The fourth year of the academy was approaching its end, and the Genin exams loomed just a week away. This year had largely mirrored the previous one, with the clan heirs consistently holding their spots at the top of the class, standing out from the civilian-born students—except for Sakura, who managed to outperform a few clan heirs in the academic exams. However, the top three rankings remained firmly claimed by the familiar trio: Yuto, Naruko, and Hitomi. Yuto was still the unbeatable student and, with his unmatched skills, was practically guaranteed the title of Rookie of the Year at graduation.
Naruko and Hitomi had been fiercely competitive, constantly switching between second and third place over the past four years. Neither seemed willing to let the other best them, and it had become almost a natural dynamic in the class. Yuto had grown used to their rivalry; he couldn't help but wonder if they were truly fated for an intense, decisive battle at the legendary Valley of the End, where the Indra and Ashura chakra within them might finally cease its cycle of conflict, like they did in the anime.
The fourth-year sports festival was a major event, with students and teachers eagerly watching the competition unfold. As expected, the "monster trio"—Yuto, Naruko, and Hitomi—dominated the events. This year's reward, however, brought something unexpected: chakra papers to reveal each student's chakra affinity.
Naruko went first, focusing intently as she pressed her chakra into the paper. Instantly, it split cleanly down the middle, indicating a wind affinity. She grinned, finding it exciting, but little did she realize the impact her affinity would have on those observing her. Kakashi who was hidden nearby and Hiruzen who was standing before the trio had knowing looks. 'Wind affinity, just like Minato Sensei.' Kakashi thought, feeling a sense of nostalgia. Hiruzen nodded to himself, contemplating the similarities between Naruko and her father.
Next up was Hitomi, who hesitated briefly before applying her chakra. The paper crinkled and sparked slightly—lightning affinity. She looked at it in surprise, her mind racing. "Lightning? But... I've been using fire jutsu," she muttered, puzzled.
Hiruzen stepped in with a smile. "Yes, Hitomi, you have a natural lightning affinity, but remember, shinobi can learn jutsu of multiple elements. However, your affinity will always enhance the power of that specific element over others," he explained, then continued to outline the elemental relationships. "Wind beats lightning, fire counters wind, water beats fire, earth neutralizes water, and lightning counters earth."
Hearing that wind trumps lightning, Naruko smirked and nudged Hitomi. "Looks like I have the advantage over you, 'Teme!'"
Hitomi scoffed, crossing her arms. "Is that so, Usuratonkachi? Just remember my fire jutsu still burns your wind techniques to ash."
The two continued to bicker, each claiming victory over the other's elements. Their antics drew sweat drops from Hiruzen, Kakashi, and even Yuto, who tried to stay focused.
Finally, it was Yuto's turn. He held the chakra paper with a calm confidence and sent his chakra into it. Instantly, the paper reacted with a rare dual transformation—one side crinkled and the other split, showing both lightning and wind affinities. Naruko and Hitomi's bickering came to an abrupt halt as they gaped at him, eyes wide in surprise.
"Wha—two affinities? That's not fair!" Naruko blurted, pouting.
Hitomi joined in, playfully scolding Yuto, "Yeah! How come you get both? You're already strong enough as it is! And you get the affinity that we have!"
Yuto chuckled, trying to placate them. "Come on, it's just luck," he said, though inwardly, he was just as surprised as they were. He didn't Dwell on it and chalked it up due to him being a reincarnater.
Meanwhile, Hiruzen and Kakashi observed in silent amazement. Kakashi mused, 'Two affinities, and both perfect for versatility and power in battle.' Hiruzen, nodding thoughtfully, recognized the rarity and significance of Yuto's talent. 'This boy is getting more remarkable by the day.'
Guy's departure marked a bittersweet moment for Yuto, Naruko, and Hitomi. After diligently training the trio in taijutsu for years, he announced he'd been assigned a genin team and could only sporadically train them. Saddened yet grateful, the three embraced him in a group hug, a gesture that moved Guy to tears. In typical fashion, he rallied and took them out for a lively farewell dinner. "Though I won't be around to train you directly," he said, "you have the foundations to learn any taijutsu style you set your mind to."
Guy also reminded them to maintain their rigorous training routine, advising, "Increase the weights when you feel ready—strength comes with constant challenge!" His words inspired each of them, and they promised to honor his teachings by continuing the strict discipline he instilled in them.
As the weeks passed, Yuto and Hitomi diligently advanced in their ninjutsu, mastering nearly every technique they'd learned. Yuto worked hard at the Scattering Thousand Crows Technique, managing to create a hundred crow clones, though he knew he had a long way before true mastery. Naruko, on the other hand, struggled deeply with the clone technique, her frustration growing as her peers excelled. Hitomi initially teased her but soon grew sympathetic, genuinely wanting to help. Yuto, while outwardly concerned, secretly recalled the upcoming events he knew from his memories.
In a week, Mizuki would trick Naruko into stealing the Scroll of Forbidden Jutsu, leading her to learn her iconic technique—the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu. Yuto mused, 'This event is critical. Not only will she learn her signature jutsu, but she'll also discover her identity as the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki. That knowledge will shape her path.' Holding onto this foresight, Yuto decided to quietly support Naruko's journey, believing it essential for her future.
Yuto also resolved to push himself through intense training in the days leading up to the graduation exams. He understood that the mystery box reward from his quest would correlate directly with how much stronger he had become.
'Every minute counts,' he thought, mentally mapping out his training schedule. His true journey in this world will begin soon.
(Pls give me some power stones!)
(Find out next time on Naruto:Eye system)