As Minato joined the group in the aftermath of the duel, his quiet nature masked a sense of amazement. Watching Hikaru and Raiden spar had captivated him—two students his own age, displaying a skill and maturity that went beyond what he'd expected from a first-year Academy duel. He hadn't missed the sharp movements and controlled precision in each swing of Raiden's wooden katana, nor had he failed to notice Hikaru's unyielding, calculating defense. These weren't just two kids swinging wildly; there was a depth of strategy that surprised him. He couldn't help but wonder where he himself stood in comparison and if he'd be able to match that level with more practice.
Raiden, catching his friend's eye, shrugged off the moment's intensity as they shared brief comments about the duel. But Minato remained silently reflective, his usual smile edged with a new layer of contemplation.
At the edge of the field, Daichi Ueda watched his young students carefully. A seasoned chūnin, Daichi took pride in training the next generation, viewing it as both an honor and a responsibility he took seriously. His sharp eyes were trained on the group, but he was particularly focused on Hikaru and Raiden. The duel had held a surprising degree of technique, especially from children just beginning their training.
Daichi saw it all—the way Raiden's offense was both calculated and relentless, driven by a raw skill with the blade that spoke of something far beyond typical Academy training. Raiden's attacks had been powerful and instinctive, traits that Daichi knew could be dangerous if left undisciplined but could also flourish with the right guidance.
Then there was Hikaru. He had taken a defensive approach that was as much about survival as it was about study. It was clear that he hadn't rushed his actions, each move a quiet calculation, each dodge a reaction that showed sharp intuition. Daichi noted that Hikaru had barelay moved offensively at all—he was analyzing, waiting for the perfect moment to turn the tables. It was a style that spoke of patience and wisdom, one Daichi recognized as uncommon in children his age.
Daichi was struck by the contrast between the two: Raiden, who moved with inherited skill and a certain intensity; and Hikaru, with an intelligence that would allow him to sense and learn his opponents' strengths. These weren't just untrained children testing out techniques; they showed the marks of shinobi in training, and their duel displayed a promise that had to be handled carefully. He could see that the future might hold something different for these two if given the proper direction.
It was clear to him that these students had potential, and with that potential came the need for extra attention. Daichi resolved to watch them closely and knew he couldn't let their talent slip under the radar.
That afternoon, as Daichi wrote his report, he described the distinct qualities he had observed. He outlined Hikaru's strategic defensiveness and Raiden's polished offensive tactics, as well as the need to monitor their progress. In Daichi's view, these students could one day become powerful assets for the village, or, if left unchecked, might develop without the discipline needed to handle their growing skills responsibly.
Sealing the report with his family's insignia, Daichi decided it was best to bring these observations directly to the Hokage. This was more than a simple report on Academy performance; it was an early warning of promising but potentially volatile talent.
The Hokage would want to know.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood in his office, gazing out over the village he'd sworn to protect. The scene was serene, with villagers bustling in their daily routines, laughter and conversation drifting upward in faint threads of sound. But to him, this peace was an illusion, a thin veil over the raging fires beyond Konoha's walls. War had tightened its grip, threatening to swallow everything.
He took a slow drag from his cigar, the embers flaring brightly as he inhaled deeply, feeling the familiar weight of smoke fill his lungs. The warm calm it offered was brief—barely enough to stifle his frustration. His students, among the best shinobi he'd trained, had shown incredible resilience on the front lines. Yet, he knew it wasn't enough. The battles stretched across multiple fronts, and even with their impressive skills, they were spread too thin to make decisive gains. Konoha was losing lives at a staggering rate, and while they fought valiantly, the scale of the conflict demanded more than any team could give.
The smoke around him grew dense as he ground his teeth on the cigar, exhaling with a heavy sigh. His mind drifted to Sakumo Hatake, another shinobi whose strength had been a pillar in the battlefield. Sakumo's skills were remarkable—almost unrivaled—but even his strength couldn't change the tide alone. It was a bitter truth that stung at Hiruzen, tightening the tension in his jaw as he thought of each shinobi who'd fallen, each life sacrificed to maintain the village's freedom.
And then, there was the matter of Mito Uzumaki. Time weighed heavily on her now, and Konoha's connection to the Nine-Tails was at a precarious threshold. Her age posed a risk that grew more dangerous with each passing day. They would need a new jinchūriki, and soon. The thought of the Nine-Tails breaking free—roaming unchecked through Konoha—was a nightmare Hiruzen had no intention of allowing to become reality. But finding a replacement was easier said than done; not just anyone could bear such a burden.
His musings were interrupted by a light knock on the door. A messenger entered, bowing briefly before handing Hiruzen a scroll. As the door closed, he unfurled it, his brow lifting slightly as he recognized the contents: Daichi's report on the academy's newest students. In spite of himself, Hiruzen felt the tension in his shoulders ease as he read through the instructor's observations, each line outlining a new face, a young mind eager to serve Konoha.
Among the names, several stood out: Hikaru Nara, with an unusually developed sensory talent that made Hiruzen pause. He had long been aware of the boy's blindness—a condition that, under any other circumstances, might have set severe limitations on a young shinobi's growth. Hiruzen could still remember hearing of Takeshi Nara's unusual decision to adopt Hikaru, a blind infant found deep within the clan's sacred forest. It was an unexpected choice, even for Takeshi, and Hiruzen had questioned it privately, wondering if the child could ever rise to meet the demands of the shinobi path.
Yet, here Hikaru was, proving all such doubts wrong. According to Daichi's report, Hikaru's sensory abilities seemed to not only rival those of sighted students, but to even them. That a boy without sight had achieved such awareness was remarkable, a testament not only to Hikaru's will but also to Takeshi's faith in him. Hiruzen felt a hint of admiration at this revelation. It stirred something within him, the old memories of how even the seemingly disadvantaged could rise to extraordinary heights if given the right support and opportunity.
Alongside Hikaru's name, Raiden Hatake, Sakumo's nephew, drew his attention as well. The young Hatake already demonstrated an impressive skill with the katana, undoubtedly inherited from his family's tradition. As he continued reading, other promising students caught his eye, from clan-born prodigies to the sharpest civilians—all young minds eager to uphold Konoha's legacy.
Hiruzen's gaze softened. Yes, the present was grim—Konoha was locked in a brutal, relentless war. But as he read through Daichi's words, he couldn't help but feel that there was hope waiting in this new generation. These young shinobi were more than students; they were the future bearers of the Will of Fire, the unbreakable spirit that would carry Konoha into the future, no matter the obstacles they faced. And maybe, just maybe, they were the key to restoring balance in the years to come.
As he carefully folded the scroll, his thoughts were already turning back to the war, the tensions mounting on every front. But this time, a faint glimmer of hope lingered beneath the surface.
As Hiruzen contemplated the bright potential of the academy students, the door to his office creaked open, drawing his attention. His two most trusted advisors entered: Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane. Alongside them was Danzo Shimura, the enigmatic leader of Root, whose reputation for pragmatism often clashed with the ideals of his fellow advisors.
Homura was a man of few words, his demeanor stoic and often serious. He was analytical, always focused on the broader picture and strategic implications, and his sharp mind frequently caught details others missed. Koharu, on the other hand, was more expressive, her spirited nature often lightening the heavy atmosphere in the room. She had a deep understanding of village politics.
Danzo, however, had a more intimidating presence. His harsh gaze and the bandages covering his right arm gave him an air of mystery. He was fiercely protective of the village, though his methods were often ruthless, and he believed that the end justified the means, regardless of the cost.
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Finally reached chapter 10
what do you think so far?
The academy buzzed with energy as the sun rose over the Hidden Leaf Village, illuminating the training grounds where young shinobi were honing their skills. Laughter mingled with the sounds of shouts and the clatter of training weapons, creating an atmosphere of youthful enthusiasm. Among the throng of students, Hikaru Nara stood out, not just for his blind eyes but for his knack for mischief.
Today's lesson focused on fundamental techniques that every shinobi should master. As the instructor droned on about the importance of teamwork and sacrifice, Hikaru couldn't help but stifle a grin. He glanced at Chōza Akimichi, who was diligently taking notes, and an idea sparked in his mind. With a swift motion, he slipped a rubber kunai into Chōza's pouch, careful not to draw attention.
As the lesson concluded, the students lined up for their duels. One by one, they faced off, demonstrating their skills against each other. Hikaru's first opponent was Sora Aburame, who relied on quick footwork and evasive maneuvers. Sora darted around him, attempting to land a hit. "Are you trying to dance or fight?" Hikaru joked, dodging gracefully and watching his opponent closely.
Despite the playful banter, Hikaru was focused. Each duel presented a learning opportunity, and he quickly adapted to each opponent's style. He faced Emiko Hyuga next, whose Byakugan granted her exceptional insight into his movements. Though she had the advantage, Hikaru relied on his shadow senses to anticipate her strikes. With a well-timed sidestep, he countered her attack, earning a round of applause from their classmates.
Throughout the day, Hikaru continued to win his matches, earning whispers of "genius" among his peers. But beneath the accolades, he remained acutely aware of his advantages. Taijutsu was his forte, and while he was currently excelling, he knew that soon enough, his classmates would incorporate ninjutsu into their fighting styles, leveling the playing field.
"Don't let it get to your head, Nara," Shikaku teased, grinning as he observed Hikaru's latest victory. "You may be winning now, but we all know you can't dance around like this forever."
"True," Hikaru replied, smirking. "But it sure is fun watching you all try!" He felt a mixture of pride and pressure from the title of genius. Instead of letting it weigh him down, he decided to keep the atmosphere light. "Just wait until I add shadow clones to my routine; I'll be unstoppable!"
As the day progressed, more duels unfolded. In a heated match against Kenta Akimichi, Hikaru found himself pushed to his limits. Kenta's strength was formidable, and as the fight went on, Hikaru couldn't help but admire his tenacity. "Not bad for a guy who eats too many dumplings!" he quipped, evading a powerful strike.
Kenta laughed, throwing a feigned punch. "Just wait until I actually land a hit, Nara!"
After the matches concluded, the students gathered in a circle to discuss their performances. In the middle of their conversation, Hikaru couldn't resist the urge to play a prank on the unsuspecting Chōza. He flicked the rubber kunai into the air, catching it deftly. "Hey, Chōza, I think your kunai's got a bit of a bounce to it!"
Laughter erupted around them as Chōza inspected the rubber replica, eyes widening in realization. "Hikaru! You little sneak!" he exclaimed, mock chasing him around the training grounds, their friends joining in the playful chaos.
As the sun began to set, Hikaru sat on the edge of the training ground, watching his friends as they sparred. He was grateful for their camaraderie but knew he would need to adapt quickly once ninjutsu became a central part of their training. He turned to Shikaku, who sat beside him. "I'm going to need to step it up soon. They'll catch up before we know it."
Shikaku nodded, serious for a moment. "You're right. We all have to keep improving, but you're doing great so far. Just remember, it's not all about winning. We're here to learn."
"Yeah," Hikaru agreed, a determined smile spreading across his face. "And I'm going to make sure my learning is as entertaining as possible!"
With that promise, Hikaru stood, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that with friends by his side, the journey would always be filled with laughter and growth.
Days later, Hikaru felt a surge of excitement ripple through the Nara clan as news spread about Kaito Nara's return home from his latest mission. Memories flooded back to him—training sessions where Kaito had pushed him to hone his skills after his father was deployed to war. Kaito was not just a family member; he was a mentor and an inspiration.
Determined to add some humor to the day, Hikaru devised an elaborate prank. He meticulously set up several rubber kunai, each attached to a thin wire that would spring the projectiles upon activation. The kunai were positioned at different angles, aimed to catch Kaito off guard as he entered the clan compound. With the trap set, Hikaru hid nearby, gripping his wooden sword tightly, anticipation thrumming through him.
Peering through the shadows, Hikaru utilized his shadow sense to keep track of the entrance, waiting for the telltale signs of Kaito's approach. Every heartbeat felt amplified in his ears as he listened intently. He knew Kaito would be back soon; the moment was finally at hand.
As Kaito entered the compound, Hikaru's heart raced. He watched as Kaito stepped into the trap's path, and just as he had predicted, the wire snapped. The rubber kunai sprang forth in a flurry, zipping through the air. Kaito, however, was quick on his feet, dodging and deflecting the projectiles with impressive agility.
Seizing the moment when Kaito was focused on the kunai, Hikaru launched his surprise attack, aiming to strike from Kaito's blind spot with his wooden katana. The moment felt perfect, and he was certain he would succeed. But Kaito, trained and experienced, was more than ready. In a fluid motion, he parried Hikaru's strike with a swift block, showcasing his skill and reflexes.
Hikaru barely had time to process what had just happened when Kaito smirked, genuine amusement dancing in his eyes. "Not bad, Hikaru. You've got some clever ideas," he said, his tone playful but with an undercurrent of respect.
Though he hadn't succeeded in his ambush, Hikaru felt a mix of pride and embarrassment. Kaito's reaction lit a spark of joy within him, igniting his competitive spirit. He chuckled, brushing off the failure. "Next time, I'll get you for sure!" he declared, the playful banter between them echoing the bond they shared.
Kaito chuckled back, a smile on his face, impressed not only by Hikaru's creativity but also by his determination. He would always be there to challenge Hikaru, and that thought only fueled his desire to keep improving.
Hikaru's playful ambush on Kaito had ended in a flurry of laughter and respect, but beneath the humor lay a growing concern. As the two caught their breath, Hikaru couldn't shake the worry gnawing at him—what would happen when his peers began to utilize ninjutsu? His skills in taijutsu and shadow manipulation felt impressive now, but he knew that the moment his classmates started casting jutsu, his advantages would dwindle.
"Kaito," he began, glancing at his older mentor with a serious expression, "I've been thinking… What if they start using ninjutsu? I won't be able to keep up."
Kaito nodded, his demeanor shifting to one of understanding. "You're right to be concerned. Learning ninjutsu is crucial. It can give you an edge in battle. But don't worry; I can help you with that."
Hikaru's eyes brightened with hope. "Can we practice together? I want to see how different techniques work in a real fight."
"Absolutely," Kaito replied, a hint of enthusiasm in his voice. "It's all about timing and strategy. Let's find an open area where we can train without any distractions."
The two moved to a spacious training ground, devoid of obstacles, allowing for unhindered practice.
"Alright, let's start simple," Kaito said, focusing his chakra. "I'll use a fireball jutsu, but I'll minimize the chakra so it won't be too powerful. Are you ready?"
Hikaru nodded, positioning himself to react to whatever Kaito unleashed. He was confident in his shadow senses, feeling prepared for the oncoming attack.
Kaito formed the necessary hand seals, and with a flick of his wrist, a small fireball shot toward Hikaru. "Here it comes!"
However, as the fireball raced toward him, Hikaru's anticipation turned to shock. His shadow sense, usually a reliable guide, distorted in a way he had never experienced before. The world around him felt as if it were flipping upside down, disorienting him and causing him to freeze in place.
Kaito, noticing the change in Hikaru's expression, realized something was wrong. "Hikaru, move!" he shouted, but it was too late. The fireball struck him directly.
Although Kaito had controlled the jutsu to ensure minimal chakra was used—resulting in almost no heat—the impact of the expulsion knocked Hikaru back several meters. He landed hard on the ground, unconscious from the sudden blow.
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I swear I will make him strong later don't give up :)