Chapter 4: The Pair of Prodigies

"Follow me," beckoned the sensei.

As they ascended the stairs leading to the teaching building, another instructor meticulously examined the entrance exam notices of the two individuals, giving a subtle nod of approval before guiding them up to the next level.

Upon reaching the landing of the second-floor staircase, Tatsuma astutely observed that the waiting students in the corridor were predominantly war orphans, interspersed with a handful of children from more conventional backgrounds.

Continuing their ascent to the third floor, the corridor now hosted a mix of students from ordinary families, accompanied by those donned in Ninja gear, and a select few from prestigious ninja clans.

Upon arriving at the fourth floor, the guiding sensei came to a halt. Tatsuma surveyed the corridor and immediately noted the sparse presence of individuals awaiting their turn. Those in view belonged to esteemed ninja clans and were adorned with a complete array of Ninja gear.

The other sensei stationed at the classroom entrance registered a hint of surprise upon spotting Tatsuma and Minato. Their unexpected presence on this floor suggested an exceptional performance in the Ninja Tool Throwing test, with an average score of nine or higher.

For the descendants of ninja clans, achieving such a score was par for the course, given their early initiation into training, often starting two or three years prior. However, Tatsuma and Minato bore unmistakable signs of war orphans—evident markers of their challenging circumstances and financial constraints.

Even if they weren't war orphans, Tatsuma and Minato hailed from impoverished families. Children in similar situations seldom had the chance to engage in Ninja Tool Throwing, rendering their presence here quite unexpected.

Not only were the senseis from the ninja school observantly appraising them, but the children from esteemed ninja clans were also casting curious glances at the duo. Truth be told, these scrutinizing gazes unsettled Tatsuma to some extent. Despite his circumstances, he had not yet reached the point of becoming indifferent to such judgments, unlike someone more seasoned and mature.

In contrast, Minato appeared unfazed. His eager anticipation for enrollment seemed to overshadow any concern about the onlookers, showcasing a resilience and determination that set him apart.

Leading Minato, Tatsuma came to a halt right at the classroom door nearest to the stairs. Noticing the presence of non-ninja clan children in the vicinity, Tatsuma opted not to impose and refrained from entering the area where the direct descendants of ninja clans were assembling.

Given that the teams had not been officially formed, and new social circles hadn't yet taken shape, there was no urgency to immerse themselves in the burgeoning commotion.

After a brief wait, the senseis stationed in front of the classroom doors, seemingly receiving some cue, synchronized in action. Simultaneously, they swung open the doors and guided the new students into their respective classrooms.

"For this round, we'll evaluate your Chakra refining proficiency. I assume all of you have at least mastered the Chakra refining technique, right?" the sensei from the ninja school quipped, a half-smile playing on his lips as the new students settled into their designated positions.

Upon hearing this, Minato sported a confident smile, but in the next moment, his gaze shifted to Tatsuma, a trace of concern flickering across his expression.

Tatsuma, catching Minato's glance, nodded reassuringly at him. The Chakra refining technique had been included in the enrollment notices, and over the past month, Tatsuma had dedicated himself to continuous practice. While the efficiency might not have reached an exceptional level, it was certainly not lacking.

Chakra is the result of the fusion of spiritual and physical energy. In this world, even those who aren't ninja possess Chakra, with their bodies continuously generating it.

The Chakra refining technique involves deftly manipulating the Chakra within the body and temporarily augmenting it. For novices, this process necessitates the use of hand seals.

However, the hand seal employed is not one of the twelve fundamental seals; instead, it's the Seal of Confrontation.

The Seal of Confrontation marks the initiation of practical combat training for students at the ninja school. It carries tangible significance, assisting ninjas in swiftly refining their Chakra to better navigate the challenges of battles.

"If there are no objections, let the timing commence."

Observing the unanimous agreement in the classroom, the sensei from the ninja school pressed the alarm clock on the podium. Instantly, all the new students swiftly formed the Seal of Confrontation.

Chakra extraction proved to be a challenging task for this freshly enrolled group of students. Recognizing this, the ninja school sensei, after the room fell into a hushed stillness, diligently began assessing each newcomer.

"Phew~"

After a considerable duration, a student from the Sarutobi Clan successfully refined their Chakra. Witnessing this accomplishment, a subtle expression of "as expected" momentarily flitted across the face of the ninja school sensei.

Observing the nod from the student, the sensei reciprocated, and the new member from the Sarutobi Clan also nodded in acknowledgment. A silent understanding hung in the air, indicating that someone in his family had briefed him thoroughly on the process before undertaking the test.

Three minutes elapsed, and Tatsuma finally tuned into the sensation. With each breath, he felt the ineffable blend of spiritual and physical energy. A gentle breeze seemed to materialize around him, delicately tousling his curly hair.

Opening his eyes, Tatsuma directed his gaze towards the ninja school sensei at the podium. The sensei nodded approvingly, a smile gracing his face. Tatsuma then noticed the absence of any visible markings denoting affiliation with a specific ninja clan on the Chunin vest and attire of this particular sensei.

Realizing this, Tatsuma discerned the significance concealed within the sensei's smile and reciprocated with a brilliant grin of his own.

After a brief interval, Minato Namikaze also accomplished the Chakra refinement successfully. Observing Tatsuma's cheerful anticipation, Minato shrugged in a somewhat resigned manner.

Fifteen minutes later, every new student in the classroom achieved success in refining their Chakra. The instructors diligently marked additional notes on the enrollment notices.

"Now, it's time for the final examination—the written test!"

With a smile, the ninja school sensei retrieved a stack of exam papers from beneath the podium. He instructed, "Each of you take one, pass the remaining papers to the students behind you, and the last student, bring the extras up to me."

The distribution of exam papers proceeded smoothly, with each student receiving their respective sheets. The ninja school sensei neatly organized the remaining papers and remarked, "The exam will conclude in one hour. I trust none of you will stoop to the folly of resorting to cheating on these questions."

Listening to the sensei's caution, Tatsuma perused the exam paper. It appeared straightforward, featuring basic written queries that included the memorization of the fundamental twelve hand seals of Ninjutsu, matching hand seal gestures, and a culminating question:

"Centered around the 'Will of Fire,' elucidate your perspective on being a ninja and compose an essay of no fewer than three hundred words."

Reading the last essay question in silence, Tatsuma couldn't help but smirk slightly. Despite his initial disdain for such a query, his hands instinctively started addressing the final question first.

Weaving together dreams, efforts, comrades, bonds, responsibility, and perseverance—infusing the theme with love and peace—Tatsuma swiftly poured his thoughts into the essay. Once he completed the composition, he casually glanced at the clock on the podium before methodically going back to tackle the preceding questions.

After a final check to ensure he had written his name, the alarm clock resounded precisely. The sensei stood up and declared, "Cease answering the questions. Next, submit your exam papers, and then you are free to leave."

"Tomorrow morning at 7 a.m., the school gates will open. You can come and check your assigned classes. Remember, classes commence promptly at 8 a.m., so ensure you're punctual."

Tatsuma observed attentively as the sensei illustrated on the podium, securing the exam paper with his enrollment notice before exiting the classroom alongside Minato. He noted that exams were still in progress in other rooms, particularly on the third and second floors.

Glancing through a window on the second floor, Tatsuma caught sight of a sensei distributing papers in a nearby classroom. In the midst of his observation, Minato suddenly queried, "Do you want to engage in some training this afternoon, Tatsuma?"

Tatsuma returned to the present, nodding appreciatively. "You're genuinely talented and hardworking. If I let up, I'm afraid you'll surpass me in no time, won't you?"

Minato chuckled, brushing off the compliment. "You keep saying that. I'm just really excited about the official start of school tomorrow. I don't know how to pass the time."

"Haha, no need to explain. I would have gone to train even if you didn't bring it up."

Tatsuma playfully hooked Minato's shoulder, and together, they exited the academy, making their way directly to the third training ground.

In the exam room, the sensei responsible for grading papers attentively examined Tatsuma's test. After meticulously perusing it three times, he couldn't help but murmur in amazement, "Is Konoha on the verge of producing another genius akin to Orochimaru-sama?"

Setting down Tatsuma's paper, he reached for Minato Namikaze's test and once more expressed his astonishment, "No, we have two geniuses here!"