Chapter 3: Becoming a True Ninja
Kinoshita Genichi knew very well that the world of Naruto was not only a world where bloodlines reigned supreme, but also one that placed immense importance on the master-disciple inheritance system.
Currently, the only source of ninjutsu for a civilian-born ninja that he could confirm was through apprenticeship to a master.
Another, unconfirmed source, was earning merit and receiving jutsu from the village authorities as a reward.
Furthermore, Genichi was unsure if one could submit an original ninjutsu to the village in exchange for others. The latter two possibilities were uncertain.
For a civilian ninja to get a good teacher, didn't they have to be a genius?
Take Namikaze Minato, for example, who was taken as a disciple by Jiraiya. Or Haruno Sakura, who could also be considered a civilian ninja. Before she became Tsunade's apprentice, she truly had nothing. A jonin squad leader would not necessarily teach you ninjutsu.
As for Naruto and Sasuke... the former was the son of Kakashi's own sensei, and the latter was the last Uchiha survivor in Konoha, not to mention his connection to Obito.
Of course, it wasn't that Kakashi taught Sakura nothing at all. Besides some of the basic, less conspicuous ninja skills, Sakura's talent in genjutsu likely came from Kakashi. He just didn't pass on any flashy, high-profile ninjutsu.
This was because the relationship between a squad leader and their students was not the same as the master-disciple relationship between someone like Minato and Jiraiya. Except in special cases, it was far less intimate and focused more on guidance during missions. Whether or not they taught you ninjutsu depended entirely on the squad leader's mood.
Therefore, even though the Rasengan might not be the most suitable jutsu for him, Genichi still placed it at the top of his plan. If he could master it, this ninjutsu would be his key to opening doors.
"When it comes to resources, the Sannin are definitely the top tier. Orochimaru is a bit dangerous, but he also presents countless possibilities."
"Tsunade... given her current state, she probably isn't taking any students. But I wonder if I could get something by approaching her through Shizune?"
Genichi admitted he was being a bit utilitarian, but the environment for survival was just too harsh.
"Jiraiya... he's probably off peeping on women somewhere. The opportunity is too slim."
"As a student, the best resources I have the most potential to access are actually Tsunade and Hatake Sakumo."
His decision to practice swordsmanship was also partly due to Hatake Sakumo. As a student, he could get to Tsunade through Shizune, and to Sakumo through Kakashi.
There was also a backup option: the Eight Inner Gates!
As for others, Konoha certainly had many other Jonin Genichi wasn't familiar with, but he currently had no way to contact them.
Therefore, establishing a "genius" persona was essential. If enough eyes were on him, perhaps some Jonin would be willing to take him as a disciple. Even if no one did, geniuses were always favored. Wouldn't the Third Hokage invest more resources in cultivating him? The Ninja Academy was his direct subordinate branch, after all!
Oh, and there was also Danzo, the "Scapegoat Kage."
If it really came down to it, Genichi wouldn't be entirely opposed to being noticed by Danzo. But he felt the possibility was very small.
...
After sorting out his plan and resting enough, Genichi began to play with the water balloons, slowly starting his Rasengan training.
For two consecutive days, Genichi spent his time practicing his swordsmanship and the Rasengan.
Konoha Year 41, March 20th. School officially began.
Carrying a backpack with the bento his mother had prepared, Genichi arrived at the Ninja Academy.
First Year, Class One. Standing at the door, his eyes swept across the room, and he immediately spotted several familiar figures.
Kurenai Yuhi, Shizune, Nohara Rin, and... a certain someone with a toothpick dangling from his mouth and wearing sunglasses... they had arrived quite early.
A faint smile on his lips, Genichi walked into the classroom and, without any hesitation, sat down next to Shizune.
Shizune was taken aback. Just as she was about to say hello, Genichi extended his hand to her. "Hello, I'm Kinoshita Genichi. I look forward to being in your class!"
Seeing Genichi's bright smile, Shizune couldn't help but blush. She reached out and shook his hand. "Hello, I'm Shizune."
Genichi gave her hand a light squeeze before letting go, then casually struck up a conversation with her as if they were old friends, all while observing the other students.
More and more students filled the classroom.
Soon, Might Guy, dressed in his green jumpsuit, appeared.
After him, the white-haired Kakashi arrived, his hands stuffed in his pockets.
Glancing at Kakashi a few times, Genichi suddenly realized that the young Kakashi was actually very similar to Uchiha Sasuke; both had a very cool and detached demeanor.
Gradually, the classroom filled up, and the bell rang.
After the bell, a middle-aged man walked into the classroom. "I am Futagi Ryusei, and from today on, I will be your teacher!"
His voice had barely faded when the classroom door was slammed open with a bang. Genichi, along with everyone else, turned to look. Uchiha Obito was panting like a tired dog. "S-sorry... I'm late."
Well, when it came to being late, Obito was nothing if not consistent.
On the platform, Futagi Ryusei looked at the tardy Obito and sighed helplessly. He knew of this Uchiha—the kid who had managed to be late for and miss the entrance ceremony. He hadn't noticed him earlier, but now he was late again on the first day of school.
However, since it was the first day, he didn't make things difficult for him. "Uchiha-kun, please be mindful next time. Don't be late."
Obito let out a sigh of relief, a wide grin spreading across his face as he scratched the back of his head. "Yes, sensei!"
Futagi Ryusei then said, "In that case, Uchiha-kun, why don't you start us off with the self-introductions?"
Obito was startled for a moment, then responded loudly, "Yes!"
Without a trace of shyness, he walked up to the platform under the gazes of Genichi and the others, his head held high and his chest puffed out with confidence.
Kakashi couldn't help but purse his lips slightly at the sight.
Futagi Ryusei then announced the template for the self-introductions: name, favorite food, least favorite food, and goal for becoming a ninja.
"My name is Uchiha Obito, from the Uchiha clan! I like rice balls with dried bonito, and I hate natto!" Obito grinned, giving a thumbs-up. "As for my goal... it's to become Hokage, of course!"
Listening to this, Genichi sighed inwardly.
A commoner could become Hokage, but an Uchiha? Impossible. Konoha's highest decision-making circle was composed of the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju's former subordinates. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen was wary of the Uchiha. Not to mention the second most powerful figure in Konoha, Danzo, the "Scapegoat Kage," who was just as hostile towards the Uchiha as Tobirama had been.
In such a political landscape, unless the Uchiha staged a coup, they had no chance of rising to the top.
Becoming Hokage was a common childhood dream for many, so no one laughed at Obito.
After Obito stepped down, the other students went up one by one to introduce themselves.
Soon, it was Genichi's turn.
Walking to the platform with a smile, Genichi said, "My name is Kinoshita Genichi. My favorite food is dango, and my least favorite food is also dango."
"My goal for becoming a ninja is... to become an outstanding and powerful ninja who can protect my friends, family, comrades, and the village!"
(End of Chapter)