The week began with overcast skies and a subtle chill in the air — not enough to call it winter, but enough to feel like something was shifting.
It was the perfect mood for the beginning of the Academy's final evaluations.
Inside the classroom, Iruka stood beside Mizuki, holding a clipboard that seemed to weigh more than just paper.
"Starting today," Iruka began, "we'll be evaluating chakra control, ninjutsu, taijutsu, teamwork, and practical combat judgment. These scores will determine your placement for the graduation exam."
No one made a sound.
Even Naruto — unusually — stayed quiet, though his foot tapped nervously against the floor.
Akio sat in his usual seat, arms crossed. His glowing eyes didn't move from the board, but his attention had already moved three steps ahead. From his side, Shikamaru glanced at him briefly, already half-guessing the outcome of this week's exams with a tired sigh.
"It's gonna be such a drag," Shikamaru muttered. "Iruka-sensei's gonna pair us up based on skill gaps."
Akio nodded slightly. "To see how we compensate."
Shikamaru sighed louder. "Exactly."
Training Grounds – First Evaluation: Chakra ControlThe class had been split into small rotating groups. Their first task: walking across the narrow stream near the outer edge of the training field. Basic chakra control — but under timed conditions.
Akio's group included Saka, Naruto, and Hinata.
When Iruka gave the signal, Naruto immediately stepped forward… and fell in two seconds later with a splash.
"Cold!" he yelled, flailing.
Saka stepped out next, calm and focused. Her steps across the water were light but steady, and like Akio, her eyes held the soft, unwavering glow of the active Uchūgan — the tiny star glimmering at their center. She completed the walk in just under ten seconds.
Hinata followed. Her steps faltered, but she didn't fall.
When it was Akio's turn, he barely touched the water before moving across — silent, controlled, almost bored. He made it across in just over six seconds and stood still until Iruka marked the time.
"Solid control as usual," Iruka noted.
"I've been practicing," Akio replied flatly.
Iruka smiled faintly. "That's what shows."
Akio turned back toward the others. Naruto was soaked and trying again, muttering about ramen as a reward. Saka looked at Akio without a word, then away.
The two Uchūgan users didn't speak, but something passed between them — something quiet and understood.
Midday Break – Behind the AcademyShikamaru sat beneath a tree, eyes half-closed, watching clouds. Akio sat nearby, resting against the trunk.
"You're still not taking it seriously," Akio said casually.
"Why bother?" Shikamaru mumbled. "I'm gonna pass either way. It's just easier to pretend I'm average."
Akio considered that. "You're not."
"Neither are you," Shikamaru replied, cracking an eye open. "But you don't exactly act like it."
Akio didn't answer. A light wind passed through the trees.
"…Your clan," Shikamaru added a moment later, "everyone knows about your dōjutsu. But no one really understands it."
"That's the point," Akio said.
"You planning on staying mysterious forever?"
"No. Just until I know who's paying attention."
Shikamaru chuckled. "Paranoia or strategy?"
Akio didn't smile, but the look in his eyes wasn't unfriendly. "Both."
Second Evaluation: TaijutsuAkio was paired against a boy from the Aburame clan — quiet, like him, but precise in movement. The match began without fanfare.
Akio deflected the first three strikes without counterattacking. Then slipped to the left, redirecting a shoulder charge and letting the boy stumble past him.
When the Aburame turned, Akio swept low, struck behind the knee, and stepped away again.
Iruka raised his hand. "Match: Akio."
He bowed, and the crowd murmured quietly. Most of them were used to his efficiency by now, but it didn't make it any less unsettling.
From the side, Mizuki whispered something to Iruka. Akio caught only one word from their lips.
"Controlled."
Later That Day – Tengetsu CompoundHe returned home to a quiet meal and the soft shuffle of sandals in the corridor. His grandfather sat at the inner balcony, watching the garden. The distant chirp of evening insects filled the silence.
"Your posture's improving," the old man said.
"Iruka's evaluations are too predictable."
"That's not a weakness."
Akio sat beside him.
After a few moments, his grandfather spoke again. "Saka stopped by. She said you both performed well today."
"She's consistent."
"So are you."
Akio looked away.
The old man's voice lowered. "The clan is watching. And they're not just watching you."
Akio looked at him directly, the faint glow of his active Uchūgan reflecting the lantern light. "They're preparing for something?"
"They always are."
Elsewhere – Forests Near the BorderTwo hooded figures stood atop a high branch, gazing toward Konoha's distant walls. One held a scroll. The other, a faded mask.
"She's confirmed," one said. "The girl's eyes have awakened."
"And the boy?"
"Soon."
They vanished without another word.
End of Chapter 17