POV: Sarutobi Kajiro
Sarutobi Kajiro let his gaze sweep across the classroom, noting how much his students had changed over the past year. Today was their last lesson before the exam — the one that would reveal their progress and determine the current balance of strength within the class. Over the years he had taught many students: some revealed themselves as geniuses right away, others bloomed only with time, and some, unfortunately, became his personal disappointments. This particular class was especially diverse, yet it held more than a few promising shinobi.
At the board, Nawaki Senju was drawing a diagram, frowning in concentration. He still hadn't managed to become the top student despite all the attention on him, but his persistence was almost heroic. Whenever he lost in a sparring match, he immediately challenged the opponent to a rematch. Even if he lost again, he would only clench his fists stubbornly and vow that next time he'd win — and then leave to train. Perhaps the boy felt the great expectations placed on him and desperately wanted to live up to them.
At the far row, Minato Namikaze was scribbling quickly, writing down his solution. Over this year he had changed greatly — at the start he was merely diligent, not particularly outstanding. But now his learning speed was truly impressive. His understanding of taijutsu and ninjutsu fundamentals seemed almost innate. Any new technique — and he grasped its core instantly. And considering he was a civilian? That was twice as impressive.
Nearby sat Inuzuka Tsume, who, as always, looked like she was mentally somewhere in the forest with her recently acquired ninken. Over the year she had repeatedly skipped lessons, preferring practice over theory. Once Kajiro even caught her trying to climb out through the window mid-lecture. She denied everything, claiming the classroom was simply stuffy, but the jacket caught on the frame and a leg halfway outside betrayed her completely.
Akimichi Choza was, even now, lazily chewing something, trying to do so as quietly as possible. But the treacherous crunch gave him away, drawing the attention of the entire class. Kajiro sighed — this was Choza's third attempt to smuggle food into lessons this month.
"Akimichi," the teacher extended his hand tiredly. "You know the rules."
The boy reluctantly handed him a bag of chips, though Kajiro couldn't help noticing the fleeting satisfied smile on his face. Academy students were always more cunning than they appeared.
And, of course, there was Kuro Nara.
The boy sat in his usual corner, lazily leaning against the back of his chair. It was hard to tell whether he was asleep or simply lost in thought. He was a mystery. One of the strongest students — while putting in seemingly no effort. He always drifted in the clouds, never paid attention to the lesson, yet never seemed confused during exams. And during training he fought with frightening efficiency, as if knowing exactly which movements worked best.
His sparrings with Hyuga Hiashi and Uchiha Mikoto were especially noteworthy. Those three had become the main contenders for the title of strongest in the class, and their matches always attracted a crowd. Hiashi with his flawless Jūken, Mikoto who, to Kajiro's surprise, could already use the Fireball Technique in her first year — and Kuro, who did nothing flashy yet somehow never fell behind them. And, strangest of all — it always felt like he was holding back.
Kajiro had seen many talented children, but all of them, in one way or another, tried to show off. Nara was completely different…
These thoughts made Kajiro smile inwardly as he recalled one particular incident. During a practical lesson, he tried to push Kuro to reveal his potential — so he made him fight both Hiashi and Mikoto at once, thinking the boy simply needed a greater challenge. The whole class expected him to be crushed. Instead, Kuro, using his Shadow Imitation, didn't let either of them come close, creating absolute chaos on the training field. The match ended in a draw, but afterwards Hiashi looked especially irritated — and Mikoto unusually thoughtful.
"This exam will be interesting," Kajiro thought, returning to the lesson.
"Now then," he said loudly, drawing everyone's attention. "As you know, tomorrow you'll have your exam. It will show how hard you've worked and trained throughout the year. I hope some of you will surprise me — and some of you will even surprise yourselves. Tomorrow you'll prove that your efforts have not been wasted."
The students straightened, a nervous excitement flickering across their faces.
"We'll see how well you've prepared," Kajiro thought, looking at his class.
POV: Kuro Nara
Kuro twirled a pencil between his fingers, reviewing his answers. It had taken him only a few minutes to realize that theory might no longer be his strong point. Questions about elemental technique nuances, exact historical dates, and complex strategic layouts irritated him slightly. He was used to thinking about combat situations in practice, not analyzing them in textbooks.
"Maybe I should've spent less time on the training field and actually studied for once?" he thought, then dismissed the idea. No — training and power could save his life and help him reach his goal. As for the test… he could fix his weak points later. For now, he simply had to endure it.
He glanced sideways. Minato was writing rapidly. Mikoto didn't seem to doubt a single answer. And Inuzuka… Tsume looked like she wanted to headbutt her desk.
"Well, at least I'm not the only one suffering," he smirked internally.
After the test they were given twenty minutes to rest before heading to the specially designated training field, where Sarutobi Kajiro was already waiting. Kuro yawned and stretched while the others quietly discussed the exam. Some looked pleased, others tense.
When everyone gathered, the teacher raised his hand.
"Now for the practical test," he began. "Today you'll work in teams. Eight teams of four. Your task is simple: somewhere on this field, a flag is hidden. Your goal is to find it and bring it to me. Sounds easy… but there are eight teams — and only one flag."
A murmur spread through the group. That meant only one team would succeed.
"Don't worry. Everyone will receive a grade regardless of the outcome."
Kuro could already imagine Nawaki trying to make it an "honorable competition," and Tsume probably charging at the first group she saw.
"The teams are already formed," Kajiro continued. "I'll announce your partners now."
Kuro heard his name along with Minato, Aburame Shibi, and Atsushi. He glanced at the red-haired boy standing off to the side with arms crossed. The guy was slightly smaller than Choza but obviously strong. Kuro had seen him in spars — slow, but once he grabbed someone, it was over.
"Interesting," Kuro thought. Minato was fast and smart, Shibi calm with insects for scouting, Atsushi strong but straightforward. The question was how to make them work together.
"You have five minutes to discuss your strategy," the sensei concluded.
Kuro looked at his teammates and smirked.
"Well? Anyone got an idea how we're taking that flag?"
Minato turned to him with a faint smile.
"I assumed you'd be the brains of the team."
Next to him, Shibi silently nodded. Kuro blinked.
"And why is that?"
"Yeah, why him?" Atsushi grumbled. "I admit you are smart, but why this lazybones?"
Minato shrugged calmly.
"It's simple. First, judging by sparrings, Kuro has the best performance in the class. Second, the Nara clan is known for intelligence and tactical thinking. If anyone here can make a proper plan, it's him."
Atsushi grunted, crossing his arms, but didn't argue.
Kuro noted how easily Minato handled the situation — steady, calm, and already setting the tone for teamwork.
"All right," Kuro said thoughtfully, looking toward the field. "We won't be the first to get the flag. Two teams have the Hyuga brothers — pointless to compete with their Byakugan. And even if we get it first, we'll become everyone's target."
Minato nodded, Shibi listening quietly.
"If you check the team compositions, you'll see half of them don't have sensors. We do." Kuro nodded toward Aburame.
Shibi shifted slightly, almost shy from the attention, but said nothing.
"Those without sensors will have to follow whoever finds the flag first. We just need to observe from a distance — and strike at the perfect moment."
Atsushi snorted.
"That's lame! What are we, cowards? Why not fight head-on?"
Minato looked at him calmly, tone firm.
"A shinobi has no cowardly strategies. Only successful or failed missions."
Atsushi stared at him, then grudgingly looked away. Kuro only smirked.
"Well then, let's stick to the plan."
The signal sounded — and they dashed into the depths of the training field.