Chương 43: STOP THE STEAL

Daiken's voice was clear, almost proud, even. His gaze held that usual stone-faced ninja default #2 look but I could sense a hint of satisfaction beneath it. Maybe this teacher thing was starting to grow on him. He began speaking.

"I am happy to announce the end of the first year of the Academy. This class was a trial, an experimental group where we gathered the children with the most talent or potential to ensure the rise of future shinobi capable of protecting our village." He didn't mention the real reason behind this setup, but all the parents shared a knowing look. Everyone here understood. the Nine-Tails attack had changed everything.

The formation of this advanced class, and assigning someone like Daiken to it instead of sending him on high-level missions, said everything. A ninja of his rank didn't usually waste time with children unless the Hokage had a very specific purpose in mind. And those clan heads knew it. Daiken continued, "I'm impressed by the effort shown by these talented students." The students' eyes widened in surprise. They genuinely hadn't expected Daiken to praise them. Most smiled with pride. I didn't smile.

Or maybe I did, but I hid it behind a perfectly timed cough. Who knows? It's one of life's mysteries. His tone rose in strength as he continued, voice firm and escalating with conviction.

"Your effort throughout this year has been admirable. All of you pushed past your limits, again and again, proving that the Hidden Leaf's future shines bright. No threat will dim the Will of Fire in your hearts. It will only blaze brighter, ensuring the continued glory of our village." The parents straightened their postures. The students, seeing that, imitated them in a rare and awkward show of unity. Some were better at it than others.

"We are not done yet," Daiken added.

"This first year was only the beginning. Next year, you'll begin learning how to truly fight like shinobi." Every student's eyes lit up with anticipation. They looked ready. Determined. Hungry. I gave Daiken a mental round of applause. He actually managed to make kids excited about school. I raise my top hat to you, distinguished sir. Then came the real reason everyone was here.

"Now I will announce the rankings for the advanced class," Daiken said.

"These rankings are based not only on your final exam results, but also on your performance and effort throughout the entire year." He paused, and his tone shifted. more grounded, more serious. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

"Before I begin, I want you all to understand something. These rankings tell only one part of your story. Even if your rank isn't high, keep training. Work on your weaknesses. The ones at the top tend to grow complacent. So don't let a number define you. Let it fuel you. Use it to launch yourself to new heights." And with that, Daiken then began announcing the student rankings, starting from the bottom and working his way up. After some time, he reached the top ten rankings.

"In tenth place: Daigo Akimichi." Daigo smiled sheepishly as a few parents clapped politely.

"Ninth place: Kenta Inuzuka." Kenta raised a hand proudly, his ninken barking beside him, clearly more excited than anyone else.

"Eighth: Shōta Aburame." Shōta gave a small bow. As expected, quiet and precise.

"Seventh: Daiki Nara." He nodded once, then looked down, scribbling something in a tiny notebook.

"Sixth: Sena Yamanaka." A few people glanced her way, surprised. It was a bit low for someone of her caliber. But I knew better. She placed herself here on purpose. The Root incident still sat in the back of my mind, and realizing she ranked herself low to avoid drawing Root's attention only made me sigh internally for the hundredth time. Then the tension in the room shifted. We were entering the top five. It was subtle at first, but you could feel it in the air. The students were mostly unaware, but the parents?

They knew. High-ranking kids were future assets. Future jonin. Potential ANBU captains or even council members. The clans were mentally noting who to align with, who to track, who might one day matter. Political groundwork was already being laid. Daiken spoke again.

"Fifth place: Shizuru Nara." Some parents looked over at her with admiration, almost as if their thoughts echoed,"The Nara always place high. No wonder they end up running things." Daiken followed up with, "You did well with your physical training. Your knowledge and chakra control are excellent. A bright future lies ahead of you, young Nara." Shizuru's parents lit up with pride, and Shizuru smiled broadly, clearly pleased. She deserved it. But Daiken didn't linger.

"Fourth place: Misaki Hyuga." Many clan parents turned toward her, nodding with respect toward both her and her parents. The Hyuga clan's reputation always carried weight, second only to the Uchiha. Their Byakugan, alongside the Sharingan, were the village's most powerful dojutsu. Misaki looked thrilled. She kept glancing in my direction though, which naturally irritated me a lot. Daiken pressed on.

"Third place: Genta Senju." Before the room could react, Daiken's gaze landed on the poor kid like a boulder. Genta and his parents shrank under the pressure.

"You should aim for first place next year," Daiken said bluntly. A bit harsh? Maybe. Out of decorum? Definitely. But he was a Senju too, expectations came with the name. No one dared say anything though. Daiken lingered, staring him down until Genta looked like he wanted to disappear into the floorboards. Finally, Daiken moved on.

"Second place: Kaen Uchiha." The room went dead silent. Some parents looked displeased. No one liked hearing an Uchiha placed that high, even if it was expected. But more importantly, they were confused. If Kaen was second… who was first? The students figured it out instantly. Their eyes widened, some jaws dropped. All of them turned to look at me. Daiken didn't give them time to process.

"First place," he said in a booming voice that echoed off the walls, "goes to Noa."