Talent System In The Naruto Universe

Ninja Academy.

Today was the last day of third grade, which meant final exams.

Hanekawa and Kurenai Yūhi arrived earlier than most, and the exam hadn't started yet.

He was sitting in Asuma Sarutobi's seat, thinking about the mission he received yesterday.

In theory, based on the original storyline, he would encounter Yamato and his group.

But in reality, things weren't so certain.

After all, his unexpected presence was a factor.

The only thing he could confirm was that he would meet future ninjas, though he didn't know who exactly.

The reason lay with Anrokuzan.

He was actually the ninja known as Mukade, whom Yamato and his group were pursuing.

However, he had been lucky enough to travel back six years earlier, rename himself Anrokuzan, and become a minister of the Land of Roran.

As for the so-called terrifying weapon, it was essentially battle puppets powered by Dragon Vein energy.

"Hanekawa, are you worried I'll beat you?"

Asuma Sarutobi entered from the doorway, noticing Hanekawa deep in thought, and grinned excitedly.

"How could that be?"

Kurenai Yūhi, standing next to Hanekawa, immediately retorted, "You've never beaten him, so what's there to worry about?"

"That was before!"

Asuma's face turned red. "We haven't fought yet today, so why are you already saying I'll lose?"

"Doesn't matter. I'll fight too," Uchiha Obito suddenly chimed in.

"Don't cause trouble."

Asuma waved him off.

Although Obito did okay in actual combat, his theoretical scores were always dead last.

"Damn it!"

Obito was furious. "This time, I'll definitely beat you!"

"Don't be so sure."

Asuma grinned smugly. "I recently learned Fire Release ninjutsu, and my strength has greatly improved."

"Fire Release?"

Obito froze and asked, "Weren't you learning Wind Release ninjutsu?"

"I have both Wind and Fire chakra natures."

Asuma patted Obito's shoulder. "If you lose to my Fire Release, then..."

"No way!"

Obito shivered and quickly replied.

The Uchiha clan, aside from their Sharingan, was best known for their Fire Release techniques.

He couldn't bear the thought of losing to Fire Release and how the rest of his clan would react.

"Good luck, Obito," Rin Nohara said with a soft laugh.

"Heh heh!"

Obito immediately ignored Asuma, smiling as he said, "Rin! I promise I won't let you down!"

"Just do your best," Rin replied hesitantly.

She understood Obito well—achieving a good result was nearly impossible.

But for some reason, he remained mysteriously confident.

"Don't worry."

Obito pounded his chest. "He's training too broadly, which is actually counterproductive."

"How could it be counterproductive?"

Asuma protested, "Look at Hanekawa—he trains even more broadly than I do."

"You're not even…"

Obito suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

How had he ended up praising his rival?

Was he subconsciously admitting that Hanekawa was the strongest?

"You'll find out in a fight. No need to argue."

Kakashi Hatake spoke calmly.

"As expected of my eternal rival!"

Might Guy trembled with excitement.

"Kakashi, we can finally have another youthful duel!"

"..."

Kakashi couldn't help but twitch his mouth.

Logically, Hanekawa was stronger, so Might Guy should be challenging him instead.

But since Hanekawa frequently took leave and was absent for months at a time, Kakashi became the target.

Another reason was that Hanekawa was too strong!

At this point, Might Guy had just started learning the Eight Gates technique, and his abilities were still limited.

Even so, he wouldn't use it on his peers.

The Eight Gates had too much destructive power and serious side effects.

In the original storyline, Rock Lee only used it after obtaining Guy's permission, and his targets were almost always ninjas from other villages.

At that moment, the academy bell rang.

"I'm going back. See you later."

Hanekawa stood up and said.

"If only you could switch places with Asuma…"

Kurenai began to say something but stopped halfway, realizing it was too harsh.

Even so, Asuma had already understood.

He froze in place, turning pale as his whole body grayed out.

Rin instinctively covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.

Uchiha Obito was about to laugh but realized he wasn't much better than Asuma Sarutobi and could only sigh.

When will Rin finally understand my feelings?

"Good luck, everyone."

Hanekawa smiled and returned to his seat.

Moments later, their teacher, Eichirō, appeared at the classroom door.

He scanned the room and confirmed everyone was present.

"Head to the training field in order for the exam."

Clapping his hands, Eichirō gave the command.

The students stood up and followed him to the field.

The field was already bustling with other classes preparing, but the arrival of 3rd Year Class A drew many curious glances.

After all, Class A was legendary within the academy, especially because of Hanekawa and Kakashi Hatake.

Asuma Sarutobi wasn't far behind, but his identity as the Hokage's son often overshadowed his personal efforts.

"I'll call your names. Step forward and spar."

Eichirō, holding a roster, continued, "First match: Uchiha Obito versus Mizuki."

The practical exam focused more on performance than winning or losing.

Take Hanekawa, for example—everyone who fought him lost, but it didn't mean they were weak.

Hanekawa was simply too strong. The key was who could last longer and perform better against him.

"Watch me shine!"

Obito winked at Rin Nohara and rushed up eagerly.

Mizuki, a civilian ninja who only knew the academy's basic transformation and substitution techniques, was quickly defeated.

"How did I do?"

Obito asked proudly.

"You did well."

Rin smiled encouragingly.

"It's just Mizuki."

Asuma scoffed, saying, "Wait until you see my Fire Release."

"The Uchiha clan's Fire Release is the strongest!"

Obito shot back, unwilling to back down.

The exam continued.

Half an hour later, it was Obito versus Asuma.

One fight was never enough for the practical; each student usually sparred at least three times.

"You're going to lose!"

Obito shouted as he formed hand seals.

Praying it would work, he successfully unleashed a massive fireball—Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu.

For once, it didn't fail him.

Asuma quickly formed his own seals.

Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!

A long, dragon-like stream of fire shot from his mouth, colliding with Obito's fireball.

Both were C-rank Fire Release techniques, but Obito's lack of proficiency showed.

In the clash of flames, Asuma—on the left—won.

"How is this possible?"

Obito froze in disbelief.

"Perfect chance!"

Seizing the opening, Asuma slid forward, tripping Obito to the ground.

Obito instinctively struggled but was immediately pinned down.

"Asuma Sarutobi wins."

Eichirō announced the result.

"The Uchiha clan's Fire Release isn't all that great!"

Asuma smirked, his expression brimming with triumph.

"You jerk!"

Obito was so angry he nearly coughed up blood. "When I awaken my Sharingan, I'll beat you until you beg for mercy!"

"I'll be waiting."

Asuma shrugged nonchalantly.

This had become Obito's catchphrase, but his Sharingan had yet to appear.

"Hanekawa versus Kakashi Hatake."

Ignoring their banter, Eichirō announced the next match.

The entire field fell silent.

For Class 3-A, this was the clash of titans.

Hanekawa always won, but watching his fights with Kakashi was an eye-opening experience for everyone.

"How about we stick to ninjutsu this time?"

Hanekawa noticed Kakashi drawing his sword, then shook his head and suggested.

"Ninjutsu?"

Kakashi paused, surprised. "You learned ninjutsu?"

"I picked one up yesterday."

Hanekawa replied casually.

"…"

Kakashi's face darkened.

You learned it yesterday, and you're using it against me? Am I that weak?

"Be careful."

Hanekawa raised his hand.

Lightning Style: Swift Thunder Arrow!

In an instant, dazzling lightning gathered in his palm, blindingly bright.

A wave of gasps rippled through the spectators—this was the first time anyone had seen Hanekawa use Lightning Release.

Kakashi's eyes narrowed.

Just as he adopted a defensive stance, Hanekawa casually flung several streaks of white lightning forward.

Danger!

Without hesitation, Kakashi formed seals.

Earth Style: Earth Wall!

The ground erupted, forming a sturdy wall adorned with four carved dog heads.

The white lightning struck the wall like arrows, causing it to tremble violently but hold.

Before Kakashi could relax, Hanekawa unleashed a second wave of lightning.

Boom!

The wall shattered completely.

Reacting quickly, Kakashi used Body Flicker Technique to evade, landing in midair.

The white lightning followed him relentlessly.

Is this never going to end?!

Landing, Kakashi slammed his hand to the ground again.

Another earth wall sprang up.

To the astonishment of everyone watching, Kakashi and Hanekawa repeated this sequence—Earth Walls versus Swift Thunder Arrows—over and over again.

Compared to Kakashi Hatake, who was desperately trying to keep up, Hanekawa remained calm and relaxed.

He stood in place, continuously casting Lightning Style: Swift Thunder Arrow.

Like Wind Release, Lightning Release techniques were known for their speed.

Combined with Hanekawa's 100% boost to hand seal speed, he was able to perform jutsu seamlessly without rest.

"I give up! I surrender!"

Kakashi, realizing his chakra was nearly depleted, chose to forfeit.

After all, he had already lost so many times—one more loss hardly mattered.

"Thank you."

Hanekawa exhaled and said calmly.

Thanks to Kakashi repeatedly using Earth Style: Earth Wall, Hanekawa unlocked a new entry:

[D-rank Talent Entry: Earth is Real Earth.]

[Trigger Condition: Defeat Young Kakashi Hatake.]

[Effect: Increases Earth Style aptitude by 30% on top of the existing base.]

With this, Hanekawa had achieved a 30% boost across all five basic nature transformations, while Yin and Yang Release remained at 100%.

"How is Hanekawa's jutsu so fast?!"

Asuma Sarutobi stared in disbelief.

It had been a while since he last sparred with Hanekawa, and the shocking gap in skill left him stunned.

His Fire Release techniques, which he had worked so hard to learn, now seemed meaningless against Hanekawa.

"..."

Obito Uchiha clenched his fists instinctively.

He couldn't even follow Hanekawa's hand seal movements—how was he supposed to fight him? Until his Sharingan awakened, there was no hope at all.

"Hanekawa!"

Kurenai Yūhi waved happily.

Her cheer set off a wave of screams from the crowd, and the exam venue quickly turned into a fan frenzy.

With his strength and good looks, Hanekawa had long since replaced Kakashi as the school's most popular student.

"Quiet!"

Eichirō had to intervene to restore order.

Once the field settled down, Eichirō glanced at Hanekawa, who remained calm and composed.

Watching the entire match, Eichirō came to a realization: he could no longer defeat his own students.

Not just Hanekawa—he wasn't even confident against Kakashi anymore.

I'm getting old.

No, that wasn't it—these kids are monsters!

Pushing the thought aside, Eichirō continued, "Next match: Kurenai Yūhi versus Asuma Sarutobi."

"Kurenai, I'm sorry, but I have to win."

Asuma said as he stepped forward. "I can't lose before facing Hanekawa."

"Who wins and who loses isn't certain yet!"

Kurenai replied indignantly.

"Your genjutsu is nowhere near Hanekawa's level. It won't work on me."

Asuma shook his head dismissively.

"Is that so?"

Kurenai smiled mysteriously and began forming hand seals.

Seeing this, Asuma avoided looking into her eyes and instead focused on the ground while forming his own hand seals.

Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!

Suddenly, a dragon's roar echoed around him, accompanied by gasps from the crowd.

Asuma instinctively looked up—only to see a massive water dragon hurtling toward him.

I'm caught in a genjutsu?!

When did that happen?

Stunned, Asuma froze.

Boom!

The water dragon struck him, sending him flying backward and crashing to the ground, soaking wet like a drowned rat.

"I won!"

Kurenai stood frozen for a moment before cheering excitedly.

She had never defeated Asuma before, but with her Water Release, she finally managed to win.

"Kurenai Yūhi wins."

Eichirō quickly called for the nearby medical-nin to carry Asuma away.

The impact of Kurenai's Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu had knocked him unconscious.

"When did Kurenai get so strong?"

Rin Nohara widened her eyes in disbelief.

She felt a growing sense of unease.

Her companions were improving rapidly, yet she remained stagnant.

"This… this…"

Obito almost jumped to his feet in shock.

He had lost to Asuma, and now Asuma had lost to Kurenai.

Didn't that mean there was yet another classmate he couldn't defeat?

Kakashi looked thoughtful.

Asuma had clearly underestimated Kurenai, which was why he failed to react when she used Water Release.

In a proper match, winning wouldn't have been so easy.

Still, Kurenai's progress was undeniable.

By the afternoon, the practical exams had ended.

As expected, Hanekawa secured first place, followed by Kakashi in second. Surprisingly, Kurenai had taken third place.

Her Water Release countered Fire Release perfectly, and Obito had lost to her as well.

To celebrate, Hanekawa treated his friends to grilled meat and announced that he would be leaving for a while.

His announcement didn't cause much of a stir—he went on missions every month anyway.

After the meal, Hanekawa went to the market to buy ninja tools, ration pills, and other supplies for his upcoming journey.

Tomorrow, he would set off for Rōran.

--

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