After the first month, Hiroto started teaching Taijutsu. The clan kids learned from their own clan, while the civilians learned the academy style.
After lessons, they fought every week in tournaments.
In these tournaments, Izuna was actually beaten out by Hinoka Hyuga, whose mastery of the Gentle Fist style was exceptional. Following closely behind them were more Hyuga members, then Fugaku, Satoshi Senju with their high-chakra techniques, Osamu Shimura, known for his flawless execution, and Minato, whose natural talent was undeniable.
This went on weekly with shuriken and Taijutsu tournaments each week.
Izuna learned that no other classes were having these tournaments and also learned that they were way behind them and were just now learning hand signs.
He thought to himself, 'This class is certainly a fast track for jounins. I wonder if we will be asked to graduate early?'
Six months then go by.
Hiroto is meeting with Hiruzen for a progress report on his class.
As Hiroto walked into the room, he respectfully bowed slightly and said, "Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen nodded then said, "It's alright. How is your class progressing? What about the three talents?"
Hiroto quickly looked surprised then figured someone must have told him about a couple of his students.
He then said, "There are several students who are doing exceptionally well, but first, I'll talk about the majority. I believe that most of these kids should be able to make elite Chunin or special Jounin within a couple of years. So far, Izuna and Fugaku Uchiha, along with Hinoka Hyuga and Satoshi Senju, have been showing the most promise and are exceptional talents. There are several other clan kids that have been showing significant results, but surprisingly, there is a civilian, Minato Namikaze, that has shown excellent progress and is sticking out along with three or four of the more exceptional students. He started out behind most of the clan kids, but he is extremely smart and has quickly caught up with the best of the class."
Hiruzen then said, "Yes, I have heard about Izuna and Fugaku Uchiha, as well as Minato Namikaze. They are all very young and show great promise, so please keep a watchful eye on them and give them special care when needed. Also, I'm happy to hear about Hinoka Hyuga and Satoshi Senju. Please treat them well too."
Hiroto then nodded his head and said, "Of course, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen then said, on a very serious note, "I'll tell you this, Hiroto. Recently, tensions between the villages have been escalating, so we need to bring up our young shinobi with extra care so they don't just go and die on the front lines. I suspect war might be coming; it seems unavoidable at this point, so we must ensure that this new group of young kids become excellent shinobi not only to keep themselves alive but to possibly fill the void that a war will undoubtedly bring to the village."
Hiroto, seeing the seriousness of Hiruzen's statement, quickly bowed deeply and said, "I will do my best, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen then said, "Very good. You may leave now." Hiroto then nodded and made his way out the door, leaving Hiruzen alone with his thoughts.
The next day in the classroom, Izuna was thinking about the recent times. He had shown significant improvement in both chakra and elemental control, especially in the new clay molding.
He also now sparred with his classmates more often in Taijutsu and was starting to beat Hinoka Hyuga more often but still not every time, which showed him that he still had more to do and more to progress.
He also noted that Minato was making huge improvements and was now beating out Osamu Shimura and several Senjus, showing off his prodigy-like potential.
Shurikenjutsu was also going very well for Minato, which mirrored Taijutsu in that he started off behind the clan kids but quickly caught up.
Read ahead on my Arcanist206. Currently 30+ chapters ahead.
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