CHAPTER 14

The training ground was packed.

That was Uchiha Tatsumi's first impression as he stepped onto the field, with Mikoto Uchiha quietly following behind him. She didn't say a word—unusual, since she often whispered a comment or two to him during class.

It seemed even Mikoto was unusually serious about today's special outdoor training.

The so-called "Legendary Sannin" still had quite the reputation in the village, despite being young and infamous for their... less-than-virtuous habits. To most of the students, though, they were still untouchable heroes.

The Ninja Academy had been founded by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, and significantly expanded under the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Training fields, obstacle courses, and elemental testing ranges had been added to better prepare students for the demands of shinobi life.

This investment wasn't just about infrastructure—it was Konoha's commitment to nurturing civilian-born ninja. By broadening opportunity and building a robust education system, the village ensured a steady stream of young talents, almost like growing crops.

No wonder Konoha had earned its reputation as the cradle of geniuses. Despite having figures like Danzo Shimura who often disrupted promising lives, the system itself continued to produce excellence.

That was the strength of the village.

"Alright, everyone. Quiet down," a clear, confident voice rang out.

The speaker was none other than Jiraiya, freshly 16 and wearing a standard Konoha flak jacket. He looked nothing like a famous ninja—more like a delinquent with wild white hair and a lazy grin.

Still, his voice carried effortlessly across the field, amplified by chakra and full of charisma.

"Let's introduce ourselves. I'm sure most of you already know us," Jiraiya said, puffing out his chest. "I'm Jiraiya—the mighty, handsome, and future legend of Konoha! With me are my teammates: the elegant and terrifying Orochimaru, and the strong (but maybe a little scary) Tsunade-hime!"

At the mention of being called Jiraiya's subordinate, Orochimaru's expression twitched ever so slightly. But he said nothing.

Tsunade gave a casual nod, her long blonde hair shimmering under the sun as she waved toward the crowd.

The reaction from the boys in the audience was immediate and intense.

Even Orochimaru nodded politely, though his gaze was more analytical than welcoming.

"This outdoor class was arranged at the request of our sensei—Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage," Jiraiya explained. "He wants us to help you understand what it means to walk the path of a ninja. If time allows, the Hokage himself may even visit in the future."

"Long live Lord Third!" someone shouted.

"Long live Jiraiya-sama! Long live Tsunade-sama! Long live Orochimaru-sama!"

The cheers erupted almost instantly. The excitement among the students—especially the civilian-born—was palpable. It wasn't forced. These were real heroes to them.

Konoha had always known how to manage perception, cultivating its image right from the Academy level. But it wasn't just propaganda—the village also backed it up with actual programs and mentorship.

"Alright, Orochimaru," Jiraiya said, stepping aside. "You're up."

"…Understood."

With his pale complexion and calm demeanor, Orochimaru stepped onto the platform, hands forming seals. The training field trembled briefly before multiple raised platforms emerged from the earth—designed for head-to-head matches.

"If you want to grow into trees that support Konoha," Orochimaru said coolly, "you must endure many battles. Today's session will not be one-on-one like before. The rules have changed."

He paused, scanning the field.

"We'll conduct inter-grade sparring. The top three students from each class will form squads and face off against each other. The three most outstanding students across all grades will receive personal instruction—one each from Jiraiya, Tsunade, and myself."

A gasp spread through the crowd.

"If someone outside the top three shows remarkable potential, we may also offer them guidance later. My promise will remain valid," Orochimaru added.

This kind of competitive training wasn't new. The Academy always encouraged light combat—both to test growth and to simulate real missions.

No one objected to the format.

"We've prepared boxes with numbered slips in front of each platform," Jiraiya added, lifting them up with one hand on each. "Draw a number. If two students pull the same number, they'll fight. Winners move on and draw again."

He looked down the line of students.

"Don't push. One at a time."

As names were called and students moved into position, Uchiha Tatsumi and Mikoto were sent to Platform Two.

"You first, Mikoto," Tatsumi said casually. The number of students per grade was massive—two or three hundred at least. Nearly a thousand students had assembled at the training field today.

Mikoto nodded and reached out toward the box.

"Wait," Tatsumi said, grabbing her wrist. He formed a quick hand seal.

Poof.

The number box transformed into a kunai.

"A genjutsu?" Mikoto blinked.

Tatsumi smirked. "Nice one, Jiraiya-sensei. Real funny."

Jiraiya laughed heartily from nearby. "A little test. After all, awareness is part of being a shinobi. What's your name, kid?"

"Uchiha Tatsumi."

"Impressive. You were the first one to see through it. Classic Uchiha talent," Jiraiya said with a grin, then looked around at the other boxes. "No one else noticed the illusion yet."

"It was a basic genjutsu. Not a big deal," Tatsumi shrugged.

"Alright, Mikoto. Go ahead now," he said.

"Okay." She reached into the real box and pulled out a slip.

"Number Six."

Tatsumi followed and drew his own number.

"Number Eight."

Behind them, Nawaki (Rope Tree), Minato, and other clan heirs—like members of the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka—lined up to draw as well.

Though the drawing seemed casual, everyone understood the unspoken rule: the strongest students went first. Tatsumi had been first in his grade, but he'd let Mikoto go before him. Then Nawaki, Minato, and the rest.

"What's your number?" Tatsumi asked Minato, leaning in.

"One," the blond boy replied with a smile. "Guess I'm up first."

With that, Minato Namikaze walked confidently toward the dueling platform.