The day of the evaluation arrived wrapped in a strange atmosphere.
The Academy courtyard was more crowded and noisier than usual. Students gathered in small groups—some sitting on wooden benches, others leaning against trees—almost all of them trying to appear more confident than they truly were.
— I reviewed everything last night — a boy said, crossing his arms, his voice a bit too loud.
— Lucky you… I wiped half the material from my head — another replied, laughing nervously.
— If Yin and Yang show up, I'm fine. Now calculations… forget it.
There was laughter, but also tension.
Some openly bragged. Others spoke less, simply observing. A few remained completely silent, staring at the Academy building as if it were a court about to pass judgment.
Ren walked among them with calm steps.
He listened to fragments of conversation, evaluated expressions, noticed small details: sweaty hands, rigid postures, restless eyes. It was easy to tell who trusted themselves, who was pretending, and who already felt defeated before it even began.
He himself felt confident.
And that bothered him slightly—but not enough to question it yet.
When the instructor called the class, the courtyard gradually emptied. The sound of sandals echoed through the corridors. The classroom was organized impeccably. Desks aligned. Windows open. Natural light illuminating the blackboard.
The exams lay face down on the desks.
— Theoretical exam first — the instructor announced, his voice firm. — No talking. No chakra. Only knowledge.
The papers were turned over.
Ren read the first question calmly.
1. Explain the difference between raw chakra and molded chakra, and cite one consequence of incorrect use of each.
He answered without difficulty.
The second followed.
2. A ninja uses a technique that requires a greater predominance of Yin, but excessively forces Yang. What is the most likely result? Justify your answer.
Ren organized his thoughts before writing. Emotional instability. Technique distortion. Possible internal damage.
The third required a bit more attention.
3. If two ninjas with the same amount of chakra execute the same technique, why might the result differ? Cite two factors.
Experience. Control. Intention. Efficiency.
He chose two, explained them clearly, and moved on.
For Ren, the questions were not deep. In another world, this would be considered basic. Still, he recognized that for children their age, the level was high.
He finished before most of the others.
While waiting, he observed the room.
Some students chewed on their pencils. Others stared at the ceiling searching for answers. Some wrote far too quickly—others erased more than they wrote.
When the exams were collected, the silence in the room felt heavier than before.
Out on the training field, the atmosphere changed.
The sun was higher now. A light wind blew. Dust rose from the packed ground with every step. The run was announced first, and some students stretched their legs while others took deep breaths.
— This time I'm making the podium — Masaru Uchiha muttered, adjusting his forehead protector.
— We'll see — someone behind him replied provocatively.
The signal sounded.
Ren ran with control. He didn't sprint. He didn't force it. His body responded better than weeks ago, but he did not ignore his limits.
He passed some. Was passed by others.
When he crossed the line, he finished in fourth place.
He wasn't surprised.
But he noticed something important.
Masaru Uchiha crossed just behind him.
By very little. A minimal difference. Still, enough.
Some students whispered quietly.
— He passed the Uchiha…
— Only in the run, right?
— Still…
Masaru made a subtle grimace, clearly irritated, but said nothing.
During target practice, the environment grew quieter.
Moving targets. Creaking ropes. Improvised pulleys. Each student had only a few throws. Very little time.
Ren carefully molded chakra and applied a light use of Fūton, almost imperceptible—just enough to correct minor deviations. To onlookers, it looked like pure talent.
Even so, he finished in third place again.
One Uchiha ranked ahead of him. One Hyūga as well.
No one seemed surprised.
— Of course… with those eyes…
— Uchihas are insane at this.
— Third is still impressive.
Ren heard it all without reacting.
When all evaluations ended, the students gathered once more. Some were excited. Others dejected. A few had already accepted their placement before the official announcement.
The instructor held the clipboard with deliberate calm.
— Final results.
The courtyard grew quieter with each name called.
When it came to theory, the instructor raised his voice slightly.
— Perfect score… Ren.
Several gazes turned toward him. Murmurs spread.
Ren felt a brief swell of pride.
Then the continuation came.
— And… Enchū Nara.
A tie.
The impact was immediate.
Ren blinked.
He hadn't expected that.
He glanced at the Nara, who let out a lazy yawn, as if it were no big deal. That reaction was the real blow.
He wasn't as far ahead as he had thought.
The realization came quickly. Uncomfortably. Necessarily.
He had been too confident. Almost arrogant.
When the overall scores were added up, the instructor announced:
— First place in the overall ranking… Ren.
Silence held for a full second.
Then reactions burst out.
— He got first?!
— Even without winning everything?
— Too well-rounded…
Some looked impressed. Others frustrated. Some clearly motivated.
Ren remained still.
The victory wasn't perfect.
But it was real.
His vision shifted.
---
[System – Mission Completed]
Mission: Achieve 1st place in the Academy's overall ranking within one month
Status: Completed
Reward:
– Basic Body Flicker Technique (Shunshin no Jutsu – initial form)
Perfect Performance Bonus:
– Earth Wall Technique (Doton: Doryūheki)
Status: Not obtained
---
Ren read the information calmly.
He had won.
But he had not dominated.
And that was better than it seemed.
Talent without comparison breeds arrogance. Talent tested breeds growth.
He lifted his gaze, observing the other students—the ones boasting, the ones hanging their heads low, the ones already planning how to improve.
The next step would not be studying more.
It would be learning not to overestimate himself.
In that world, that mistake was costly.
And Ren had no intention of paying for it.