Naruto: Reborn in Konoha, Starting with the Drop of Asura's Chakra

Time flows like water, and the seasons cycle swiftly. The calendar now reads Year 60 of Konoha's history.

March 18—a familiar date.

The legendary no-holds-barred match between Yagyu and Sasuke Uchiha from the previous year still lingered vividly in the memories of their peers, a favorite topic of conversation even now.

Rumor of their match had spread widely after the new academic year began in April. Scores of underclassmen had flocked to their classroom windows to catch a glimpse of the two prodigies.

The fact that fifth-year students could already perform elemental ninjutsu of the Five Basic Nature Transformations was nothing short of astounding.

Most students struggled with even basic E-rank techniques like the Three Basic Jutsu, their chakra levels insufficient for repeated usage.

In contrast, Sasuke Uchiha's Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu was a C-rank ninjutsu, and Yagyu's Water Style: Water Wall was B-rank.

Everyone was convinced Yagyu and Sasuke were more than capable of graduating early.

However, Iruka chose not to petition the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, for their early graduation. Instead, he decided they should remain at the academy for another year.

As sixth-years, both Yagyu and Sasuke grew noticeably more reserved and deliberate.

During small quizzes and impromptu tests, Sasuke stopped requesting to spar with Yagyu, focusing instead on silent growth and steady development.

Yagyu followed a similar path.

After the unrestricted duel, Yagyu had discerned the mechanics of his system's drop rates. Matches bound by formal rules yielded lower scores and reduced drop probabilities for valuable rewards.

Only battles fought with full force could maximize the drop rate and improve the chances of acquiring rare items.

But unrestricted duels were unique to major exams, not small quizzes or impromptu tests. Moreover, there was no major exam in the sixth year, only the graduation exam.

Realizing he wouldn't have another opportunity to extract Indra's Chakra from Sasuke in the coming year, Yagyu opted to send a Shadow Clone to school while his real body stayed home, dedicating himself to honing his ninjutsu and improving his strength.

Apart from occasionally training with Hinata, Ino, and Sakura during holidays, Yagyu rarely left his house.

Today, however, was an exception. Yagyu skipped his usual morning training and refrained from creating clones, instead carefully grooming himself before heading out.

After a year of growth, Yagyu had shot up in height. Now 168 cm (5'6"), he towered over his peers in the "Konoha Nine."

Donning a ninja forehead protector, one might easily mistake Yagyu for a seasoned genin, especially considering that Naruto Uzumaki in Shippuden was only 166 cm tall—2 cm shorter than Yagyu now.

As Yagyu approached the academy, he didn't run into Hinata, Ino, or Sakura along the way.

They all knew by now that the "Yagyu" attending school every day was merely a clone, so there was no point in orchestrating "coincidental encounters."

"Yagyu, good morning!"

"Yagyu, have you eaten breakfast?"

Upon entering the classroom, Yagyu found the three girls already there. Hinata and Sakura greeted him warmly, while Ino asked a question loaded with hidden meaning.

"Yes, I've eaten," Yagyu replied with a nod.

Hearing this, the three girls lit up, becoming noticeably more animated in their conversation with him.

The code phrase was simple: "I've eaten" meant "This is my real body."

After all, Shadow Clones didn't need to eat.

Noticing the trio's sudden enthusiasm, Nara Shikamaru, slouched on the desk next to Yagyu, flashed a sharp glint in his eyes.

So they weren't fighting after all!

Had Yagyu not been attending school in person for the past year?

Shadow Clone Jutsu… This guy had mastered two B-rank ninjutsu already.

No, wait—his chakra reserves were large enough to sustain a Shadow Clone through entire school days and even exams?

Just how vast was his chakra pool?

Even the usually calm Shikamaru felt a ripple of shock.

No wonder neither Sasuke nor any of them could dislodge Yagyu from the top spot as class leader over the years. Yagyu had simply outpaced them too much.

What had happened to the calculated, purpose-driven Yagyu of their early academy days to bring about such an extraordinary transformation?

At this moment, Shikamaru's curiosity about Yagyu reached its peak, though he refrained from asking questions. He knew Yagyu wouldn't answer.

Still, one thing was clear: Yagyu likely had a Kekkei Genkai.

Perhaps it was a latent bloodline trait that had only recently awakened.

Other than a Kekkei Genkai, Shikamaru couldn't think of anything else that might explain such drastic changes.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration crossed his mind.

Silver hair, red eyes, and an absurd amount of chakra…

Could Yagyu be a descendant of the Senju clan, integrated into Konoha?

If he recalled correctly, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, had similar hair and eye colors!

Could Yagyu's immense chakra reserves signify the awakening of Senju bloodline traits?

Unaware of Shikamaru's train of thought, Yagyu would undoubtedly be startled by its accuracy.

Close—but not quite there.

After all, no one could possibly guess the existence of a "game system."

Still, Shikamaru's speculation inadvertently provided a convenient cover for Yagyu's Sage Body.

If Yagyu's remarkable chakra reserves were ever exposed, those familiar with Tobirama Senju's appearance would naturally conclude that Yagyu was a Senju descendant, rather than suspecting anything deeper.

For Yagyu, that was undeniably good news.

As time ticked by, the moment for the graduation exam finally arrived.

"The topic for the exam is the Clone Jutsu. When your name is called, step forward," Iruka announced from the doorway, leaving after delivering his instructions.

Shortly after, a chunin clad in a green flak jacket appeared at the door, holding a roster. He began calling names: "Inuzuka Kiba…"

One by one, Yagyu's classmates left the room with varied reactions, not returning after their turn.

Eventually, Ino and Hinata were also called away.

"...Yagyu."

Hearing his name, Yagyu rose and glanced at Sakura. "Good luck. I'll wait for you at the entrance."

"Good luck to you too, Yagyu," Sakura replied with a smile.

Stepping into the exam room, Yagyu found Iruka and Mizuki seated at a desk.

Glancing briefly at Mizuki's disarming smile, Yagyu swiftly formed a hand seal. "Clone Jutsu!"

A loud pop echoed, followed by a burst of white smoke billowing from the room.

When the smoke cleared, Yagyu emerged holding a ninja headband in his hand.

Exiting the building, Yagyu spotted Hinata and Ino waiting near the entrance.

Not long after, Sakura also came out, headband in hand.

Instead of leaving immediately, the group waited for the exam to conclude, as they still needed to have their photos taken for official records.

Only after their photos were processed and added to the archives would they be officially recognized as genin.

Of course, without a jonin mentor's approval, they might still be sent back to the academy for another year.

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