It seemed Ye Han really had to study hard. He refused to believe he was that bad. Even if he wasn't some genius on the level of Kakashi, he surely wasn't below average! Being outperformed by these little kids? That would be way too humiliating.
Hokage's Office
At the Hokage's office, Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, had just returned from welcoming the new Ninja Academy students. Sitting at his desk, he sifted through piles of documents. The Hokage's work was never easy. Even though Konoha had just stabilized after the Third Great Ninja War, there were still plenty of matters demanding his attention.
The office door creaked open.
"Ah, Sarutobi-sensei," Minato greeted as he quickly rose to his feet.
It was Hiruzen Sarutobi, the retired Third Hokage. He appeared somewhat aged, but his spirit was still sharp. His ever-present pipe was in hand, a gentle smile on his face.
"Minato, no need to be so formal. You're the Hokage now," Hiruzen chuckled as he approached.
Minato smiled. "I just finished meeting this year's batch of Academy students. Watching them reminded me of myself when I was their age. I think we have some promising kids this year."
"Oh? Anyone in particular catch your eye?" Hiruzen asked, curiosity lighting his gaze.
Minato thought for a moment. "There's a little girl from the Hyuga clan—she's already awakened her Byakugan.
Then there's a boy from the Uchiha clan. The next generation from those two clans is looking pretty sharp."
Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. "The Hyuga and Uchiha are always protective of their own. It's rare for them to produce weaklings. But we'll see… it's still too early to judge. Let's wait until they graduate. If the Stone Village starts stirring again, we'll need reliable shinobi soon."
Minato's expression darkened slightly. "I've noticed Iwagakure has been testing our defenses more aggressively since the war ended. It's like they're looking for an opening."
"Be careful, Minato. These times are still dangerous. You've inherited the Will of Fire and the heavy burden of leading Konoha," Hiruzen said, a hint of concern in his voice.
Minato's sunny smile returned. "Being Hokage has always been my dream, sensei. I'll protect this village no matter what. I'm ready for the challenge."
Back at the Ninja AcademyYe Han's classes had officially begun. The morning sessions covered cultural lessons and Konoha's history, including the founding of the village by Hashirama and Tobirama Senju. Time passed quickly, and soon it was lunch break.
The Academy provided lunch for its students, so there was no need to bring food from home. The cafeteria buzzed with chatter and laughter, filled with excited children.
Several kids had already gravitated toward Ye Han, including a boy from a civilian family named Nakamura, who seemed particularly friendly.
"In the afternoon, we'll start our first practical training! I wonder if we'll get to learn something cool like fire-style jutsu?" Nakamura asked eagerly.
Ye Han smiled. "Don't get ahead of yourself. The Academy focuses on the basics first. Advanced ninjutsu is usually reserved for when you become genin. Right now, the most important thing is learning basic hand seals and how to use chakra properly."
Nakamura scratched his head sheepishly. "Oh, right. I guess we should start with the basics… but I really wanna learn a fireball jutsu!"
Ye Han chuckled. "Don't rush it. In battle, the speed of your hand seals is critical. The faster you can form seals, the faster you can strike. Master the basics now—it'll give you an edge later."
"Wow, Ye Han, you sure know a lot! Must be because you're from the Uchiha clan! Hey, you must know that guy too, right?" Nakamura pointed toward a boy sitting alone across the cafeteria—Uchiha Obito.
Ye Han followed Nakamura's gaze. Obito sat by himself, quietly eating lunch. The other children seemed hesitant to approach him. Part of it was his naturally awkward and distant aura, but mostly it was because of his Uchiha lineage. Civilians and clan kids didn't often mix easily.
Ye Han suddenly remembered his system mission: increase friendship with Obito.
Right. This is my chance to complete the task and earn more points.
"I'll go talk to him," Ye Han said.
Obito noticed Ye Han approaching and glanced up curiously. "Um… you know me?"
"Yeah. Uchiha Obito, right?" Ye Han smiled.
Obito's face remained guarded, but he nodded. "I know you too. You're Ye Han."
Ye Han nearly stumbled. "Wait—what did you just call me?"
"Cousin. Ye Han." Obito said it so matter-of-factly, as if it were obvious. "My mom told me. Your mother is her sister. You're older than me by just over a month, so you're my cousin."
Ye Han froze. Wait, what?! I'm… related to Obito?
His mind spiraled. How did I not know this?! I thought I was just a distant branch member, but we're actually family? No wonder the system gave me five starting friendship points! It wasn't random—it's because we're cousins! Damn, the Uchiha clan is really something. Even family ties here come with hidden landmines.
Obito looked at him innocently. "Did you… need something?"
"Oh! Yeah, I just thought you looked kinda lonely sitting by yourself. Want to come sit with me and my friends? It's more fun in a group. We're classmates, after all. Gotta stick together."
Obito's eyes widened. "I can?"
"Of course! You're my cousin! Why wouldn't you be welcome?"
Obito hesitated, but then smiled—a genuine, childlike smile. "Okay."
Ding! Uchiha Obito's friendship increased by 5 points. Current friendship: 10/100. Points rewarded.
Ye Han grinned. Seems like I'm making good progress. Just getting him to join us earned me another five points.
He introduced Obito to his other friends: Nakamura, a lively kid who always brought snacks; Shiba, a quiet boy who wore glasses and whose family ran a bookstore; and two girls—Hinata Hyuga, who was shy and soft-spoken, and Mikazuki Sora, a beautiful, quiet girl who didn't talk much but had a warm smile.
They all got along surprisingly well, and Obito slowly began to open up.
Ding! Uchiha Obito's friendship increased by another 5 points. Current friendship: 15/100.
Ye Han felt a bit more optimistic. This isn't so bad. If I keep this up, I might actually complete this mission without too much trouble.
Afternoon Training
After lunch, the students gathered at the training grounds for their first physical training session.
Their homeroom teacher, Nakamura-sensei, clapped his hands to get their attention. "Listen up! The mornings are for academic study. Afternoons are for physical training. Ninjas are warriors—we need strong bodies. Without that foundation, you can't survive the battlefield. Do you all understand?"
"Yes, sensei!" the class shouted.
"Good. Today, we're starting with the basics. Physical training focuses on five areas: balance, agility, strength, endurance, and specialized skills. Balance will help you adapt quickly to battlefield conditions. Agility covers your movement, speed, reaction time, and hand seal formation. Strength and stamina will be built through daily training. Don't worry—if you get hurt, the Academy's medical staff will patch you up. But I expect you to push yourselves!"
The kids gulped nervously.
"Alright! For today's training, start by running five laps around Training Field No. 1!"
"Eh?! Five laps?!" the class groaned. Field No. 1 might have been the smallest training ground, but five laps still totaled over five kilometers.
Nakamura-sensei pulled out a long training whip and cracked it on the ground. "No complaints! Running builds your body, speed, and endurance—it's the most basic but most essential exercise. Remember, a ninja must have strength, spirit, and skill. Without a strong body, the rest is useless! Now—move!"
"Yes, sensei!" the students shouted as they took off, some enthusiastic, some dragging their feet.
Ye Han smiled as he jogged alongside his new friends, Obito keeping pace beside him. Maybe… just maybe… this life won't be so bad after all.