The academy felt different this year.
Shisui and I had already moved up, but we weren't coasting. If anything, expectations were higher. Every day was filled with exercises, sparring matches, and drills that left me drenched in sweat, exhausted and still hungry for more.
"Shinji! Shisui!"
I turned to see Might Guy charging toward us, arms flailing wildly.
"ARE YOU TWO READY TO CRUSH IT THIS YEAR? YOU CAN'T LET THE ACADEMY SEE YOU SLACKING!"
I glanced at Shisui. He grinned.
"Looks like we're in for a lot of energy."
"I can handle it," I muttered.
Guy stopped in front of us, striking a pose.
"This year, we excel! We break limits! We reach perfection! WE"
I raised a hand. "Yeah, yeah. I get it."
Shisui chuckled. Guy didn't even notice.
On the first day back, I spotted familiar faces.
Asuma leaned against the wall, looking like he couldn't care less about anything. True to form, he barely acknowledged us.
"Morning," he muttered.
I nodded and kept walking. He glanced at me once, unimpressed, and went back to staring at nothing.
Kurenai sat nearby, silent, watching everyone with sharp, observant eyes. She didn't say a word.
Then Obito came barreling toward us, nearly tripping over his own feet.
"Shinji! Shisui! Can you believe we're in the last year? This is going to be amazing! I can't wait for the exams!"
"Yeah," I replied politely but coldly. Something about him bothered me.
Obito didn't notice the edge. "C'mon! It's all about fun and friends, right?"
I nodded once and turned away.
Shisui elbowed me lightly. "You're cold. He's just being friendly."
"I know," I muttered.
The year blurred into constant training.
I refined my fireball jutsu, learned basic earth techniques, and began practicing genjutsu. Shisui kept pace effortlessly. Obito tried to compete with flashy moves and endless talking. I blocked, dodged, and countered, focused only on improvement.
Might Guy was… Might Guy.
"HARD WORK BEATS TALENT WHEN TALENT DOESN'T WORK HARD!"
He ran laps while shouting, while Shisui and I quietly completed our drills.
Asuma watched from the sidelines, occasionally nodding.
Kurenai observed in silence.
Rin stayed close to them, helpful and kind, always supporting others.
The academy exams arrived faster than expected.
"First test," Shikaku announced calmly. "Demonstrate your basic jutsu."
I exchanged a glance with Shisui. We nodded.
I stepped forward, focused my chakra, and released a clean, controlled fireball.
Shisui followed, flawless.
Obito tried to show off, producing a fireball far larger than necessary. He lost control. It exploded nearby, scorching the ground.
He laughed it off.
Next came taijutsu.
I stayed calm, conserved stamina, adapted on the fly. Shisui moved like a shadow beside me. Guy shouted encouragements nonstop, and I had to suppress a grin annoying or not, he pushed people forward.
Shisui and I finished first.
Obito stumbled near the end, panting.
Final test: strategy and teamwork.
Teams were randomized.
"Team: Shinji Uchiha, Shisui Uchiha, Might Guy."
I blinked. "Great. Loud energy."
Shisui smirked. "Could be worse."
Guy was ecstatic.
"YES! THE PERFECT TEAM! HARD WORK!"
I focused. Shisui planned. Guy charged headfirst.
It worked.
Shisui and I coordinated fireballs, clones, and movement, covering Guy's aggressive pushes. The instructors nodded. Shikaku scribbled notes.
After the exams, we were called forward.
"Shinji Uchiha. Shisui Uchiha," Shikaku said. "You've tied for Rookie of the Year. Exceptional teamwork, focus, and discipline."
Shisui grinned, punching my shoulder.
"Told you."
"Yeah," I said, smirking. "Good work."
Obito clapped loudly. "I'll beat you next time!"
Later, the team assignments were announced.
Team 1: Shinji Uchiha, Shisui Uchiha, Might Guy
Team 7: Obito Uchiha, Rin Nohara, Kakashi Hatake
Team 3: Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi, Anko Mitarashi
I glanced at Shisui. He smirked.
This was perfect.
That night, I sat in my room, reflecting.
Shisui was my friend, rival, and equal.
Guy was exhausting but reliable.
Obito? I'd keep my eye on him.
I thought of Itachi. Of family. Of the village.
"We'll be stronger next year," I said quietly. "All of us."
Earlier that day
After the ceremony, several Jonin gathered near the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke quietly to Shikaku and Minato.
"This generation is talented," Hiruzen said. "But they are Uchiha. Their pride and loyalty must be guided carefully. I want Konoha to come first."
Shikaku nodded.
"I want you as their Jonin sensei," Hiruzen continued. "Not for their strength but their mindset."
"I thought you'd assign one of their own," Shikaku said.
Hiruzen shook his head. "They must learn the Will of Fire."
Shikaku exhaled. "It's a drag… but I understand."
"I don't want history repeating itself," Hiruzen said quietly. "Teach them balance village first, without breaking who they are."
"I will," Shikaku said. "I won't let you down."