Competition

Konohagakure Academy:

Rai was seated towards the back of the class, supporting his head with his hand. He felt bored as the orientation proceeded. Due to some students quitting the academy, his class composition had changed, which was the predominant theme of the first day.

The following day:

Rai found himself once again in the back of the classroom, fully aware that today's activities would be different. Kyasychi announced, "Today, we will practice kunai and shuriken throwing, as well as engage in taijutsu sparring."

Kyasychi was keen on gauging the progress everyone had made since the previous year. "Additionally, there will be a written exam to assess your growth compared to last year."

He added, "The top three performers will be rewarded this time."

In the kunai and shuriken throwing category, Uchiha Haru, Hyuga Megumi, and Tasumi Rai emerged as the top three, with Rai coming in last. Inside his mind, Rai acknowledged, Throwing isn't my strong suit.

During the taijutsu sparring, the top three remained consistent, but this time, Tasumi Rai secured second place, narrowly trailing Hyuga Megumi. Rai managed to defeat Uchiha Haru, which fueled the Uchiha's arrogance, a result that Kyasychi had anticipated.

In the written exams, Rai found himself among the lowest performers, which was expected since he rarely studied.

As Rai contemplated his position, he resolved, This is only the beginning. I will rise to the top in all aspects.

However, Rai couldn't shake his concerns about Danzo Shimura. Why would he take interest in me? I'm not even in a class with any clan heirs, nor have I done anything significant.

After the class ended, Kyasychi requested Rai, Haru, and Megumi to stay behind.

Once the classroom was empty, Kyasychi addressed them, "As a reward for being the top three, you can each select a D-rank ninjutsu based on your affinities."

Rai spoke up, inquiring, "Sensei, could you recommend a lightning jutsu for me?"

Haru dismissively remarked, "I can get whatever I need from my clan. They have nothing for me."

Megumi confidently stated, "I'm content with the Gentle Fist technique."

Rai observed their attitudes and thought, This arrogance and reluctance to adapt is why the Uchiha and Hyuga might face challenges.

Kyasychi considered Rai's request and then suggested, "Let's visit the academy's ninjutsu library."

He turned to Haru and Megumi, inquiring about their choices. Upon receiving their confirmation, he allowed them to leave.

At the library:

Rai and Kyasychi headed to the library, where Rai realized that even the academy-level ninjutsu were well-protected. They navigated to the section on lightning nature techniques, and Rai found various options.

One jutsu, "Lightning Bolt Ninjutsu," stood out to him. He made his decision.

Kyasychi commended, "That's a solid choice for your first jutsu." Rai thanked his sensei and took his leave.

Training Ground, Aburame Clan Area:

Rai attempted the "Lightning Bolt Ninjutsu." A bolt of lightning shot out, albeit weakly. He thought, Maybe I truly have a strong affinity for lightning.

He dedicated his entire afternoon to refining the jutsu's accuracy. His next goal was to simplify the hand seals down to just one.

As he pondered this, Rai felt an unsettling shiver down his spine, as if he was being observed. He glanced around, seeing nothing.

Unbeknownst to him, Sarutobi Hiruzen had been observing Rai's training session through his crystal ball.

Hiruzen mused, This child has a keen sense. He further thought, He possesses remarkable talent for lightning nature. Hiruzen considered the potential, Perhaps, in this generation, Konoha might see its own Raikage-level shinobi. He made a mental note to pay closer attention to Tasumi Rai.