Naruto: Evolution.

Konoha

Inside a third-grade classroom at the Ninja Academy.

"Listen up, everyone!" The teacher's voice echoed loudly from the platform, capturing the students' attention.

"Tomorrow is the day of the annual evaluation, and in addition, the early graduation exam will take place. Whether you manage to graduate early or continue in school, you must take this evaluation very seriously."

The seriousness in his tone, coming from a man in his early thirties, made the entire classroom grow silent.

Normally, the Academy's school program lasted six years. Even those who enrolled at the minimum age wouldn't graduate until they were eleven. But this year was different.

A few days ago, the Academy's high-ranking officials announced a new directive: in this annual evaluation, all courses, except for the first year, would be tested as if they were in the sixth grade. In other words, the exam would serve as a graduation test.

This meant that a massive wave of early graduations was approaching.

For many students, graduation was a long-awaited step. In this world, becoming a ninja was not just an achievement but a true honor. However, not everyone in the class shared the same enthusiasm.

Some students stared ahead with furrowed brows, their hands clenched on their desks. They knew that the graduation exam was no easy task, and those with mediocre performance felt the pressure weighing heavily on their shoulders.

Anxiety filled every corner of the room.

"In the past two days, we have reviewed the Clone Technique and the Substitution Technique. Today, we will go over the last one, the Transformation Technique, to be well-prepared for tomorrow's evaluation."

"Now, I will call the students according to their rankings in the monthly assessment. When you hear your name, come forward and demonstrate the Transformation Technique."

In addition to the annual evaluation, the Academy also conducted monthly assessments within each class, known as the monthly exams.

"The first one… Gen Uchiha."

!

When the teacher spoke his name, from the middle row of the classroom, a figure rose gracefully.

Gen Uchiha.

The top student of last month—and probably of the next as well.

His black hair was messy yet seemed to have an intentional air to it, with a few rebellious strands defying gravity. He wore a fitted black shirt along with dark blue shorts.

But what truly made him stand out was not his clothing, but the aura he exuded.

Despite his young age, his face held an undeniable allure—a perfect blend of the natural arrogance of the Uchiha and an inexplicable tranquility.

If there were an appearance competition in the class, Gen would win effortlessly. Not because of the mere beauty of his features, but because of the presence he commanded without needing to speak.

And, of course, his last name said it all.

An Uchiha.

A descendant of Konoha's most feared and respected lineage.

With a relaxed yet firm step, he walked down the aisle between the desks and positioned himself at the front of the classroom, just a few inches from the teacher.

"Transformation Technique!"

Without another word, he formed hand seals with incredible speed, flawlessly executing each one.

"Poof"

A dense cloud of white smoke enveloped his body for an instant, and when it cleared, he was no longer himself.

Not only had his face and physique changed, but every detail—from the way the fabric draped to the subtle wrinkles in the clothing—was an exact replica of his teacher.

From the platform, the two looked like mirror images.

"Excellent."

The teacher, unable to hide his satisfaction, nodded approvingly before giving him his evaluation.

"Gen, your mastery of the Transformation Technique is so advanced that I am certain the examiners will give you an outstanding rating tomorrow."

The Ninja Academy classified grades into four levels: Excellent, Good, Pass, and Fail.

The highest category, 'Excellent,' was a distinction reserved for flawless performance.

With a subtle motion, Gen released the transformation, returning to his original appearance.

"Teacher, you're flattering me too much," he responded with a bow. "I still have a lot to learn from you…"

It wasn't a rehearsed response or a mere formality, but true sincerity.

The teacher smiled, even more pleased.

The Uchiha Clan did not have the best reputation in the village. Their pride and sense of superiority made them distant, and many of them looked down on those who did not bear their surname.

But Gen was different.

He was always respectful, kind, and approachable—not only with his classmates but also with the teachers. That attitude had earned him great respect at the Academy, something rare for someone of his lineage.

And tomorrow, without a doubt, he would prove once again why he was the best.

With satisfaction, the teacher looked at the rest of the class and declared loudly:

"You all saw Gen's demonstration. He is the best example for you to follow."

Upon hearing this, some students were already shifting uncomfortably in their seats.

"I know I keep emphasizing this, but listen carefully: whether it's the Transformation Technique or any other skill, you should all take Gen as your role model."

At the back of the classroom, a couple of boys exchanged annoyed glances.

"Here we go again…" one murmured, crossing his arms. "We already get it—Gen is amazing."

"Does he ever get tired of repeating the same thing?" another whispered, rolling his eyes.

The teacher continued, unaware of the low murmurs.

"A year ago, he was just an average student in the class. But with constant effort, in just one year, he improved at an astonishing speed. Six months ago, he became the best student in the class and has maintained his position ever since."

"Yeah, sure, 'with effort,'" a boy scoffed. "As if it were that easy."

"Tsk…" another muttered, resting his head on his arm. "He's great and all, but some people are just born different."

The teacher went on:

"Even for tomorrow's evaluation, both I and the other instructors are convinced that he has a great chance of securing first place in his generation…"

A collective sigh swept through the class.

"Ugh… there he goes again."

"Obviously, he's going to be first. There's not even any real competition."

"I don't know why they compare us to him. It's like telling a fish to learn how to climb trees."

"Exactly," another student said with resignation. "Gen is a genius. No matter how much we train, I doubt even the best from other classes can come close to him…"

"Yeah, whatever," another interrupted in an irritated voice. "They should just keep calling the rest of us so we can get this over with."

The teacher's words sparked a variety of reactions in the class.

Some students sighed in resignation, others nodded in respect, and a few cast looks of pure admiration at Gen.

Among the latter, most were girls.

At their age, kids were already starting to notice certain things. Even if they didn't fully understand the concept of love, they could still recognize attractiveness and status. And at the Ninja Academy, Gen had both.

Not only was he the top student in the class, but he also had a presence that was hard to ignore. Intelligent, talented, and effortlessly striking, it was no surprise that he was the most popular boy among the female students.

After listening to the teacher, Gen returned to his seat with the same calm demeanor as always.

Several intense gazes followed him as he walked back, but this was nothing new to him. He was more than used to this kind of attention, so he simply sat down without giving it much thought.

Even so, before settling in completely, he flashed a polite smile, which earned sighs from those lucky enough to receive his brief gesture.

"Gen! Do you think tomorrow's exam will be difficult?"

As soon as he sat down, the classmate to his right leaned slightly toward him and whispered.

Gen turned his head and met a unique gaze.

A pair of striking, wine-red eyes—intense and filled with curiosity, with an additional ring within them.

Kurenai's eyes.