Reincarnated in Naruto World with a System

Tatsumi woke with a start, realizing he'd overslept yet again. He rushed to the Academy, arriving just as the first class was about to begin. The Sakura trees lining the entrance were in full bloom, a breathtaking spectacle.

While not usually one for appreciating such things, even Tatsumi had to admit the scenery was impressive. But his mind wasn't on flowers. It was on the students he'd be sharing classes with – his future point providers. Points are everything, he thought, a predatory glint in his eyes. And these kids… they're practically walking point banks.

"Uchiha Tatsumi, you're late," a low voice called out. Tatsumi turned to see a ninja in a standard-issue green flak jacket, a Konoha headband, and a noticeably dark complexion.

"Ah, it's… Nishimura-sensei! Good morning!"

Phew, that was close, he thought. He'd almost called him "Brown Face Uncle1." He wondered if the man was aware of the nickname.

"You were about to call me 'Brown Face Uncle,' weren't you?" Nishimura-sensei's eyes narrowed.

"Haha, you're imagining things," Tatsumi chuckled nervously. "I'd never…"

"I'm barely over twenty, you little demon!"

"Really? I could have sworn you were at least forty."

"Hmph. Is my skin colour more important than your tardiness on your first day?"

"Right, right. Sorry I'm late," Tatsumi said, feigning sincerity.

"You're incorrigible," Nishimura-sensei sighed, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched Tatsumi hurry off. He's certainly… different from the other Uchiha, he mused.

The Academy was divided into classes based on entrance exam scores. The top students, mostly from prominent families, went to the "A" classes.

These students were Konoha's future elite, destined for better teachers and greater opportunities. The rest were relegated to the "B" and "C" classes, their futures less certain. Ninja World is a meritocracy, Tatsumi thought cynically. And a cruel one at that.

He hurried down the corridor, finally stopping before a door marked "Ninja Grade A, Class A." He paused, considering his entrance. How should I play this? Cool? Casual? A touch of arrogance? He adjusted his trench coat. Nah, I'm overthinking it. He was already five minutes late.

He threw the door open with a flourish, flashing his most charming smile. "Sorry I'm late!"

The moment he stepped into the classroom, he was met with a wave of hostility. It wasn't overt, but Tatsumi could feel the resentment radiating from several corners of the room. Ah, the usual suspects, he thought. The Uchiha trio he'd defeated the previous day were glaring at him, along with a few other clan members who had also been outscored. They're still salty, he realized. Good. Maybe they'll give me some more points.

He gave them a nonchalant shrug. What can I say? I'm just that good. He straightened his trench coat, striking a pose. So stylish, he thought approvingly.

Suddenly, a chorus of squeals erupted from another part of the room. It was the girls. Tatsumi, being the top scorer and a handsome Uchiha to boot, was already a heartthrob. He had even been voted one of the "Ten Boys Most Girls Want as a Boyfriend" in some unofficial Academy poll. His popularity was soaring.

He scanned the room for a seat and spotted Mikoto waving him over. He walked towards her, ignoring the envious glares from the boys and the sighs of disappointment from some of the girls.

"Tatsumi, you're late again," Mikoto said, a slight frown on her face."Yeah, sorry," he replied. "I… uh… helped an old lady cross the street."

"That's so kind of you, Tatsumi," Mikoto said, buying his flimsy excuse without question.

Smooth, Tatsumi thought, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks.

He glanced around the classroom and noticed a familiar head of golden hair. Namikaze Minato. So, he's in my class too, Tatsumi mused. Interesting. He knew Minato would be a formidable rival in the future, and he was already showing signs of exceptional talent. I'll have to keep an eye on him. He sat down next to Mikoto, ready to begin his Academy career… and his quest for world domination. Or at least, Academy domination. Tomato, tomahto.

Tatsumi perused his textbook, trying to focus amidst the classroom's cacophony. Senju Nawaki, sporting a mop of brown and yellow hair, sat in front of him, staring intently.

"What?" Tatsumi asked, annoyed.

"Mikoto, has Nishimura-sensei arrived yet?" Tatsumi asked, ignoring Nawaki.

"Not yet," Mikoto replied.

"That's odd. I ran into him on campus earlier. What's he doing wandering around when he should be teaching?" Probably slacking off, Tatsumi thought. I'll report him to the Hokage.

Just then, the classroom door swung open, and Nishimura-sensei strode in, textbook in hand. The room fell silent.

Nishimura-sensei waited for the quiet to settle, then stood at the podium. "Good morning, everyone. I'm Nishimura Shin, your homeroom teacher for Class A. Nice to meet you all." He started to write his name on the board, then stopped, seemingly deciding against it.

Lazy, Tatsumi thought.

The classroom was cramped, packed with fifty or so students. Spiderwebs clung to some corners, and a musty odour permeated the air. "The Academy's renovation budget must have gone missing," Tatsumi muttered to Nawaki.

"Uh… I think the Principal is the Hokage, though," Nawaki whispered back.

"Never mind," Tatsumi said quickly.

"Alright, let's start with introductions," Nishimura-sensei announced. "We'll begin with the students by the corridor."

One by one, the students stood and gave their names and aspirations.

"My name is Ling Kinoshita. I like gardening. I want to be a Jonin," one student said.

Finally, it was Minato's turn. "My name is Namikaze Minato. I want to be Hokage and protect everyone in Konoha," he said with a bright, earnest smile.

His declaration was met with polite nods. Aspiring to be Hokage was a common dream. It was practically Konoha's official motto: Love Konoha, support the Hokage, and become the next Hokage!Nawaki stood. "My name is Senju Nawaki. I want to be like my grandfather, the First Hokage! And my immediate goal is to defeat Uchiha Tatsumi!"

Tatsumi raised an eyebrow. Ambitious.

Then, it was Mikoto's turn. Her gentle voice and graceful demeanour charmed the entire class. "My name is Uchiha Mikoto. I want to protect the people I care about. I look forward to working with all of you this year." Her smile was radiant.

"So cute!" someone whispered.

Finally, it was Tatsumi's turn. He took a deep breath. First impressions are crucial, he thought. Make friends, impress the Hokage… show them I'm different from the other Uchihas. Cheerful. Sunny. Likeable.

A mischievous idea sparked in his mind. He decided to start with a joke. "Well… my name is Uchiha Tatsumi," he began, adopting a playful tone. "You can call me… 'Darling.' You're welcome."

"D-Darling?!" a chorus of male voices echoed through the room, the tone far more enthusiastic than he'd anticipated. It was unsettling.

Tatsumi recoiled. "Uh… never mind," he stammered. "Forget I said that." That was a mistake.

Then, remembering the system's… suggestions, he continued, his tone shifting to something more manipulative. "My dear students," he purred, "do you envy my position? Do you crave power? Well, I'm offering you a chance. Challenge me. Prove yourselves worthy. I'll be waiting.

"A sudden silence fell over the room. Tatsumi felt a chill crawl down his spine. Something was wrong. He sensed the temperature in the room drop, the air thicken with animosity. That backfired spectacularly, he realized. The murderous intent directed at him was palpable. He had managed to unite the entire class in their hatred for him.

The rest of the introductions were a blur of names and forced smiles. The lesson passed quickly, the awkward tension lingering in the air. Tatsumi knew one thing for sure: his Academy experience was going to be interesting.