The training ground was filled with people.
This was Hayashi's first impression as he quietly stepped forward with Mikoto walking by his side. She didn't make a sound, but her small gestures—like tugging lightly at his sleeve—revealed her curiosity and nervousness about the outdoor lesson.
The Ninja Academy had come a long way since its founding under the Second Hokage. With the Third Hokage now in charge, the academy had been expanded and modernized. A vast training ground had been added, along with new facilities to push young shinobi further. It was a clear statement of how much the village valued the growth of its future generation.
Konoha's reputation as the cradle of geniuses wasn't just empty praise. Even with strict politics and figures like Danzo looming in the background, new talents continued to rise with every generation.
"Alright, brats, quiet down for a moment."
The loud, carefree voice echoed across the field. Standing tall on the wooden platform was Jiraiya, already recognizable despite being only sixteen. His long white hair, rough demeanor, and Jonin flak jacket made him stand out as much as his boisterous presence.
Even without tools like a megaphone, his chakra-infused voice carried perfectly.
"Let's start with introductions. I know many of you already know us, but I'll say it anyway. I'm the famous Jiraiya, a Jonin of Konoha and a genius ninja." He grinned smugly before gesturing to the two beside him. "This is my teammate Orochimaru, and of course, the beautiful Lady Tsunade."
Tsunade's blonde hair shimmered as she smiled and waved at the students, causing most of the boys to cheer wildly in excitement. Orochimaru, pale and composed, simply gave a subtle nod, though the faint twist of his lips suggested he didn't exactly approve of Jiraiya's dramatic phrasing.
Jiraiya continued, "We're here today because our teacher, the Third Hokage, entrusted us with this task. You're the future of Konoha, and he wants you to see the reality of the shinobi world you're stepping into. He may even stop by in person to teach a few lessons."
"Long live Hokage-sama! Thank you Hokage-sama! Long live Jiraiya-sama! Long live Tsunade-sama! Long live Orochimaru-sama!"
The students erupted into chants, the atmosphere quickly turning fiery. For most of them—especially the civilian-born—this wasn't about politics. It was pride. It was hope.
When the noise finally calmed, Jiraiya stepped back. "Orochimaru, your turn."
"…Mm."
Orochimaru moved forward with quiet confidence. His pale skin and calm tone carried a weight of authority despite his youth.
"One day is too short for us to go one-on-one with every student," he explained. Forming a hand seal, the ground shifted beneath them. Platforms rose from the training field, each large enough to hold small groups in battle. Gasps spread among the students at the seamless transformation.
"If you want to become the pillars that support Konoha, you must experience battle. Today, you will fight in teams. Each grade's top three students will form a squad, and then face other squads. In the end, the three strongest teams in the academy will be trained personally—by myself, Jiraiya, or Tsunade."
The murmurs that followed were filled with excitement.
"And," Orochimaru added, his golden eyes narrowing slightly, "if I notice anyone with truly exceptional talent, you may approach me later for guidance. That promise will always stand."
The students lit up at his words.
The rules were clear and fair, and no one raised objections. After all, sparring was a normal part of outdoor training.
Jiraiya clapped his hands. "Here are the boxes for drawing numbers. Each grade will have one. Draw your number, and when it's called, step onto the platform. One by one, don't push."
Hayashi and Mikoto made their way to Platform Two.
"Mikoto, you go first," Hayashi said casually.
With hundreds of students spread across the grounds, the scene was bustling. Mikoto nodded, ready to reach for the box.
"Wait."
Hayashi gently caught her wrist, narrowing his eyes. He formed a quick hand seal. In an instant, the box shimmered and transformed into a kunai.
"An illusion?" he muttered.
Jiraiya laughed loudly from above. "Sharp! Some necessary vigilance is part of being a ninja. What's your name, brat?" He had noticed the Uchiha crest on Hayashi's back.
"Hayashi. Uchiha Hayashi."
"Not bad, not bad! You spotted the genjutsu faster than anyone else here. As expected of an Uchiha," Jiraiya praised, scanning the grounds where most boxes remained untouched illusions.
Hayashi only shook his head. "Just luck."
"Go ahead now, Mikoto," he added.
Mikoto drew her slip. "Number six."
Hayashi reached in next, pulling out "Number eight."
After them, Nawaki, Minato, and other students from clans like Nara and Akimichi drew theirs. Though the draw was technically random, the unspoken rule was clear: the strongest drew first. Hayashi, as the top of his grade, had naturally been expected to go first, but he let Mikoto and others step ahead of him.
"What number did you get, Minato?" Hayashi leaned closer to ask.
"Number one," Minato replied with a gentle smile, brushing a hand through his blond hair as he stepped confidently toward the sparring platform.
The matches were about to begin.
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Sick... could only manage to upload a chapter each on all my fanfictions.
Can you please send Power stones.