Ninja Academy.
Class 1, Third Grade.
The classroom was still quiet in the early morning light. Sunbeams filtered through the windows, stretching across rows of wooden desks.
Kurenai Yuhi had arrived early, as usual.
With her long black hair falling neatly over her shoulders and her crimson pupils bright with energy, she was chatting softly with Asuma Sarutobi, who had also come ahead of time.
When she noticed two familiar figures at the classroom entrance, her eyes lit up.
"Rin! Shizune! You're here early today too!"
Asuma turned at her voice and saw two girls walking in arm in arm, laughing as they spoke.
One was a petite girl with short brown hair and large, gentle brown eyes. The two purple markings on her cheeks made her especially recognizable.
Rin Nohara.
Beside her walked a quiet, refined girl with short black hair and calm features.
Shizune.
Both were close friends of Kurenai.
"Good morning, Kurenai!" Rin greeted cheerfully.
"Good morning, Asuma," Shizune added politely.
They joined Kurenai at her desk, and the three girls quickly fell into lively conversation. Asuma listened quietly, occasionally adding a comment.
More students gradually filtered into the classroom.
Soon, the bell rang.
Seitaro Matsuo, the teacher of Class 1, Third Grade, stepped in with his usual serious expression.
"I'm sorry, Teacher Matsuo—I'm late!"
A black-haired boy wearing goggles burst through the door in a rush, nearly tripping over the threshold.
It was Uchiha Obito.
Rin couldn't help shaking her head helplessly at the sight.
"Obito," Seitaro Matsuo said flatly, "what is your excuse today?"
"There was an old lady who needed help crossing the street!" Obito replied quickly. "So I helped her. That's why I'm late!"
The class immediately burst into laughter.
Although he was likely telling the truth, the excuse sounded suspiciously familiar—because it was.
"I'm serious this time!" Obito protested loudly, his face turning red.
Even Seitaro Matsuo's expression twitched slightly.
An old lady every single day?
Do you have some kind of old-lady magnet constitution?
"Enough. Take your seat," the teacher said at last.
Obito blinked in surprise. He had braced himself for punishment.
Grinning widely, he hurried to sit beside Rin.
"Good morning, Rin!"
"Good morning, Obito," she replied with a gentle smile. "You did another good deed today, huh?"
Obito's heart practically melted.
Rin really is the kindest girl in the world! Only she believes me!
Back on the first day of school, she had helped him when he stumbled. And just now, while everyone laughed, only she looked concerned.
In Obito's heart, Rin Nohara was already the sweetest and most wonderful girl in the entire ninja world.
He would protect her for the rest of his life!
Of course, Rin had no idea about the dramatic vows forming in his head.
To her, Obito was simply a clumsy but well-meaning classmate who needed a little encouragement.
"Alright, Obito," she reminded gently. "Focus on class now."
At that moment, Seitaro Matsuo cleared his throat.
"Today," he announced, "a Jonin will be visiting to give you a lecture. Listen carefully."
The room exploded into excited chatter.
The academy teachers were mostly Chunin, more than capable of instructing students who had yet to graduate. But a Jonin? That was rare.
For many students here, this might be the only time in their lives they received direct guidance from such a high-ranking ninja.
"Obito, did you hear that?" Rin whispered excitedly. "A Jonin! You have to pay attention today!"
She came from a civilian background and treasured every opportunity to learn.
Though Obito was from the prestigious Uchiha Clan, he was known as the class underperformer.
His ninjutsu ability wasn't terrible—but his theoretical grades were dismal, and he often panicked in practical combat.
"Don't worry!" Obito puffed up proudly. "I'll definitely impress the Jonin!"
Rin smiled, unconvinced but supportive.
She turned to Shizune.
"Who do you think it'll be?"
Shizune considered quietly.
Unlike Rin, she had once had a Jonin uncle—before he fell during the Second Great Ninja War. So while she wasn't overwhelmed by the idea, she still looked forward to it.
"Whoever it is," Shizune said softly, "it's a rare chance. I hope it's someone skilled in Medical Ninjutsu."
Rin's eyes brightened.
"Yes! That would be amazing."
Both girls understood the cruelty of war. They wanted to learn medical techniques—to save comrades, not just fight.
"A Jonin teacher? How youthful!" shouted Might Guy, springing to his feet in his green jumpsuit. "My blood is burning already!"
Several students rolled their eyes.
Might Guy, like his father Might Duy, lacked talent for ninjutsu and genjutsu. He focused entirely on taijutsu. Many classmates looked down on him.
Some even avoided him.
"Thank you for your encouragement!" Guy said, flashing a dazzling thumbs-up and blindingly white teeth.
The students who had mocked him edged their chairs slightly farther away.
Guy noticed—but he didn't care.
One day, he would prove himself.
He would surpass his rival Kakashi.
He would clear his father's name.
In contrast, the calmest students in the room were Kurenai and Asuma.
Kurenai's father was a Jonin. She never lacked guidance.
Asuma was the son of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Jonin-level instruction was hardly rare in his household.
"Asuma," Kurenai whispered, "do you know who it might be?"
Asuma shook his head. "No idea. Father didn't mention anything."
"Quiet down!" Seitaro Matsuo commanded.
The classroom fell silent.
Then the door slid open.
A man with blue hair, golden eyes, and dark sunglasses stepped inside with a relaxed smile.
It was Hirakawa Qingshui.
The moment Kurenai recognized him, she shot to her feet.
"Brother Qingshui!"
Her voice carried both surprise and joy.
Qingshui smiled warmly. "Long time no see, Kurenai."
His gaze swept across the classroom.
So many familiar faces.
Kurenai Yuhi, who would one day become a stunning and capable kunoichi.
Asuma Sarutobi, rebellious son of the Hokage.
Uchiha Obito, future figure whose name would shake the world.
Rin Nohara, kind-hearted and radiant.
Shizune, destined to stand beside Tsunade.
Might Guy, whose taijutsu would one day astonish the entire ninja world.
There were others too—Ebisu, Shiranui Genma, Raido Namiashi, Aoba Yamashiro.
A generation filled with potential.
Aside from Naruto's era, this was the generation Qingshui knew best.
"It's Konoha Hero Hirakawa Qingshui!"
"He's my idol!"
"I can't believe we get to learn from him!"
The classroom erupted once more.
Qingshui was used to such reactions.
"It's fine," he said gently when Seitaro Matsuo tried to restore order. "I'm glad everyone is so enthusiastic."
Seitaro Matsuo bowed respectfully and stepped aside.
"Then I'll leave the class to you, Lord Hirakawa."
For an ordinary Chunin, standing beside one of Konoha's rising heroes naturally inspired humility.
When he left, Qingshui stepped to the lectern and wrote his name clearly on the board.
"Alright, everyone. Let's quiet down."
His voice was calm—but the effect was immediate.
Silence.
If Seitaro Matsuo had seen it, he might have wept in frustration.
"I am Hirakawa Qingshui," he began. "Today, I'll be your instructor. If you have questions, feel free to ask."
Kurenai's hand shot up first.
"Brother Qingshui, are you going to teach us powerful ninjutsu?"
It was the question on everyone's mind.
Surely someone like him would demonstrate incredible techniques beyond academy level?
Qingshui smiled faintly.
"No."
A collective sigh filled the room.
"But," he continued, "I will help you understand the true power of Medical Ninja."
Rin and Shizune's eyes lit up instantly.
Kurenai leaned forward with interest.
"Medical ninjas," Qingshui said, "are not merely support roles. They are the backbone of a village's survival. Without them, victories become meaningless."
He began explaining battlefield survival rates, chakra control precision, emergency trauma treatment, and how medical specialists could determine the outcome of wars.
He spoke not with flashy techniques—but with vision.
By the time he finished, the room was utterly silent.
Not from disappointment.
But from realization.
Rin's heart beat faster.
Shizune's eyes shone with determination.
Even Obito, who had expected explosive ninjutsu demonstrations, listened seriously.
The seed had been planted.
As Qingshui continued speaking about a future Medical Special Training Class, inspiration quietly spread through the room.
And far away—
In Konoha Prison.
Within Danzo's solitary cell.
A pale figure with serpentine eyes appeared soundlessly in the darkness.
Orochimaru had arrived.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)