The rankings continued. Eiichiro moved through the list with practiced efficiency.

  "Second place: Kakashi Hatake."

  Kakashi's expression remained perfectly neutral, but Hanekawa caught the slight tension in his jaw. Falling from first place had to sting, even for someone as controlled as him. Still, there was the practical exam to come. Theory and combat combined—anything could happen.

  Kakashi's dark eyes found Hanekawa across the classroom. The look was measured, assessing. Like he was recalculating something.

  Oh good. Another rival. Just what I needed, Hanekawa thought.

  "Sixth place: Kurenai Yuhi."

  A solid result. Nothing surprising there.

  Hanekawa turned his attention inward, toward the familiar interface of his Ability System. A new notification waited.

  [E-Rank Talent Entry: Academic Master - Acquired]

  [Trigger Condition: First place in theory examination, first semester]

  [Effect: Comprehension increases by 10%]

  [Note: Acquiring first place in additional theory examinations may advance this entry to D-Rank: Scholar]

  He blinked. Comprehension boost? That was... actually useful. Learning complex jutsu would be easier. Absorbing new techniques faster. Not flashy, but practical.

  "Last: Uchiha Obito."

  Obito's face darkened immediately. His hands clenched into fists as he watched Hanekawa receive the top ranking. The frustration was obvious—but what really seemed to bother him was that Hanekawa had also gotten close to both Kurenai and Rin.

  Obito glanced at Rin, who was looking at Hanekawa with obvious curiosity.

  Great. Another love triangle forming, Hanekawa observed. This is definitely going to be fun.

  "The first semester is complete," Eiichiro announced, moving into his closing remarks. "Most of you performed well. However, some students need to examine their attitudes and commitment."

  Rin stared at her desk, lost in thought. She was clearly wondering how Hanekawa had managed such a comprehensive victory. Maybe she'd ask him later.

  "Everyone to the playground. In order, please."

  The students filed out toward the training grounds where the Third Hokage waited to deliver his traditional address. Hanekawa had heard the rumors—Sarutobi Hiruzen was known for his speeches. Long speeches. Very long speeches.

  He wasn't wrong.

  "I shall now impart six essential principles..." Hiruzen began, his voice warm and grandfatherly.

  Thirty minutes later, Asuma was practically vibrating with restless energy, clearly debating whether he could get away with dragging his father off the platform.

  Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

  This man could talk the paint off a wall, Hanekawa thought, suppressing a smile.

  Another half hour passed before Hiruzen finally concluded. Eiichiro looked visibly relieved.

  "Now for the practical examination," the teacher announced.

  "Teacher!" Asuma's hand shot up immediately. "I challenge Hanekawa!"

  "No!" Obito was on his feet. "He's my opponent!"

  "Mine," Kakashi said flatly, stepping forward.

  Rin raised her hand, then lowered it. She knew better than to interrupt when these three got competitive.

  Obito spun on Kakashi. "What are you doing? When did you ever fight Hanekawa?"

  "You're not ready for him," Kakashi replied with characteristic bluntness. "You'd only embarrass yourself."

  "You—!" Obito's face flushed with anger. "Then I'll beat you first!"

  "Don't ignore me!" Asuma shouted, waving his arms.

  Hiruzen, descending from the platform, stroked his beard thoughtfully. This reminded him of his own students—the Sannin—when they were young. All that passionate energy and rivalry.

  "Quiet!" Eiichiro called out, clearly panicking. A Hokage's son, the White Fang's heir, and an Uchiha prodigy—he couldn't afford to upset any of them.

  "Hanekawa," he said carefully, "what would you prefer?"

  Hanekawa considered the three eager faces. Kakashi's analytical gaze. Obito's burning determination. Asuma's stubborn pride.

  Well, why not?

  "Since all three are so enthusiastic," Hanekawa said calmly, "let's have them all come."

  Eiichiro's eyes widened. "What?"

  "That's insane," someone muttered from the crowd.

  Hiruzen laughed—a genuine, warm sound. "Only a child would suggest such a thing. Adults know their limits."

  "I'm going to—" Asuma started forward, but Obito had already moved into position.

  "Let's start with you, Obito," Hanekawa said, drawing two kunai with casual ease.

  Obito sneered. "Using kunai against an Uchiha? That's the dumbest strategy possible."

  Little flat fan's got a lot of mouth, Hanekawa thought.

  He flicked his wrists.

  The kunai streaked through the air—not at Obito's body, but past his face. Close enough that the wind of their passage made him flinch. Close enough to draw blood from his cheek.

  Obito froze, fingers touching the cut, staring at the blood on his skin.

  It was over before he'd even moved.

  "Impressive speed," Hatake Sakumo said, appearing to catch the kunai as they flew past. His voice carried genuine admiration.

  Hiruzen's expression shifted. Not speed—raw power. The kind of throwing force that came from pure physical strength. He thought immediately of Tsunade, the girl who'd been spending so much time with this boy lately.

  Ah. That explains their connection.

  Kakashi's pupils dilated slightly. His hand had moved instinctively toward his own kunai, but he hadn't been fast enough to track the throw. That was... concerning.

  "Winner: Hanekawa," Eiichiro announced, his voice slightly strangled.

  This kid isn't human. I can tell just by looking at him.

  "Wait—I didn't even—" Obito started to protest.

  "Obito." Rin appeared beside him, gently pulling him down. She produced a bandage from her pouch. "Let me take care of that."

  It was both practical and merciful—a way for him to save face while removing him from the arena.

  She'd already seen the gap between them. No point in prolonging his embarrassment.

  Hanekawa watched the exchange with mild amusement. Rin was sharper than people gave her credit for.

  "Next match," Eiichiro said, trying to regain control of the situation. "Asuma versus Hanekawa."

  Asuma stepped forward, rolling his shoulders. Unlike Obito, he didn't underestimate his opponent. But he was determined to prove something—that he was more than just the Hokage's son.

  Kakashi watched from the sidelines, his mind already working through the implications of what he'd just witnessed.

  This was going to be interesting.