Naruto: Reborn in Konoha, Starting with the Drop of Asura's Chakra

Time flew by, and before anyone realized it, March of Konoha Year 55 had arrived.

The first year of ninja school was coming to an end, and by April, the first-year students would be promoted to the second year.

But before the holiday break, the first-years had to complete a significant year-end exam. This exam would determine the top student of the entire grade—the first-year valedictorian.

March 18th

At 6:00 AM, Yagyu awoke from his sleep and started his morning routine by exercising in the yard of his home.

After finishing his training, he took a bath, made breakfast, and drank a large glass of milk. Then, with a focused demeanor, he formed a hand seal to summon two shadow clones.

As always, the clones got to work—one practicing hand seals on the tatami mat and the other studying books. Meanwhile, Yagyu himself headed to the ninja school.

The morning session was a written cultural exam—simply a test of knowledge.

The real challenge awaited in the afternoon.

But calling it a "challenge" was an exaggeration. The afternoon session added just one extra activity: a survival exercise.

In reality, it wasn't even a proper survival exercise. It was more like a game of hide-and-seek.

Even the sixth-year graduation exam only involved demonstrating one of the Three Basic Jutsu.

For first-years, most of the curriculum consisted of cultural studies. Children from non-ninja families hadn't even been given scrolls to practice the Three Basic Jutsu yet.

Afternoon practical lessons primarily focused on activities like shuriken throwing or basic taijutsu. Advanced exercises like kunai sparring weren't even introduced yet.

These lessons aimed to help students accumulate physical and mental energy while building a strong foundation.

The only jutsu taught to first-years this entire year was the Hiding Technique.

Although the Hiding Technique and Body Flicker Technique might seem advanced, they were actually even more basic than the Three Basic Jutsu.

When Naruto first appeared in the story, the techniques he used to prank those chasing him were none other than the Konoha Body Flicker and Hiding Techniques.

These techniques only seemed advanced because some individuals mastered them to an extraordinary level.

Yagyu predicted that the afternoon "survival exercise" would test their proficiency with the Hiding Technique.

At School

"Hey, Yagyu, good morning!"

"Good morning, Yagyu-kun!"

"Yagyu-kun, do you want to hang out with us after the exam?"

"Yagyu, please pass me a cheat sheet during the test! If I fail, my mom's going to kill me!"

…

Upon entering the classroom, Yagyu was greeted warmly by many classmates, both boys and girls.

He responded with a gentle smile, taking the time to exchange a few words with them patiently.

Unlike Sasuke, who exuded an icy demeanor, or Naruto, who lacked companions, Yagyu cultivated an approachable and friendly persona.

He understood something that no one else in the class did: this room was filled with talent.

The future saviors of the world and Hokages were already here. The others were heirs to ninja clans or destined leaders in Konoha's various departments.

Even minor, unnamed characters in the story could one day become influential figures.

Before his golden finger had awakened, Yagyu capitalized on his reputation as a prodigy to leave a positive impression on everyone.

Now that he had absorbed Ashura's chakra and solidified his position as the undisputed top student in the class, Yagyu maintained his friendly facade.

Making more friends meant fewer enemies.

He built his persona on relationships and diplomacy.

After chatting with a few classmates, Yagyu finally sat down at his desk.

Almost immediately, a small hand tapped him on the shoulder from behind.

Ino, sitting behind him, leaned forward with a grin. "Yagyu, good luck on the test! Make sure to claim that valedictorian spot!"

"I'll do my best," Yagyu replied with a gentle smile.

"That's so suspicious…"

A voice interrupted from his side. Nara Shikamaru, slouched over his desk with his signature half-asleep expression, muttered, "Yagyu, you've been different since a few months ago. Did you secretly awaken some bloodline limit or something?"

Yagyu smirked playfully. "You're so smart. Why don't you take a guess?"

"Whatever…"

Shikamaru yawned, stretched, and sat upright. "But something definitely changed about you."

"Why do you care so much?" Ino interjected with mock irritation. "Everyone has secrets. Stop prying!"

"Alright, alright… My bad," Shikamaru conceded, raising his hands defensively.

Despite his outward indifference, curiosity still burned brightly within him.

Shikamaru wasn't usually interested in others. Even with someone as unusual as Naruto, he didn't care much.

But Yagyu was different.

Over the past year, Shikamaru had noticed a drastic shift in Yagyu's demeanor.

The first half of the year, Yagyu seemed artificial to Shikamaru—his kind smile and friendly demeanor felt more like an act.

To Shikamaru, Yagyu's behavior was calculated, almost as if he were putting on a performance.

However, in the second half of the year, Yagyu became much more authentic.

The subtle tension in his brows and the shadow of hidden intentions vanished.

As young as he was, Shikamaru couldn't fully grasp why someone's personality would change so drastically. He had even discussed it with his father.

From their conversation, Shikamaru concluded that Yagyu's newfound confidence was the key.

This change seemed to begin right after Yagyu defeated Naruto.

What could have triggered such a profound shift in attitude?

It was clear to Shikamaru that Yagyu had either undergone a significant change or harbored a hidden secret.

This transformation explained why Yagyu no longer needed to act deliberately friendly and instead radiated natural self-assurance.

Shikamaru was intrigued.

For the first time, he found himself genuinely curious about the upcoming year-end exam.

Unaware of Shikamaru's thoughts, Yagyu remained focused.

If he did know, he would have marveled at Shikamaru's brilliance. Even at six or seven years old, Shikamaru's keen observations rivaled Itachi's precocious intellect.