Several months had passed since Reiji's first day at the academy. The heavy weight of his lost past still lingered beneath the surface, but he had learned to mask it behind quiet observation and careful distance.
Today, the courtyard was alive with noise, laughter, friendly shoves, and the clash of wooden training swords. The other students formed small groups, pairing off for drills or sharing whispered secrets.
Reiji stood at the edge of the field; his hands shoved deep into the sleeves of his training uniform. He watched as others called out, their faces flushed with excitement.
He remembered the first time he had felt the pulse of chakra flow through him, the moment it erupted unexpectedly.
He was alone in the garden behind his apartment, frustrated after another day of feeling alone. His palms pressed against the rough bark of a tree, willing himself to do something, anything.
Then, a spark — sharp and electric — surged through his body. A faint glow shimmered beneath his skin, and suddenly, a small arc of lightning danced between his fingers.
He gasped, heart pounding. It was raw and wild, untamed — a promise of power he barely understood.
Now, Reiji clenched his fists, feeling the familiar but still unfamiliar hum beneath his skin. He wasn't like the others yet — not in control, not confident.
A few students noticed him standing apart, whispering and glancing his way. Some with curiosity, others with skepticism.
One boy stepped forward, a wide grin splitting his face. "Hey, you're the quiet one, right? What's your name?"
Reiji looked up slowly, gazing upon the weird marks upon the cheeks of this strange child; his dark eyes meeting the boy's. "Reiji."
The boy extended a hand. "I'm Akimichi Koji. Come on, join us for some sparring. You've got to warm up those muscles, right?"
Reiji hesitated but nodded once. He followed, keeping his guard high.
As the homeroom teacher observed Reiji sparring against Koji he was initially confused, 'A Clanless orphan being able to trade blows with a member of the Akimichi family!? what an insane amount of raw natural strength from this kid... Although something's off about him.. Why is Reiji moving like that? It's as if he envisions his limbs are longer than they are, making him a little too clumsy.'.