After parting ways with Uchiha Shisui, Kazama Shin returned home.
Only then did he suddenly realize something—
His current strength was already far beyond that of ordinary people.
In fact, his combat power could be considered above that of an elite chunin.
But—
In the eyes of the true "boss-level" figures he knew…
He was nothing more than a slightly stronger piece of cannon fodder.
They could kill him instantly.
Take Shisui for example—
Without using the Mangekyō Sharingan, Shisui was just a powerful jonin. Shin might still be able to resist.
But once that eye technique was activated—
Especially that terrifying ability…
No one below Six Paths level could resist even a single glance.
"…Still not enough."
"I don't have a true trump card yet."
Shin muttered to himself.
Although he had mastered many ninjutsu—
He lacked a decisive, game-changing move.
But there was no rush.
He believed that, with time, his trump cards would only increase.
…
The next day—
Shin arrived at the classroom.
"Ah, it's Shin!"
"Morning, Shin!"
"Shin, good morning!"
As soon as he walked in, many classmates greeted him.
The girls, in particular, couldn't hide their admiration.
Shin simply responded with a polite smile.
But—
Even he underestimated the effect of that simple gesture.
To him, it was just a casual smile.
To others—
It was like sunlight breaking through clouds.
Warm. Gentle. Irresistible.
"Ah… Shin smiled at me…"
"No, he smiled at me!"
"Stop dreaming, it was obviously me!"
Instant chaos broke out among the girls.
…
Ignoring the daily drama, Shin walked to his usual seat by the window.
He liked sitting there.
(Not for the view—just to slack off during class.)
"Hey… morning, Shin…"
A lazy voice came from behind.
"Morning, Shikamaru. Still half-asleep as always?"
Shin glanced back at Shikamaru Nara.
"Haah…"
Shikamaru yawned and rested his head on his hand.
"For me… sleeping is the main event of the day…"
After a brief exchange, Shin leaned on his desk, gazing out the window.
But beneath the desk—
His left hand was moving rapidly.
Forming seals.
He was practicing one-handed hand seals.
Right now, he could already perform three seals per second.
Soon, it would be four.
And beyond that—
Even faster.
For a ninja, hand seal speed was critical.
Unless it was a no-hand-sign jutsu or a special technique—
Everything required seals.
And in battle—
Speed meant survival.
Thanks to his enhanced bloodline talent, Shin's abilities had improved across the board.
Including this.
With both hands—
He could now perform six seals per second.
A level comparable to Uchiha Itachi.
However—
After reaching that level, progress slowed dramatically.
Breaking past it would require serious effort.
…
While secretly training and pretending to daydream—
Time passed quickly.
…
During class, Iruka Umino looked at Shin helplessly.
"Shin, at least try to pay attention in class."
"Got it, Iruka-sensei."
Shin nodded obediently.
And then—
Went right back to spacing out.
Iruka sighed.
There was nothing he could do.
Shin ranked first in theory.
And now—
Also first in practical training.
A student like that…
Was both a blessing and a headache.
…
"Naruto! No sleeping in class! Get outside and stand!"
Iruka's roar shook the classroom.
Laughter erupted instantly.
Shin turned to look.
Over a year had passed.
Things had changed—
Shin was now the top student, surpassing even Sasuke Uchiha.
Meanwhile—
Naruto Uzumaki was still the dead last.
Shin was popular.
Naruto…
Was still Naruto.
"…So this is your way of earning recognition?"
Shin thought silently.
Despite his presence—
Naruto's path hadn't changed much.
Shaking his head, Shin chose not to interfere.
…
Near the end of the morning class—
Iruka suddenly spoke:
"By the way, this afternoon we'll be holding this week's kunai throwing assessment. Be prepared!"
"Ahhh…"
Groans filled the classroom.
Naruto looked especially miserable.
But not everyone was unhappy.
One person—
Had his eyes locked firmly on Shin.
Sasuke.
"This time…"
"I'll definitely beat you."
Ever since losing the top spot to Shin—
Sasuke had been obsessed with surpassing him.
Just like his brother—
He wanted to stand at the very top.