Hatred Is The Strongest Bond

The orphanage was lively after the infamous green pepper feast, and Denji achieved exactly what he wanted.

Within moments, over a hundred bonds had reached their first stage. The system alerts came so quickly that Denji could hardly keep track, with some individuals granting him two rewards at once.

It was in this moment that Denji felt he understood a fundamental truth: kindness doesn't leave as strong an impression as hatred.

If he wanted to form bonds quickly, he didn't need to befriend everyone—such a feat was impossible anyway. Instead, he realized that creating negative emotions like disgust, fear, and hatred could be far more effective.

After all, mutual loathing was practically the universal language of the ninja world's five great nations.

For a brief moment, Denji couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. If only he had Danzo's fearsome reputation and his knack for taking the blame, the rewards he could reap might render him unmatched in all of shinobi history.

Kabuto glanced at Denji, who alternated between smiling and returning to an icy demeanor. Though confused, Kabuto found himself feeling a growing respect for the unpredictable boy.

'This kid's mood swings are terrifying', Kabuto thought.

Ding!

[Host and Yakushi Kabuto have reached the second stage of their bond. Reward: Special Talent - Scientific Research.]

Denji's train of thought came to an abrupt halt. He looked at Kabuto, a puzzled expression flickering across his face.

'What's going on with this kid? How'd we hit stage two all of a sudden?'

...

Back at the Ninja Academy, Kazama Shuichi addressed his class with a serious tone. "Students, tomorrow we will have our final exam of the year. This test will measure all the knowledge and skills you've learned. It will be split into two parts: a written exam in the morning and a practical exam in the afternoon."

He continued, "Also, the Third Hokage himself will be visiting the academy to observe your performances."

As soon as these words were spoken, the classroom erupted.

"The Hokage is coming?"

"We've only seen him once, at the opening ceremony!"

"This is great! If I do well, the Hokage might praise me. Then my parents won't dare to ground me!"

Kazama Shuichi let the noise settle before adding, "I expect you all to do your best. But be warned: anyone who fails will have twice the homework next term!"

The threat of additional homework instantly silenced the class, and Shuichi announced the end of the lesson.

After class, Denji and Izumi walked home together as usual. Denji wasn't particularly moved by the news of the Third Hokage's visit.

In his mind, Hiruzen's presence was likely more about Uchiha Itachi than the rest of the students. Every time a new Uchiha prodigy emerged, it sent ripples of unease through the village leadership. And Itachi wasn't just a prodigy—he was the son of the clan leader. It made sense that Hiruzen would want to see him in action.

"Izumi," Denji said as they walked, "I'm planning to graduate after this exam."

"What?" Izumi stopped mid-step, her surprise clear. "If you're graduating early, then I want to graduate early too!"

Having spent so much time with Denji, Izumi was well aware of his skill level. If he wanted to graduate, he could easily manage it. She, too, had grown far stronger during their practice sessions. Her progress with the basic Three Body Techniques and a couple of fire-style jutsu had been remarkable. However, her chakra reserves remained a limiting factor, though still higher than most thanks to her Uchiha lineage.

"Izumi," Denji said firmly, "you can't graduate yet. The war isn't over. Even if you don't go to the front lines, the missions you'd be assigned will be extremely dangerous."

He added, "If you wait two more years, the situation will improve."

Izumi's face fell at the mention of the ongoing war. "Then why don't you wait, too? We can graduate together after the war."

Denji shook his head. "I'm not learning anything new in the academy. Staying there would just be a waste of my time. You don't need to worry about my safety—besides, the village won't assign me anything too dangerous."

After some back-and-forth, Denji managed to convince Izumi not to rush her graduation. He didn't have the capacity to watch over her and knew that his own path required him to graduate now. Remaining in school wouldn't allow him to form new bonds or reap the second-stage rewards he needed to unlock his full potential.

So he must graduate.

...

Elsewhere, in the Uchiha clan's training grounds, Itachi practiced his throwing skills. Targets were set up on several large trees, and the sound of kunai hitting wood echoed through the quiet grove.

At one point, Itachi paused as if processing something. After a moment, his eyes opened, and he resumed his practice.

"The final exam… and the Hokage…" he murmured to himself.

After learning the news brought back by Shadow Clone, Itachi did not react much and returned to training.

When the smoke from dinner fires began to waft through the clan compound, Itachi gathered his tools and headed home.

"Big brother! Big brother!" A small figure dashed out of the house. A warm smile spread across Itachi's face.

"Sasuke," he said gently.

"Big brother, carry me!" the toddler demanded, giggling.

"Alright, alright," Itachi replied, swinging Sasuke up into his arms.

A soft voice called out from inside, "Is that you, Itachi? Wash up and get ready for dinner. Don't forget to help Sasuke wash, too."

"Yes, Mother." Itachi carried Sasuke to the washroom, listening to his little brother's cheerful babbling.

During dinner, Uchiha Fugaku brought up the upcoming exam. "I heard the Third Hokage will be attending. Make sure you perform well. Don't tarnish the Uchiha name."

"Yes, Father," Itachi said, his voice calm. With practiced care, he removed the bones from the fish on his plate, then cut it into small, manageable bites for Sasuke.

Their conversation ended as simply as it had begun. No one in the household was particularly concerned about an exam—least of all Itachi.