Naruto: Evolution

It wasn't just the fact that Gen had won, but the overwhelming difference in power between them. No one expected the fight to end in an instant, much less that Yuta, a genius of the Hyūga, would be defeated in such a crushing manner.

Gen hadn't shown flashy skills, but the speed with which he moved and the ease with which he immobilized Yuta were more than enough to impress the examiners.

Showing the extraordinary within the ordinary is the true test of greatness.

By simply observing Gen's agility and precision, the examiners realized that if they themselves had been in Yuta's place, they probably wouldn't have been able to do any better either.

The students' conversations intensified after the winner's announcement.

Meanwhile, Gen released Yuta and stood up with the same calmness with which he had fought.

Yuta, although he still felt the impact of the blow, hurried to get up, enduring the pain. His clothes were somewhat disheveled, but what really burned him was not the physical damage, but the humiliation of having been defeated so easily.

"Damn it…!" he growled through his teeth.

Around him, the conversations revolved only around Gen. Words of astonishment, admiration, and recognition towards his opponent. Although he didn't hear direct disdain towards him, every phrase made his blood boil.

Being defeated so easily… was too embarrassing. If it weren't for this being an official exam, he would have wanted to disappear at that very moment.

Gen, for his part, remained unmoved. From beginning to end, his expression had not changed even once.

From the moment the fight began, its outcome was already decided.

Compared to the academy students, his level was in another league. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it was like an adult hitting a child.

If he were in an environment where he needed to hide his true power, perhaps he would have held back a little. But in this case, he had no reason to do so. If he had to demonstrate his talent, he would do it without reservations.

Yuta had been the best student of the previous year, with the strength of a Genin. However, being defeated in such a crushing way, the message was clear: Gen Uchiha was already at a level far above an ordinary Genin.

Under the expectant gaze of the teachers, Yuta had no choice but to complete the Seal of Reconciliation with Gen, swallowing his shame.

Without saying another word, as soon as he finished the seal, he hurried to blend in among the students, wishing for the attention to shift away from him as soon as possible.

"Gen, that was incredible! You defeated Yuta in a single move!"

"I knew you would win, but this was insane. You'll definitely be the best of our generation."

As he returned to his place, Kurenai and Shizune ran towards him, their faces still flushed with excitement and their eyes shining with pure admiration as they looked at him.

"The exam isn't over yet. Whether I'll be the best or not depends on the final results..." Gen, unfazed by their enthusiasm, waved his hand indifferently.

Kurenai watched him intently, biting her lip for a moment before gathering the courage to speak.

"By the way, Gen… after all this is over, can I train with you?" she asked, her crimson eyes filled with expectation.

It wasn't just a matter of improving her skill, though that was important too. What she had just witnessed had made it clear that Gen was much stronger than he let on. And although the difference in power didn't dictate their relationship, if it became too great… would they really still walk the same path?

She didn't want that to happen.

"...Of course. We could also exchange skills," Gen looked at her with slight surprise before nodding naturally.

For him, sharing his training made no difference. Besides, he liked Kurenai.

But before he could say anything else, Shizune crossed her arms and frowned.

"Hey, I want to too! Don't leave me out!"

Gen chuckled slightly and accepted her request without any trouble.

Meanwhile, Kurenai frowned.

Idiot…

She should have waited for a moment alone to make that proposal. Now, what could have been a private training session with Gen had ended up turning into a group session.

She sighed internally, resigned. Well… at least I'll get to train with him.

…

The exam concluded without complications, and the evaluation of the results was surprisingly quick.

Approximately half an hour later, everyone was back in the classroom, speaking in low voices as they waited.

Then, the door opened, and their teacher entered, holding a box in his hands.

"...Guys, you did a great job on this exam. Now I will announce the results and hand out your headbands."

He set the box aside and scanned the classroom with his gaze before continuing. As soon as he spoke those words, the atmosphere changed. Tension grew in the room as the students held their breath, waiting to hear their names.

"Let's start with… Gen Uchiha."

Just like the day before, the first name to be called was Gen's.

Without the slightest hint of surprise in his expression, he stood up and walked to the front. The teacher watched him with a slight smile before continuing.

"Gen's results have been excellent. Not only has he surpassed the graduation exam standard, but he has also achieved first place in the entire generation. Let's give him a round of applause!"

The excitement in his voice was evident as he took a headband from the box and handed it to him with respect.

"I knew this would happen. Gen had to be the number one of the generation!"

"If he hadn't passed, then none of us would have stood a chance."

"The best of the generation! He completely deserves it."

The classroom erupted. Some applauded enthusiastically, others simply nodded, and a few girls even started crying.

Gen took the headband and gave a slight bow to the teacher before tying it to his forehead in the most common manner, without any grand gestures, then returned to his seat.

"Gen, you look even better with the headband!" said Kurenai as soon as he sat down, flashing a radiant smile.

But before he could respond, Shizune sighed with concern.

"I'm worried… what if I end up repeating the year?"

Both of them had immediately approached, their emotions clearly reflected in their eyes. While Kurenai radiated pride and admiration, Shizune couldn't hide her anxiety.

Gen, without wasting time, reassured them with a few calm words.

Meanwhile, on the platform, the teacher continued with the results. One by one, the students were called to the front to receive their headbands.