The auditorium hummed with excitement. Rows of academy students sat fidgeting on the polished wooden benches, waiting for the Hokage himself to speak.
Reiji sat in the back row, as always, posture straight, hands folded in his lap. He could feel the eyes on him the other students sneaking glances, whispering.
They're always watching. Admiring? No. Measuring. Wondering what I'm thinking. That's fine. Let them wonder.
Some were impressed by his skill, others unnerved by his silence. To them, Reiji was that boy: the one who trained before dawn, fought without showing emotion, and seemed impossible to read.
The whispers grew quieter when the doors at the front opened.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, walked in, his robes trailing softly behind him. His presence commanded the room not through force, but through the calm authority of someone who had seen generations grow under his care.
"Students," Hiruzen began warmly, "you have all worked hard these past months. Today, we honor those who have shown exceptional progress."
Reiji's gaze remained fixed forward.
Exceptional. That's one word for it. This shameless old monkey actually came all the way out here for some academy brats? Must be bored. Or sentimental. Or both.
After finalizing the speech Hiruzen gazed upon the crowd.
"And finally," Hiruzen said, his voice lifting slightly, "This Year's Number One In Rankings.."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Reiji, is it? I've heard of your progress. You've been pushing yourself quite hard."
Reiji blinked slowly. "Yes."
"You know," Hiruzen said, stepping closer as if to bridge the gap between them, "strength isn't just in power or skill. It's why we fight. That is what gives the Will of Fire meaning."
Reiji tilted his head slightly. "If that will get me stronger, I'll follow it gramps."
There were murmurs in the audience. Some stifled laughter. Others gasped.
Hiruzen chuckled softly, stroking his beard. "Honest, aren't you? You remind me of someone."
The awards ceremony moved forward. Names were called. Prizes given.
"And finally," Hiruzen said, "Reiji."
Reiji rose smoothly, walking toward the room with deliberate steps. He stood before the Hokage, who studied him with kind but curious eyes.
"For your remarkable discipline and progress," Hiruzen said, "you are entitled to one personal request. Within reason."
Reiji met his gaze without hesitation. "A portable weight increaser."
The room erupted in whispers.
The Hokage blinked, taken aback. "A gravity seal?"
"That's a troublesome design," one of the advisors muttered sharply. "Far beyond what a student should know to be requesting...."
Reiji nodded slightly. "Exactly. That's why I'm asking."
Gasps.
Even Hiruzen had to chuckle deeper this time. "Do you even understand the purpose of such a thing?"
"Yes."
"And you still want it?"
"Yes."
The Hokage sighed, rubbing his temple. "You're a bold one."
One of the advisors leaned toward Hiruzen, whispering.
Another scoffed. "Shameless. No respect for the weight of his request."
Reiji spoke before they could finish. "If the village wants shinobi who can surpass their limits, then it should provide the tools. I'll make use of it."
The audacity silenced even the advisors.
Hiruzen chuckled again. "You're shameless, aren't you?"
Reiji tilted his head. "Does that matter if I'm useful?"
The Hokage stared at him for a long moment, then let out a long sigh. "Very well. I'll see what I can do. But don't expect such requests to always be granted, Reiji."
"Understood," Reiji said flatly.
As he turned to leave, the whispers started again.
"Did you hear what he asked for? A gravity seal?"
"Who even thinks of that?"
"He's scary…"
Reiji walked past them without a word, their admiration and fear washing over him like background noise.