Chapter 4

As a reward for her effort in cooking and doing the laundry, Tian Yu handed Tian Tian three kunai.

"What is this?" Tian Tian asked curiously, tilting her head.

"Infuse your chakra into the kunai and throw it forward. Try it out."

Tian Tian blinked, a trace of doubt flashing in her large round eyes. Though uncertain, she obediently followed her brother's instructions.

She focused, refining her chakra carefully before channeling it into the kunai. Then, she threw it forward.

Suddenly—

Bang!

A burst of white smoke exploded midair where the kunai had landed. When the smoke cleared, a perfect replica of Tian Tian stood before her.

"A Clone Technique?!"

Tian Tian gasped, covering her mouth in surprise.

She knew about the Clone Technique, but she had never learned the hand seals to perform it! How was this possible?

Tian Yu smiled, patting her shoulder.

"This is a special kunai I forged recently. It functions just like the Clone Technique. With tools like these, when we enter the academy, we won't be any weaker than the children from noble ninja clans."

"Wow!"

Tian Tian's eyes lit up with admiration. Her gaze sparkled like stars as she looked at Tian Yu with absolute awe.

"Brother, you're amazing!"

"For now, just practice with this Clone Kunai," Tian Yu advised.

Even though he had developed three different types of kunai, he didn't give them all to Tian Tian at once. Her chakra control wasn't as precise as his yet, so he decided to let her master the Clone Kunai first. Once she had full control, he would introduce her to the others.

Ninja Academy

Early morning.

After washing up and having breakfast, Tian Yu stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his attire.

Instead of his usual plain training clothes, he wore a fresh set of robes—wide-sleeved, with a crossed collar and a palace sash at the waist. His long black hair was tied high, giving him the refined presence of a wandering swordsman.

In the mirror, his slender figure, sword-like eyebrows, and deep-set eyes reflected an air of quiet strength.

Beside him, Tian Tian wore a pink, modified cheongsam that allowed for better mobility during training. Her dark hair was styled into twin buns, resembling panda ears, giving her a playful yet charming look.

"Let's go."

With their things packed, the siblings stepped out of the house.

Today was the first day of Ninja Academy.

At the entrance of the academy, a large crowd of children and parents had already gathered. Everyone lined up, waiting for the entrance assessment.

The test wasn't complicated—basic physical endurance and an evaluation of their potential to extract chakra.

Tian Yu glanced around.

Since this wasn't the same generation as Naruto in the original timeline, he didn't recognize any familiar faces. However, he did spot children wearing symbols of notable clans—Uchiha, Sarutobi, Inuzuka.

"If my guess is right, I should see Hyuga Neji and Rock Lee here," Tian Yu thought to himself.

Soon, it was Tian Yu and Tian Tian's turn for the test.

For the siblings, the assessment was a breeze. They passed effortlessly and were assigned to the same classroom.

---

Classroom Rivalries

As soon as they entered, whispers spread among their new classmates.

"Whoa, that guy looks kinda cool."

"What's the use of looking cool? He doesn't seem to be from a ninja clan. He won't get far."

"Yeah, everyone knows the top student this year will be Hyuga Neji. Not only is he good-looking, but he's also ridiculously strong."

Tian Tian, overhearing, turned to Tian Yu.

"Brother, who's this Neji they keep talking about? Is he stronger than you?"

"Hyuga Neji is the son of the Hyuga clan leader's younger brother," Tian Yu explained briefly. Then, with a confident smile, he added, "As for strength… I'm not sure yet. But I believe I'm stronger."

Tian Tian beamed.

"Heehee, I think so too! My brother is the strongest!"

As they chatted, a boy with thick eyebrows and a bowl-cut hairstyle approached them nervously.

"U-uhm… Is this seat taken?" he asked hesitantly.

Tian Yu immediately recognized him—Rock Lee, the hot-blooded shinobi of the future.

"No, go ahead."

"Haha… Th-thanks! I'm Rock Lee! You two are from civilian families, right? Can… can we be friends?"

Lee's face was flushed as he stammered, looking genuinely nervous.

Tian Yu chuckled.

"Of course. I'm Tian Yu."

"And I'm Tian Tian! His younger sister!" Tian Tian added cheerfully. "My brother's friends are my friends too!"

"R-really?! Thank you!"

Lee's eyes widened with gratitude, and his voice trembled with excitement.

His overreaction caught Tian Tian off guard.

"Eh… it's just friendship. No need to be that dramatic…"

---

A Clash in the Classroom

Suddenly, the noisy classroom fell silent.

All eyes focused on Lee.

From across the room, a few students sneered.

"Wow, someone actually wants to be friends with that loser?"

"Hah! Even if he somehow extracted chakra, does he really think he can be a real ninja?"

"That's right! You commoners think you stand a chance against real shinobi? How pathetic."

Tian Tian clenched her fists in anger.

"You guys are being way too mean!" she shouted, standing abruptly. Her face was flushed with frustration.

No wonder Lee had been so emotional about making friends.

Just because he was from a civilian family, he was bullied like this?!

The group of smug clan children flinched for a second but quickly regained their arrogance.

"Hah, what's wrong? You mad? Want to fight? We'll show you what real ninja skills look like."

Lee sighed.

"Tian Tian, it's fine… They've been training since birth. We can't win—"

Before he could finish—

SWOOSH.

Tian Yu had already moved.

Before anyone could react—

BAM! BAM! BAM!

Three students flew backward, crashing into desks.

Everyone in the room froze.

Tian Yu stood calmly in front of them, shaking off the dust from his sleeve.

His voice was indifferent, almost mocking.

"Is that all? And you call yourselves 'real' shin