Reincarnated in Naruto World with a System

The two hundredth lap marker blurred as Tatsumi surged across the finish line, a comfortable lead separating him from the rest of the pack. Even after the grueling pace, a reserve of energy thrummed within him. He glanced back at Nawaki, who was hunched over, hands braced against his knees, gasping for air. A flicker of something akin to pity crossed Tatsumi's face.
The grandson of the First Hokage. The thought echoed in his mind. Such a heavy burden for such young shoulders. The weight of expectation, the constant scrutiny of a clan and a village – it was a pressure Tatsumi could only imagine. Nawaki was different from Tsunade. Tsunade was a woman; Nawaki was a scion, destined to carry the Senju name. And to die so young, so violently… Tatsumi's expression shifted, a carefully crafted mask of polite concern replacing the fleeting pity. He toyed with the zipper of his Uchiha windbreaker, ever mindful of appearances.
"The wind's picking up," he remarked, his voice carrying just the right amount of gravitas. Gotta maintain the image. He almost forgot his own impending fate, the path he was destined to tread, leash in hand.
Nawaki, catching the subtle shift in Tatsumi's demeanor, felt a prickle of unease. There's something…off about him. He couldn't quite place it, but the boy's eyes held a depth that belied his age. A shiver ran down his spine.
Truth be told, Nawaki was no slouch. He'd left most of the other applicants in the dust. Only Tatsumi had outpaced him. But then again, he mused, who could compare to the First Hokage? Wasn't he practically a god? Nawaki shook his head, dismissing the thought. Though, maybe not…
This was the first time Tatsumi had interacted with a child from another clan. If fate hadn't intervened, he reflected, Nawaki could have achieved greatness.
"What's your name?" Nawaki asked, his gaze fixed on the Uchiha crest emblazoned on Tatsumi's jacket. He was genuinely curious about this boy who had so thoroughly outclassed him. Defeat was a bitter pill, but Nawaki wasn't one to dwell on it. He was determined to learn from the experience. Besides, the days of open clan warfare were over. The Senju and Uchiha, while not exactly allies, weren't actively trying to kill each other anymore. Tsunade had warned him about potential rivals, after all. He was aiming for Hokage, and it was crucial to know the players.
"Uchiha Tatsumi," he replied, a hint of arrogance lacing his tone. "And you?"
"Nawaki," the boy answered, "Senju Nawaki."
Tatsumi's carefully constructed persona shifted. He clapped Nawaki on the shoulder, adopting a paternalistic air. "You're good, Nawaki," he said, his voice warm and encouraging. "Really good. I can see your drive, your hunger to surpass me. But don't rush things. We have time. Plenty of time. I'll be waiting."
Nawaki stared at Tatsumi, utterly bewildered. What…was that? The boy's words, his tone, the almost condescending air of encouragement – it was all so…unsettling.
Tatsumi, oblivious to Nawaki's confusion, simply smiled and walked away, inwardly patting himself on the back. Nailed it! he thought. Did you see how touched he was? Perfectly played. He imagined the Third Hokage, peering through his crystal ball, absorbing every nuance of their interaction. A good impression is key.
As he walked, a system notification chimed in his mind: "Congratulations! Achievement Unlocked: First in Entrance Exam. Reward: 2000 Ninja Points."
The notification updated his stats: "Current Ninja Points: 2890."
Yes! Tatsumi thought, maintaining his outward composure. This is going to be easier than I thought. Two thousand points! That was a year's worth of spending money. If achievements yielded such bountiful rewards, he'd be raking in the points in no time. The entrance exam was just the beginning. There were theoretical tests, practical exams, all ripe for the picking. He could barely contain his excitement.
The two hundred lap race eventually concluded, with most of the applicants passing. They were, after all, the cream of the crop, confident in their abilities. Among the crowd, Tatsumi's eyes fell on a young boy with spiky blond hair. Namikaze Minato. The future Fourth Hokage, the Yellow Flash, the master of the Flying Thunder God. Tatsumi was intrigued. He wanted to befriend Minato, but the timing wasn't right. Not yet.
Minato was talented, but he was still rough around the edges. His entrance exam scores were average. A commoner, lacking the resources and training of the clan children, his physical fitness was nothing special, and he hadn't even unlocked his chakra yet. He was no match for the prodigies who had been groomed since birth. Minato's true potential wouldn't blossom until he met Jiraiya. Some people are like that, Tatsumi mused. Give them a little push, a little guidance, and they'll soar. But that was still years away.
For now, they would both attend the Academy. Plenty of time to forge a friendship.
As the physical tests wrapped up, Mikoto approached, her breathing slightly heavier but otherwise composed. She had paced herself, not letting Tatsumi's breakneck speed throw her off. Mikoto was never one for flashy displays.
"Tatsumi," she said, her voice sincere, "you were amazing. So fast!"
Tatsumi casually adjusted his windbreaker. Stay cool, he reminded himself. Don't let it go to your head.
With their acceptance notices in hand, Tatsumi and Mikoto began the walk back to the Uchiha compound. And as always, the world, especially the Uchiha world, was full of aspiring troublemakers. Three figures, also clad in Uchiha windbreakers, blocked their path.
"Who's there?" Tatsumi asked, feigning nonchalance. His gaze swept over the three figures, landing on their faces, contorted in expressions of petty anger. Uchiha Ryo, Uchiha Ling, and Uchiha Shigeru. Tatsumi recognized them. They were his age, fellow Uchiha, future classmates.
"You were showing off back there," Ryo sneered.
"Was I?" Tatsumi drawled, feigning indifference. "Didn't notice. I was just warming up." He knew exactly why they were there. The legendary obligatory bullies. He'd been expecting them.