Konoha Village, Ninja School.
The sound of students dozing off filled the classroom. By the window, a red-haired girl was propping up her chin, letting out a lazy yawn.
She was the newly enrolled Kushina Uzumaki of the Uzumaki clan, known for her fiery temper and direct way of doing things.
Coupled with her striking red hair, which resembled a burning flame, she had become the target of ridicule for the boys in her class.
"Hey, tomato, your hair is even redder today than yesterday!"
"Shh, she's a chili pepper now."
A few mischievous boys in the back row snickered, whispering among themselves.
Kushina's eyebrow twitched slightly.
She took a deep breath, trying to tell herself to stay calm, but the taunts buzzed like mosquitoes, becoming unbearable.
A few days ago, she couldn't hold back and had beaten those boys until their faces were black and blue.
As a result, the next day, she was given a new nickname: Crimson Red Chili.
This moniker left her even more speechless than 'tomato'.
However, it wasn't as if no one was paying attention to her.
At the very least, on the other side of the classroom, a boy seemed to be watching her.
This person was Minato Namikaze.
He sat there quietly, always wearing a clumsy yet sincere smile.
In Kushina's eyes, he looked both foolish and naive.
Today's class topic was future aspirations.
When the teacher called on Minato Namikaze to speak.
"I hope to make everyone in the village trust and understand each other. Even if it's just me, I want to make Konoha a place where everyone can smile with peace of mind. My dream... is to become Hokage."
"Someone like him wants to be Hokage?"
Kushina snorted inwardly and rolled her eyes.
But she didn't notice that before sitting down, Minato had turned his head slightly to glance at her.
Their eyes met for a moment, and Kushina was a little stunned.
Just as she was lowering her head in a daze, a voice suddenly came from the broadcast system on the ceiling.
"Attention all students. After a school-wide discussion, it has been decided that an annual mock exam will be held tomorrow. The top ten students in the rankings will receive a special reward arranged by the school."
The classroom immediately erupted.
Discussions broke out one after another. Even the usually lazy Shikaku Nara lifted his head and sighed helplessly, "What a troublesome exam... but if I don't take it, Dad will nag me."
Beside him, Choza Akimichi's face was full of anticipation. "Hehe, it would be great if the prize is food."
Shibi Aburame just pushed up his glasses slightly, calmly taking note of the announcement.
Inoichi Yamanaka, on the other hand, smiled relaxedly. "Looks like our class is about to get lively."
Even the students from the Uchiha and Hyuga clans showed eager expressions.
After all, such a formal, ranked exam was not common at the Ninja School.
Making it into the top ten would not only win them a prize but also bring honor to their clans.
This was a strong incentive for both the Uchiha and Hyuga.
Kushina's interest was instantly ignited.
She slammed her textbook shut, a fighting spirit burning in her eyes.
She leaped to her feet and walked straight toward Minato Namikaze, who was sitting in the front row.
"Hey, blondie," she said, hands on her hips, her tone full of confidence and provocation. "I'm definitely taking first place in this exam!"
Minato was slightly taken aback, then he smiled.
That smile was like the early spring sun, bright and gentle.
"Then do your best, Kushina."
His tone was gentle, yet it carried sincere encouragement.
Kushina froze, a sudden awkwardness welling up inside her. She had originally wanted him to show some fighting spirit so she would have a rival.
But he just had to smile like that, completely unguarded and without a hint of hostility.
"Hmph... what a boring guy," she muttered under her breath.
Konoha Village, Hokage's Office.
Sunlight filtered through the wooden lattice, falling on the desk piled high with documents.
Wisps of smoke slowly rose into the air as Hiruzen Sarutobi, a pipe in his mouth, shifted his gaze from the document in his hand to the young man opposite him.
Orochimaru.
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly.
He never denied that Orochimaru was his most outstanding student.
Exceptionally talented, with a sharp mind, his thirst for power and knowledge surpassed that of ordinary people.
But it was precisely because he was too smart, too calm, that Hiruzen often couldn't see through the boy's thoughts.
"...Orochimaru."
Hiruzen slowly put down his pipe, his tone calm but tinged with a hint of confusion. "What is your reason for suddenly proposing a mock exam at the school?"
The corners of Orochimaru's mouth curved up in a low chuckle. "Hehehe... Sensei, I just feel that although the Great Shinobi War is nearing its end, times of peace are often when people are most likely to slack off."
He folded his hands in front of his chest, his tone casual, yet it carried a certain irrefutable undertone.
"Most of the current students were born in a time of turmoil but grew up in stability. If they are not honed, their growth will be replaced by desire and laziness. Using rankings and rewards to stir up their competitive spirit, isn't that the most direct way to cultivate ninja?"
After all, in this era, most students had a strong sense of family honor.
Hiruzen Sarutobi listened quietly.
He slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, his eyes wandering in the wisp of smoke in the air.
He had to admit, Orochimaru's idea had some merit.
This war had caused Konoha to suffer heavy losses, but according to Hiruzen Sarutobi's calculations, the embers of the Great Shinobi War had not yet died out, and a new shinobi war might break out in the future.
Konoha's next generation indeed needed their fighting spirit re-ignited.
"Mm," he nodded lightly. "You have a point."
But then, he frowned again.
"But what do you plan to use as a reward? If it's just an ordinary prize, these children might not be interested."
Orochimaru's smile deepened, a glint of excitement flashing in his vertical pupils.
"Sensei, the reward I've prepared is no ordinary thing."
Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed. "So, what is this special reward?"
"I have prepared a batch of Ninja Beast Eggs."
"Ninja Beast Eggs?"
Hiruzen's brow furrowed instantly, a look of surprise on his face.
"You got Snake Eggs from Ryūchi Cave? But that kind of thing isn't easily shared with outsiders."
"Hehe."
Orochimaru gave a strange laugh and explained, "Not from Ryūchi Cave. It's from another channel."
"Another channel?"
Hiruzen fell silent for a moment.
Although he sensed there was something secretive behind this, Orochimaru had always been cautious in his actions.
As long as it didn't involve Forbidden Techniques or the village's foundation, he usually didn't interfere too much.
"...Alright.He nodded gently, his expression returning to calm.
"Since you've already prepared it, I'll leave this matter to you. I hope this event will allow the children to truly grow."
Orochimaru bowed slightly. "Hehe, rest assured, Sensei. The children will surely look forward to this reward."
Watching Orochimaru leave, full of confidence, Hiruzen Sarutobi was left scratching his head.
But he soon received other news.
Jiraiya and Tsunade had also returned to the village, one after the other.
It seemed Tsunade's birthday was in a few days, and that fellow Jiraiya had probably come back to celebrate with her.