Several days later, at the Ninja Academy.
In the classroom, Sarutobi Retsu was explaining the 360 primary chakra points and the many secondary chakra points distributed throughout the human body, and how these points formed a network for chakra circulation through the meridians.
Uchiha Gen listened attentively. This systematic knowledge reinforced the insights he had gained from his own training, giving him a deeper understanding of chakra refinement and internal flow.
When the lecture ended, Sarutobi Retsu announced the end of class.
Amidst the cheerful chatter, students rushed out of the classroom in groups, laughing, wrestling, and challenging one another around the academy grounds.
Uchiha Gen remained seated, his eyes distant, still processing the lecture's content.
This lesson, in particular, deepened his understanding of how ninjutsu was executed.
As most shinobi knew, the majority of people performed ninjutsu by expelling chakra through the mouth — because the mouth was both a major and naturally unobstructed chakra point. Unlike the limbs or other parts of the body, which required the opening of meridians, chakra could flow freely through the mouth without restriction.
> "To recreate the Fourth Hokage's Rasengan," Gen mused, "I'll need to open several chakra points in the palm first. As for Sasuke's future Chidori Stream and the lightning-style techniques of Kumogakure… even more chakra points would have to be opened."
After regaining focus, Gen stood up, ready to leave.
Only then did he notice that another student still remained in the classroom, gazing silently out the window — Hatake Seiko.
"Hatake, why are you still here?" Gen asked, walking over to his seat.
Seiko turned slightly, his eyes half-lidded. "I prefer quiet places," he replied softly.
With that, he turned back toward the window.
Seeing this, Gen gave a faint, amused smile before turning to leave.
As Gen disappeared through the doorway, Seiko's eyes flickered briefly toward him, a conflicted look crossing his face — as though he wanted to call out, but thought better of it. He turned back to the window, saying nothing.
---
On the training grounds, older students were busy — some practicing shuriken and kunai throwing, others working on basic ninjutsu such as Clone Jutsu and Transformation Jutsu.
Meanwhile, students from prominent clans proudly demonstrated their family techniques, attracting spectators with their skills.
Groups of younger students watched in awe, occasionally gasping or cheering.
> "Nice kick!"
"Good block — go for a counter!"
"Careful, dodge!"
Hearing the noise, Uchiha Gen's attention was drawn to one particular crowd near the edge of the field.
There he saw familiar faces — Hyuga Kagami, standing among a few other Hyuga children, and not far away, several students wearing the Uchiha clan crest. Among them stood Uchiha Eiji.
In the center of the ring, two boys were locked in a heated taijutsu match.
One was from the Uchiha clan, his movements sharp and aggressive. His opponent, judging by the crest on his clothes, was from the Shiranui clan — a lesser-known but capable family.
Even at a glance, Gen could tell that the Shiranui boy was being overwhelmed.
After a few quick exchanges, the Uchiha student delivered a solid kick to his opponent's chest, sending him sprawling backward onto the ground.
"Hah! I only used seventy percent of my strength," the Uchiha sneered. "You can't even make me fight seriously, and you dare to challenge the Uchiha?"
The defeated Shiranui boy flushed red, humiliation and frustration in his eyes, before retreating silently from the ring.
Scenes like this were common at the Academy.
Students were straightforward — power determined respect. Whether from a prestigious clan or not, one's strength had to be proven through battle.
And among all the students, those from the Uchiha clan were the most arrogant and domineering, frequently accepting or provoking challenges.
Then, suddenly, a new figure stepped into the ring. He formed the Confrontation Seal and called out firmly:
"Senju Gen. Please, let's spar."
The crowd stirred immediately.
"Senju?!"
"Did he just say Senju?"
"It's a Senju versus an Uchiha — this is going to be good!"
The victorious Uchiha boy looked startled, then smiled faintly. "So you're that Senju from Class Nine," he said, returning the Confrontation Seal. "Uchiha Shinsuke. Let's see what you've got."
From the sidelines, Uchiha Gen's expression grew intrigued.
Senju Gen — quiet, kind, and humble — was well-liked by his classmates and rarely caused conflict. He usually returned straight to the Senju compound after class. Gen had never actually seen him fight before.
That's why it surprised him to see Senju Gen step forward today.
Every clan's taijutsu style had its own signature. The Uchiha's, shaped by the precision of the Sharingan, emphasized swift, cutting movements — clean, efficient, and aggressive. The Akimichi clan's taijutsu, by contrast, was broad and powerful, relying on overwhelming strength.
Now, the Uchiha and Senju stood face-to-face — a rivalry older than the village itself.
"Begin!"
At the call, both boys launched forward simultaneously, fists meeting midair with explosive force.
Their strikes were crisp, coordinated — each testing the other's rhythm and power.
> "As expected of a Senju — he's strong!"
"That counterpunch was perfect!"
"Only the Senju can stand toe-to-toe with the Uchiha."
Those words made Hyuga Kagami and his clanmates narrow their eyes in irritation.
In today's Konoha, only two clans truly stood above the rest — the Uchiha and the Hyuga.
Both possessed powerful dōjutsu, and an unspoken rivalry simmered between them. But deep down, even the Hyuga children could sense that the Uchiha's reputation — for raw battle power and prestige — still stood slightly higher.
And that silent truth only deepened their determination to surpass them.
Visit patreon.com/MexxyWave to get access to 30+ chapters