Uchiha Shinji's appearance on the training field quickly sparked a frenzy. Genius heirs of prominent clans like Neji and Sasuke cast attentive glances her way. Even Kimimaro, typically indifferent to everything, let his gaze linger on her briefly.
Undoubtedly.
Both the students and teachers at the shinobi academy felt deep down that Uchiha Shinji had far surpassed her peers by an immense margin.
Shikamaru sighed, "The one who kills all suspense in the tests has arrived."
Choji, puzzled, asked, "Shikamaru, what does 'kills all suspense' mean?"
Ino rubbed her forehead: "All you think about is eating! Can't you understand something so simple? With Uchiha Shinji here, what suspense is left in this squad test?"
"Oh, right!"
Choji finally caught on.
Kimimaro was already absurdly strong, with only Jikibi, Sasuke, and Neji able to challenge him at the academy.
Now, with Uchiha Shinji, who was even stronger than Kimimaro, rising in his squad, their dominance was unmatched.
Forget ordinary students—even the squads led by Jikibi, Sasuke, or Neji likely couldn't compete with Kimimaro's team.
No, it should probably be called Uchiha Shinji's team now! On the other side of the field.
Sasuke's face darkened, his mood grim: "She actually showed up!"
Naruto rolled up his sleeves: "Awesome! I can finally test myself against Uchiha Shinji!"
Sakura shoved Naruto aside and leaned toward Sasuke: "Sasuke, what do we do now?"
Sasuke said with conviction, "One-on-one, no one can take on Uchiha Shinji's team! There's only one way to beat them: my squad, Jikibi's, and Neji's joining forces!"
Sakura gasped, "Huh? Isn't that…"
"What do you know!" Sasuke snapped, glancing toward the academy building. "Why do you think the academy scheduled this squad-versus-squad test?"
Sakura asked humbly, "Why?"
Sasuke, brimming with confidence, explained, "Everyone in the village knows Uchiha Shinji's strength is way beyond the academy's level. The academy's letting her join the test to challenge the adaptability of me, Jikibi, and Neji!"
Sakura paused, "You mean this test is actually designed for the three of you?"
"Of course!" Sasuke continued matter-of-factly, "Everyone knows that only us academy geniuses are the future of the village!"
With that, Sasuke strode confidently toward Jikibi.
Moments later, he reached Jikibi and said, "Jikibi, what's your take on this squad-versus-squad test?"
"Take?"
Jikibi, still mulling over the details of fusing the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, blinked in surprise.
Sasuke pointed at Uchiha Shinji in the distance: "There's only one way to beat her!"
At that moment, Neji approached as well.
Seeing Neji join them, Sasuke's lips curved: "Neji, looks like you've figured out the real purpose behind the academy's test!"
Neji hadn't thought that far. He'd only come over to hear how Jikibi and Sasuke planned to tackle the test.
After all, Uchiha Shinji's team had an overwhelming advantage. Without a strategy, first place would slip through their fingers.
Sasuke declared, "Only if the three of us team up do we have a shot at winning this test. Otherwise, none of us can take on Uchiha Shinji!"
"Team up, huh…"
Neji pondered.
He was tempted but hesitant. Three squads ganging up on Uchiha Shinji's single team felt somewhat beneath him.
Jikibi was about to refuse, but a glance from the corner of his eye caught the other students quietly watching them, and he changed his mind.
His goal was to keep the academy—and the entire village—focused on Uchiha Shinji, creating cover for Karin to fuse the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.
The alliance of three prodigies against Uchiha Shinji would ignite a firestorm of discussion, becoming the talk of the academy and the village.
This way, no one would pay much attention to an academy student recovering at home from an "accidental" eye injury.
So, he said, "I'm fine with teaming up, but only against Uchiha Shinji! Once we defeat her, the alliance ends!"
Sasuke snorted lightly: "Obviously. I haven't forgotten what you said before!"
With Jikibi on board, Neji's reservations vanished: "Alright, we'll team up to take down Uchiha Shinji first. After that, we'll settle things between us!"
Some nearby students overheard their conversation.
Soon, news that Jikibi, Sasuke, and Neji—the academy's three prodigies—were joining forces against Uchiha Shinji's team swept through the academy like a whirlwind.
On a large tree outside the academy.
Watching Uchiha Shinji on the field, Jiraiya asked Tsunade beside him, "Is it really okay to let a kid like Uchiha Shinji attend the academy at a time like this?"
Tsunade replied, "Don't underestimate her. She's my student!"
Seeing Tsunade's smug look, Jiraiya chuckled knowingly.
Once upon a time, he'd been the one bragging about his student in front of Orochimaru and Tsunade, earning their envy.
Noticing Sasuke, Jikibi, and Neji's movements on the field, Jiraiya grinned: "Looks like the academy's brats are scheming to deal with your student!"
Tsunade, also aware of the trio's actions, said coolly, "Pointless! Forget whether they can even handle Uchiha Shinji together. Don't forget her team also has that Kaguya kid, Kimimaro."
"True!" Jiraiya nodded, then mused, "For some reason, that Kimimaro kid always reminds me of Orochimaru."
At the mention of Orochimaru, Tsunade's face darkened: "If I run into him again, I won't let him off lightly!"
Jiraiya burst into laughter, then glanced at Naruto, also on the field: "With Akatsuki's threat looming, Naruto needs to grow up fast. I've got an idea!"
Tsunade looked at Jiraiya: "You want Naruto to become a true Jinchuriki?"
Jiraiya nodded: "Only then can he better protect himself!"
Tsunade warned, "Don't forget the 'Nine-Tails Incident.' Provoking the Nine-Tails isn't a good idea!"
"If we didn't have Wood Release, I wouldn't be thinking this way," Jiraiya smiled. "But haven't you brought Wood Release back to life? With Uchiha Shinji around, it should be fine!"