THE UCHIHA ASCENSION

Sitting in the sacred last row by the window, Uchiha Kiyo read with relish.

In this perfect position, Uchiha Kiyo dared to say that even in class, he could openly read extracurricular books!

As time passed, more classmates arrived. Among them were ninjas from the Aburame, Sarutobi, Nara, and Yamanaka clans.

As expected of Class 1, each major clan had sent its top young ninjas, all of whom had excellent grades.

Class 1 was a mix of elite clan members and a few highly talented civilian ninjas. Class 2, on the other hand, was composed entirely of clan members who hadn't performed exceptionally well in special training. They were still strong but not top-tier.

Class 3 mostly consisted of civilian ninjas, though a handful of talented clan members were also present, ranking among the best in their class.

Class 4, however, was the weakest, composed entirely of civilian ninjas.

This structure meant that, barring a few exceptional individuals, the top ranks of the first three classes were dominated by clan members.

As more students arrived, the classroom gradually filled up.

In addition to Uchiha Kiyo, another Uchiha was assigned to Class 1—Uchiha Tao, the same one Kiyo had fought during special training.

With Uchiha Takashi as his older brother, a skilled Jōnin, Uchiha Tao had a solid foundation in taijutsu. His rapid progress during special training meant only Uchiha Kiyo could rival him in combat.

No matter how Tao attacked, Kiyo blocked him with ease. Each time Tao improved, even his older brother Takashi was impressed.

Facing such a strong opponent, Kiyo naturally benefited as well, rapidly advancing in taijutsu.

Unlike Kiyo, who preferred to keep a low profile, Tao was high-profile and sat in the front row by the window, radiating the pride typical of an Uchiha prodigy.

Kiyo observed him briefly and recalled that Tao had no significant role in the original Naruto story.

In addition to familiar faces, Kiyo noticed a boy wearing a uniform with the Senju clan emblem.

At this time, the Senju clan had not completely declined. The Second Hokage, Tobirama, had died during the First Shinobi World War. Under the leadership of the First Hokage's wife, Uzumaki Mito, the Senju clan had intermarried with civilians, choosing a semi-hidden existence. However, some Senju ninjas still operated within the ninja world.

Just then, a boy with short brown hair and a bright smile entered the classroom. His presence exuded an infectious energy.

Stepping onto the podium, he boldly declared,

"Listen up, everyone! My name is Senju Nawaki! I'm going to become Hokage!"

The classroom burst into laughter.

Uchiha Kiyo and his classmates were stunned. Did he really just declare that so boldly? Can't he be a little more low-key?

Kiyo had more pressing concerns.

"Senju Nawaki? Tsunade's younger brother? But why is he in our class? Shouldn't he be with Uchiha Mikoto?"

Uchiha Mikoto, mother of Itachi and Sasuke in the original story, was the Uchiha clan leader's wife and granddaughter of the clan's Third Elder.

Kiyo recalled that Uchiha Mikoto was five years old—one year younger than himself.

"Was I mistaken? Or is this the butterfly effect? No, a butterfly effect wouldn't make Nawaki born a year earlier..."

Unable to figure it out, he let the thought go and continued reading his book, The First Steps of Medical Ninjutsu.

Meanwhile, Nawaki scanned the classroom, searching for an open seat. His gaze landed on the last row.

Without hesitation, he walked toward Uchiha Kiyo.

Engrossed in his book, Kiyo didn't realize Nawaki had taken the empty seat beside him.

Feeling someone sit down, Kiyo glanced up and frowned. Why is he sitting next to me? Did he not notice the Uchiha clan emblem on my clothes?

Nawaki turned his head, grinned, and spoke with curiosity,

"Hey! You're an Uchiha, right? I heard your clan is full of proud guys, like that one up front. Why are you sitting in the last row? You seem different."

Uchiha Tao, seated in the front, overheard Nawaki's remark. He turned and shot Nawaki a glance but said nothing.

Not one to back down, Nawaki glared back at Tao.

Kiyo sighed. They're just kids, after all.

Choosing to ignore Nawaki, Kiyo returned to his book.

But Nawaki, full of energy, wasn't done talking.

"You're ignoring me? What are you reading anyway?"

He peered over Kiyo's shoulder.

"Huh? The First Steps of Medical Ninjutsu? Medical ninjutsu? Why would an Uchiha read that? Can you even understand it? My sister studies this stuff all the time, and I'm sick of hearing about it."

The other students, who had been discreetly listening, were also surprised. An Uchiha studying medical ninjutsu?

Even Uchiha Tao seemed to realize something but remained silent.

Kiyo sighed. This guy won't stop talking, will he?

But in truth, most students weren't actually reading. Some were sleeping, others playing with kunai, and many were just pretending to study. Nawaki simply had the nerve to speak freely.

Finally, Kiyo responded,

"Who says Uchiha can't learn medical ninjutsu? I'm interested in it. When I master it, I'll be able to heal injured ninjas and save lives. Isn't that a worthy goal?

And when I get even stronger, I'll save even more people.

My dream is to become a great medical ninja and protect my comrades."

His words carried deep conviction, touching the hearts of his classmates.

Even Nawaki was impressed. This guy is amazing! My sister is a medical ninja too, but she's terrifying. This guy feels different…

Tao, on the other hand, smirked. Yeah, right. If I didn't know you, I'd actually believe that nonsense. You're just afraid of dying. Your eloquence is impressive, though.

---

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office…

SLAM!

A loud smack echoed as a blonde-haired kunoichi slammed her hands on the Hokage's desk.

"Sensei! How could you approve Nawaki's enrollment in the Academy?! He's only five! He's too young!"

This fierce woman was Tsunade, still her fiery self, and still calling the Third Hokage "Sensei" with at least some level of respect.

Jiraiya and Orochimaru remained silent, wisely avoiding involvement.

The Third Hokage, unfazed, calmly took a puff of his pipe and smiled.

"Tsunade, relax. Nawaki has already begun chakra training. He won't fall behind."

Tsunade was unconvinced. "It's not about keeping up! He's still too young!"

Hiruzen knocked his pipe on the table and sighed.

"He's already five and a half. Besides, he's been pestering me for months. His determination was clear, so I let him enroll."

Realizing she had lost this battle, Tsunade stormed off, preparing to scold Nawaki later.

Meanwhile, Nawaki, blissfully unaware of his impending fate, continued pestering Kiyo with endless questions.

At the same time, an Anbu ninja arrived to report to the Hokage.

"Lord Hokage, Young Master Nawaki has been assigned to Class 1. His seat is in the last row by the window, next to an Uchiha…"

The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow. An Uchiha? Interesting.

Tsunade frowned. An Uchiha? Why is Nawaki sitting with an Uchiha?

As the Anbu ninja continued, Tsunade's expression darkened.

"…And apparently, this Uchiha wants to become a medical ninja."

The Third Hokage's eyes gleamed with intrigue.

A medical ninja from the Uchiha clan? This could change things…