THE UCHIHA ASCENSION

After the opening ceremony, the students were led back to their respective classrooms by their teachers.

According to the academy's tradition, the next step was for each student to introduce themselves.

Uchiha Kiyo was once again dragged to class by Senju Nawaki, who seemed unable to contain his enthusiasm. Kiyo could only endure it.

Nawaki had a bright and infectious personality, but in the ninja world, such a carefree attitude could be dangerous. Shinobi faced brutal wars and life-threatening missions all the time—this was a world where the strong survived, and the weak perished.

For someone like Nawaki, surviving in this harsh world would be a challenge.

Of course, he was lucky to be born into the Senju clan, one of the strongest in Konoha.

Even so, his impulsiveness could be his downfall. In the original timeline, he met his end by recklessly stepping into an explosive trap. While some speculated that Konoha's higher-ups may have set him up, accidents like that were also very real possibilities in a shinobi's life.

Back in class, Uchiha Kiyo took out a book and started reading, while Nawaki kept pestering him with questions.

Fortunately, answering him didn't require much effort. Multitasking was a basic skill for a ninja.

About half an hour later, the teacher finally arrived. It was the same middle-aged shinobi who had spoken during the opening ceremony.

"Hello, everyone. I will be responsible for teaching your theoretical knowledge and managing this class. You can think of me as your homeroom teacher."

The man paused briefly before continuing.

"My name is Naoki Uemura. I enjoy gardening, and my dream is to become an excellent teacher. I hope we all get along well."

After bowing politely, he stood up straight again.

"Well, as per tradition, let's introduce ourselves. I noticed some of you have already started getting to know each other, but now let's do it formally.

Introduce yourself like I just did. Share your name, hobbies, and dreams. If you want, you can also mention what you're good at."

The class was silent. No one seemed particularly eager to go first.

Naoki Uemura sighed but didn't seem surprised. Using a teacher's most reliable tool—direct nomination—he pointed at a student.

"You, start us off."

The boy stood up.

"My name is Uchiha Taro. I come from the Uchiha clan. I enjoy training, and my dream is to become a powerful shinobi."

Naoki Uemura gave a nod of approval.

"A strong goal. Well done. Next student."

One by one, the students introduced themselves.

"My name is Ken Ozawa. I like painting, and my dream is to become an artist."

"My name is Tomozaka Mano. I enjoy reading, and my dream is to write a novel that many people will read."

The introductions continued—some students had serious aspirations, while others seemed less motivated. Some just liked to eat or sleep.

When it was Kiyo's turn, he stood up calmly.

"My name is Uchiha Kiyo. My hobby is training. My dream is... to survive."

The room fell silent.

Naoki Uemura frowned slightly.

Before coming to class, Hokage-sama had warned him about a few "troublesome" students he should keep an eye on.

It was subtle, but there was a clear fear of death in Kiyo's tone. His words weren't a joke—he genuinely prioritized survival above all else.

Before Uemura could fully process this, Nawaki shot up from his seat.

"My name is Senju Nawaki! My hobby is training, and my dream is to become Hokage!"

He struck a dramatic pose, loudly emphasizing "Hokage."

Uemura sighed.

Wanting to be Hokage wasn't unusual—many students had that dream—but was it really necessary to shout it? Also, get off the desk. You haven't become Hokage yet!

This class definitely had some problematic students.

After everyone had introduced themselves, Uemura wrapped up the session.

"Alright, now that we know each other better, that's all for today. There are no classes this afternoon, so you may go home.

However, tomorrow, we will begin with a simple test to assess your current level."

With that, he left the classroom, planning to review what he had learned about the students so far.

Kiyo blinked.

Wait... half a day of class, and that's it? We just go home?

Then what was the point of bringing lunch?!

But after thinking about it, he realized this was a good opportunity.

He now had extra time to train.

Time to practice the Three Basic Jutsu.

---

Though he hadn't fully refined his chakra yet, his reserves were increasing rapidly. It was time to start using real ninjutsu.

Bidding farewell to Nawaki, he returned home, quickly ate his lunch, and went upstairs.

There, he found his father's old training notes.

Flipping through them, he reached the section about the Three Basic Jutsu—Transformation, Clone, and Substitution Techniques.

He carefully studied the notes.

The Transformation Jutsu was an illusion-based technique that only changed appearance, not physical form. Despite its simplicity, it was extremely useful, even capable of fooling dōjutsu users if executed properly.

The Clone Jutsu created an intangible copy of the user. It wasn't a real body and couldn't attack, but it could be used for deception.

Some shinobi, like Uchiha Shisui, had perfected the technique to create afterimages during high-speed movement.

Finally, the Substitution Jutsu, the technique Kiyo was most interested in.

In theory, it allowed the user to instantly switch places with another object—usually a wooden log—by preparing the technique in advance.

However, Kiyo's excitement dimmed when he read further.

The technique's range was extremely short, barely three meters.

Even a chūnin would struggle to swap positions at six or seven meters. The chakra cost increased exponentially with distance, making long-range teleportation nearly impossible.

Despite its limitations, the Substitution Jutsu could be effective if used strategically. But Kiyo knew he wasn't the kind of fighter who relied on deception.

Still, he was intrigued.

It was a low-level space-time ninjutsu. If he could modify it, maybe he could increase its range…

For now, though, he focused on practice.

He decided to start with the Transformation Jutsu, since it consumed the least chakra.

Forming the necessary hand seals, he channeled his chakra.

Boom!

Nothing happened.

His first attempt was too slow, taking nearly four seconds.

He tried again, focusing on controlling his chakra.

Boom!

This time, his body changed—but he ended up with a comically oversized head and tiny limbs.

"…Well, that's progress."

He adjusted his chakra and tried again.

Boom!

---

And so, Uchiha Kiyo's training began.