Konohagakure.
The sun had just risen, casting a golden glow over the streets.
A boy with spiky blond hair clenched a piece of bread in his mouth as he leaped directly out of the window.
Behind him, a red-haired woman wrapped in a scarf called out loudly while holding a frying pan, "Naruto, you're not going with me?"
Hearing Uzumaki Kushina's voice, Uzumaki Naruto waved without looking back.
"I'm already grown up. Having you walk me to the academy would be way too embarrassing."
With that, he quickly disappeared around the corner.
Kushina could only sigh helplessly before turning her gaze toward the man still reading the newspaper behind her—Namikaze Minato.
"Hey, you're the Hokage. Shouldn't you be getting ready ahead of time?"
Minato glanced at the time and replied calmly, "Don't worry, we'll make it in time."
Kushina unwrapped her scarf and strode toward the door.
"Fine, do what you want. I'm going to find Mikoto."
...
Uchiha Clan Compound
Mikoto looked at Sasuke and spoke gently, "Sasuke, I'll be attending the entrance ceremony today."
"Do you want me to go with you?"
Sasuke stuffed his hands into his pockets, acting nonchalant. "No need. Niisan can take me."
At that, Uchiha Itachi spoke up, "Sasuke, I have a mission today."
"Huh?!" Sasuke's face immediately fell. "But Niisan, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event for me! Can't you make some time?"
Seeing Sasuke's expression, which was on the verge of tears, Itachi sighed helplessly.
"Alright, fine. But I have to leave right after dropping you off."
Sasuke's disappointment vanished instantly, replaced by a bright smile.
"Awesome!"
"Niisan, carry me on your back."
"..."
...
"Mom, I'm heading out!"
A girl with a blonde ponytail stepped out of a flower shop, only to run into her lifelong rival—Haruno Sakura.
"Hey! Ino, do you have to copy me in everything? Are you seriously waiting for me just to walk to the academy together?"
Yamanaka Ino scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself. The last thing I want is to run into you. What a lousy way to start the morning."
Sakura clenched her fists in frustration. "What did you say?! Ino-pig!"
Ino shot back immediately, "Big forehead, stay away from me."
"You're the one who should stay away!"
The two girls broke into a chase down the streets of Konoha, each determined to leave the other behind.
Thud!
"Sorry, Choji!"
Watching Ino and Sakura disappear in the distance, Akimichi Choji remained silent and simply stuffed a handful of chips into his mouth.
Beside him, Nara Shikamaru sighed, rubbing the back of his head.
"Ugh, having to go to the academy every day from now on… how troublesome."
...
Hyuga Clan Compound
Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Hinata walked side by side toward the academy.
Noticing Hinata's nervousness, Neji reassured her, "Hinata, don't be nervous. No matter what happens, I'll protect you."
Hinata glanced at Neji, a bit flustered. "I'll be fine."
"You even delayed your enrollment by a year for my sake. I won't disappoint you or Father."
Neji encouraged her, "Hinata, I believe in you."
"After all, you were personally chosen by Lord Mirai. The future of the Hyuga Clan rests on your shoulders."
At the mention of Uchiha Mirai, Hinata's face flushed slightly. She murmured,
"Brother, Lord Mirai hasn't actually agreed to take me as a disciple yet. Don't go spreading rumors."
Neji chuckled. "Got it. Now hurry up, or we'll be late."
"Mm!"
...
In Front of the Weapon Shop
Tenten stared at the sealed scrolls in her backpack with exasperation. "Do I really need to bring this many weapons to the academy? I'm just going to class…"
A kind-looking middle-aged woman smiled and said, "Tenten, when you get there, hand the scrolls to your teacher and distribute the ninja tools among your classmates."
"Make sure to introduce our shop properly!"
Tenten sighed. "Alright, alright."
Just then, a boy with thick eyebrows, drenched in sweat, sprinted past the shop at full speed.
Seeing him, Tenten immediately dashed after him. "I'm gonna be late! No time to chat!"
...
Ninja Academy
The training field was packed with people, all waiting for the entrance ceremony to begin.
Kankuro glanced around and muttered, "Looks like there are a lot of new students this year. Not that it matters—none of them stand a chance against Gaara."
Gaara shook his head slightly. "Kankuro, don't say things like that."
"I can tell there are some strong ones here."
Temari scanned the crowd and nodded. "He's right. Especially those girls… they shouldn't be underestimated."
Kankuro raised an eyebrow. "Sis, you know them?"
Temari spoke softly, "Hotaru, Fuu, Karin, Tayuya, Kurotsuchi…"
"They all live in Lord Mirai's estate. They're my biggest rivals."
She unconsciously clenched her fists.
To her, Uchiha Mirai was everything.
Living in his estate had been her long-held dream.
No matter what, she had to prove her worth and make Lord Mirai notice her!
Kankuro, not fully understanding Temari's thoughts, didn't comment. Instead, he wandered around and soon spotted an odd sight—a boy with a dog perched on his head.
...
"Akamaru, from today onward, we'll be real ninja academy students. You better do your best!"
"Woof!"
Inuzuka Kiba grinned as he patted Akamaru's head.
One day, he was going to become Hokage. And today, he would start making a name for himself at the academy.
"Morning, Kiba."
A boy wearing dark sunglasses greeted him.
Kiba, however, showed no reaction whatsoever.
Seeing this, the boy let out a small sigh beneath his high collar.
As expected…
He was ignored again.
...
Before long, a figure in the Hokage's ceremonial robe appeared on the platform.
The crowd immediately quieted down.
Looking at the eager young faces before him, Namikaze Minato smiled warmly.
"I am Namikaze Minato, the Fifth Hokage. Welcome to the Ninja Academy."
"Now, let's welcome Lord Emperor to speak!"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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