Spring had arrived in Konoha.
The cherry blossoms painted the village in soft pinks, but the air was thick with tension.
The Academy buzzed with talk—Genin Exams were coming soon.
For some, it was a chance to prove themselves.
For others, a burden.
Noir stood alone by the training fields, hands weaving fluid seals he barely understood.
His proficiency in jutsu was natural—too natural.
He didn't fully grasp the hand signs, yet his body moved with uncanny precision.
It was like the Kuraseigan whispered the flow of chakra to him, guiding his movements.
---
Across the field, Naruto watched with a scowl.
The same icy aloofness that surrounded Sasuke now hovered over Noir.
Naruto grumbled, "Another genius who thinks he's above everyone…"
He clenched his fists. "I'll show them all…I'm going to become hokage."
Sasuke, sitting nearby, smirked without looking up.
"Don't waste your time," he said coolly. "Noir's not just any genius. He's… different."
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Sasuke said nothing more.
---
Noir's chakra reserves continued to expand.
He could feel the change deep inside—a river growing into an ocean.
Every time he activated his Kuraseigan, the influx of chakra was overwhelming but exhilarating.
He didn't dare push too far yet.
His control had improved since the massacre, but true mastery was still out of reach.
The new ability—Chrono Stasis—remained unstable.
Sometimes it worked perfectly for a second.
Other times it collapsed, leaving him dizzy or worse.
---
That evening, as the sun dipped low, Sakura approached Noir quietly.
She clutched her notebook nervously.
"I… saw your training," she said softly. "You're… amazing."
Noir didn't look up.
"Thank you," he replied coolly.
She glanced away, embarrassed.
Ino was nearby, watching silently.
Neither spoke more, but their gazes lingered longer now.
Noir remained indifferent.
---
The announcement finally came:
Genin Exams — Starting in three days.
Excitement rippled through the Academy.
Noir's eyes glimmered—rings of infinity faintly visible for a fleeting moment.
He wasn't just ready.
He was hungry.
The time to prove himself was nearly here.
---
[End of Chapter 10]