The Ninja Academy courtyard buzzed with energy as new and returning students flooded through the gates. Hanekawa observed the controlled chaos with mild amusement, mentally cataloging the various power levels on display.

  "It's really lively," Rin Nohara remarked, glancing around at the throng of excited children.

  Kurenai's eyes lit up with sudden inspiration. "We're sophomores now. Should the freshmen call us seniors?"

  She'd given up on claiming Hanekawa as her younger brother—he was far too strong for that fantasy—but the first-year students offered a promising alternative. The appeal of being called "senior" was apparently irresistible.

  "In theory, yes," Rin agreed thoughtfully. "I wonder if there are any standout freshmen this year."

  "There are!" Obito practically vibrated with excitement as he squeezed between them. "Uchiha Tekka! He's a genius just as talented as me!"

  Rin's expression flickered with something unreadable.

  "Compared to Kakashi?" she asked carefully, clearly deciding that comparing anyone to Hanekawa would be unfair.

  "Well... probably about the same," Obito said uncertainly.

  "Definitely not as good!" Kurenai announced proudly, puffing out her chest. "Hanekawa can beat ten people alone!"

  Kakashi's eyes shifted slightly at the mention of his name, but he remained silent—a wise choice after their recent sparring session had ended in his decisive defeat.

  Hanekawa smiled to himself as he reviewed his newest system entries. The three components needed for the B-Rank synthesis "Sealless Healing" were finally within reach. The system's clarity was one of its best features—no cryptic riddles, just straightforward conditions.

  The C-Rank entries "Medical Chunin" and "Strong and Vigorous" were progressing steadily. The latter had already reached 10% through his training with the Lightning Style Chakra Activation Scroll. The former simply required continued medical ninjutsu study.

  The troublesome one was "Fast as the Wind"—a composite requiring the E-Rank Body Flicker Technique, plus D-Rank entries in Sword Technique and Wind Style. That would take time.

  "Stop!"

  The command cut through the crowd like a blade. A black-haired boy in a dark coat stood blocking their path, hands casually in his pockets, radiating arrogant confidence.

  "Tekka," Obito recognized him immediately.

  Hanekawa's memory supplied the details: Uchiha Tekka, future Jonin, three-magatama Sharingan user. A minor character whose only significant scene involved interrogating Itachi after Shisui's death. Interesting that he was showing up here as a first-year.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  "Who are you?" Tekka's gaze swept over them dismissively.

  "Uchiha Obito!" Obito's expression froze before he recovered with forced bravado. "You should show respect to your seniors!"

  "Oh, it's you." Tekka's snort was pure contempt. "The disgrace of the Uchiha clan. Last place in your entire class."

  "What did you—"

  "Every Uchiha who enters this academy places in the top three," Tekka continued coldly. "You're the only exception."

  "I let them win!" Obito's face flushed. "I was going easy on them!"

  Tekka didn't even bother responding to the obvious lie. "Who is Hanekawa?"

  "If you need anything, I'll handle it," Obito said quickly, puffing his chest out and glancing at Rin.

  "You can't." Tekka's dismissal was absolute. "I'm here to challenge him. I'm taking back first place—where it belongs with the Uchiha."

  Obito's entire body trembled with rage. Why does everyone want to fight Hanekawa?

  Hanekawa glanced at Kakashi. "Go ahead. Don't waste too much time."

  Kakashi's eye twitched. Am I some kind of tool?

  "You don't think you can beat him?" Hanekawa asked innocently.

  "Easy," Kakashi said flatly.

  "Arrogant!" Tekka snarled.

  "You're too noisy," Kakashi replied, drawing his short sword.

  He vanished.

  Tekka barely had time to react before cold steel pressed against his neck. The blade bit just enough to sting, drawing a bead of blood.

  "How—" Tekka's voice cracked.

  "You're no better than Obito," Kakashi observed, withdrawing his sword.

  "Kakashi!" Obito's eyes blazed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "Nothing." Kakashi sheathed his blade with practiced ease.

  "When I awaken my Sharingan, you'll all lose!" Obito declared through gritted teeth.

  "Me too," Tekka added quickly, as if remembering his own potential.

  Hanekawa walked past them without comment. Uchiha. Always so confident about their eventual power-ups. Adorable.

  Kurenai caught up with him, lowering her voice. "Do Uchiha always have to be so dramatic?"

  "Just avoid playing with them," Hanekawa advised. "They're unpredictable."

  And they treat people like tools for their ambitions, he didn't add.

  "Okay," Kurenai said, then blushed slightly. "I'll play with you instead."

  Hanekawa blinked. Children in the ninja world really are precocious.

  The moment he entered the classroom, chaos erupted.

  "Hanekawa!"

  "He's even more handsome than two months ago!"

  "He's looking at me! Ahhhhh!"

  The girls practically swarmed him, waving frantically. Kurenai immediately positioned herself in front of him like a guardian, chin raised defiantly. Rin watched the display with an odd expression, something that might have been envy flickering across her face.

  Asuma Sarutobi's jaw clenched as he glared from his seat. His eyes held a particular intensity—the look of someone calculating power levels.

  Interesting, Hanekawa thought. If Asuma wants to develop his wind-style talents further, he'd need to reach Chunin level. That's... ambitious.

  An idea began forming. Asuma was a wind-style user, and Hanekawa needed to learn three Wind Style jutsu to trigger his D-Rank entry. Tsunade wasn't a wind specialist, but Asuma...

  Maybe I can find a way to make use of that rivalry.

  Hanekawa settled into his seat, already plotting his next move. The Ability System's requirements were demanding, but the ninja world was full of useful tools—if you knew how to leverage them.