The sun climbed high, its scorching rays beating down on the earth, making everyone sweat. As time passed, the ninja academy's entrance tests wrapped up.
With the proctor announcing the results, a crowd of excited kids surged out of the testing grounds.
Uchiha Xingliu wasn't in a rush. He waited for the crowd to thin before heading to the academy's bulletin board.
A cluster of kids was already gathered there. Some were beaming with joy, while others, who didn't make the cut, wore expressions of disappointment.
Just as he expected, his name was on the elite class list. Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade also made it. Only Might Duy ended up in the regular class.
*This is just as I thought. Jiraiya and Orochimaru aren't from ninja clans, but their talent is undeniable.*
Orochimaru was a given, and Jiraiya, even before signing with Mount Myoboku, was still a standout in the elite class. His chakra reserves were absurdly high, a prerequisite for mastering Sage Mode.
Glancing at the sky, Xingliu realized it was already noon. Heading home to prepare lunch was out of the question.
With a pocket full of clan compensation, he decided to treat himself to a feast at Yakiniku Q.
He hurried to the restaurant, pushing aside the entrance curtain as he walked in. The owner, recognizing him, greeted him with a broad smile.
Last time, Xingliu had spent more on his own than most groups did, making the owner more than happy to see him again.
Xingliu ordered with a calm demeanor. Spending his own money didn't warrant a smile, but if it were free, that'd be a different story.
The place was packed, mostly with families celebrating their kids' successful enrollment.
Just then, a young woman with fiery red hair tied in a bun walked in with Tsunade.
"Granny, I got into the best class! How are you gonna reward me?" Tsunade bounced alongside the woman, her excitement palpable.
The red-haired woman was unmistakably Uzumaki Mito, Tsunade's grandmother.
Mito knelt down, gently patting Tsunade's head, her eyes scanning the crowded room with a hint of frustration.
Then her gaze landed on Xingliu, sitting alone. Her eyes lit up.
"How about I introduce you to a handsome young man?" she suggested, pointing at Xingliu.
Ignoring Tsunade's reluctant expression, she led her over to Xingliu's table.
"Hey there, handsome. Mind if we join you? Everywhere else is full, and I'll cover the bill."
Xingliu, who had been enjoying the show, was caught off guard. *Guess I'm part of the story now.*
*No wonder Tsunade and Kushina were so fiery. They must've learned it from Mito...*
But hearing Mito offer to pay, his mood brightened instantly. He flashed a cheerful grin.
"Sure thing, beautiful lady and cute little miss."
Mito felt something was off about Xingliu's smile, but she was too pleased with the compliment to dwell on it.
She didn't mind the small favor; after all, she owned the whole street and wasn't concerned about money.
With a reluctant Tsunade in tow, Mito sat across from Xingliu, her tone gentle yet curious.
"Are you starting at the academy this year too? Which class?"
She figured Xingliu, dining alone at such a young age, was likely an orphan from the recent war.
Mito was wise enough not to touch on such a sensitive topic, having lived through decades of ninja life.
Xingliu, puzzled by Mito's gaze, still answered her question.
"Yeah, I'm in the elite class."
Tsunade was surprised. She hadn't expected Xingliu to be in the same class. Her friends were in the slightly lower elite class two.
Still, she pouted, turning to Mito. "Granny, look at his clan emblem. He's an Uchiha."
Mito's expression shifted to seriousness. "That's not right, Tsunade. I understand the clan's history with the Uchiha, but you're Hashirama's granddaughter. Everyone's watching you."
"The Uchiha are part of the village. You must lead by example and accept them. Otherwise, your granduncle's lifelong wish would be in vain."
Turning to Xingliu, Mito apologized, "I'm sorry. Tsunade's still young and doesn't fully understand."
"I see you like this place. How about this: from now on, your meals here are on me."
Tsunade, seeing Mito's stern demeanor, didn't fully grasp the lesson but obediently apologized to Xingliu.
"Sorry, please forgive my mistake."
Watching the pair express their apologies, Xingliu quickly reassured them, "It's alright, no need to be so serious."
Their words didn't upset Xingliu. He was already somewhat distanced from the Uchiha clan.
He wasn't bound by clan limitations, but he was impressed by Mito's wisdom.
Despite the Uchiha's aloofness, it was the village that couldn't accommodate them, leading to inevitable conflict.
Hashirama's dream of a village where all ninja children could grow up safely was noble. He never intended to exclude the Uchiha.
But after his fallout with Madara and their battle, Hashirama's untimely death left Konoha vulnerable, indirectly sparking war.
The village's resentment towards the Uchiha was misplaced but understandable human nature.
Yet Mito, who had every reason to resent the Uchiha, chose to uphold the bigger picture. Her vision and grace earned Xingliu's respect.