NOVEL NEXT Chapter 14: Academy
In the year 71 of Konohagakure, during the late spring, the day had finally arrived for the start of our academy training. Early in the morning, my mom and I made our way to the academy. The grounds were bustling with excited students, all eager to begin their journey toward becoming shinobi. For civilians, this was a life-changing opportunity, while for clan members, attending the academy was a matter of pride and tradition. Almost everyone wore huge smiles, their excitement palpable as they arrived with their parents or guardians.
As I scanned the crowd for familiar faces, I noticed Sasuke, Hinata, Sakura, Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, Shino and many others I recognized. Sasuke arrived with his father Fugaku Uchiha ,mother Mikoto Uchiha , and his older brother, Itachi Uchiha, the prodigy who had already joined the Anbu Corps shortly after graduating. Hinata was with her father, Hiashi Hyuga, her baby sister Hanabi, who was only a year old, along with her uncle Hizashi and his son Neji, already in his second year at the academy. Sakura and Ino came with their parents, and Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba and Shino were also accompanied by their families.
As soon as they saw us, they approached for greetings.
"Good morning, everyone," I said cheerfully.
"Good morning, Naruto," they all responded in unison.
I turned to Itachi. "Hey, Itachi, how's your job in the Anbu?"
"It's quite good, Naruto," he replied with a composed smile.
Turning to Sasuke, I teased him. "Sasuke, I've already learned shuriken throwing from your brother.I became even more stronger. I can easily beat you."
Sasuke shot back sarcastically, "Oh really? Just because you learned shuriken throwing, you think you can beat me?"
"When have you ever beaten me, Sasuke?" I challenged him confidently. He fell silent, clearly realizing he had no answer. I had hit the mark, and he couldn't argue with that.
"When we fight next time, I'll definitely defeat you!" Sasuke said with determination, his eyes burning with resolve.
"Okay, let's see," I replied, accepting his challenge. I knew that, aside from a select few, there weren't many who could defeat me now.
As I began talking with the others, especially the girls—Hinata, Sakura, and Ino—I decided to engage them as well.
"Hinata, Sakura, Ino, we're all joining the academy at the same time. Do you want to be in the same class as me?" I asked casually.
"Yes, Naruto!" they all responded enthusiastically, though Hinata's voice was softer, her shyness evident. I knew I would need to find a way to help her overcome that.
As we chatted, excitement filled the air, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.
As everyone chatted amongst themselves, a sudden bell echoed across the academy grounds, silencing the crowd. All attention shifted toward the podium, where the old geezer, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood, ready to give his welcome speech.
"Ah, the welcome speech," I muttered with a sigh. Speeches always had a way of turning things boring, no matter how exciting the day was supposed to be.
"Hello, everyone! Good morning," Hiruzen greeted cheerfully.
"Good morning, Hokage-sama!" the crowd shouted back in unison.
"How are you all doing today?" he asked.
"We're fine, Hokage-sama! How are you?" the students echoed.
"I'm doing well. Are you all excited for the academy?" he continued, his voice warm.
"Yes!" the students responded eagerly.
And then it began. He launched into his speech about how wonderful the academy would be, how it would shape our futures, and the usual stuff you'd expect from someone like him. Honestly, I didn't even bother paying attention to his words. It was easy to tune him out because it felt like watching a politician back on Earth. With just a few well-chosen phrases, they have this uncanny ability to sway people's minds, and Hiruzen was no different.
Then, of course, he brought up the "Will of Fire"—that doctrine he loved quoting.
"When the tree leaves dance,
One shall find flames.
The fire's shadow will illuminate the village,
And once again, tree leaves shall bud anew."
It was the same old ideology that helped him manipulate others, making them believe in his ideals. I couldn't help but feel detached from it all. It was just another day of speeches and promises, none of which really affected me.