On the one hand, I had been reborn in some sort of Naruto universe. This was both interesting and terrible given the general state of affairs that was considered normal. On the one hand, the local superpowers were something that could be trained on addition to being versatile as hell. Some aspects locked behind a genetic lock, some unique features of the soul hidden in the blood. It just some weird shit that was a mix of magical biology, outright magic or something probably like experimentation/selective breeding/sexing up not so human critters. Not that anyone would admit to the last one really.

Still, easily available super powers, and I was an orphan in Kohona, several years before the Kyuubi was released and the Fourth was forced to take drastic measures. Which meant that there was only so much time before canon and all of its unpleasantness. And as part of that, much sooner, I would be enrolled into the Shinobi Academy. Which was less something to do some me specifically and more the general culture and how everyone was expected to at least do a stint in the military, unless of course you washed out completely and so were utterly lacking.

Granted, I could have an incomplete grasp on things, but I was also looking into the rules and regulations behind living in the woods. Because there was something to be said about just going into some of the woods near the village and making a roundhouse there along with some gardens and just not... dealing with any of this. Besides you know, meditating and trying to explore the mysteries of chakra in a largely non-violent manner. Basically becoming a monk or a hermit rather than a ninja, even if I was not going to actually approach a temple.

No, I would instead focus on what little I knew from the show. Lots of meditation, lots of what chakra control exercises I saw, same with nature transformation... and then attempt to go beyond that with some meditation and increasingly hopefully complex but effective control exercises as well as self reflection and meditation. Yeah, a lot of what I seemed to be planning seemed to based around meditation.

Third Hokage

It had been four years since he had to retake the hat, four years filled with the paperwork he thought he had left behind as well as triumphs and sorrows. It was now, however, time for one of the times of the year he looked forward to, as the academy students graduated and the Jonin tested them to see who was worthy of their personal time and investment. Which was in truth, something that was largely determined in advance. Oh, there was some possibility for things to change either way, but generally speaking he and his staff had a very good idea of which teams would pass and which would not.

Which is why one in particular came as, if not a complete surprise, then at least something that went against a few of his plans. "Team nine, failure."

And given how the jonin he had assigned looked mildly disgruntled? They had expected it to be a success as well, as he looked at him. "Oh, and how did that happen?"

Imai Hirahide did not need a second to collect his thoughts. "It began when he informed his teammates that he would be trying to fail so that he could enter the Genin corps, as he had been trying for a while." There were no reactions from the other Jonin in the room, aside from maybe a tightening of their eyes. Being offered a Jonin sensei after all was a powerful opportunity. "When confronted about why? Apparently his grand ambition is to go back to that hut of his in the woods and live as a hermit." Now, there were some narrowed eyes as they considered that, as his own hands were still, because to waste that kind of talent? "Which brought us to the test."

Hirahide closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "His chakra control is excellent and he likely is a sensor of some kind. That or he is simply relaxed enough to the point of non-reaction at all times and a complete lack of surprise regarding the location of anyone around him. And yet, as stated, he deliberately failed the test, showing that he was aware enough of the objectives. He also allowed his now former teammates Toki Fusataka and Sue Magi to beat him up without retaliation or complaint after I informed them of the fact that they failed because of him. In fact, I would be willing to accept them, but I will not take a student that politely does what he can to fail all while being respectful about it."

The Hokage stroked his beard as he asked the annoyingly important question. Because from the sounds of it? It was a talented young man choosing to squander that talent, which was disappointing and likely in need of correcting. And he preferred to have reasons, understandable reasons, but would act as needed if it was required. "No insubordination, no disrespect towards a superior?"

The other man shook his head. "None. As I said Lord Hokage, he was respectful and polite and showed nothing of the elemental nature transformations he has been suspected of working on. He did not even use any jutsu or chakra manipulation, though..." He paused. "He seems to be subconsciously reinforcing himself and adjusting it. As it stands, he has politely but firmly managed to ruin any potential team cohesion without severe action on my part and lacks the ambition or drive for the elite track, regardless of his potential elsewhere."

Matto

Back at my hut, back were I could simply meditate in peace. And yes, were I could work on healing some of the injuries given to me from my beating. I freely acknowledge that I deserved that for what I did to their career prospects, but I had been trying to get moved into a genin corps track for a while.

Yes, as the medical chakra targeted and promoted healing, a Jonin sensei came with advanced information, training, opportunities, contacts and personal attention from a badass... but I didn't need that. Yes, more information on advanced chakra excercises would be nice to have, but not something strictly needed. I was doing well with the various excercises so far, meditating on the conceptual nature of the elements and how they interacted with each other and the world. Plus of course, more esoteric aspects of chakra and nature l, though I was focused mainly on medical chakra at the moment.

After all, it was the gate and key to so much more. Though of course, should I work more on Earth chakras interactions with density some more? Or try and continue trying to mold my chakra into some of the weirder things in the show?

Options really, even if I needed to show up on time for the corps intake. After that? You know, I checked. Apperantly there was a three month basic/boot camp and after that? You could show up to the weekly lessons or try and join a department as a minion, so you can really join when promoted. But otherwise? So long as you regularly took missions, no real oversight or care, as it's assumed you don't have what it takes to get a mentor.

So, just five years. And then I can be obscure in peace and quiet... before the chaos of canon.