Capítulo 18: Chapter 18: Talk with kazekage
As Hikari began explaining the curriculum, her voice was clear and authoritative, though lacking Daigo's imposing edge. She outlined the program's structure, her words measured but firm.
"You'll have two main focuses during Project Akira," she started, pacing slowly in front of the group. "The first is practical combat training with puppets. This will cover everything from learning to construct and repair them to mastering advanced combat techniques. You'll be pushed to your limits, physically and mentally."
The genins listened closely, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension. Hiroshi noticed how Sasori's eyes remained locked on Hikari, his expression unreadable but focused. Hiroshi himself felt a flicker of excitement—combat training with puppets was something he had already begun preparing for in secret with Rengoku.
Hikari continued, "The second focus is on teamwork and strategy. Puppeteers are not solitary fighters. While your puppets give you an edge, you must also learn how to work with your teammates to maximize your effectiveness. Missions will be assigned, and your success will depend on your ability to function as a cohesive unit."
At the mention of teamwork, a few genins exchanged wary glances. Hiroshi felt a twinge of nervousness—he had spent so much time working alone that the idea of relying on others felt foreign.
Hikari stopped in front of the group, her sharp gaze sweeping over them. "Make no mistake," she said, her tone firm, "this will not be like the academy. You are no longer students—you are genin, shinobi of Sunagakure. The expectations are higher, and failure is not an option."
Her words sent a ripple through the group. The taller boy next to Hiroshi clenched his jaw, while the skeptical girl from earlier now looked more serious. Even Hiroshi felt the weight of her words settle over him, though his excitement didn't waver.
Hikari took a step back, nodding toward Daigo, who moved forward once more.
"Before we assign your first task," Daigo said, his deep voice cutting through the silence, "we need to evaluate where you all stand. Starting tomorrow, you'll undergo a series of individual assessments. These tests will determine your strengths, weaknesses, and where you fit into this program."
The group collectively tensed. Assessments meant scrutiny, and scrutiny meant no room for error.
"Dismissed," Daigo said curtly, his sharp eyes scanning the group one last time. "Be prepared. Your future in this program begins tomorrow."
The genins began to disperse, their faces etched with a mixture of determination and nervous energy. Hiroshi lingered for a moment, his mind already racing with possibilities.
Hiroshi stood still for a moment, watching as the other genins began to leave the hall. His mind buzzed with questions, the most prominent being, How am I supposed to be part of this when I'm still in the second year of the academy?
The doubt and curiosity pushed him forward. Without hesitation, he approached Daigo and Hikari, who were now discussing something quietly by the side of the room. Both of them stopped and turned as he neared.
"Excuse me," Hiroshi began, his voice steady but edged with confusion. "You said this program is for genins, but I'm not even out of the academy yet. How am I supposed to do this?"
Daigo raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze studying Hiroshi for a moment before his lips curled into a faint smirk. Without saying a word, he reached into his coat and pulled out a small object. In one smooth motion, he tossed it toward Hiroshi.
Instinctively, Hiroshi reached out and caught it. The cool metal felt solid in his hand, and as he opened his palm, his eyes widened.
A Sunagakure headband.
His grip tightened around the headband as he looked back at Daigo, utterly perplexed. "What… how?" he stammered.
Daigo crossed his arms, the smirk never leaving his face. "Ask the Kazekage," he said bluntly. "You're supposed to meet him after this anyway."
Hiroshi blinked, unsure whether to feel excited or overwhelmed. His mind raced, trying to process what this meant. Did this mean he had been promoted to genin? Without graduating the academy? Was this even allowed?
Hikari stepped forward, her expression more neutral than Daigo's. "You'll find your answers at the Kazekage's office," she said. "But for now, wear that headband. It's yours."
Still clutching the headband, Hiroshi nodded slowly. "Alright," he said, trying to suppress the storm of emotions swirling inside him.
"Good," Daigo said with a nod. "Now get going. We'll see you tomorrow for the assessments."
Hiroshi hesitated for a second, then bowed slightly before turning and leaving the hall. As he stepped outside, the hot desert wind hit his face, but it did little to calm the chaos in his mind.
The weight of the headband in his hand felt heavier than it should have, and as he looked down at it, a mix of pride and apprehension filled him.
"Guess I'll be meeting the Kazekage today," he murmured to himself, slipping the headband into his satchel.
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Hiroshi's footsteps echoed in the quiet corridors of the administrative wing as he approached the Kazekage's office. His pulse quickened with each step, the weight of the headband in his satchel a constant reminder of the strange turn his day had taken.
When he arrived at the large, imposing doors, a guard stationed nearby gave him a brief, assessing glance before nodding and gesturing for him to proceed. The gesture felt heavy, as if the simple motion was a threshold between the ordinary and something far greater.
Hiroshi took a deep breath, clenched his fists to steady his nerves, and knocked.
"Come in," a calm, measured voice called from within.
The sound was like a drop of water breaking the still surface of a pond—tranquil yet commanding. Hiroshi pushed the door open to find himself in a spacious yet sparsely decorated office. Scrolls and documents were neatly arranged on shelves, and behind a large desk sat the Third Kazekage. His presence was magnetic, his expression unreadable, his piercing eyes locking onto Hiroshi the moment he stepped inside.
Hiroshi's footsteps were steady as he approached the Kazekage's desk, but his heart felt like it might hammer through his ribs. He sat when gestured to, trying to maintain composure under the piercing gaze of the man who ruled Sunagakure.
The Kazekage leaned back slightly, his fingers steepled in front of him. His face was unreadable, but his presence was commanding. "You've done well to reach this point, Hiroshi," he began, his voice calm and measured. "Though I suspect you have questions about why you were called here."
"Yes, Kazekage-sama," Hiroshi replied, keeping his tone respectful but steady.
"You were selected for Project Akira because of your work ethic and talent. The water purifier you designed has already caught the attention of the council—though I imagine you did not create it for recognition."
Hiroshi's eyes widened slightly. So, the Kazekage knew about that. "I made it to help the village," Hiroshi said quietly.
The Kazekage gave a small nod. "Exactly. Your inventions show promise, but what stands out more is your ability to apply your intelligence to solve real problems. That, combined with your exceptional performance in the academy's recent assessments, made it clear you have potential beyond your years."
Hiroshi hesitated, then asked the question that had been gnawing at him. "But... why was I chosen for this program now, instead of waiting until I graduated through the usual process?"
The Kazekage's expression remained impassive. "The academy exists to prepare children for the challenges of being a shinobi. But not all paths are the same. When exceptional individuals prove themselves capable, we adapt. Your promotion to genin bypasses the usual process because you've already demonstrated that you can handle greater responsibility."
Hiroshi frowned slightly, considering the implications. "So, I won't go back to the academy?"
"You will continue learning," the Kazekage clarified, "but your education will be tailored to your needs and the demands of this program. The village invests in those with potential, but it expects results in return."
Hiroshi nodded slowly. He could feel the weight of the headband in his satchel again, heavier now with the realization of what it symbolized.
The Kazekage studied him for a long moment before speaking again. "You've been given an opportunity, Hiroshi. Not many your age are granted this chance. I expect you to take it seriously."
"I will," Hiroshi said, his voice firm despite the storm of emotions swirling within him.
The Kazekage's gaze lingered for a moment longer before he dismissed Hiroshi with a slight nod. "Good. You may leave."
Hiroshi stood, bowing slightly before turning to leave the office. As he stepped outside, the desert air filled his lungs, grounding him. The weight of the headband didn't feel as overwhelming now—it felt earned, a challenge he was ready to face.
As Hiroshi walked away from the Kazekage's office, his mind buzzed with thoughts. The weight of the headband no longer felt as daunting—it was a symbol of the expectations placed upon him, but also of the confidence the village had in his abilities.
Yet, another thought lingered in the back of his mind. The idea of negotiating a deal with the Kazekage about starting his own company had crossed his mind more than once. After all, he wasn't just any 6-year-old. He had already created innovations like the water purifier and Rengoku, proving his ideas weren't just theoretical—they worked.
But as he mulled it over, a small, self-deprecating smile crossed his face. "What am I thinking?" he muttered to himself. "Who would trust a 6-year-old with that kind of responsibility, no matter how smart he is? I'm not just asking for a little trust—I'd be asking the village's leaders to gamble on me with resources and authority they wouldn't hand out lightly."
The realization settled in as he walked through the village streets, his hands tucked into his pockets. If he wanted to make his dream of starting a company a reality, he first needed to prove himself in a way that no one could deny. Not just through inventions, but by showing he could shoulder responsibility, handle challenges, and create tangible results for Sunagakure.
"I have the ideas," he thought, his eyes narrowing with determination. "But I need to show them that I have the ability to back them up. The Kazekage and the council need to see that I'm not just some kid with big dreams—I'm someone who can deliver."
He glanced up at the sky, the harsh desert sun shining down on the village. The road ahead felt clearer now, even if it was long. "First things first," he muttered. "I'll excel in Project Akira. I'll show them what I'm capable of. Then… we'll see who's ready to talk business."
With that, Hiroshi adjusted his satchel, his steps more purposeful as he made his way back to prepare for what lay ahead. The challenges were only beginning, but he welcomed them with open arms.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder