The Tale of an ordinary ninja

Morning at the Estate

Akira woke early, the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the tall windows of his room. The gentle rustling of the wind through the vineyard leaves could be heard even inside the grand yet serene estate at the edge of Konoha. Akira glanced at himself in the mirror, smoothing his slightly unruly pink hair—a feature he inherited from his mother, Umiko. Despite his usual composure, there was a spark of nervous excitement in his amber eyes. Today was an important day: his first-year academy exams.

Downstairs, Akira found his parents in the dining room, already awaiting him. The table was laden with a light yet nutritious breakfast. Toshiro Senju, his father, sat with a poised demeanor, a cup of tea in hand. His mother, Umiko, stood by the window, her striking long pink hair cascading down her back as she admired the morning sun over the vineyards.

"Good morning, Akira," Umiko greeted warmly as she turned toward him. "Nervous about your exams today?"

"A little," Akira admitted, sitting down. "But I think I'm ready."

Toshiro set his cup down and gave Akira a stern yet encouraging look. "Confidence is important, but don't let it cloud your focus. These exams aren't just about passing—they're a chance to measure your growth."

Akira nodded, taking his father's words to heart. Toshiro was a man who understood the weight of preparation and discipline, having faced his own challenges balancing his lineage as a member of the Senju clan with the demands of their family's business empire.

"Remember, Akira," Umiko added with a gentle smile, sitting beside him, "it's not just about winning or losing. It's about giving your best effort. And if something doesn't go as planned, use it as a chance to learn."

Akira hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Father, have you ever been this nervous before an important moment?"

Toshiro leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Of course. Especially during the time I negotiated the partnership with the Senju clan. Their terms weren't easy—sharing 40% of our profits in return for their investments was a gamble. But I knew the potential growth for our pharmaceutical business. It wasn't just about me; it was about ensuring our family's future."

"And you still managed to do it," Akira said, admiration in his voice.

Toshiro's expression softened. "Because I believed in what we were building. Just like you should believe in your own abilities. You've worked hard, Akira. Your mother and I have seen it."

Umiko chuckled, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Speaking of nerves, do you remember the conflict with the head of the Nara clan?"

Akira leaned forward, intrigued.

"They weren't pleased with the profits we earned from exporting new medicines," Toshiro explained. "They claimed it disrupted some of their herbal exports. It took weeks of discussions and diplomacy to resolve the tension. But the point is, I didn't let pressure deter me. That's something you should remember today."

"I will," Akira said with newfound determination.

Umiko reached out, placing a comforting hand on Akira's. "You're already making us proud, Akira. No matter what happens today, know that we support you completely."

"Thank you," Akira said, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'll do my best."

"Now finish your breakfast," Toshiro instructed, a rare hint of warmth in his tone. "You'll need the energy."

As Akira finished his meal and prepared to leave for the academy, Umiko hugged him tightly, her pink hair brushing his cheek. "Good luck, Akira," she whispered. "And remember, no matter what, we'll be here waiting for you."

Stepping outside, Akira glanced back at his parents, standing together by the doorway of their sprawling estate. Their unwavering support filled him with a sense of pride and purpose. With renewed confidence, he turned toward the village, ready to face whatever challenges the day would bring.

At the Academy

Akira stepped into the academy, his heart pounding with anticipation. It had been so many years since he had to take an exam, and the weight of the moment felt surreal. As he walked toward his seat, memories from his past life began to swirl in his mind. Strangely, while his university days were vivid and clear, the memories of his schooling years were shrouded in an inexplicable haze. He couldn't recall the details of those formative years no matter how hard he tried.

"Why can't I remember that part of my life?" Akira thought, furrowing his brow. He pushed the thought aside for now. There was no time to dwell on mysteries; his focus had to remain on acing the exams ahead.

As he settled into his seat, Kaede Senju approached him, her expression laced with nervousness. Kaede, a distant cousin and one of the few who consistently treated Akira as part of the clan, seemed as jittery as he felt.

"Akira," she began hesitantly, "are you nervous about the exam too?"

Akira smiled warmly, his voice calm and steady. "Yeah, I am. But I'm confident in my abilities, and I know I'll do well. You should have faith in yourself too, Kaede. You're going to crush this exam."

Kaede's tense shoulders relaxed at his reassurance, her lips curving into a soft smile. "Thank you, Akira. You've really calmed my nerves."

Akira's expression grew tender. "No, Kaede. I should be thanking you. You've always treated me like a true member of the Senju clan, even when others didn't. And after…that incident four months ago, you were the only one who asked how I was doing."

At those words, Akira's gaze drifted around the classroom. He noticed how most of his classmates kept a subtle distance from him, their glances filled with uncertainty and a tinge of fear. It was as though they saw him as different, someone to avoid. The stares didn't bother him on the surface, but deep down, he felt a faint twinge in his heart.

Kaede noticed the shift in his demeanor and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Akira, don't worry about them," she said, her voice steady and filled with kindness. "They don't know you like I do. And about that incident—it's nothing to dwell on. You just laughed. There's nothing wrong with that."

Akira met her gaze and saw the sincerity in her warm smile. He couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Kaede, you haven't changed a bit. You're still the same as when we first met all those years ago."

Flashback:

The sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the Senju estate. Four-year-old Akira, his pink hair gleaming in the sunlight, sat by himself on the edge of a small pond near the vineyard. He held a wooden stick, absentmindedly swirling it through the water. Despite being surrounded by the beauty of his family's estate, young Akira often felt alone. His mixed heritage and the businesslike nature of his family's interactions left him craving connection with someone his own age.

That's when a cheerful voice broke through his solitude. "What are you doing?"

Startled, Akira looked up to see a girl his age standing a few feet away. She had her arms crossed confidently, her brown hair tied back in a loose ponytail. Her bright green eyes sparkled with curiosity and mischief.

"Playing," Akira replied cautiously, unsure of what to make of the unexpected visitor.

"By yourself?" the girl asked, tilting her head. "That's boring! Come on, let's play together!"

Before Akira could respond, the girl plopped down beside him and grabbed a stick of her own. She began to mimic his movements, stirring the water with exaggerated motions. Her playful energy was infectious, and soon Akira found himself smiling for the first time in what felt like forever.

"What's your name?" she asked after a while.

"Akira," he replied shyly. "What's yours?"

"Kaede! I'm part of the Senju clan too!" she said proudly, puffing out her chest. "My parents said we're cousins or something. That means we should be friends!"

Akira blinked in surprise. He had never met someone so bold and direct, but he liked it. "Okay," he said simply, and for the first time, he felt a spark of connection.

From that day on, Kaede would often come by to play with Akira, dragging him into games and adventures with her unrelenting energy. She treated him like family, never making him feel like he didn't belong. That friendship became one of Akira's most cherished memories, a bond that persisted through the years.

Back in the Classroom

Akira's thoughts returned to the present as he looked at Kaede. Her presence was still as comforting as it had been back then.

"Thank you, Kaede," he said sincerely. "You've always been there for me, and I'll never forget it."

Kaede grinned. "And I always will be. Now stop worrying and show everyone what you're made of!"

Akira chuckled, feeling a renewed sense of determination. With Kaede by his side and his parents' encouragement fresh in his mind, he knew he could face anything the day had in store.