THE UCHIHA ASCENSION

After walking out of the examination room, Uchiha Kiyo let out a deep breath of relief.

Although the graduation exam wasn't particularly difficult for him, the significance of this assessment was different.

Since arriving in this world, Uchiha Kiyo had been focused solely on improving his strength. Every day, he was either training or on his way to train. Today, while his strength had not increased, his identity had changed. From this moment on, he was officially a shinobi. Konoha recognized him as a full-fledged ninja.

Beyond the shift in status, this exam also marked a turning point in his training regimen.

From now on, his growth would no longer come from blind, repetitive training but from missions and real-world combat experiences that would push him to break his limits.

After informing Nawaki Senju that it was his turn for the exam, Uchiha Kiyo made his way back to the classroom.

After waiting in line and completing the assessment, the written exam had already concluded. Now, Uchiha Kiyo could simply head inside and wait for the team assignments.

If all went according to plan, the team distributions would be announced today. After a brief introduction to their new teammates and instructor, they would undergo a test—perhaps the bell test or something similar—before officially becoming a team.

Before long, Nawaki returned to the classroom and immediately started complaining.

"Kiyo! How could you leave without me? I looked all over for you!"

He went on for a while, but when he noticed that Uchiha Kiyo was still reading, he sighed in defeat.

The book in Kiyo's hands was no longer a basic textbook but a journal on sealing techniques. This was a privilege granted to him after being recognized as a key talent within the Uchiha clan. As long as he could afford it, he now had access to the second floor of the reference archive, where he could borrow practice journals and ninjutsu scrolls.

However, these materials were expensive. It had taken him years of saving to finally exchange enough resources for this book. While he had already studied the notes left behind by his parents—both Chunin—the insights of a more advanced shinobi were invaluable.

Nawaki quickly recovered and resumed chattering about various topics.

Time passed quietly, and soon the afternoon was over.

One by one, the other students returned to the classroom, waiting anxiously for the results.

By around 5 PM, the first jonin instructor arrived and called away his team. The students in Class 1 grew excited, whispering amongst themselves about who their instructor might be.

Then, Orochimaru entered the room.

His mere presence sent a chill down the spines of every student. Even though he was not deliberately releasing any killing intent, the natural aura of cold detachment he exuded was enough to make them feel as though they had fallen into an ice cavern. The lively classroom fell into complete silence.

His pale face, his golden snake-like eyes—no one dared to speak. Even breathing felt heavy.

Without any change in expression, Orochimaru calmly announced three names.

"Team 3: Nawaki Senju, Uchiha Kiyo, and Sarutobi Shō. Come with me."

At the mention of his name, a well-built boy with a faint stubble on his chin stood up alongside Uchiha Kiyo and Nawaki. The three of them hurriedly followed behind Orochimaru.

Nawaki, for once, did not slack off. In fact, he moved faster than ever.

Hearing the name Sarutobi Shō, Uchiha Kiyo immediately recalled some details about him.

Sarutobi Shō was the nephew of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. He had received elite training from the Sarutobi clan from a young age and was considered one of the strongest students in their class. In terms of pure ninjutsu ability, only Uchiha Kiyo could confidently claim to match or surpass him.

Sarutobi Shō was a rising star of the Sarutobi clan. While his talent in ninjutsu wasn't quite as overwhelming as his uncle's, he was still exceptionally skilled. With three confirmed chakra natures, it was almost guaranteed that he would reach the rank of jonin.

Uchiha Kiyo wasn't entirely sure which chakra natures Sarutobi Shō possessed—he only knew there were three, something he had overheard from the Uchiha patriarch.

Over the past three years, Uchiha Junsuke had invited Kiyo to his house several times. They had discussed many things, including information about the strongest talents among their generation.

As they followed Orochimaru, they expected to be led to the academy's rooftop or a training ground. Instead, he took them to a dimly lit, secluded area behind the academy, an eerie silence hanging in the air. Coupled with Orochimaru's naturally unsettling presence, even Uchiha Kiyo felt a chill.

"Alright, this will do," Orochimaru finally spoke, his voice carrying an unsettling calm.

"First, introductions. I am Orochimaru. From today forward, I will be your team leader."

His golden eyes glinted as he continued.

"I don't like unnecessary chatter, so we'll keep this brief."

"I have already read your files in the Hokage's office."

"You two," he gestured to Nawaki and Kiyo, "have been classmates for four years. I assume you know enough about each other."

"That's all. Meet me at Training Ground 7 tomorrow at 9 AM."

With that, Orochimaru's body melted into a cluster of small snakes that slithered away, disappearing in an instant.

Uchiha Kiyo blinked.

That was it? That was their introduction?

Judging by the expressions of his teammates, they were equally dumbfounded.

Nawaki let out a deep breath, patting his chest as if he had just escaped a wild beast.

"That was intense…"

He then turned to the other two, his usual enthusiasm returning.

"Hey! Kiyo, Shō—since Orochimaru-sensei doesn't like introductions, why don't we introduce ourselves properly?"

He shuddered slightly as he said "Orochimaru-sensei," as if the name itself carried weight.

Uchiha Kiyo and Sarutobi Shō exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.

Nawaki, naturally, went first.

"I'm Nawaki Senju! My goal is to become Hokage, and my dream is—also to become Hokage! Hahaha! Remember that—I'm the guy who will be Hokage!"

He grinned triumphantly, looking at Sarutobi Shō as if daring him to challenge that claim.

Uchiha Kiyo gave his introduction next. His hobbies and goals had remained unchanged since the first day of school.

Finally, Sarutobi Shō spoke.

"My name is Sarutobi Shō. I specialize in Wind Release ninjutsu. I enjoy training, and my goal is to become stronger and protect Konoha."

Uchiha Kiyo inwardly nodded. As expected of someone raised under the Third Hokage—his beliefs were deeply rooted in the Will of Fire.

When Sarutobi Shō spoke his name, he enunciated each syllable clearly, pointedly glaring at Nawaki as if to remind him not to mess it up.

"Yeah, yeah, I got it," Nawaki waved him off dismissively. "Sarutobi Shō. Loud and clear!"

However, when he noticed Shō's irritated expression—and Kiyo's subtle warning gaze—he quickly corrected himself.

Kiyo sighed internally.

Having a team conflict before their first mission wasn't ideal. It was better to smooth things over now.

"My apologies on Nawaki's behalf," he said with a small nod. "He's just… like that. No offense intended."

"Hmph," Sarutobi Shō huffed, turning his head away. But after a moment, he nodded slightly, indicating that he accepted the apology.

Thus, Team 3 was officially formed.

In the coming years, these three would complete mission after mission together, steadily making a name for themselves among the shinobi of Konoha.