Inside the Konoha Ninja Academy.
The students' live-combat graduation exams blazed on.
With the Hokage and the Konoha Sannin in attendance, many students' hearts raced—these dignitaries surely would not watch an ordinary exam. Perhaps a glance from them could launch a ninja's career. Even members of the Uchiha and Hyūga clans dreamed of catching their attention. Though these clans wielded great power in Konoha, their political clout at the top was limited. Precocious students wanted to prove themselves worthy.
Among all the examinees, Tian Yuan was the youngest—most were ten to twelve years old. Graduating at his age, like Kakashi or, in the future, Uchiha Itachi, was a prodigy's feat alone.
On the platform, a Konoha Chunin hurled Kunai at a boy, forcing him backward. The boy was clearly outmatched and raised his hand. "I forfeit." Maintaining fairness, the Chunin withheld full power but would not allow unprepared students to pass.
"Next: Uchiha Kiga." The referee announced.
At the edge of the ring, a broad-shouldered youth with a stern face leapt in. "Uchiha Kiga, reporting." he said with respect. The Chunin nodded—this student exuded confidence far beyond the last.
"Begin!" the referee called.
Kiga stepped back, sent three glimmers of Kunai spinning toward the Chunin.
"Impressive," the Chunin muttered, blocking each with practiced parries—clang clang.
Then Kiga formed hand seals and launched a swirling inferno around the Chunin.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique."
The audience gasped—Kiga's ninjutsu was powerful and expertly controlled. He had used Kunai only to buy time for his seals.
"A level above us," whispered one student.
"He's formidable—such a large-scale jutsu."
"It looks like he'll pass." others murmured.
"Do you know that Uchiha Kiga?" Anko asked Tian Yuan.
"No," he replied.
"You're called the Academy's strongest because you defeated Gengetsu Hayate so easily. That time, Kiga tangled with Hayate before winning—though they say he didn't use full power. After all, he's from the Uchiha clan." Anko explained.
"Enough, Anko. Uchiha clan," Tian Yuan said with a light laugh. No one understood the clan better than he—he knew their kekkei genkai paths inside and out. Kiga was a rank-and-file Uchiha; the true geniuses were Shisui and little Itachi.
"Yet defeating geniuses can be fun." Tian Yuan smiled.
Above the ring, Tsunade and the others watched with mild interest—they had no need to focus on such matches.
"That Uchiha kid is very impressive," Jiraiya observed.
"Impressive? He's just a student—barely Genin level." Tsunade yawned.
"That's harsh." Jiraiya teased.
"Tsundade, growth takes time." Sarutobi Hiruzen intervened gently.
"I'm not sure why you brought us," Tsunade grumbled. "At least I can watch Tian Yuan's match—he should liven things up."
"Yes—I see him over there." Jiraiya pointed. Tian Yuan awaited the referee's signal.
"Tian Yuan?" Hiruzen exclaimed. "Tsundade, Jiraiya—you both know him?"
"Yes," they both nodded.
"He must be special." Hiruzen smiled—he'd come partly for Tian Yuan. Minato had told him Tian Yuan could kill Chunin.
"Orochimaru, you know Tian Yuan too?" Hiruzen asked.
"I do not." Orochimaru replied coolly.
"I see." Hiruzen nodded.
"But considering the others know him, that Tian Yuan boy's power must be extraordinary." Orochimaru stroked his chin.
"Just wait and see." Jiraiya chuckled.
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