Sasuke Uchiha was part of Konoha’s elite …
Sasuke class was filled with clan heirs and the future generation of leaders and ninjas.
The class 1-A was the best of the best, theirs was the only class that would be taught by a Jonin in their graduation … a privilege that could, and generally did, made a ninja career …
It was the prime place to forge long lasting connections that would benefit his clan and family in the future … it was the place to bring pride to the uchiha’s name …
Sasuke's place at the top of the class was undisputed … Some of his peers could compete with him on one aspect or another of being a ninja, but none could boast of a perfect overall score like he did …
Fugaku Uchiha, head of the Uchiha and his father … Smiled with the calm pride of a father and the leader of a clan looking at the bright future of his own blood, looking at Sasuke’s and his brother’s bright future.
Speaking of his brother, Itachi Uchiha, one of the youngest AMBU ever, was now the Hokage’s advisor … Sasuke's brother was being groomed to take the hat after Fugaku pressed Hiruzen to give away the hat he took back …
They were no longer under emergency times, Konoha recovered after the Nine Tails and it was time for the new generation to rise …
That Itachi Uchiha was the prime choice in the succession had everything to do with it …
Sasuke loved his brother. Every time Sasuke was back from the academy, he would share with his nii-san everything he learned and all that he achieved … all the merits he acquired …
And despite Tachi’s workload, he would still pass time and train Sasuke whenever he could … his cousin Shisui was there too, teaching Tachi and him too … It was great …
There was just one small inconvenience … A person-shaped inconvenience that was invading Sasuke’s perfect life … Ruining his mood and making him grind his teeth behind his smile …
Jay Uzumaki …
*** *** ***
When Sasuke started the academy, he saw the ‘polite-delinquent’ Jay Uzumaki derail his class by jumping out of a window …
Sasuke gave him no mind, just another fool out of many that would soon drop out of the 1-A class … but there was something unnerving about the boy that Sasuke just couldn’t look away from …
Over the next few weeks, Sakuke saw what was unnerving about the boy …
Jay Uzumaki … Top marks in practically everything …
Theory ? … His answers were straight out of the textbook as if he had a sharingan to memorize them …
Physical conditioning ? … It wasn’t even a competition, Jay could push harder and for longer than any of them …
Chakra Control ? … Perfect, so promising in fact, that some of the instructors said he could pick up medical ninjutsu if he kept improving.
Stamina and Reserves ? … The boy was almost untiring … It was unnerving how he would barely be winded after the training while Sasuke himself was gasping for air and his peers already gave up long before he did …
The only thing Sasuke could boast about being better was Ninjutsu and Genjutsu … despite Jay’s chakra control, his apparent talent for jutsus lagged behind.
His execution speed was leagues behind everyone else, despite his jutsus being perfect, for a ninja, speed was the most important metric and that reflected on his marks …
Sasuke took first place in the jutsus department … Unconsciously, Sasuke was competing with Jay … the only one in the class that actually made Sasuke put in the work …
But then … after those first few weeks of tests and integration … Jay became a tourist in the class. It was like for those first weeks, Jay was just ‘feeling’ how things were and decided that he had better things to do than to attend class …
Jay showed up whenever he wanted, he left whenever he got bored, he ignored the instructors if he didn’t agree with their explanations and didn’t do any of the course work he didn’t want to …
His grades obviously dropped, but any test Jay bothered to do, he got top marks … and those were enough to keep him safe in the 1-A class …
And that infuriated Sasuke more than his complete disregard for the academy … Jay achieved what Sasuke achieved without putting in the required work … That was as maddening to Sasuke’s efforts as it was a waste of potential …
Everyone in the 1-A class trained their asses off to be there … The competition was fierce and the top talent from the other classes were aiming for any of their spots … if you stumbled even slightly and your grades dropped too much, you were out and another kid would take your spot …
But apparently none of that concerned Jay.
And many of Sasuke's classmates were outraged by it …
They were tired of Jay’s bullshit and if the instructors wouldn’t do anything, they would …
The instructors also made sure to look the other way because it was part of the competition, they were being raised to become ninjas after all and sabotage was part of the course work …
Sasuke genuinely expected Jay to just beat them up …
Sasuke knew how good Jay was with taijutsu, the drags of the class trying to ‘settle the score’ out of jealousy weren’t in the same league …
What Sasuke saw was simple humiliation …
Jay didn’t even bother to acknowledge them, they would try to ambush him, and Jay would simply dash away with his superior speed and stamina …
They would try to sabotage Jay's tests, but the boy was always one step ahead … drop ink into his papers ? He had a copy … Rip his papers apart, he had a copy … use a small Katon to incinerate his papers ? Guess what ? He had a copy … it was something out of a comedy sketch, they would destroy his papers and Jay would pull up another copy out of somewhere …
Try to cheat answers out of him ? … Well, that one Jay didn't care about but the instructors did If you were caught, and Jay made sure they were caught …
In the taijutsu classes, Jay wouldn’t even try to fight with them, as he quite literally conceded the matches saying that he had nothing to learn by beating up inferior opponents …
He made up the points by fighting with the instructors, he got no merits but his grades were stable …
It got to a point where his classmates were left fuming, crying out for the instructors to intervene, to make him compete, saying that he was receiving unfair treatment and making a scene whenever Jay bothered to show up in class …
Then, one day, Sasuke watched as Jay got up, went to the front of the class and addressed the classmates with that same unnerving unbothered smile that grated on everyone’s nerves …
[Jay] - Why don’t you do as I do ? … I’m being penalized for not showing up, I’m losing a lot of points and a lot of merit. I just make up by getting top marks in the few tests I take, it’s not that hard, just get good you know ? -
Sasuke watched as the bottom half of the class cried out as Jay walked out of the class … laughing at their faces …
And Sasuke couldn't blame them …
Being part of the class 1-A meant you were some of the best talent around … you were receiving the academy’s best instructors, being given personal attention to train … And if you acquired enough merit, you could ‘buy’ more advanced courses that would set you up for a bright future …
For those kids without a clan or some experienced ninja parents, it was a big deal for their future … their parents were pressing them HARD to achieve the best scores they could possibly get, so they could get more merit and buy the jutsus and specialized training that would make their future as ninjas …
And Jay just pissed on their futures by telling them to ‘get good’ instead of complaining …
***
Jay lit up the class with the unified frustration of the majority of the kids trying to prove him wrong …
It didn't take long for Sasuke to see why the instructors didn't intervene … Jay was the class opponent and Sasuke's peers were now training with extra motivation to beat him …
***
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But none of that was actually Sasuke's problem … Sure, Sasuke also wanted to beat Jay, like anyone really … but Sasuke's top spot was already secured, he was this year's top scoring ninja … Jay’s antics weren't really Sasuke's problem …
… Except when it became Sasuke’s problem …
Itachi, his own brother, came home with the news …
His brother was appointed as the Hokage’s assistant … and as part of the position, he would be taking Jay as an apprentice …
Jay was now right there … Right … There … in his home, with his brother …
Sasuke prided himself in being above such petty matters, there was no need for jealousy on any such emotions pertaining to someone below you …
But there was a limit to things, there was a line … and Jay Uzumaki just crossed it … Jay quite literally crossed the line, Sasuke's property, Sasuke's private life, Sasuke's family time … Jay was taking away his nii-san precious time …
And Sasuke couldn't figure out WHY Jay was entitled to it all …
… and no one would tell Sasuke … why would no one tell him ?! … WHO IS JAY ?!
… After months silently bearing it, Sasuke finally cracked, going directly for the source of his problems …
*** *** ***
Sasuke saw Itachi and Jay talking and exchanging scrolls as he approached.
[Jay] - … pleasure doing business with you and remember that you can't copy those, I mean, you probably can, but you really shouldn't, Konoha's research division worked some nasty things in there from what I gathered … -
Sasuke heard only part of the conversation before he got right up to Jay.
Sasuke even ignored decorum and cut his brother off to ask the menace …
[Sasuke] - My father won't tell me, neither will my brother, so I'll ask you directly, why ? Why can you get away with it ? -
[Jay] - You have to be more specific Sasuke-san, get away with what ? -
Sasuke took a calming breath before saying.
[Sasuke] - Everything you do, cutting classes, defying the instructors … Now you're here with my brother as part of his role as Hokage's advisor, why ? Who are you ? -
Jay inclined his head.
[Jay] - You don't know ? -
[Sasuke] - No one will tell me -
Sasuke saw Jay turning to Itachi.
[Jay] - What's the deal with that ? It's not like it's a secret, every Chunin knows this already -
[Itachi] - Hokage's orders, children aren't supposed to know even though most civilians do, less of a security breach and all that, even though your status is probably already leaked, the protections as you were a baby were high … -
Sasuke was now confused, what could they possibly be talking about …
[Jay] - Makes sense, but I wasn't advised to not talk about it -
[Itachi] - It was assumed you would share it with close friends and what not as you discovered it yourself … -
Sasuke saw Jay nodding.
[Jay] - Makes sense, thought I guess it never came up and I just assumed it was open information -
[Itachi] - Not everyone can infer an entire book out of its Summary … -
[Jay] - Come on m Itachi-san, don't give me that spiel, the information is publicly available, the exploits of Hashirama Senju are a bit mystified but they are there none the less … and the later roster of Konoha's notable ninjas can be easily sourced, they are proudly displayed even, I can even find your entry, Konoha's youngest Jounin … -
Sasuke was tired of not being part of the conversation.
[Sasuke] - Will you stop talking as if I'm not here ? What information are you talking about ? -
[Jay] - I'm the Nine Tails Jinchuriki, like Hashirama’s wife, Mito Uzumaki, and then later her niece Kushina Uzumaki and now me, Jay Uzumaki … -
Sasuke blinked at the information, trying to remember his history lessons.
[Sasuke] - The Nine Tails is supposed to be dead, only to reform in the next generation, the fourth Hokage had to kill it … -
[Jay] - Yeah, convenient lie really, buying enough time for me to grow up a bit and veto the people that will be in contact with me … -
Sasuke slowly blinked his eyes.
[Sasuke] - But what about the Academy ? Why are you allowed to do what you do ? -
[Jay] - I told all of you plainly, everyone can do it, you will be discounted some points but you can do it … not my fault no one bothered to read the academy rules. -
Jay ruffled a small laugh.
[Jay] - I have training with Maito Guy and his disciple, I have a Chunin and Med-nin tasked with taking care of me, I have access to the public library of Konoha, I can wander around and watch as other ninjas train, how they train and figure out how to apply that to me … My time is better spent outside the academy, so I spend it outside -
Sasuke widened his eyes … with his own grades he could technically do the same as Jay was doing … he could use the extra time to train with Clan and advance his Uchiha techniques …
But …
[Sasuke] - If you can do that, why don't you graduate early ? -
[Jay] - Why would I do that ? Graduating early is no better than what I currently have. Besides, all this extra time is doing wonders for my research… -
Sasuke scoffed.
[Sasuke] - Yeah, right, what would you even be researching hmm ? -
Sasuke saw Jay smiled and pointed at the scroll Itachi was holding.
[Jay] - Soon enough a good chunk of your Clan and Konoha will be buying those, and that will give me some healthy personal funds, I probably won't even have to actually work as a ninja though I'm probably required to, being a Jinchuriki and all that … -
Sasuke blinked his eyes as the words spoken defied logic …
To not be a ninja … What kind of madness is this ? … Even Sasuke's artisan clansmen were ninjas, to use chakra is to be a ninja, to learn, grow and make use of said power was to be a ninja …
[Sasuke] - How can you not be a ninja ? This … this doesn't make sense, you use chakra, you just said you developed a jutsu … you … you ARE a ninja ?! -
Sasuke saw Jay looking at Itachi with his eyebrows raised … When Sasuke turned to his brother, he saw Itachi giving a sigh …
[Itachi] - Sasuke-kun, it's not that simple … -
[Jay] - Look, I still have to meet with Guy-san for our training and looks like you both have a lot to talk about so … see ya -
Sasuke could barely say anything as the menace dashed away …
The conversation that came next with his brother washed down many of Sasuke's previous beliefs about being a ninja …
It was the kind of thing learned after a while in the profession … but as with any precocious prodigy, Sasuke learned it far earlier.
It was all about products and services …
Sasuke was left a bit numb for the next few days, thinking over truths too big for him, but ones that he insisted on hearing …
*** *** ***
On the other end of the Academy, there was a civilian kunoichi struggling to keep her top position …
Despite the below average competition for her sex, Sakura Haruno was as civilian as they came.
Her parents enrolled her in the Academy with great expectatives for her … and she didn't want to disappoint …
She was smarter than most, her grades shot up as soon as the tests rolled out … and despite not having a great training, she could keep up with the physical tasks …
Sakura was quickly promoted to the next class … more advanced, more prestigious, more competition … her parents were elated with her progress, saying that her future would be bright …
The new class was harder, the training more intense, the expectations greater … So Sakura studied more, she struggled more and once more rose to the top … but it was harder … she was starting to lag behind her peers in the physical course, there were now kids with ninja parents, even some clan kids in the class …
Sakura didn't make many friends, the academy wasn't really a place for friends when everyone was competing for the top spots …
When Sakura finally arrived at the 1-A class … she thought that she would finally be able to make friends …
Her peers in the other classes were … less than nice with her … Sakura's top spot was mostly thanks to her smarts … but that was it … when the other kids tried to put her down where she belonged, she wasn't really strong enough to defend herself …
The instructors saw that as a learning opportunity for her … Sure, punishment was doled out, but it never quite stopped the bullying, it only made it stealthier …
So when Sakura arrived at the 1-A class, she thought that was it, it was over, she was at the top, there was no more need to compete …
Her parents were more than happy for her, the prestige coming from graduating at the 1-A class where all the Clan heirs were … the opportunities that would come from it …
Sakura had to smile at her Mother, Father, Aunts and Uncles and say she was having a great time at the academy …
Class 1-A wasn't really all that different … the instructors gave you more personal time and pointers … but that only meant Sakura had to hear how much behind she was on her physicals …
The weight of her test grades were reduced.
If she wanted to keep up, she had to study jutsus harder, make them perfect and fast … She didn't have much chakra, so she had to make sure her chakra control was perfect … and she had to train more, she had to keep her physical grades at least better than the bottom of the class …
It was a struggle … but she managed … she managed by looking forwards and trying her best to be like … him …
Sasuke Uchiha was a prince in Sakura's eyes … her heart skipped a beat whenever she looked at him …
He was polite, he was strong, he was smart … he had the top spot of the class and he wasn't smug about it …
Most importantly, he was kind to her … Sakura didn't know if it was because she was no threat to his overall position at the top spot or if he liked her … but from what her mother told her … Sakura had to try her best and look her best if she wanted to get his heart …
Sakura didn't know what he liked in a girl, so she just tried a bit of everything …
Sasuke was her light in that bleak academy, especially after her ex-friend, Ino Yamanaka broke her friendship when Sakura told her that she might be crushing on Sasuke and that she wanted her friend’s help …
Sakura never felt so betrayed … but she could understand Ino … especially after she proclaimed they were ‘rivals in love’ as they both were trying to get Sasuke's attention … Sakura disliked Ino … but she only HATED one of her classmates …
Jay Uzumaki …
Even thinking about him made Sakura mad …
Her nights without sleep, studying and training … her sweat and effort to keep her position, to rise the ranks … and that boy … no, that MENACE … he would just come every other day, ace whatever test he bothered to take and go back to … to loaf around as if it was no big deal …
As if all of Sakura's efforts and pains were because she just SUCKED … and then … and then he had the gall to tell the whole class that they all should just get good and stop being jealous losers …
He might not have said all that out loud, but everyone could hear what he left unsaid …
Sakura broke a pen in her hands thinking about that day …
But it was fine, she proved him wrong … she was the top Kunoichi … she conquered her top spot right besides Sasuke … and Sasuke even acknowledged her … it was just a nod given to a peer in the top spot, but Sakura would remember it going forward …
And her top spot came with some great benefits … she could choose one of her teammates going forwards … that was the reason Ino got so mad when Sakura beat her to it … Sakura would choose one of her teammates and there was only one in mind …
*** *** ***
[Iruka] - Quiet down class, you all have your headbands now, you all passed your tests and as members of this class, you all can look forward to learning under a Jounin … all I have to say for you all is good luck on your journey as proud Konoha ninjas -
The class cheered loudly for a few moments before Iruka spoke again.
[Iruka] - Alright alright, quiet now … I will now announce the top Kunoichi and top shinobi of our class and as a congratulation for your performance, you will be offered the choice to choose your future partners … -
Iruka waited for the class to quiet down once more.
[Iruka] - Your outstanding performance is why we think we can trust you with this decision. Remember, the partners you have now will probably define your future careers, you will learn together, fight together and many times, carry forward this fellowship into your adult life and beyond … so choose wisely … -
Iruka stopped briefly, his eyes stopping on a pink haired girl that rose fiercely through the ranks with hard work and intelligence.
[Iruka] - Sakura Haruno, our top Kunoichi, who do you want as a partner ? -
***
All eyes landed on her … but many knew what the choice would be, it was obvious to all, that's why Iruka let her choose first.
The girl was blushing fiercely, but she got up from her chair and said in an even voice.
[Sakura] - I want Sasuke Uchiha to be in a team with me (if Sasuke-kun doesn't have a problem with it) -
The last part was said so quickly that it almost stopped being words and became noise.
[Iruka] - Is that alright with you Sasuke-kun ? -
[Sasuke] - Not a problem sensei, I'm glad to work with the top Kunoichi of our class … -
The boy offered a simple nod of acknowledgement to Iruka before turning to Sakura and doing the same.
Iruka could swear that if the girl blushed any harder she would spontaneously combust.
But now comes the true question, who would Sasuke choose as his partner …
[Iruka] - What about you Sasuke Uchiha, our top Shinobi, who do you want as a partner -
Iruka waited for an answer, he thought that Sasuke would have to think it over, see the benefits, who would fit well with his team composition and offer the best advantages …
Iruka expected to see the mind of the Uchiha Prodigy at work choosing a teammate …
But Sasuke Uchiha already had a name in mind, a thorn in his side that was way more than meets the eyes.
[Sasuke] - I want Jay Uzumaki on my team … -
Iruka almost did a double take at the boy's choice, but a crashing noise derailed Iruka's train of thought.
Sakura quite literally punched through her desk, looking wide-eyed at Sasuke and murderous at Jay who was laying feet up on his desk.
[Iruka] - Will that be a problem ? -
[Sakura] - No, sensei, none, no problem at all, really sorry about the desk … I … Hmm … I saw an insect … -
[Iruka] - Right … moving on, the rest of you will discover your teams tomorrow as well as who your Jonin sensei will be … -
[Jay] - Don’t I get a say in it ? -
The class held their breath and Iruka let out a small smirk.
[Iruka] - No you don’t … class dismissed and good luck -
Iruka smiled as more cheers went on, many jeering the boy as he finally got some kind of ‘punishment’, as minor as it was.
As the class moved out, in the corner of his eyes, Iruka could see the recently formed team coming together at the exit …
*** *** ***
