章 9: Chapter 9: A New Beginning
A few days after registration, the plaza of the Ninja Academy buzzed with excitement as the new batch of students gathered. Children chatted animatedly, pointing out familiar faces and speculating about their upcoming classes.
Kirito, however, stood alone at the back of the group. His tall stature made it inconvenient to stand among the smaller kids, so he was relegated to the rear.
No friends, no allies—just like always.
The only people Kirito had interacted with over the past two years were the dean of the orphanage and the relentless Hyuga ninjas chasing him across Konoha.
Hopefully, the Third Hokage's speech doesn't take too long. Those Hyuga ninjas are probably lurking around, waiting for me to let my guard down.
To attend the opening ceremony, Kirito had once again incapacitated his usual pursuers. While effective, the method was becoming tiresome. He made a mental note to prioritize learning the Shadow Clone Jutsu. With his chakra reserves, the clones could serve as both decoys and stand-ins for lessons, easing his constant vigilance.
For the past two years, Kirito had devoted himself to mastering the Gentle Fist technique and refining his chakra control. Though his training yielded significant results, the solitude had taken its toll. He longed for the semblance of normalcy that school life might bring.
The crowd fell silent as the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stepped onto the stage. With his usual pipe in hand, he began his signature speech about the "Will of Fire."
"Wherever the leaves dance, so too does the fire burn. The fire's shadow illuminates the village and nurtures new leaves…"
Kirito tuned out most of the speech, having heard the iconic lines countless times in the anime. He focused instead on observing Hiruzen. The Hokage seemed much more vigorous than the frail figure Kirito remembered from the later arcs of Naruto.
No wonder he could go toe-to-toe with the Nine-Tails back then. He still has that fire in him.
Time dragged on, but to Kirito's surprise, the Hyuga ninjas hadn't shown up.
That's odd. They usually find me no matter where I hide.
Though suspicious, Kirito welcomed the reprieve. The day unfolded smoothly, and he was eventually assigned to a class that included Rock Lee, Tenten, Neji, and several Uchiha children proudly displaying their clan symbol.
This must be the elite class. They're grouping the Hyuga and Uchiha clans together.
The class seemed to foreshadow the gathering of future legends, and Kirito couldn't help but feel intrigued.
At the front of the classroom, a Chunin teacher introduced the school's curriculum.
"Ninja Academy focuses on five core subjects: ninjutsu, taijutsu, individual skills, teamwork, and tactics. There will be a standardized exam each semester, with rankings at both the class and school levels."
The teacher continued, "While the Academy provides foundational training, advanced techniques and family jutsu are the responsibility of individual clans. Civilian students will need to seek private mentorship or self-study if they wish to advance."
Kirito listened intently, thankful for his unique circumstances. His physical and chakra prowess already exceeded the Academy's basic requirements. What he needed most was knowledge—understanding the ninja world's nuances and ensuring he didn't make a fool of himself later.
As the day wound down, the students received their textbooks and learning materials. Kirito marveled at the weight of the books in his arms, a stark reminder of his return to student life.
You don't appreciate the simplicity of school until you've experienced the real world. This time, I'll do it right. Schoolmaster or slacker? Maybe both.
On his way out, a voice called to him. "Are you Kirito?"
Turning, Kirito saw Neji Hyuga standing with his usual serious expression.
"Yeah. What's up?" Kirito replied nonchalantly.
"I'm Neji Hyuga. My father told me about you." Neji's tone was firm and challenging.
"Cool. Do you want an autograph or something?" Kirito quipped, almost making Neji flinch.
"No," Neji said, regaining his composure. "I want to defeat you. I'll prove to my father—and myself—that I can control my destiny."
Kirito chuckled, then patted Neji on the shoulder. "Listen, kid. Don't get so caught up in destiny. Whether you think you've mastered it or not, it's still part of the grand plan. Life's about doing your best, enjoying the moment, and spending time with those who matter."
"You're younger than me. Why do you sound like an old man?" Neji asked, unimpressed.
"Because I've lived more lives than you can imagine," Kirito muttered under his breath.
Neji, though skeptical, recognized Kirito's casual acceptance of his challenge as a form of acknowledgment.
Later that evening, Kirito visited the teacher's office to address an important matter.
"Excuse me, sensei. Does the school offer scholarships?" he asked the Chunin teacher from earlier.
The teacher shook his head. "No, but orphans with excellent grades can receive tuition waivers. You'll need to place in the top five of your class and the top ten of the entire school."
Great. They're forcing me to be a straight-A student. Kirito sighed inwardly, abandoning his dream of a leisurely school life.
Though the teacher hinted at adoption as an alternative, Kirito dismissed the idea. He resolved to handle things himself.
That night, Kirito returned to his humble shelter—a broken house on the outskirts of the Hyuga compound. Though it was far from ideal, it served as a safe haven to store his belongings and rest between his evasive maneuvers.
Holding his tattered wallet, Kirito muttered, "Guess I'll aim for the top of the class. At least it'll keep my mind occupied."
With a resigned sigh, he picked up one of the new textbooks and began reading under the dim light of a candle.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed out over the starlit village, puffing on his pipe.
"That white-eyed boy has entered the Academy, hasn't he? Isn't he only five years old?"
"Yes, Lord Hokage," an Anbu agent confirmed. "His paperwork was approved by the Hyuga orphanage."
Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Has he had any interaction with Naruto?"
"None," the agent replied.
Hiruzen reviewed a report detailing Kirito's abilities and history. The boy's precocious Byakugan and ability to elude Hyuga pursuers for two years had not gone unnoticed.
"Interesting," Hiruzen murmured. "Perhaps he'll become a pillar of Konoha's future—like Kakashi, Minato, or Itachi. For now, let him stay in the Academy and grow."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
As the Anbu departed, Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe, exhaling thoughtfully into the night.
(End of Chapter 9)
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