Naruto: Saving the Universe by Stealing Attributes

Ninja Academy Grounds.

Instructors from the Ninja Academy were all lined up, directing the graduating students into neat rows. Not far off on the viewing platform, the Third Hokage and a gathering of elite jonin stood observing the proceedings. Today, everything had to be flawless.

"Heh, this year's kids sure are lively," Hiruzen remarked, taking a puff from his pipe. His face wrinkled up into a contented smile.

"Hmph! Ninjas are tools. What's with all this laughing and joking around?" Danzo Shimura grunted, frowning.

"Danzo, you're too harsh," Hiruzen chided, casting a disapproving glance at him. "There are quite a few promising kids among this year's candidates."

"Oh?" Orochimaru's snake-like pupils narrowed with interest as he glanced at Hiruzen. "Who caught your eye, sensei?"

"Uchiha Mirai."

"I hear he already wields the two-tomoe Sharingan and has trained under Fugaku. He understands the Will of Fire well and, overall, he's hard to fault," Hiruzen replied calmly.

"Tch," Danzo scoffed, turning his head in disdain. An Uchiha brat understanding the Will of Fire? Hardly.

Orochimaru, however, kept his gaze fixed on the field, his tongue flicking over his lips. A ninja with a kekkei genkai was undeniably stronger from the start. He himself had hit a ceiling in his growth—it had been a long time since he'd felt any real progress. If only he could acquire such a powerful bloodline…

"Kakashi, if all goes as expected, Mirai will be your opponent today. Don't underestimate him," Hiruzen said to the young Hatake Kakashi, who was standing off to the side, mask covering his face.

Though Kakashi had graduated years ahead of his peers, he still hadn't found a compatible team. In isolation, he'd only become more withdrawn. So, at Minato Namikaze's suggestion, Hiruzen had arranged for Kakashi to take part in this year's graduation trials.

"I won't lose," Kakashi replied with a hint of cold confidence in his voice. Known as the "Leaf's Greatest Genius," he was sure he wouldn't fall to anyone his age.

"Hahaha… I'm looking forward to seeing a great battle," Hiruzen chuckled.

Then he turned to Minato, who stood behind him with a warm, sunny expression on his youthful face.

"Minato, this is your first time serving as a jonin instructor. Do you have anyone in mind for your team?"

"I've reviewed their files, Lord Hokage. I already have a few candidates in mind," Minato said, scratching the back of his head with a smile.

"Good," Hiruzen nodded, satisfied.

As they continued their conversation, the graduation exams officially began.

"Those whose names I call, step forward. This match will decide your futures, so give it everything you've got. Don't take this lightly," Boisterous Oyamajun's deep voice echoed across the field, and the atmosphere became charged with tension.

"First match: Might Guy versus Uchiha Obito!"

The moment his name was called, a boy with a bowl-cut and a bright green jumpsuit dashed excitedly to the center of the field.

"Didn't expect to go first! Guess I'd better put on a good show," he grinned, giving a thumbs-up with a toothy smile. "This is the power of youth!"

Obito Uchiha, meanwhile, muttered irritably to himself,

"Tch, so my opponent's a dropout? I was hoping to knock some sense into that Mirai punk."

Facing Guy, the instructor raised his arm high.

"There's no need for a seal of confrontation or reconciliation this time—this is a real ninja battle. Try not to get killed."

A ripple of excitement ran through the crowd as everyone's faces reflected a mix of anticipation, anxiety, and exhilaration.

"Listen, bowl-cut," Obito smirked, "you'd better just give up now. I won't be holding back."

If there was anyone at the Academy whose scores were worse than his, it was this guy. Obito was confident that the match would go his way.

"Retreating isn't an option in youth!" Guy declared, clenching his fist. "I'll be giving it my all!"

Seeing that they were ready, the instructor swung his arm down sharply. "Let the match begin!"

"Go, Obito!" came Rin's voice from the sidelines. Obito turned, flashing her a confident grin.

"Don't worry, Rin. I'm definitely gonna—"

"Leaf Whirlwind!"

Before he could finish, a powerful kick from Guy sent him flying across the field. With a loud thud, Obito landed and lay unconscious.

"Might Guy wins!"

Watching this turn of events, Rin sighed, covering her face in mild embarrassment. What was Obito even doing out there?

"Haha! That was too good," Kurenai laughed from the sidelines. "And he thought he could take on Mirai! Where does he get all that confidence?"

The audience erupted with laughter as they watched Obito, who'd been knocked out in a single kick. the instructor shook his head, sighing. He'd matched Obito with Guy, thinking it'd be a fair fight, yet Obito hadn't even managed to get a hit in.

The exam continued.

"Next up: Kurenai Yuhi versus Ebisu!"

"Good luck," Mirai encouraged Kurenai with a smile. She gave him a determined nod and quickly stepped to the center of the field.

Ebisu, his face flushed, glanced down nervously, unable to look her in the eyes.

He's just as awkward as he is in the original storyline, Mirai thought with a knowing smile. This match is a done deal.

Sure enough, Kurenai easily defeated Ebisu. Despite his later reputation as a "skilled" ninja, thanks to Naruto's Sexy Jutsu, he didn't even last ten minutes against Kurenai.

"Mirai! I won!" Kurenai ran back to Mirai, practically glowing with happiness.

"You've been pushing yourself so hard to keep up with me that you've outpaced nearly everyone here," Mirai replied with a faint smile.

"Mirai…"

"Hm?"

"You're so cool," she said, blushing, her eyes brimming with admiration.

Ignoring the envious looks around them, Mirai reached out and patted her head.

"Don't be silly—I'm just honest. I love speaking the truth."

The battles went on, most following a predictable pattern.

Then, just as Mirai was starting to get a bit bored, he heard his name announced.

"Next match: Uchiha Mirai versus Sarutobi Asuma!"

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