Konoha: The thirty-year-old Uchiha is not motivated.

Fugaku Uchiha's return did not cause much of a stir in Konoha. Of course, if his father had returned, the Konoha leadership would probably have held an emergency meeting overnight to discuss countermeasures.

Furthermore, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others were currently focusing all their efforts on the border conflict, busy with the war every day, and had no time to pay attention to Fugaku Uchiha, that seven-year-old brat.
A few days later,
In the Hokage's office,

Hiruzen Sarutobi was coldly reviewing a report on the casualties of 3000 members of the Sarutobi army, his eyes gleaming with a bloodthirsty light.
"Good! Danzo, you did a really good job!"

Seeing that only a tenth of the private army his family had painstakingly cultivated was gone, the veins on his hands, gripping the notice, bulged. His tone went beyond mere gritted teeth; he wished he could devour Danzo, who was thousands of miles away, alive.

Bang bang bang——

The sudden knocking interrupted Hiruzen Sarutobi's rage bar. Calming down, he took a deep breath and spoke.

"Come in."

Creak~
Entering through the door was a middle-aged ninja wearing glasses. Unlike the casual attire of typical ninjas, he wore an elegant scholar's robe, exuding a strong scholarly air.

"Greetings, Lord Hokage."

Upon seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi, he first bowed respectfully, then presented the letter he was holding.

Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at the letter in front of him and frowned slightly.
"Didn't I say that you would be in charge of all affairs at the Ninja Academy during this period?"

According to Konoha tradition, the Hokage, while serving as the village leader, also concurrently holds the position of principal of the Konoha Ninja Academy. The ninja before him is the current vice-principal of the Konoha Ninja Academy and a member of the Sarutobi clan, enjoying his deep trust.
"However, I believe that this matter still needs to be reviewed by the Hokage."

The vice-principal, being questioned, tensed up. He sensed that Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't in a good mood. While inwardly regretting his actions, he forced himself to speak cautiously.

"It's just an application to enroll, just approve it."

Hiruzen Sarutobi casually picked up the letter and opened it, only to find it was an ordinary college application. His face immediately showed displeasure.
To waste his time on such a trivial matter, shouldn't the vice principal of Konoha Ninja Academy be replaced?

"No, Hokage-sama, look closely. This is Fugaku Uchiha's application for admission, as well as his application for graduation."

Sweating profusely, the vice principal immediately spoke up to remind him. Hiruzen Sarutobi flipped through the page in confusion, only to discover there was another graduation application at the bottom.
"What is this Fugaku Uchiha up to? He just enrolled and he already wants to graduate? What does he think our ninja academy is?"

Already in a bad mood, Hiruzen Sarutobi tore his graduation application in half and threw it away with a whoosh.
“Tell him that our Ninja Academy is a place to teach people how to be ninjas, not a third-rate institution for building up resumes. If he wants to graduate, he’ll have to start from scratch.”

"But he's old enough to be in kindergarten."

“No matter how old he is, if he enrolls now, he’ll start from preschool.”

The Konoha Ninja Academy is a six-year educational institution; children with ninja talent typically enroll at the age of three or four.

After a year of preschool education, students enter the preschool class and begin systematic learning of ninja theory.
Two years later, those who pass will be promoted to the middle class to learn basic taijutsu and chakra manipulation. Those with exceptional talent will be taught simple D-rank ninjutsu, also known as the Three Body Technique.

After two more years of consolidation and reinforcement, those who pass the exams can advance to the senior class, where they will receive specialized Chunin instructors for practical combat training.

One year later, only those who achieve excellent results in practical training can apply for graduation. After passing a special assessment, they can be given the title of Genin.

Fugaku Uchiha, a kid who didn't even graduate from preschool, dared to shamelessly apply for graduation exams, showing utter disregard for Konoha's education system.

"As ordered."

Seeing that Hiruzen Sarutobi's anger level was rising, the vice principal quickly grabbed the still intact admission application and ran out of the office without looking back.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Fugaku, unaware of his impending fate, was listening to the teachings of the current Grand Elder, Uchiha Setsuna.
“Young Master Fugaku, with your strength, staying at the Ninja Academy is a complete waste of time. That lousy place can't teach you anything except give you a ninja qualification.”

"But I think it's still very necessary to go to the Ninja Academy to settle down and reflect."

Fugaku Uchiha, however, had a different opinion. While his current strength did indeed far surpass that of a genin, that strength was meaningless if it wasn't used to show off.

"No, no, no, young master Fugaku, instead of wasting your time in such places, I would like to personally teach you the ways of survival of the Uchiha."

Looking at the somewhat stubborn little boy in front of him, Uchiha Setsuna said with a sincere expression,

He actually had his own ulterior motives. If he could establish a master-disciple relationship with Fugaku Uchiha, it would be much more convenient for him to act within the clan in the future.

"Um, is that alright?"

As if seeing through Uchiha Setsuna's thoughts, Uchiha Fugaku's small face revealed an undisguised look of disdain.

What are your ingredients?
You can't even fly a Gundam, yet you want to teach me?

"Young Master Fugaku, please don't worry. Although I, Setsuna, am not as skilled as Lord Izuna, I am still considered a formidable fighter within the clan."

He could even repair tanks in an instant, so how could he not bear such a small insult? In order to establish a master-disciple bond with the future clan leader, he was even willing to lower himself.

"Elder! Elder! The Ninja Academy has replied!"

Just as he was trying to continue persuading Fugaku to become his disciple, the clansman he had sent to register returned.
"Tell me quickly, what happened?"

Uchiha Setsuna noticed that his clansmen's expressions were not good, and a sense of foreboding immediately arose in his heart.
"Reporting to the Elder, the Ninja Academy has approved Fugaku's application for admission, but his graduation application has been rejected."

The clansmen dared not be negligent in the slightest, and immediately revealed all the registration results in a single sentence.

"Tsk! What do they mean? Are they targeting the Uchiha clan?"

The result was beyond his expectations. Uchiha Setsuna gritted his teeth, his face cold, and his voice was full of resentment.

"Really? That's great!"

Upon hearing this news, Fugaku Uchiha beamed with joy. Heaven rewards those who persevere; he could finally stand out among his peers!
"There's one more thing. The ninja academy is making Fugaku start over from preschool, citing the invalidation of his previous school registration."

"what?"

Fugaku Uchiha's smile froze on his face.
You want me to teach a bunch of three-year-olds?
Who am I showing off to?

No!

"I'm not going anymore, I want to go home!"

In that case, why should he go to school? Wouldn't it be better for him to stay home, lie down, and watch his adorable little Mikoto every day?
Da~da~da~
Suddenly, a short figure came running from afar, the crisp sound of footsteps instantly catching Fugaku Uchiha's attention.

Upon closer inspection, he realized it was Uchiha Mikoto, dressed in a school uniform. The girl had a small backpack on her back and was carrying two lunch boxes of different sizes in her hands.

"Young Master Fugaku, I've brought you your meal!"

"Mikoto, what's wrong?"

Taking one of the larger lunchboxes, Fugaku Uchiha's eyes were full of confusion.

"I'm starting school today, so I just happened to be passing by to deliver a lunchbox to you, Master Fugaku."

Holding up her cute schoolgirl skirt, Mikoto Uchiha twirled around in place, her large, bright eyes filled with anticipation.

goo-dong-

"You just said that I also want to start from preschool, right?"

Looking at the incredibly cute Mikoto in front of him, Fugaku Uchiha swallowed hard, then turned to look at the clansman who had come to report.
"Young Master Fugaku, it's like this. The Konoha Ninja Academy has gone too far this time. I'll go get my admission application back right away. We can't let these guys insult the honor of the Uchiha clan." The clansman, when asked, immediately nodded vigorously, and also indignantly criticized the Ninja Academy's actions.

In his view, the Ninja Academy did this to make the Uchiha clan a laughing stock in front of other clans.
You're saying your Uchiha clan's heir to the leadership is seven years old and still in preschool?

What a laughingstock!

“He’s right, young master Fugaku. It’s better not to go to school here. You’ll gain far more from learning with me than you would from wasting time at the Ninja Academy.”

"I want to go to school! I love going to school!"

"Huh?"*2
Seeing the utterly astonished Uchiha Setsuna and his companion, Uchiha Fugaku's lips curled into a slight smirk.
Learn from you?
Can I show off in front of Misaka?

Can you help me pick up girls?
Answer me! Look in my eyes!

"Young Master Fugaku, what are you talking about?"

Unaware of the inside story, Uchiha Mikoto tilted her head and blinked her big, watery eyes in confusion.

"Mikoto, wait for me a moment, let's go to school together."

The thought of being in the same class as Mikoto and going to and from school together made Fugaku Uchiha feel like his life was complete.

"Young Master Fugaku, please reconsider!"

"Elder Setsuna, I cannot disregard the rules and regulations of the Konoha Ninja Academy just because I did so. As a descendant of the previous Hokage, I must set an example and strive to be a role model."

Faced with a fleeting admonition, Fugaku Uchiha waved his hand dismissively, delivering a eloquent remark that left everyone speechless.

"But this"

"My mind is made up. Elder Shana, please don't try to stop me. If you have anything to say, go and talk to Elder Lü Cha. I'm going to school now."

Seeing that Uchiha Setsuna still wanted to stop him from pursuing his love, Uchiha Fugaku's face hardened, and he invoked the still-powerful Uchiha Ryōzashi, instantly making the other party swallow his words.

"Young Master Fugaku, please be careful. If you encounter any injustice at school, please let me know immediately."

Left with no other choice, Uchiha Setsuna nodded in agreement to allow Uchiha Fugaku to enroll in the academy.

Now all we can do is pray that some fool at the Ninja Academy will target Fugaku, forcing him to give up his studies and return to his clan to receive his instruction.

Soon, two figures, one tall and one short, walked together on the road to the Ninja Academy. Uchiha Mikoto curiously observed Fugaku, whose face was filled with excitement.

"Young Master Fugaku, so you're going to school too?"

"Of course, how could I, who aspires to become an excellent ninja, not go to the ninja academy for further study?"

Fugaku Uchiha suppressed the urge to curl his lips into a smile and spoke nonsense with a straight face.

"Wow~ So, Mr. Fugaku, you must be going to the senior class, right?"

Mikoto looked up in surprise at Fugaku, who was much taller than her, and said with a worried expression,

"I heard that there are some really strong kids there. Young Master Fugaku, you mustn't let them bully you until you cry."

Hearing this, Fugaku scratched his head, somewhat amused and exasperated. Before he could reply, Mikoto suddenly raised her little fist, looking indignant.

"But don't worry, I'm very capable. If you get bullied, I'll stand up for you!"

"just you?"

Fugaku was taken aback upon hearing this.
"Hmph~ I have a magical ninja tool. Anyone who dares to bully you, I will punish them in the name of the moon!"

To dispel Fugaku's doubts, Mikoto mysteriously lifted the black bangs covering her fair forehead, revealing an exquisitely designed gold headband hidden among her thick, beautiful hair.
"Look, this is it."

"This is."

The moment he saw this thing, Fugaku Uchiha's pupils contracted.
Although he didn't recognize the headband or know its origin, he could clearly sense the dense chakra emanating from it.
Just a few seconds later, Uchiha Mikoto quickly let her bangs fall down, and the exquisite headband was once again hidden in her black hair.

"Shh~ Don't tell anyone about this, okay? It's a secret between the two of us!"

She had never told anyone about this ninja tool, not even her grandfather, Uchiha Ryōzashi.
"Where did you get this?"

Fugaku Uchiha frowned slightly. How could a three-year-old girl possess such exquisite ninja tools?

It's probably a trap set by some strange creature that claims to be a magician.

"This is a birthday present from Grandpa Gintoki!"

"call"

That's fine.

It just doesn't have to be a smiling, white, crumpled rabbit.

Pleasant times always pass too quickly, and before they knew it, the two had arrived at the main gate of the Ninja Academy. Knowing they had to part ways, Uchiha Mikoto politely bowed to Fugaku.
"Young Master Fugaku, see you after school~"

Having said that, she skipped and hopped towards the classroom she remembered.
Although it was her first day of school, Mikoto had attended the recent entrance ceremony and had also met her classmates, so she wasn't timid when entering the classroom.

My position is...

Upon entering the classroom, Mikoto squinted, searching for the location she remembered.

By this time, many students had already taken their seats in the classroom. Some children, still unfamiliar with the new environment, were timidly huddled in their seats.
However, many children born into privileged families are naturally more mature than other children. They not only show no fear, but also gather in groups of three or five, showing a clear tendency to form small cliques.
"found it!"

After looking around for a while, Mikoto finally found her seat in the second-to-last row by the window.
"Hello, your name is Rope Tree. We'll be deskmates from now on."

As soon as she sat down, the brown-haired boy next to her reached out his small hand, gnawing on a honey-glazed pork knuckle bigger than his face, and mumbled a self-introduction.

Mikoto Uchiha's face twitched, but she didn't reach out to reciprocate. Of course, it wasn't that she didn't want to make friends; she just couldn't bring herself to shake the other person's greasy little hand.

"Hello, are you from the Akimichi clan?"

She could only smile politely, glancing at the two rosy dots on the other person's round cheeks, and based on her memory of certain ethnic characteristics, she boldly deduced her deskmate's background.

"Uh, no, I am the current me, I am Rope Tree."

When the conversation drifted to the topic of surnames, a hint of melancholy flashed across Nawaki's otherwise blissful face. His appetite had drastically decreased, and he quickly finished his breakfast, wiped his mouth, and shook his head in response.
"Well, my name is Mikoto. Nice to meet you!"

Just as the two children were talking, two identical-looking black-haired boys sitting in the row behind them were whispering to each other, head to head.
"Hizashi, have you seen that girl?"

One of the boys gestured with his eyes, his white eyes filled with surprise.

The boy beside him looked as if he had seen a ghost, rubbing his equally white eyes vigorously, as if he had encountered something terrifying.

"Brother, oh no! My eye-rolling technique failed! How come her clothes are still there?" (End of Chapter)