Today was the opening day of the Ninja Academy. Because of their wealthy family background, Sarutobi Ishiwu rarely left the Land of Fire.
On such an important day, of course, he had already taken time off. Accompanied by his parents, Sarutobi Ryo arrived at the school.
On the first day of school, registration and class assignments were required.
Registration was simple; it was mainly to check if all the kids originally enrolled had shown up.
Class assignments, however, were based on their entrance scores, determining which class they would be placed in for education.
"Father, Mother, I'm off to school!"
"Mm, Ryo, make sure to eat well!"
"Listen carefully in class, and don't look down on what the teachers are teaching."
After bidding farewell to his parents, Sarutobi Ryo walked into the campus with the other kids.
The moment he stepped onto the school grounds, the long-lost system, which had been slacking off, suddenly reappeared.
"Ding!~"
"Host detected. Successfully enrolled, achievement unlocked."
"Please choose one of the following:
A. Increase Chakra limitB. Improve overall physical attributesC. Enhance recovery ability"
He couldn't help but feel torn—these all seemed pretty good.
The first one was too far off for him; forget about increasing the chakra limit—he hadn't even reached the basic level of a Genin's chakra.
The second option seemed like something that could be naturally improved through growth and training. Although it took time, there were always ways to enhance it.
The third option, however, felt different. Unless it was through special bloodlines or cell transplants, it seemed impossible to achieve through regular training.
"System, I choose: C."
A cool sensation spread throughout his body, and Sarutobi Ryo instantly felt like he was floating. Just from that feeling alone, he knew he made the right choice!
In a great mood, Sarutobi Ryo happily walked into the classroom for Class 1-A.
Scanning the room, he was pleased to see that the window seat in the back row was still unoccupied.
He quickly walked over, sat down, and started admiring the view outside the window.
Before long, the classroom was filled. At that moment, a ninja in a Chunin uniform walked up to the podium and tapped on the blackboard.
He wrote his name on the board: "Kujou Diru."
"Hello everyone, I'm Kujou Diru, a Chunin from Konoha and also your homeroom teacher. Nice to meet you all."
"Next, let's get to know each other. Please introduce yourselves like this."
"My name is Kujou Diru. I like drinking, I don't like cabbage, and my dream is to nurture excellent students!"
"Alright, let's start from the right."
"Hello everyone, my name is Background Character A..."
Sarutobi Ryo stared out the window at the blue sky, half-listening to the naive and adorable dreams of his classmates, barely interested.
"Hello everyone, my name is Namikaze Minato. I like eating ramen, and my dream is to become the Hokage of Konoha!"
"Damn! I was zoning out and didn't realize I'm actually in the same class as the Future Yellow Flash!" Sarutobi Ryo's face was full of regret.
No way, I have to latch onto that big shot! Maybe I can become an advisor like Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, living a carefree life while meddling in everything.
One by one, the students introduced themselves, and finally, it was Sarutobi Ryo's turn.
"Hello everyone, my name is Sarutobi Ryo. I like my mother's cooking, I don't like hypocrites, and my dream is to become the man behind the Hokage!"
Namikaze Minato's gaze happened to meet Sarutobi Ryo's, and for a moment, they understood each other perfectly.
Minato, I will be the one standing behind you, supporting you as your right-hand man.
Sarutobi Ryo, you want to become Hokage too? Even if you are from the Hokage's clan, I won't lose to you!
"Ahem, very good! It seems everyone has great ambitions. But no matter what your dreams are, the foundation for achieving them starts now. So, please open your textbooks. Let's take the first step towards success together!"
Sarutobi Ryo curiously opened his textbook. The first lesson was titled The Flames are Burning.
He quickly flipped through half of it and let out a deep breath. It was a familiar feeling, a familiar vibe.
His gaze shifted to Namikaze Minato sitting at the front row. That kid was really focused, diligently taking notes along with the teacher's explanations.
Before long, the class ended, and Teacher Kujou announced the break. Sarutobi Ryo noticed that many of his classmates seemed eager for more.
Without wasting any time, he immediately got up and walked over to Minato.
With an enthusiastic smile, Sarutobi Ryo said, "Hey, Namikaze Minato. I'm Sarutobi Ryo. I feel like we'd get along great. Wanna be friends?"
"Ah? Hello, I'm Namikaze Minato. I hope we get along well. O(∩_∩)O" Minato scratched his head shyly as he spoke.
"Great! Do you wanna sit over there with me? There's an empty spot next to me. Look at that kid behind you—he's so small but already wearing glasses. Let's give him some space." Sarutobi Ryo pointed to an Aburame clan kid.
Minato turned around and finally noticed the sunglasses-wearing boy behind him.
"My eyesight is fine. These are sunglasses. How did you even notice me?" Shibi Aburame asked, puzzled.
"...My eyes may not be great, but I'm not blind. Sunglasses guy, what's your name?"
"I'm Shibi Aburame. I know you, Sarutobi Ryo. My mom talks about you sometimes."
"Oh? Talks about me? Like, she wants you to learn from me?"
"No, she just reminds me not to touch electrified things or I'll get shocked."
凸(艹皿艹)
Can we not have a proper conversation here? Are you even trying to make friends?
"Hmm, that reminds me," a voice sounded from beside him.
Turning around, Ryo saw a chubby kid with a headband.
"Hey, chubby, who are you?"
"First of all, I'm not chubby; I'm...well-rounded! And my name is Akimichi Yoshimaru."
"I brought a lot of four-color dango, takoyaki, some chips, and even fruit for dessert. I wanted to share them with my friends."
"Ryo-kun, I'm your friend! If you guys share with me every day, you can call me Chubby!" Yoshimaru said eagerly.
"Perfect! It's settled! Lunchtime, the four of us are having a rooftop picnic!" Ryo said excitedly.
"I'm in. Rarely does anyone notice me," Shibi Aburame adjusted his glasses.
The three turned their gaze to Minato, who was a bit embarrassed.
"Um...I'm fine with it, but I don't have that much food," Minato admitted.
"Don't worry! Friends share everything. Class is starting soon; let's switch seats."
Looking at Minato now sitting beside him, Sarutobi Ryo suddenly felt that the future was full of hope.
Security—he could feel it growing stronger. Oh, and he had to save a seat for Minato's wife-to-be, Uzumaki Kushina. She would transfer in later, according to the original story.
Sarutobi Ryo tapped the kid sitting in front of Minato.
"Hey, you're kinda tall, blocking our view of the board. Think you could move up front? If there's a class rep election, I'll vote for you!"
"Being class rep is secondary. I, Background Character B, just love helping others!"
"I knew it! You radiate light and warmth! Go up front and let the others bask in your glow!"