The morning at the academy began like so many others, but for Ren, there was something different in the air. Maybe it was the way Ino walked a few steps ahead of him, lightly swinging her arms as she talked to Naruto. Or maybe it was Naruto himself—strangely more energetic than usual, talking nonstop, as if trying to fill every second of silence.
"I swear, Ren, if Iruka-sensei gives us one more written exercise today, I'm going to pretend I forgot my pencil on purpose."
Ino laughed, bringing a hand to her mouth.
"You say that every week, Naruto."
"But this time I mean it."
Ren simply observed, walking beside them. He liked that dynamic. Naruto was loud, impulsive, too transparent for his own good. Ino, on the other hand, balanced the conversation with quick, clever comments, always aware of her surroundings. He felt comfortable there, even without talking much.
When they reached the classroom, they noticed someone was already occupying one of the seats at the back, slouched lazily in his chair, his gaze lost in nothingness.
Shikamaru Nara.
"Well, look at that," Naruto commented, pointing. "He always arrives early for someone who looks like he hates waking up."
Shikamaru slowly turned his head, as if the simple act required considerable effort.
"Arriving early is the unfortunate consequence of living too close," he replied, yawning. "If I showed up late, I'd still have to listen to the teacher complain."
Ino pulled a nearby chair and sat down.
"You always look tired."
"That's because thinking takes work," he replied casually. "And I think too much."
Ren sat beside Ino. Shikamaru cast him a brief glance—that same look of someone who seemed to see things no one said out loud.
"Hm…" Shikamaru murmured, as if picking up an old line of thought. "You're still training that way… observing first."
Naruto leaned forward, curious.
"What way?"
Shikamaru didn't answer right away. He kept staring, as if calculating his words.
"The way that leaves less room for mistakes," he said at last. "For our age, it's strange… but it works."
Ren held his gaze, unoffended.
"It's just a habit."
"A good habit." Shikamaru yawned again, leaning back. "Most people here just charge in with guts and bravado. Then they complain later."
Naruto made a face.
"Hey!"
Ino laughed, and Ren realized that Shikamaru, despite his lazy demeanor, was— in his own way—joining the conversation.
The class went on as usual, with theoretical exercises and corrections written on the board. Naruto struggled to stay focused, Ino participated whenever she could, and Shikamaru seemed to follow everything with minimal effort. Ren, for his part, absorbed every detail, paying attention not only to the lesson, but to the people around him.
During the break, the four of them ended up together in the courtyard, sitting near the shade of a tree.
"So," Naruto began, breaking the silence, "we're training after class, right?"
Ino looked at Ren before answering.
"We are."
"Awesome!" Naruto exclaimed, clearly excited.
Shikamaru sighed.
"How troublesome…"
"You can come too," Ino said, tilting her head toward him.
Shikamaru opened one eye.
"Training is work."
"You don't do anything anyway," Naruto teased.
Shikamaru stared at him.
"Doing nothing requires talent."
Despite the complaints, when class ended and the group left the academy, Shikamaru ended up coming along, walking a few steps behind, hands in his pockets, silently observing.
The walk to the training field was peaceful. Naruto ran ahead, talking nonstop about how one day he'd still be the best in the class, even if no one really believed it. Ino walked beside Ren, adjusting her hairband from time to time, while Shikamaru followed behind at his usual lazy pace.
Ren observed everything in silence—the distant sounds of the village, the light wind moving through the trees, the different energy of that small group. It wasn't an official training session, nor an obligation. Even so, it felt… important.
The improvised training field was a bit removed from the busier areas of the village. Simple, almost forgotten, but sufficient for children still learning to control their bodies and instincts.
Naruto was the first to step forward, overly excited.
"So what are we doing first?"
"Stretching," Ren replied.
Naruto grimaced.
"That's boring."
"But it keeps you from getting hurt," Ino said, already beginning to stretch.
Shikamaru sat down on the ground, leaning back on his arms.
"I'll observe."
Ren didn't complain. They began with basic exercises—repetitive movements, focusing on posture and balance. Naruto made plenty of mistakes, but never gave up. Ino learned quickly, carefully copying Ren's movements. Shikamaru, even seated, seemed to follow everything with his eyes, as if assembling an invisible puzzle.
At one point, Naruto fell flat on his back, laughing.
"See? I told you this was hard."
Ren extended a hand to help him up.
"You're trying to go too fast," Ren said. "Your body hasn't caught up with the movement yet. Your foot steps in before your hips rotate."
Naruto grabbed his hand and stood up.
"You always say that."
"Because it's true."
Ino watched the two of them, a faint smile on her face. There was something different there. Ren didn't put himself above Naruto, didn't treat him like someone weak. He simply… guided him.
After a while, the training ended more from exhaustion than choice.
"I'm going to sleep for a week," Naruto said, dropping to the ground.
Shikamaru finally stood up.
"You guys are interesting," he commented. "Troublesome, but interesting."
Ino laughed.
"Was that a compliment?"
"Probably."
By the time they said goodbye, the sun was already starting to set. Ren headed home with a strange feeling in his chest—not bad, but restless.
When he arrived, he immediately sensed the heavy atmosphere. The house was far too quiet. The air felt dense.
Fugaku was seated at the table, posture rigid. Itachi stood near the wall, arms crossed, his expression far too serious for someone his age.
Ren stopped at the entrance.
"I'm home."
Fugaku merely nodded, saying nothing.
The cup in front of him remained untouched. Fugaku pressed his fingers against the table for a brief moment before relaxing his hand. He didn't look up.
Itachi looked away for a second, as if relieved, but quickly returned to his neutral expression.
Ren went up to his room, but it wasn't long before he heard footsteps in the hallway. Light knocks on the door.
"Ren," Itachi's voice called.
"You can come in."
Itachi closed the door behind him, leaning against it for a moment before speaking.
"You took longer today."
"I trained after the academy."
Itachi nodded slowly.
"That's good."
A brief silence followed.
"Listen," Itachi began, his voice lower. "Not everything will be simple from here on out."
Ren looked at him.
"What do you mean?"
Itachi took a deep breath.
"You're observant. You'll notice changes before others do." He hesitated. "When that happens… don't ignore them."
A slight chill ran through Ren.
"Are you saying something bad is going to happen?"
"Not exactly." Itachi gave a small, tired smile. "Just that growing up… brings challenges. Some bigger than they should be."
He stepped closer, resting a hand on Ren's shoulder.
"Be careful. And… trust yourself."
Ren nodded.
"I will."
Itachi withdrew his hand, already turning to leave.
"Come downstairs when you're ready," Itachi said as he opened the door. "Just… don't isolate yourself too much."
"I won't."
When the door closed, Ren was alone in his room, his heart heavy, but also warm. There was concern there. There was care.
And even without fully understanding everything, he knew—difficult days were coming.
But he wouldn't be unprepared.
(Early access chapters: see the bio.)