Naruto: Escape From Konoha

What a boring class. She had sighed this way severally inside her mind.

For someone with a photographic memory and a strong aptitude for learning, Kazuhime didn't believe this teaching method could be of any help to her in acquiring useful knowledge.

Whether it was the mandatory thought courses, history classes, or ninja knowledge, for her, it was all mastered overnight.

Observing the teacher who was speaking seriously at the podium, Kazuhime idly spun a pencil with one hand, while propping up her chin with the other, looking out the window at the playground.

There were many senior students there conducting an outdoor training.

The ninja academy was completely closed off. It is situated in the first military region.

They gave the highest and strictest military training. Their goal: imprint all kinds of knowledge into the genes of every student to nurture their growth.

Even though it was sealed off, the area of the academy was vast, currently accommodating about a thousand teachers and students.

There were nine grades in total, each grade consisting of about one hundred students, further divided into five classes, adopting a small-class elite teaching approach.

The teachers were mainly Chunin and Jonin, also included non-ninja teachers responsible for courses other than ninjutsu, such as mathematics, biology, and history.

But it was just that, no matter the subject, it all seemed too simple for her.

To her, it felt like eating or drinking, it lacked a sense of accomplishment.So, Kazuhime who didn't feel such satisfaction, yearned to escape this cage-like academy as soon as possible. But when she thought of her father, she breathed a sigh of relief.

He insisted on studying for nine years. Despite being less than 30 years old, the way he always spoke was like a 60-year-old grandmother.

Tired of the scenery outside the window, Kazuhime turned around quietly.

Sitting next to her was her twin brother, Uchiha Asuka, who looked like an excellent student, maintaining an upright posture while carefully taking notes in class.

Although she really wanted to tease her him at this time, but considering it was class, teasing him would definitely embarrass him in front of everyone. No.... only she could appreciate her brother's embarrassment. This was something she had already determined.

It had been more than a year since she entered this academy, and now she was still a junior. With excellent results in all subjects, she held the first place in the grade.

In contrast, her brother's grades were mediocre. His performance in ninja-related subjects couldn't be called bad, but it couldn't be called excellent either. Although he worked very hard, as a ninja, it seemed that this was the result of his best efforts.

Kazuhime was deeply skeptical about her brother who's supposed to shoulder the great responsibility of the Uchiha clan in the future. Now... she felt that she didn't need to worry too much about something like that. She was the woman who was going to inherit everything from the old man. Whether it was the Uchiha, Hyuga, or Uzumaki, all would bow at her feet.

With this goal in mind, Kazuhime felt more and more that she still had several shortcomings, and these shortcomings couldn't be solved on paper.

Before that, she had to think about what color of skirt to wear Cai tonight. She thought about interesting things while eagerly anticipating the end of school soon.

.....

"Old man, I have something to tell you." 

After dinner, Kazuhime knocked and entered her father's study alone, looking at her father Shiraishi with a serious expression.

"Cough!"

Shiraishi nearly spat out the water he'd just sipped. Coughing hard twice, he shot his daughter an irritated glare. "How many times do I have to say not to call me that? I'm not even thirty yet." 

"Just showing my dear father the utmost respect." Kazuhime replied lightly. 

"What kind of respect is that?"

Shiraishi set aside the book in his hand, glancing at Kazuhime helplessly. "Tell me, what is it you want? I won't agree to things that are too extreme."

Despite having learned this lesson more than once, Kazuhime remained a maverick. Shiraishi knew she was a 'bad guy' from the moment she was born, making her bad behavior almost expected.

Fortunately, she maintained a good attitude in school, sparing him from embarrassment.

"Old man, let me ask you. When people are born, don't they already have their potential set?" 

She raised a topic seemingly unrelated to the moment, prompting Shiraishi raised his eyebrows, surprised by the unexpected question.

"Universally speaking, that's not wrong." 

He believed that for someone to truly become a genius, their potential needed to be nurtured from the DNA level. Kazuhime was the perfect example.

Her mind developed differently from others, and her chakra control surpassed children her age, even rivaling many adults. Without deliberate study, she mastered things that took others a lifetime. To her, it seemed as effortless as breathing.

Others struggled, while for her, it was like eating and drinking. Most people's efforts yielded minimal results, highlighting the natural differences between people. This was why there were classifications among humans and strong and weak ninjas.

"In that case, things will be much simpler. I've already learned everything they teach at the academy." 

While Shiraishi would've dismissed such boasting from anyone else, he knew his extraordinary daughter spoke the truth. The glowing crimson Sharingan in her eyes after her birth had signaled as much. 

At her level, any standard ninja academy would struggle to accommodate such an utter genius. Kazuhime had completed pre-school subjects absurdly ahead of schedule after less than a year memorizing the academy's entire curriculum. Higher-level education was entirely self-taught.

Over the past year she had complained to him repeatedly about her education.

This was what troubled Shiraishi. A daughter with too much talent could burden herself with unnecessary pressure. He often struggled handling Kazuhime's issues properly. Letting her go completely worried him that she might fall into bad habits, while restricting her too much would stifle her nature and limit her potential.

Every decision felt like a gamble.

Feeling suddenly much older, Shiraishi hesitated over his talented daughter's future. With Kazuhime raising this matter pointedly now, he realized it was time to take things seriously.

"So, what is it that you want?"

Shiraishi decided it was best to listen to Kazuhime's opinion directly. The standard nine-year curriculum was meant for ordinary students. Freakish geniuses like his daughter understandably could not be limited thus. 

The Land of Demon's ninja academy permitted grade skipping for talented students. Even though he still advocated for the structured nine-year model, sometimes he felt it dragged out unnecessarily rather than cultivating individual brilliance. Logically, special cases deserved privileges to quickly move beyond the system's shackles. 

And Kazuhime stood high above even genius. Shiraishi knew she'd soon exhaust what the academy could offer, he just hadn't expected that day to come so abruptly. So her personal input now held utmost importance. 

"Practical study."

"Interesting idea."

Shiraishi nodded. He had anticipated the answer and at the same he was very pleased with Kazuhime's discerning judgment.

She believed that after acquiring knowledge from the academy, the next step is to use that knowledge more efficiently, make observations, and assess the extent of her abilities. It could be considered a rational judgment, not an arrogant presumption. It's a commendable habit.

But his main concern was that Kazuhime might place too much trust in her own abilities, fostering unnecessary arrogance. Excessive arrogance could easily ruin people after all. Currently, Kazuhime doesn't seem to have developed these bad habits.... yet.

"In that case, where might you start this practical study first?"

Shiraishi probed further. Ordinary children would struggle responding, but since Kazuhime had approached him, she must already have some ideas.

Rather than obstructing her, his role was patching any flaws in her existing plan. Mentoring a talented descendant was perfectly pragmatic, at least resolving successor concerns for decades. 

"Ninja."

Shiraishi remained silent, simply sipped his tea pensively, peering at his daughter's still immature face.Finally he suggested, "How about I arrange your transfer to Kirigakure as an exchange student then?"

Purely staying in the Land of Demons would fail to expand her perspective adequately. And she had already familiarized herself with domestic affairs after living here for years, even gaining insider knowledge per his guidance. A foreign environment would nurture growth better. Know both friend and foe to claim victory. Well-rounded experience was mandatory for an outstanding leader, not just brute force. 

Kirigakure's Fourth Mizukage Yagura was an ally who could certainly protect her if when she attends their academy. With the village revitalizing currently, much could be learned as well. 

"I would prefer going to Konoha instead. As the foundation of the village system, the first cornerstone of the ninja village era, it holds greater meaning going there." Kazuhime countered seriously. "Plus you once studied there yourself, so I want to see the place that shaped you, old man."

Kazuhime didn't seem she was joking Her answer surprised Shiraishi. His frown deepened momentarily before sighing.

"Konoha is not an ally." 

"Exactly why it would be better to go there. Isn't that right?" Kazuhime pressed stubbornly. 

Shiraishi frowned even more, before he sighed.

"...Very well. But I'll need to discuss this with your mother first. I can't make the decision alone. Additionally, you'll have to pass a special test I prepare. If you can't pass this test, you'll continue your ordinary studies here with no more argument." 

"Fine by me."

Kazuhime agreed readily. Failing her father's simple test would just prove she still needed the academy's tutelage anyway.

.....

"Are you really going to send Kazuhime to Konoha?"

In the Shikkotsu forest, Shiraishi found Ruri, who was training a few Uchiha ninjas, informing her of Kazuhime's decision.

Shiraishi nodded, saying quite casually, "This is Kazuhime's own idea. As a father, I can only support her as much as i can."

"How could she have such an idea?" Ruri asked strangely.

"She feels that the academy here has nothing she needs to learn anymore. So, if she wants to hone herself further, she would like to go out to see the bigger world."

From a father's perspective, Shiraishi didn't want Kazuhime to leave his embrace so soon. But he couldn't completely ignore his daughter's opinion.

As Kazuhime stated, her potential had been determined at the DNA stage, and the conventional education model had already left her feeling bored. Staying here provided no room for growth. Of course, the growth space extended beyond mere strength. She wanted to exercise her abilities on a broader stage and broaden her understanding of the world.

The ninja village system originated in Konoha, including systems such as the ninja academy and the Anbu system. Konoha is, without a doubt, the birthplace of these structures. Even their own academy, in many respects, incorporated elements that resemble that of Konoha's. In this context, Konoha is unquestionably a pioneer.

Despite Konoha's current decline, its past excellence could not be negated. Kazuhime choose there for practical investigation, not on a whim, but after careful consideration. Her decision to go to Konoha for a practical investigation stems from a thoughtful process aimed at validating the knowledge she had acquired.

Shiraishi believed Ruri must understand this.After hearing Shiraishi's opinion, Ruri's reluctant expression relaxed. "If that is the case, then i have no objection. However, her safety must be well-guarded, and her identity must be properly resolved to avoid exposing any flaws."

"Don't worry, I'll arrange this properly. I have people in Konoha's academy. As for her identity..... I'll consult with the Miko for a solution."

"Then it's good, as long as you make proper arrangements. How's Asuka? Have his grades improved?"

After dealing with Kazuhime, Ruri changed the topic to her son. Because she needed an heir on her side, she had chosen Asuka to follow her surname.

"The boy's grades still haven't improved much, although he's working really hard." Shiraishi truthfully responded.

Ruri's face displayed dissatisfaction. Despite endorsing the supremacy of the strong, she still hoped Asuka would become the next clan head of the Uchiha clan in the Land of Demons. If he continued letting her down, then she could only pass it on to someone else. The Uchiha clan wasn't her private property, and she has always been quite clear about public and private affairs.

"If he doesn't improve, I will personally teach him when I return." Ruri sighed. Even knowing that he had limited potential as a ninja, she still didn't want to give up.

"If you do that, it won't have much effect." Shiraishi touched his chin and said.

"How so?"

"Asuka doesn't seem very interested in becoming a ninja. I think he can be trained in other ways. He liked playing with different kind of toys since he was a child, he has a simple curiosity about too many things. "

Moreover.... his temperament wasn't like that of someone suitable for fighting and killing. Shiraishi believed in his own judgment.

"You're suggesting.....?"

"Next year, I'll bring him to my side for one-on-one training. Being a ninja isn't the only path. As for the heir..." Shiraishi smiled, gently hugging Ruri, feeling her warmth and softness. "If there's another one, they might be an excellent heir. What do you think?"

"Stupid."

Ruri rolled her eyes at him, broke free from his arm, as she left quickly.

....

"This year, the daimyo has provided extra support to Konoha. So far, the budget has increased by about 40% compared to last year."

In a room, high-level executives led by the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen gathered for their regular meetings.

The main issues discussed revolved around the future development planning of the village. Presently, the Third Hokage focused more on internal stability, as the complicated situation within Konoha demanded his attention.

Hiruzen felt his energy diminishing day by day, lacking the energy to manage both ends.

"As expected, the recovery and development after the war will require a large amount of funds. Don't bring this up at the meeting. I've heard that the Uchiha clan has started causing trouble again."

Danzo disregarded Homura and Koharu, in charge of logistics, and directly looked at Hiruzen with sharp eyes. He attended this meeting because the Uchiha seemed to be adopting a different strategy, which had made him quite concerned.

Hiruzen nodded, "They hope to choose a territory in the village again."

"Haven't they already been granted a large piece of land? And it's larger than the Uchiha land in the past, right?" Danzo said calmly.

"True, but that land is too far from the center of the village."

"Such a trivial matter causing trouble is petty, but we can't ignore this proposal. I'm afraid they already have evil intentions."

Looking at his close friend, Hiruzen found himself slightly speechless. It seemed too arbitrary to judge Uchiha's intentions this way.

"The last words of the Fourth Hokage warned us to be careful of the Mangekyou Sharingan. The Uchiha clan may have secretly allied with that traitor."

As for Danzo's friends, the three of them have long been accustomed to him. Among them, Danzo harbored the greatest prejudice against Uchiha. Root was originally established to monitor the Uchiha.

"I will instruct Anbu to follow up on the investigation. Whether the Nine Tails incident has any connection with the Uchiha in the village remains uncertain."

Hiruzen suspected that Danzo was doing it on purpose. As various events were happening, the Anbu under his command were dispersing, thus, reducing the force suppressing Root So, while dispatching Anbu, he needed to pay more attention to the Roots' movements.

Danzo snorted, evidently dissatisfied with the outcome.

Hiruzen ignored Danzo's dissatisfaction and then brought up another matter. "Let's set aside the Uchiha issue for now; there's one more important matter to discuss."

Danzo, who got up to leave, sat back when he heard that Hiruzen had something to discuss. Hiruzen took out a file bag, pulled out a document, and placed it in front of the three of them.

"This is a transfer student information from Land of Demons. Please take a look."

"A transfer student from the Land of Demons?"

"Kazuhime, the adopted daughter of the Miko in the Land of Denons, admires Konoha's culture very much and she intends to study in our ninja academy."

Judging by Hiruzen's relaxed tone, it was clear he welcomed the idea. Aside from the prosperous business prospects of the Land of Demons, letting a princess from a neutral country study at Konoha would be a significant achievement for Konoha, enhancing its reputation.

"Kazuhime... Is she the adopted daughter of the Miko? This is the first time I've heard of it."

However, this matter couldn't be falsified. Confirmation with the Miko from the country would determine its authenticity.

"This is the first I've heard of it as well, but there's a letter from the Miko, so the princess's identity is unquestionable. What do you think?"

Hiruzen sought the opinions of the three. Danzo glanced briefly, stood up uninterestedly, and walked towards the exit of the meeting room.

"As Hokage, you can decide on your own. I don't have time to bother with a little girl from outside."

After Danzo left, Hiruzen looked at Koharu and Homura.

"Danzo won't be a problem, what do you think?"

"Yes. We and the Land of Demons have always maintained a good cooperative relationship, and there is no reason to refuse. Moreover, we have had similar cooperation in the past. This is another great opportunity to demonstrate Konoha's authority. Hiruzen, you must agree."

Koharu and Homura looked at each other and nodded in agreement. If it were ninja villages like Suna and Kumo, they might hesitate, being wary of potential traps. But as a neutral country, there was no issue.

"I know, I also tend to agree. I will contact the Miko as soon as possible, so the Princess can study at Konoha."

Given that the individual in question was a princess, Hiruzen couldn't afford to neglect the matter. He began considering which Anbu team to assign for the protection the Princess during her time in Konoha.

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