A test

Waking up before dawn, I began my daily training routine. The air was sharp with the early morning chill as I moved through taijutsu drills, letting each strike, block, and counter flow naturally. Taijutsu demanded discipline and muscle memory, and every move sharpened my body and mind for the demands of combat. I pushed myself, transitioning seamlessly into kenjutsu, feeling the weight of the blade in my hands as I sliced through imaginary foes with precision. Finally, I turned to ninjutsu, focusing intensely on the three basic jutsu. They were simple, practical techniques, but crucial—mastering them could mean the difference between life and death, even later on. Ninja battles didn't often involve grand spectacles like Susanoo or Tailed Beasts; they were quick, brutal exchanges of precision and agility, where the victor was often the one who struck first or evaded best.

I'm also working on the Body Flicker Technique, though progress has been slow. Perhaps following the Kiri template will help. Chakra control, of course, can't be overlooked, especially for someone like me with limited reserves. I have slightly more chakra than the average genin, thanks to consistent practice and training that strengthen both mind and body, but I still have to be cautious in high-stakes combat.

After a quick bath and breakfast, I headed to the Third Training Ground—the same one Team 7 used for their first meeting. I tried to guess who would be my guide, but no one seemed likely. Perhaps Minato, though I doubt it; in the anime, he led Kakashi before Obito and Rin joined, but that doesn't mean he'll be my first instructor, especially with the war ongoing.

When I finally reached the training ground, I found it empty, as expected since I'd arrived half an hour early. Not wanting to waste time, I practiced my shuriken-throwing technique. My goal is to reach Itachi's level , though I know that will take time. Itachi was undeniably powerful, but I can't admire him for his actions. Killing his entire clan—including his parents and innocent children—for the sake of the village and his brother? It's disturbing. Many see him as a hero or anti-hero, but to me, he was arrogant and narrow-minded, perhaps even a psychopath. I can see the logic, but to sacrifice so many lives and label it "for the greater good" still feels wrong. Though I am not complaining since I will be doing same , killing innocents for my benefits.

My thoughts broke as I spotted two genin approaching from the far side of the training ground. One was a girl with a long black ponytail, her sword strapped to her back, and the other, a boy with brown hair, dressed in standard shinobi gear. They looked young, around 10 ten or so, though their expressions were older, hardened. They must be my teammates. Their eyes scanned me, just as I was sizing them up, analyzing weaknesses, habits, anything that would reveal their skill level. I wondered if they'd lost their original third teammate—injured, killed, or possibly reassigned. The life of a genin in wartime was merciless.

Sensing , I threw a kunai upward, which collided with another kunai mid-air. Turning swiftly, I threw two more, and they, too, intercepted the others. It seemed the leader had arrived—likely a special jōnin, at least, given that I couldn't sense his presence.

A hand flashed in front of me, holding a kunai aimed straight at my face. My body reacted automatically—I ducked, and in one smooth motion, I leapt up, aiming a powerful kick at the attacker. But a palm caught my leg, and I was thrown back with shocking strength. I twisted mid-air, trying to stabilize, but a swift, brutal kick connected with my ribs, and I grunted in pain as I hit the ground, rolling to my feet. The moment was razor-thin, but I formed the hand seals for a substitution technique. Yet before I could complete it, I felt a weight on my back and my hands forced down, immobilized. My wrists throbbed under the iron grip pinning them behind me.

Pinned, I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. The instructor seems to be a women if follow the palm shape and size. I couldn't see her face, but every move she made was intentional, calculated. It felt overwhelmingly real—the pain, the pressure, the feeling of vulnerability. To an inexperienced genin, this would have felt hopeless, terrifying. But I wasn't that inexperienced, and my mind was clearer than most in these situations

I immediately ceased the flow of chakra within me, hoping to disrupt hers. I focused, slowing my breath to regain control. Slowly, the pressure lifted, and I opened my eyes, finding myself exactly where I'd started. It had been a genjutsu—a test.

My teammates too have arrived looking at me.

Ignoring the cut marks on their body which shows their past experience as ninja I turn around to find my instructor .

My stomach twisted in disbelief as recognition set in. Her face was unmistakable. I knew her, though I had no idea why she would be assigned as my guide. What was Sarutobi thinking?

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Author's pov

Some ideas or plot twist .

Worlds he should travel?

Summon ideas.