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Chapter 5 - Chapter 5 - The Number 1 of the Leaf!

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On the Day of Nawaki's Enrollment at the Ninja Academy

Konoha seemed to breathe a different air that day. The sky was clear, the weather crisp, and an atmosphere of anticipation hovered over the village. The streets, usually quiet at that early hour, were filled with anxious footsteps and lively chatter. These were the new students—children and pre-teens accompanied by parents, uncles, grandparents. All gathered at the massive gates of the Hidden Leaf's Ninja Academy, ready to begin a new chapter.

One hundred and fifty students, divided among five classrooms—thirty per class. The new generation.

But among all those children, one already stood out. Nawaki Senju.

Unlike the legendary names that had already passed through those halls—like Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya—Nawaki was the new promise. And unlike what many believed, his path would not be paved by the former students of Tobirama. They had chosen their disciples years earlier. Hiruzen Sarutobi, for example, was already training his three genin. Nawaki was on his own.

There, in the center of the Academy's main courtyard, firm footsteps echoed powerfully. Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, appeared with his usual imposing presence. His white cloak billowed in the wind. His sharp eyes scanned every face. Behind him were six figures—Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, Danzou Shimura, Kagami Uchiha, Torifu Akimichi, and a final masked shinobi representing the Academy's next wave of instructors.

— Silence! — Tobirama's deep voice cut through the air like a blade. — Welcome to the Hidden Leaf's Ninja Academy. This is where you will be sharpened, molded, and tested.

The children straightened in place. Some swallowed nervously. Others, like Nawaki, kept their gaze firm. He stood alone, with no parents at his side. But there was no fear in his eyes. Only resolve.

— This Academy was not created merely to produce soldiers — Tobirama continued — but to unite. War has taught us that alliances, bonds, and lasting friendships save lives and build nations. Here, you will learn not only combat techniques but also the value of trust.

He gestured to the shinobi behind him.

— These are my former war companions and most trusted allies. Some of you will eventually train under their guidance after the first evaluation cycle. But don't be deceived—teams are being formed based on ability. Even the greatest clans must prove their worth. Clans don't win wars. People do.

A respectful silence settled over the courtyard. Many glanced around, trying to guess who their future rivals or teammates might be.

— You are part of the new Senju Selection for Team Formation — Tobirama announced. — And it will be your task to surpass the feats of the generation that came before—Tsunade Senju, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya.

Nawaki clenched his fists. His sister's shadow loomed large over him. But he had no intention of living in anyone's shadow. He was a Senju. And he would be remembered as one.

The doors opened ceremoniously with a creak. Classrooms were ready. The tests awaited.

First, the theory exam.

Questions about ninja history, hand seals, chakra, shinobi geopolitics, and basic anatomy. Nawaki progressed through the test as if reliving something already learned. And in a way, it was true. The Tsunade template he had mastered gave him a powerful intuitive grasp of the material.

He finished before anyone else, folding his paper with meticulous precision.

Then came the practical exam.

Obstacle courses. Kunai throwing. Hand seal sequences. Chakra control over unstable surfaces. Mini duels.

Here, Nawaki showed why he was already considered a genius. His chakra control was refined, his speed above average. In every phase, he moved with grace and power, as if his body already knew the path.

— That kid… — one instructor murmured from the observation stand — it's like he's already lived all this before.

In the end, the results were read aloud in the main courtyard.

— First place… Nawaki Senju. — A murmur swept through the crowd. — Perfect score. No mistakes. No practical errors. A new record.

Nawaki remained silent. But inside, a quiet relief bloomed. He didn't need his sister's name to prove himself.

— Second place, Uchiha Mikoto. Third, Kenshi Aburame. Fourth, Arata Yamanaka…

The names continued, all the way to the one-hundred-and-fiftieth.

Then came the odd pause.

Tobirama looked at the jounin evaluators. Homura, Koharu, Danzou… none stepped forward.

He understood.

Time had passed.

All of Tobirama's former students had already formed their teams. Hiruzen Sarutobi had Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru. The others trained genin from prior classes. None from this new generation would be immediately chosen.

Not even Nawaki.

Tobirama finally spoke, with a subtle note of disappointment in his voice:

— The selection of personal disciples was completed in previous years. But know this… the real evaluation starts now. Each of you will train under an Academy instructor until official teams are formed. And those who shine… will be chosen by merit.

Nawaki gave a slight nod. He didn't mind. He didn't need favoritism.

He just needed time.

As the sun began to set, the classes were finally divided.

Nawaki was assigned to Class A. A mixed group. Children of civilians, members of lesser-known clans, and a few promising names.

He glanced around. No Tsunade. No Jiraiya. No Orochimaru. They had already walked their paths.

But Nawaki?

Nawaki was just beginning his.

And he would walk it with his own feet.

Alone, if necessary.

But above all… as a true Senju.

**

Nawaki's First Day at the Academy

The day of the Academy entrance had arrived, and Konoha seemed to breathe a different air. The sky was clear, the air crisp, and a sense of something momentous hovered over everyone. The streets of the village, usually quiet at that early hour, bustled with eager voices, hurried steps, and eyes sparkling with dreams. Children from all corners of the village, accompanied by parents or guardians, gathered at the gates of the grand Ninja Academy—the first step in their shinobi journey.

Five classrooms had been arranged, thirty students each. A total of one hundred and fifty young hopefuls—all ready to begin forging their path as Leaf Village shinobi. But even among so many children, one name was already beginning to stand out to the observers: Senju Nawaki.

The posthumous son of two shinobi who had died in the First Great Ninja War, and younger brother of the heir of the Senju clan—the now personal student of the Third Hokage, Tsunade—Nawaki grew up under the shadow of great names. But the boy didn't seem intimidated. His eyes shone with a determination all his own.

He was the first to reach the official list posted at the Academy entrance. In large, neatly organized letters, the names were sorted by classroom. "Class A" was, as always, the most coveted—historically filled with heirs of powerful clans, children of high expectations, or those with notable talents.

Senju Nawaki — Class A

Seeing his name at the top of the list, Nawaki gave a small, knowing smile. It wasn't a surprise. His entrance exam scores had been exceptional. He knew it. Everyone knew it.

The names of Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and others from that generation were nowhere on the list. They were already far beyond this phase—chosen years earlier as personal disciples of Tobirama's former students. Their selection hadn't gone through the regular academy track. That didn't bother Nawaki. Quite the opposite—it gave him more space to shine.

When the bell rang, the students of Class A rushed to their seats. Murmurs filled the air. Some tried forming silent alliances. Others passed folded notes. But Nawaki just sat quietly, straight-backed, eyes sharp.

THUMP!

The front door swung open with force, and a tall man entered, his heavy footsteps echoing across the floor. Broad-shouldered, dark hair tied back, immaculate uniform, scars across his face. A seasoned Chunin.

— My name is Daiki-sensei. I'm not here to play games — his voice was firm, like tempered steel. — This is the starting line. Many who began here… never made it to the end. Some died. Others quit. You… will prove to me that you're worthy of wearing Konoha's forehead protector.

The room fell silent. A few mouths hung open. Others tightened their jaws. Nawaki simply held his gaze forward, as if he'd heard these words before.

— We'll start with introductions. Name, clan, and ninja goal. One by one. Stand up.

He pointed to the first boy in the front row.

And so it began.

— Arata Nara. From the Nara clan. My goal is to become a strategist like my father — the boy said, sleepily.

— Mika Yamanaka. Yamanaka clan. I want to be a medical ninja like my mom!

— Ryo Inuzuka! And this is Kai! — shouted a boy, holding up his puppy, which barked in response.

The introductions continued—some confident, some shy.

Then it was his turn.

— Senju Nawaki. Senju clan.

A brief hush swept the room. The name carried weight. The last known Senju male of his generation. He knew it. They all did.

— I want to become Hokage — he said, voice firm. — And protect everyone I care about… no matter the cost.

Some students murmured. Others glanced at him with respect—or envy. Daiki simply wrote something down on his clipboard.

The introductions went on. Thirty names. Thirty promises. But for Nawaki, this was just the beginning.

When they were done, Daiki snapped his fingers. CLACK!

— This is the schedule for Class A. You'll study basic sealing techniques, chakra control, tactical theory, and taijutsu drills. Daily training. Weekly tests. Mistakes, excuses… won't be tolerated.

The students swallowed hard. But Nawaki had only one thought:

To surpass Tsunade.

He respected his sister. Loved his sister. But he wouldn't die like in that past life. He wouldn't become an excuse for her sorrow. He would become the shield that protected Konoha—and the revival of the Senju name.

He lowered his eyes, took a deep breath, and whispered to himself:

— The game has begun.

And Class A, unaware, had just witnessed the rise of a new legend.

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