Though he didn't claim the Sage Body, Izayoi felt a twinge of regret. Still, securing the Uzumaki Bloodline was a stroke of incredible luck.
This bloodline, like those of the Senju, Uchiha, and Kaguya clans, traced back to the Otsutsuki. As descendants of the Sage Body, the Uzumaki and Senju boasted immense vitality and staggering chakra reserves.
Beyond their mastery of sealing techniques, the Uzumaki possessed three unique abilities: Kagura Shingan, Adamantine Sealing Chains, and Physical Healing.
Kagura Shingan ranked among the ninja world's finest sensory techniques.
Adamantine Sealing Chains excelled in offense, defense, barrier creation, and sealing—even tailed beasts struggled to break free.
Physical Healing allowed chakra to heal oneself or others with remarkable efficacy.
Each was a top-tier support skill.
Yet, like not every Uchiha awakened the Sharingan, not all Uzumaki unlocked these abilities. In the original story, Naruto awoke none before earning Kurama's trust. Afterward, he gained a malice-sensing ability akin to Mito Uzumaki's.
Whether the true Sage Body was too potent or the author withheld buffs, Naruto never manifested the others.
Still, as Asura's chakra reincarnation, Naruto's Uzumaki Bloodline was exceptionally pure.
Now, having claimed it from him, Izayoi might—with luck—awaken one of the three abilities. Should he, like Karin, unlock all three, he'd dominate in sensing, sealing, and healing, rivaling the ninja world's elite.
Even without them, the bloodline's inherited vitality ensured no loss.
Pleased, Izayoi dismissed his panel, watching the ongoing matches.
As bouts concluded, taijutsu sparring wrapped up, giving way to the final test: the survival exercise.
First, Iruka Umino led the students to the infirmary for treatment, then to the supply room to select props—essentials for the Concealment Technique.
Unlike genin bell tests, the academy's survival exercise resembled hide-and-seek, testing Concealment, Body Flicker, and the Three Basic Techniques.
Strong performers earned high or perfect scores. Poor ones, like in the Chunin Exams, got a chance to redeem themselves—failing that, they were caught.
For Izayoi, already adept at the Three Basics, it was effortless. He lasted until time expired, securing another perfect score.
Though results wouldn't post until the new semester in April, the Chief Student title was his.
"Hinata, see you tomorrow at the usual spot."
"Okay!"
After school, Izayoi and Hinata parted at a crossroad, making their usual plans.
Though he'd avoid the abandoned training ground until the Uchiha clan's fall, he hadn't stopped training with Hinata—just shifted venues to the school's field or his home's courtyard.
The Nine-Tails' rampage spared Izayoi's house. His ninja parents' inheritance included a two-story home with a small yard. Compared to Naruto, whose legacy—including Kushina's scarf—was confiscated or neglected, Izayoi's circumstances were enviable.
Fortunately, his parents were ordinary ninja, so the village hadn't seized his assets.
The academy's three semesters offered only a lengthy summer break; other holidays were fleeting.
In a blink, April 1st arrived.
A new academic year began.
Sixth-years had graduated. Genin approved by their jonin instructors embarked on missions. Those unapproved either returned to retake classes, were recruited by other departments, or, after repeated failures, quit to live as civilians.
First- to fifth-years advanced, shifting classrooms.
New first-years, fresh from entrance exams, filled the vacated slots.
That day, the bulletin board swarmed with students. Freshmen checked class assignments; others scanned exam results.
"Hey, Izayoi-kun, seen the board yet?"
"Amazing, Izayoi, you're our year's Chief Student!"
"No surprise—you beat even Sasuke!"
"Izayoi's Chief Student, Hinata's second—you desk mates swept the top two. Unreal!"
Entering the new classroom, Izayoi was mobbed by classmates, boys and girls alike.
Unfazed, he lingered, chatting with a warm smile.
Their words confirmed he'd claimed Chief Student, with Hinata—not Sasuke—in second.
No shock there.
Hinata's academics always ranked high. In the original Chunin Exam's written test, only she and Sakura among the twelve girls needed no cheating.
With Izayoi's guidance—mastering tree-climbing and water-walking in a year, shedding her timidity, and striking decisively—she'd have to crash spectacularly to lose to Sasuke.
Sasuke should thank his luck for not facing Hinata in taijutsu; third place would've slipped away.
Shino Aburame wasn't one to underestimate.
Izayoi chatted until class neared, then returned to his seat.
"Morning, Izayoi-kun."
"Hey, Hinata."
Hinata, as usual, arrived earlier. They greeted each other and fell into easy conversation.
"Congrats on Chief Student," she said, clearly having checked the board.
"Congrats on second," Izayoi replied with a grin. "Your dad won't have any reason to keep you home now."
"Mm-hmm!"
Hinata nodded, beaming.
She'd realized their scheme was long exposed, yet faced no grounding. Her freedom to roam proved Hiashi's tacit approval.
Recalling how her water-walking practice at home went unquestioned despite being noticed, she tied it to her progress.
Now, with second place and Izayoi as Chief Student, Hiashi would surely value him more.
The thought filled her with uncontainable joy.
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