The morning sun spilled gold over Konoha's Academy courtyard.
Today was the first day of the Genin Exams.
Students buzzed with nervous energy. The chatter was a mix of excitement and apprehension.
Noir stood apart, calm and composed, his Kuraseigan hidden behind cool amethyst eyes.
---
Nearby, Naruto paced, cheeks flushed with determination.
"Alright! I'm gonna be the greatest ninja ever!" he shouted loudly, attracting some annoyed glances.
His dreams were big—but so were the challenges ahead.
Beside Naruto, Sakura fidgeted with her sleeve, glancing toward Sasuke occasionally, curiosity shining in her eyes.
Ino, ever graceful and confident, leaned against a tree, observing the crowd.
All were soon to graduate from the Academy—a new generation stepping into the shinobi world.
---
In the shadows of the Hokage's office, two figures stood quietly.
Danzo Shimura, his left arm covered in bandages hiding stolen Sharingan eyes, tightened his grip on a wooden staff.
His cold gaze shifted to a scroll outlining plans to use the Sharingan's Izanagi technique—an ultimate secret weapon.
Nearby, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, watched with weary eyes.
He allowed Danzo's quiet tyranny to grow, believing it was necessary to protect the village.
A delicate balance between peace and control.
The new genins had no idea how deeply their fates were entangled with these shadows.
---
Back at the Academy, the written test began.
Iruka handed out the scrolls.
Noir's fingers brushed the paper. The questions weren't just simple chakra control tests—they probed understanding, strategy, and foresight.
He breezed through most with ease.
Naruto frowned at the complicated problems, scratching his head.
"Why does it have to be so hard?"
Sasuke sat silently, Sharingan flickering, his sharp mind slicing through every question.
---
Across the room, small moments unfolded:
Kiba Inuzuka exchanged competitive glances with Shino Aburame, both determined to prove themselves.
Choji Akimichi nervously clutched his pencil, hoping to not mess up like last time.
Hinata Hyuga's shy glance toward Naruto caught his attention, though he was too focused to notice.
---
When time ended, Iruka collected the scrolls.
He glanced at Noir's paper—a perfect score.
Whispers spread through the room.
Some annoyed slackers grumbled, "Of course… that guy's just… perfect."
Sasuke's eyes briefly met Noir's, a silent challenge passing between them.
---
Outside the exam hall, the village bustled unaware of the hidden powers at play.
Noir's Kuraseigan shimmered faintly beneath his eyelids.
He knew his path was just beginning.
And soon, everything would change.
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[End of Chapter 11]