Chapter 23: Friendship and Competition  

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The next day, Sasuke went to the Hyuga clan's house to pick up Hinata for school.

Hiashi Hyuga, Hinata's father, waved at Sasuke and said, "You two little ones, don't run too fast on the road."

Sasuke turned to Hiashi, rubbing his eyes slightly. "Hyuga-senpai, my eyes feel a bit itchy. What's happening?"

Hiashi's expression grew serious. The eyes were the most vital asset for a member of the Uchiha clan; they had to be protected at all costs. He leaned closer to examine Sasuke's eyes. "Let me take a look."

As he did, Sasuke's eyes transformed, revealing the three tomoe of the Sharingan, which then spun and evolved into the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Hiashi's stern expression softened into a wide grin, his eyes lighting up with admiration. "Hahaha, Sasuke, you're truly a genius. To awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan at such a young age... This is even earlier than your brother, Itachi!"

Hiashi's heart was full of joy. If Sasuke hadn't been connected to the Hyuga clan, such power might have been a cause for concern. But now, with Sasuke's close ties to the Hyuga through Hinata, his strength was their strength. Hiashi patted Sasuke on the shoulder with a proud smile.

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Arriving at the entrance of the Ninja Academy, Sasuke held Hinata's hand. As they walked, he noticed Rock Lee in the distance.

"Lee, did you join the Ninja Academy?" Sasuke asked, surprised.

Rock Lee's face lit up with excitement. "Yes, Sasuke-kun! Thanks to Guy-sensei, who accepted me as his disciple, I'm now in the second year!"

Sasuke nodded, understanding now why Lee was a grade above him.

In the classroom, as Sasuke entered, he accidentally bumped into a girl. She was strikingly beautiful, with pink hair as vibrant as cherry blossoms.

Sasuke quickly apologized, "Sorry about that."

The girl's face flushed with embarrassment. It was Sakura Haruno, who had always admired Sasuke from afar. Despite her feelings, she felt hesitant because of their vastly different statuses.

Sakura's parents were ordinary citizens, not even ninjas, while Sasuke's father was the head of the illustrious Uchiha clan. Hinata's father was the leader of the Hyuga clan. The two of them seemed like a perfect match, almost destined for each other.

Sakura's heart pounded as she thought, "Sasuke-kun… He's so handsome, so amazing..."

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After class, Iruka-sensei rushed into the classroom with an enthusiastic smile. "Next week, we'll be competing against the second-year students. I need to select a few of you to represent the first-year class. Who wants to volunteer?"

Sasuke's hand shot up immediately. "Me! Me! Me!"

As a teacher, Iruka wasn't particularly fond of students like Sasuke—those who skipped classes, acted aloof, and seemed too focused on things like romance. It could easily disrupt the class atmosphere. But he couldn't deny Sasuke's lineage as a member of the Uchiha clan.

"Sasuke is our first representative. We need two more volunteers. If no one steps up, we'll draw lots," Iruka announced.

Seeing Sasuke volunteer, Naruto raised his hand eagerly. "Teacher, I want to fight for the first-year class too!"

Iruka glanced at Naruto, slightly surprised. "Are you sure?"

Naruto nodded firmly. "Absolutely!"

Iruka sighed, "Alright then, Naruto will be our second choice."

"Who will be the third?" Iruka asked, scanning the room.

No one else volunteered. Hinata wanted to raise her hand and join Sasuke, but he gently stopped her, worried she might get hurt.

Since no one else stepped forward, Iruka resorted to drawing lots. The third candidate turned out to be Haruno Sakura!

And so, the representatives for the first-year class were chosen: Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, and Haruno Sakura.

They would be facing off against the second-year students: Hyuga Neji, Rock Lee, and Tenten.

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