"I am Akihiko Nara, the proctor for today's exam," the man announced in a firm, authoritative voice. "We will now begin the first stage of the test. You must run at least four laps around this field to pass. However, you can run more if you wish—your performance will determine the batch you will assigned to."
The training ground was massive, with a perimeter stretching one kilometer. As the children heard the requirements, a wave of murmurs spread through the crowd—some voices were filled with confidence, others laced with nervousness and hesitation.
Surveying the sea of faces, Akihiko sighed internally. 'What a drag. Why do I have to be the proctor this year? And with over 700 kids… even more than last time.'
A few minutes later, several instructors guided the children into position.
Akihiko raised his hand and declared, "The first round begins now."
The ground reverberated with the thunder of hundreds of feet as the children began running. Before long, those lacking even the minimum physical aptitude began dropping out, disqualified almost immediately. Others pushed forward with grit and determination.
After several laps, more children slowed and fell short of completing even three laps. Only 432 children managed to complete 3 laps and pass the first stage. Among them, 312 completed four laps, and 234 managed five. But beyond that, the number of participants reduced rapidly.
Only 84 students continued after the fifth lap. Most were from ninja clans, though a handful of determined civilians ran among them.
Kazuki finally stopped after completing eight laps, completely drenched in sweat, breathing hard. The standout performer, however, was none other than Itachi Uchiha—he ran 14 laps before calmly stopping, slightly out of breath, but just by looking at him one could tell that he was holding back
Everyone was surprised by Itachi's performance, it would be an understatement to say that he did impressive.
Akihiko, also surprised by his performance raised an eyebrow and thought 'So that's the Uchiha clan's next heir… Itachi Uchiha. I guess the rumors about him being a prodigy weren't exaggerated,'
Kazuki's eyes lit up as he finally noticed the boy. 'It's Itachi. It's really him! Oh my god, I can't believe it!'
Then, snapping back to reality, Kazuki frowned and thought. 'Wait a second. Why the heck am I so happy to see the person who's going to try and kill me in the future?'
He straightened his posture and forced himself to focus. 'Right. I need to concentrate on the exam for now… but still, how can I stay calm after seeing the Itachi Uchiha—one of my favorite characters from Naruto?'
After the failed candidates were escorted back to their guardians, Akihiko addressed the crowd. "Congratulations on passing the first stage. Now, those who can perform the leaf concentration exercise, stay here. The rest, head to the second training ground. The academy instructors will guide you."
Only 65 children remained behind for the leaf exercise.
Each child was handed a leaf. Kazuki examined his and thought, 'I wasn't expecting this in the exam. Lucky I started practicing this just weeks after arriving in this world. This shouldn't be too hard… I just hope the next stage isn't something insane.'
With focused determination, each child placed the leaf on their forehead and began channeling chakra.
Two minutes passed—only 51 students remained. Another two minutes, and the number dropped to 39. After a total of six minutes, just 14 children were remained including Kazuki and Itachi, all of them from established ninja clans.
Akihiko glanced down at a sheet in his hands. 'Kazuki Uchiha… so he's Haruko's son, huh? Surprising that he's doing so well despite being an orphan. Looks like he's a prodigy just like his mother'
Kazuki's mother, Haruko Uchiha, had been a Jonin by the age of 21—nearly reaching the elite rank before she fled the village. Many believed she would've attained Elite Jonin status within two or three more years had she stayed.
Kazuki lasted a total of 8 minutes and 12 seconds before the leaf fluttered down from his forehead. Only four remained now—including Itachi. Out of the other 3, two were from Hyuga clan, while 1 was from Senju clan.
Five more minutes passed, and all but Itachi had finished. He finally stopped at 15 minutes, not from exhaustion, but from sheer boredom.
Kazuki stared at him, a mix of awe and melancholy in his eyes. 'Man… he's really a once-in-a-century prodigy.'
Then his expression shifted. 'But I don't feel jealous. Not after knowing what kind of life he's going to live.'
Clearing his throat, Akihiko called out, "Now then, everyone—head to the second training ground with your instructors. The third stage will begin shortly."
Meanwhile, the children who had gone to the second training ground earlier had faced a different kind of evaluation—not a test, but a requirement. Academy instructors with basic sensory skills checked each child's chakra levels. Those whose chakra was too meager to ever become shinobi were quietly disqualified and sent back.
Out of 247 children, only 196 passed this unseen evaluation. Combined with the 65 who stayed for the leaf exercise, the total number of candidates moving on was 261.
The students regrouped at the second training field. After a short wait, Akihiko arrived and made the next announcement.
"The third stage of the entrance exam will be… shuriken and kunai throwing."
Kazuki's expression immediately darkened. 'What the hell!? Shuriken and kunai throwing? How is that fair!? Orphans like me can't even afford practice weapons… I thought about buying some, but they were so expensive I couldn't even dream of it. What am I supposed to do now? I can't afford to fail and wait for another year.'
[A/N- In this Novel I am also going to include the Senju clan, But they won't be as strong as the Uchiha clan, Uchiha clan will almost be twice as strong as the Senju clan]