others to improve.
But Jing Xiu still thought Obito was not good enough.
Jing Xiu wanted to build a force of his own, and talent was naturally the most important thing.
Kabuto Yakushi had naturally long been on Jing Xiu's list of recruits.
Jing Xiu's sudden collapse after sealing One-Tail Shukaku during the Battle of Kikyo Pass had caused considerable trouble for his plans.
While in Konoha, surveillance by Root and the Anbu had prevented Jing Xiu from making a move to recruit Kabuto.
Fortunately, with Orochimaru's help, Kabuto was now studying the fundamentals under Sasori.
Yakushi Nonō had still become the legendary "Wandering Witch" and infiltrated Iwagakure.
Besides gathering detailed intelligence on Iwagakure's destruction, she also had to cooperate with Minato Namikaze to carry out the "Battle of Kannabi Bridge."
Jing Xiu, the culprit behind Iwagakure's destruction, had naturally also come to Yakushi Nonō's attention.
With Kabuto Yakushi as an additional connection, the two had established contact as well.
Before the hellish training began, Jing Xiu used the Flying Thunder God Technique to bring back Kabuto Yakushi, who was only six.
The first stage was naturally a challenge to their physical limits.
Jing Xiu thought of a certain boy who had come out of Mount Paozu.
Under the guidance of an old