Author's Note: Welcome back! This chapter will focus on Katsuro's growth in the academy, his developing relationships with his classmates, and more hints of his hidden nature. I hope you enjoy the ride—let's get into it.
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Katsuro arrived at the academy early, the training grounds still quiet under the morning sun. He preferred it this way—before the noise, before the distractions. This was his time to think. His mind played through the previous day's sparring matches, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of his classmates.
Sasuke's movements were calculated, efficient. His footwork was precise, his counters sharp. He never wasted a motion. It was no surprise he was considered the best in their class.
Naruto, on the other hand, was the opposite—wild, reckless, but relentless. He had no technique, no polish, but his sheer tenacity made up for it in ways most wouldn't expect.
Katsuro knew how people saw them. Sasuke was the genius, Naruto the failure. And he? He was nothing more than another name, another orphan trying to survive. That suited him just fine.
For now.
The others began arriving soon after, their voices breaking the morning's stillness. Naruto was already talking loudly about how today would be different, how he'd prove himself. Sasuke walked past him without a word, which only made the blonde more irritated.
Iruka-sensei clapped his hands, calling them all to attention.
"Today, we'll be focusing on ninjutsu fundamentals. You'll be practicing your clone jutsu and transformation jutsu. These are basic but essential techniques, and they will determine how well you adapt to future lessons."
Katsuro watched as Naruto groaned in frustration. Everyone knew this was his worst subject.
Iruka called them up one by one. Kiba went first, forming a near-perfect clone. Hinata followed, hers a bit unstable but passable. Shikamaru's was half-hearted but functional.
Then it was Katsuro's turn.
He stepped forward, already knowing what was expected. He had practiced this dozens of times in private, ensuring his control was precise. His hands formed the seal, his chakra flowing smoothly.
A perfect replica of himself appeared beside him.
Iruka nodded approvingly, moving on. Katsuro returned to his place, ignoring the few glances thrown his way. Sasuke's clone was just as flawless, though that was expected. When Naruto's turn came, the result was... predictable.
The class erupted into laughter as Naruto's clone lay facedown, lifeless and pathetic.
Naruto scratched his head, forcing a grin as if trying to play it off. Katsuro studied him carefully. No one else noticed the flicker of frustration behind Naruto's eyes, the way his hands clenched at his sides before he shoved them into his pockets.
He was used to this.
That was what intrigued Katsuro the most. He didn't break. He never broke.
That kind of mindset could be useful.
The rest of the lesson went on without incident. When the academy day finally ended, Katsuro lingered behind while the others filed out, his thoughts already on his next steps. He wouldn't rely on the academy alone to get stronger. That was for those content with mediocrity.
His real training would begin after hours, where no one could see.
Sasuke may have had a head start. But that wouldn't last forever.
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Author's Note: Katsuro is starting to make some observations about his classmates, and the subtle hints of his ambition are beginning to show. He's biding his time, planning. Let me know what you think! Next chapter, we'll explore his training outside the academy and his first real test.
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Let me know if you want any adjustments before I move on to Chapter 4!