Reborn as Danzō’s Grandson, Must I Offend the Entire Ninja World?

Itachi and Yami were both recognized as geniuses—whether in their class or the entire Academy.

Itachi had the advantage of his prestigious surname and always scored perfectly on tests.

Yami, on the other hand, earned his reputation through sheer strength.

Even senior students had been beaten by him, making him somewhat of a school bully.

The two had never officially faced off, and their relative strength had been a topic of debate.

Most students believed Itachi was stronger—after all, the Uchiha name carried significant weight.

But today, they would finally see them fight. The entire class buzzed with excitement.

"Go, Yami! You have to win!"

"Take down that arrogant Uchiha!"

"..."

"They're both so cute… I can't decide! Whatever, Yami is cuter—go, Yami!"

The atmosphere was electric, and most students cheered for Yami, except for those who had been on the receiving end of his fists.

Although he looked down on most of these brats, Yami wasn't the type to act aloof when approached, which made him surprisingly popular.

Itachi, on the other hand, always seemed deep in thought—distant, unsociable.

He fit the stereotype of the Uchiha perfectly.

Even Hiruzen straightened in his seat, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

---

In the clearing, Yami and Itachi stood a few meters apart, facing each other.

At noon, Yami had specifically requested Kazama Shuichi to arrange this match.

Graduating with the title of "genius" would leave a lasting impression, making it easier to establish bonds in the future.

Of course, it also gave him an opportunity to beat up Itachi.

Kazama Shuichi stepped forward. "Both of you, make the Seal of Confrontation."

At his command, Yami and Itachi raised their hands and formed the seal.

Taking a few steps back, Shuichi then signaled the start.

Itachi immediately took a stance, but what puzzled him was that Yami didn't move.

Instead, Yami turned his head to Kazama Shuichi.

"Sensei, I don't think we'll be making the Seal of Reconciliation today."

Before Shuichi could ask why, Yami suddenly charged forward.

---

"So fast!"

Gasps echoed through the crowd.

The first-year students could only see a blur as Yami closed nearly ten meters in an instant, appearing right in front of Itachi.

Even Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly.

This Body Flicker Technique…

It's just like Uchiha Shisui's!

Itachi's instincts screamed danger. Seeing the incoming punch, he quickly raised his arms to block.

But Yami was too fast.

Before Itachi could fully react—

Bang!

A puff of smoke erupted.

Itachi was gone.

A Shadow Clone?!

Hiruzen shot to his feet. Even his guards were stunned.

Compared to Yami's speed and strength, what shocked them more was the fact that he had learned the B-rank Shadow Clone Jutsu in his first year and had even sent a clone to take his classes.

"Sensei, I told you we wouldn't need the Seal of Reconciliation today," Yami said casually.

"But it's fine. If Itachi comes to school tomorrow, we can fight again then."

With that, Yami formed a hand seal.

And vanished into a puff of smoke.

Another Shadow Clone?!

Hiruzen was completely speechless.

---

Outside the Academy, beneath the shade of a large tree, the real Yami lounged with his eyes closed, enjoying a nap.

If he had simply used a Shadow Clone to defeat Itachi with a single punch, it wouldn't have been shocking enough.

In the end, Itachi would still be the one standing in the spotlight, while Yami would become a mere stepping stone.

So, before the match even started, he had quietly switched himself with a Shadow Clone.

Now, he simply waited for the rewards to roll in.

---

[Host has established a bond with Yamanaka Jun. Reward: Earth Release Nature Transformation (Excellent).]

[Host has established a bond with Nara Shikaku. Reward: Yin Attribute Chakra (Ordinary).]

[Host has established a bond with Hiraashi Eiji. Reward: +0.5 Standard Jōnin Chakra.]

...

[Host has established a bond with Sarutobi Hiruzen. Reward: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, and Lightning Attributes (Genius).]

---

Yami's eyes lit up.

Finally, Hiruzen had dropped a major reward.

The Third Hokage—Sarutobi Hiruzen—was known as the "Professor of Ninjutsu."

Despite lacking a special bloodline limit, his mastery of all five elemental releases allowed him to combine them into powerful jutsu, making him a formidable Kage-level shinobi.

His strength during the fight with Orochimaru couldn't be taken at face value.

After all, he was an old man in his seventies, already stabbed before the battle even began. Expecting him to fight at full power was unrealistic.

In truth, the Third and Fourth Hokage represented the peak of "ordinary" shinobi.

The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, was also comparable, but his Dust Release belonged to the rare "Kekkei Tōta" category, making it too unique to be a fair comparison.

For Yami to gain five Genius-level elemental affinities in just the first stage of his bond with Hiruzen…

What about the second stage?

Or the third?

"Tsk… Old man, look at Hiruzen, then look at yourself."

"No wonder you never became Hokage."

Yami chuckled, activated his Body Flicker Technique, and disappeared from the tree in a blur.

---

Meanwhile, back at the Academy, the entire school was in an uproar.

Kazama Shuichi was on the verge of fainting.

Both students used Shadow Clones for the exam… and I had no idea!

"Continue the test. I'll question Yami and Itachi later," Hiruzen ordered, regaining his composure.

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

By the time all students finished their tests, Hiruzen gave a few words of encouragement before leaving in a hurry.

"Summon Danzō and Uchiha Fugaku to my office."

"Understood!"

An Anbu hidden in the shadows flickered away.

Soon after, the two men arrived at the Hokage Building, exchanging glances as they met.

Uchiha Fugaku gave a slight bow.

Danzō, expressionless as ever, merely paused for two seconds before striding into the building.

---

That night…

After leaving the Hokage Building, Danzō returned home immediately.

"Yami, Yami, are you awake?"

"I'm up."

Yami opened his bedroom door and walked downstairs, holding a book.

Danzō nodded approvingly. "You did well today."

Watching the Uchiha suffer a setback always pleased him.

But seeing his own grandson deal the blow? Even better.

"It was just a Shadow Clone—no big deal," Yami replied casually.

"Yes, a single Shadow Clone isn't enough," Danzō agreed. "Which is why you'll fight again tomorrow."

"Hiruzen, I, and the two other Elders will be there. Uchiha Fugaku will also come to observe."

"Yami… do you have the confidence to defeat Uchiha Itachi?"

(To be continued.)

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