Ren sat in his usual seat at the academy, eyes focused on the teacher’s chalkboard, but his mind was elsewhere. The Gate had given him a glimpse into something far beyond his comprehension. For the first time since its awakening, it had shown him the Gene Cultivation Method—a path to evolution, not through chakra, but through biology, through genetic mastery.

  As his fingers gently traced the edges of his desk, Ren’s thoughts were consumed with what he had seen. He was still in the Awakened Stage, his power akin to that of a Genin. But now, he knew what lay ahead—the stages of evolution—and the incredible potential that awaited him. He wasn’t just learning to fight; he was rewriting his own genes, transforming himself in ways the world had never seen.

  The first stage was just the beginning. The Mortal Genesis Stage was within reach, but he had no desire to rush. His progress had been steady, measured, and unremarkable to others. A few physical improvements here and there, slightly faster reflexes, sharper senses, but nothing that would draw attention. That was the way Ren preferred it. His goal was not to stand out, but to stay under the radar.

  His classmates, as always, remained unaware of his internal journey. Minato, the shining star of the academy, was still the center of attention, and Mikoto, elegant and graceful, had everyone’s respect. But Ren didn’t mind. He wasn’t here to compete with them; he was here to master the method in his own time.

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  Ren’s gaze shifted to the window as he heard the familiar hum of wind rustling through the trees. His eyes narrowed slightly. The Second Shinobi War was drawing closer. He had heard whispers of it, of the tensions between the villages and the growing unrest in the world. The war wouldn’t start for a few more years, but Ren could already feel the shift. Things were changing—fast.

  Inside him, the Gate pulsed with energy. He still didn’t fully understand it, but every time he meditated, it felt like his body was adapting. It was as if he was being shaped—not by chakra, but by something much deeper, more primal. It wasn’t about fighting with chakra; it was about evolving, evolving to a level where chakra wouldn’t matter.

  Ren closed his eyes for a moment, lost in the depths of his own thoughts. The next few months would be crucial. The winter vacation was coming up, and he had to make sure he wasn’t distracted. Cultivating in secret, moving at his own pace—no one needed to know about the changes happening inside him. Not yet.

  As he opened his eyes again, he noticed Mikoto walking past him, her usual serene aura surrounding her. She didn’t acknowledge him, and he didn’t expect her to. But Ren couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia—a reminder of his old life, his past self, the one who had no talent, no ability, nothing to fall back on except his wits. The Gate had changed all that.

  As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Ren stood up and left the room. Winter break was about to start. It was time to continue his training, to learn more about the Gene Cultivation Method, and to prepare for the future. After all, no one could afford to ignore the shadows of war creeping closer.