The Tale of an ordinary ninja

Akira's Decision to Visit the Library

For once, Akira decided to attend the academy himself instead of relying on his shadow clone. His reason was clear—he wanted to access the academy library and its collection of jutsu scrolls. As an academy student, Akira had limited access to only D-rank jutsu, but even those could prove valuable in honing his elemental affinities. His plan was simple: attend the academy today, explore the library during lunch, and resume sending his clone to school starting tomorrow.

The Classroom Incident

As Akira sat at his desk, his mind wandered, crafting strategies for selecting jutsu. He was interrupted by the sharp voice of his homeroom teacher, Tanaka Uzumaki.

Tanaka: "Akira! What are you doing? I've been calling your name for the past few minutes!"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Akira quickly responded, "Sorry, Sensei, I was zoned out."

Tanaka: "Zoned out? Do you think my class is so boring that you'd rather daydream than pay attention?"

In his mind, Akira groaned, Chill, dude. I've only been here once, and you're already on my case. You talk so much that I can feel my brain melting. I wish I could say this to your face… but I'd rather not get roasted alive.

However, his silence seemed to aggravate Tanaka even further.

Tanaka: "Akira Senju! How dare you neglect my presence! I've been yelling your name so much that my throat is sore!"

As Akira looked at his teacher, he couldn't help but notice the exaggerated expressions Tanaka was making—his bright red face and exaggerated anger resembled a cartoonish steam engine about to explode. That mental image broke Akira's resolve, and loud, uncontrollable laughter escaped him.

The classroom fell silent.

Akira's laughter echoed through the room as he banged his desk with one hand and pointed at Tanaka with the other, barely able to breathe through his hysterics. His laughter only fueled his teacher's rage, and Tanaka's face turned even redder. The sight sent Akira into another fit of uncontrollable laughter, tears streaming from his eyes.

Finally, something inside Tanaka snapped. With a loud crash, he shattered the wooden podium he had been standing behind, sending cracks into the classroom's tiled floor.

Tanaka: "Out! Akira, get out of my classroom right now!"

Akira Reflects on His Outburst

Once outside, Akira leaned against the wall, catching his breath. His laughter slowly subsided, replaced by a wave of regret. Why did I laugh like that? he thought, banging his head softly against the wall. And why did I point at his face while I was doing it?

He sighed deeply. I really need to work on my self-control. No wonder I didn't have any friends in my past life.

Determined to salvage the situation, Akira formed a shadow clone. He instructed it to remain outside the classroom, apologize sincerely to Tanaka, and take responsibility for his behavior. Meanwhile, the real Akira made his way to the library.

Akira Explores the Academy Library

The academy library was a grand, two-story building. The first floor contained books on history, tactics, and ninja philosophy, while the second floor housed jutsu scrolls organized by rank. Akira ascended the staircase to the D-rank section, scanning for techniques that aligned with his wind and water affinities.

After careful consideration, he selected the following wind jutsu:

1. Gale Palm

2. Wind Release: Whirlwind Fist

3. Wind Release: Spiraling Wind Ball

4. Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken

For water jutsu, he chose:

1. Aqua Blast

2. Water Clone Technique

3. Instant Water

4. Water Balloon Technique

Satisfied with his choices, Akira turned his attention to the shelves of books on kenjutsu. While Lady Mochizuki was training him, he wanted to supplement his learning with additional techniques and insights.

The Real Akira Meets Tanaka: A Moment of Apology and Conflict

After leaving the classroom, Akira felt the weight of his actions settling heavily on his shoulders. He knew that sending a clone to deal with the situation would be a cowardly move. If he wanted to make things right, he needed to confront Tanaka himself. Taking a deep breath, Akira decided to approach his teacher sincerely, no matter how daunting the prospect seemed.

When the bell rang to signal the end of the class, Akira waited near the door, his nerves buzzing. Tanaka stepped out moments later, his face stern, his crimson hair seeming almost brighter due to the anger still simmering beneath the surface. Akira immediately stepped forward, bowing deeply in a gesture of respect.

Akira: "Sensei, I want to sincerely apologize for my behavior earlier in class. What I did was disrespectful and uncalled for. I didn't mean to undermine your authority or cause any harm. I let my emotions take over, and I lost control. For that, I'm truly sorry."

Tanaka stopped in his tracks, his piercing gaze fixed on Akira. He crossed his arms, his tone sharp and unrelenting.

Tanaka: "Do you understand what your actions represent, Akira? You made a mockery of me in front of the entire class. My authority as a teacher was questioned because of you. How can I command respect when a student laughs at my face and doesn't even have the decency to respond when I address him?"

Akira straightened his posture but kept his tone calm and respectful. "Sensei, I understand how my actions could be interpreted that way, and I take full responsibility. I deeply regret my outburst. It wasn't intentional, but that doesn't excuse it. I'll do whatever it takes to make amends."

Tanaka's expression grew even darker, his eyes narrowing as he leaned slightly toward Akira. His frustration was palpable.

Tanaka: "You think words are enough, Akira? You humiliated me. My reputation as a teacher has been tarnished, and you believe a simple apology can fix that?"

Akira remained steadfast, though his heart was pounding in his chest. "Sensei, I truly believe actions speak louder than words. I'm willing to prove my sincerity in any way you deem fit."

Tanaka's lips curled into a cold smirk, but his eyes burned with anger. "If you're serious about proving yourself, then there's only one way to settle this: a duel."

Akira's eyes widened slightly at the unexpected challenge, but he didn't interrupt.

Tanaka: "One week from now, we will fight in the academy's training grounds in front of the entire school—students, teachers, and even the Hokage if necessary. I will only use C-rank and D-rank jutsu, while you can use whatever you've learned. If I win, you'll drop out of the academy and give up your dream of becoming a ninja. If you win, you may stay."

Akira's shock turned to resolve as he listened to his teacher's ultimatum. He had made a mistake, but the stakes Tanaka proposed were far beyond what he expected. Nevertheless, he refused to back down. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded.

Akira: "Sensei, I accept your challenge, but I have one request. If this duel is truly about honor, then I ask you to fight me at your full strength. I believe it's only fair if we both give everything we have."

Tanaka's expression shifted from surprise to fury. His face turned redder, and his voice rose with indignation.

Tanaka: "How dare you suggest that I, a seasoned chunin, need to go all out against a mere academy student like you! Do you think you're my equal? That you stand on the same level as me? You arrogant brat!"

He took a step closer, his anger now boiling over. "I was being generous by offering you a handicap, and yet you throw that back in my face? Fine. If that's how you want it, I'll crush you so thoroughly that you'll regret ever crossing me! You think you're special because of your Senju lineage, don't you? Let me tell you something—bloodline or not, you're nothing but a spoiled child with a big wallet. And after this duel, I'll make sure you never even dream of becoming a ninja again."

Tanaka's words stung, but Akira kept his composure. He met his teacher's glare with calm determination. "Sensei, I don't think I'm your equal. I know the gap between us, but I also know my limits. I will give this battle everything I have, and if I lose, I'll accept the consequences."

Tanaka's anger didn't subside, but he let out a huff and walked away, muttering under his breath.

The Hokage Observes the Exchange

Unbeknownst to either Akira or Tanaka, their conversation had been closely monitored. Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, his gaze fixed on the crystal ball that displayed the scene in vivid detail. The Third Hokage's expression was grim as he observed Tanaka's outburst.

Hiruzen sighed, rubbing his temple. Tanaka… you let your pride blind you. Akira made a mistake, but he came to you with genuine remorse and humility. Yet, instead of resolving this matter constructively, you've escalated it into a public spectacle. This isn't about honor—it's about your fragile ego.

The Hokage leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. A duel between a teacher and a student would tarnish the academy's reputation. If word of this reached the clan leaders, they would lose faith in the institution. No parent would want to send their children to a school where teachers challenge students to fights over personal grievances.

He turned to the ANBU operative standing silently in the corner of the room.

Hiruzen: "Summon Tanaka to my office immediately. This ends now. I won't allow a personal dispute to bring shame to the academy or the village. Make sure he understands that this is not a request."

The ANBU bowed and vanished in an instant, leaving the Hokage to reflect on the situation. He looked back at the crystal ball, where Akira stood alone in the academy garden, his face calm but his fists clenched tightly.

Hiruzen's stern expression softened slightly. Akira… you've shown surprising resilience for someone so young. Your apology was sincere, but it's clear that Tanaka's grudge runs deeper than your outburst. Rest assured, I'll see to it that this matter is resolved fairly.

The Third Hokage turned back to his desk, already formulating how he would address Tanaka's behavior and protect the academy's integrity.