As I stepped up into the ring, facing Hana, the class had already decided who to cheer for. They began calling her name with excitement, their voices rising in a wave of support. No one knew me, and I had barely spoken a word to anyone. Naturally, they leaned toward the loudmouth with presence. It didn't matter.
Hana grinned with wild confidence, bouncing lightly on her toes. Her small ninken barked from the sidelines as if to cheer her on.
Our teacher Daikoku stepped forward and raised his hand, gesturing with precision. "Before the spar begins, you must perform the sign of confrontation. This symbolizes your readiness."
Both Hana and I mirrored the sign, my face unreadable, hers cocky and eager.
"After the spar, both participants must perform the sign of reconciliation to mark the end of conflict. Understood?"
We nodded.
"Good," he said, then stepped back. "Take your stance… and wait for my signal. Remember, this is only a taijutsu practice match."
He raised his hand high."Three…"Hana dropped into a low, feral stance."Two…"I exhaled slowly, letting my weight fall to my heels."One…"My eyes narrowed slightly."Begin!"
I launched.
No hesitation. No telegraphed movement. A direct burst forward at chunin-level speed, far above what anyone in this room expected.
Before Hana could even blink, I was already behind her. My hand rested gently on her neck like a phantom kunai. One clean strike, that's all it would've taken.
She stood frozen. Her instincts screamed, but her body hadn't caught up. The confidence drained from her face in a second. The crowd?Dead. Silent.
Even Daikoku-sensei stood stunned. The sharpness of the moment, my speed, the precision of my movement, and the sheer efficiency of the takedown had shaken them.
Only Itachi remained calm. His eyes weren't wide in awe. They were sharp. He already knew.
After two heartbeats of silence, I spoke.
"Sensei... the match is over."
That snapped him back. "Ah… huh? Y-Yeah. The winner is… Akira Nara."
Still, no clapping. No cheers. Just stunned silence.
I turned to Hana and gently took her hand. She still looked dazed. We performed the sign of reconciliation. That was that.
I stepped down.
After a few seconds, Hana followed quietly, not saying anything. The sparring continued, but nothing else drew the same reaction.
Among the rest of the class, only a few caught my eye:
Izumi, of course. Her movements were clean, clearly trained by Itachi.
Hite Hyūga, a branch member, but already adept with Gentle Fist.
Tayu Hayate, fast and precise with his strikes, probably trained under a kenjutsu expert.
The rest blurred into irrelevance.
Once everyone had finished, we returned to class. The sun had already shifted slightly, casting longer rays across the classroom floor. Just as I thought it was the end of the day, Daikoku-sensei cleared his throat.
"Before dismissal, Hokage-sama will be visiting to address you all. Please stay seated."
So he is coming, I thought. Let's see what kind of speech Minato gives. If it's the same 'Will of Fire' nonsense the Third used to drone about, I'll be disappointed.
The teacher stepped out.
Excitement buzzed through the classroom like a current. Girls began whispering in high-pitched squeals about seeing "the handsome Yellow Flash", while the boys spoke in awe about how he ended the war or stopped an entire Kumo battalion.
Itachi and Izumi made small plans for after class, though I only half-listened.
Instead, I closed my eyes and reached outward with my chakra field, spreading it out to 300 meters. The moment I did, I felt them.
Ten chakra signatures.All strong. All elite-chūnin or jōnin level. Anbu.
They were closing in rapidly, surrounding the academy building from multiple angles.
And then three others, more familiar. Walking with deliberate, measured steps. Their chakra was like a beacon even without sensing:
Minato Namikaze.Kakashi Hatake.And of course… the Old Monkey—Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Itachi seemed to sense them too. He grew quiet, posture straightening. Izumi noticed the change but said nothing.
So Minato followed Hiruzen's path, personally greeting each new batch of students. Maybe it's tradition, or maybe he wants to show his presence as a leader.
Either way, the presence of ten Anbu said it all. Despite the peace, Minato wasn't taking chances. Not after the recent war.
Soon, the chakra signatures were at the front entrance of the building. I remained still, waiting for the door to open and the man who changed everything to step into the room.
Third Person POV
As the classroom door slid open, cheers erupted like a wave. Students jumped from their seats with excitement, some whispering in awe, others shouting in joy. The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, stood at the threshold, his signature yellow hair glowing in the filtered sunlight, a warm smile spreading across his face. Beside him stood Kakashi Hatake, half-masked and silent, and following just a step behind was Hiruzen Sarutobi, the former Hokage, smiling wisely, as if he belonged there all along.
Minato raised a hand and waved, his calm and bright demeanor only fueling the admiration of the room. His blue eyes scanned the class, noticing the sparkle in the children's expressions, basking in the respect and admiration he received so easily.
Then his gaze landed on two boys.
Itachi Uchiha, polite and poised, returned the Hokage's gaze with a respectful nod. Akira Nara, unmoving, his gaze locked out the window, as if he didn't notice the man who had once been his sensei, or simply chose not to.
Minato's smile faltered for just a second, eyes softening. Kakashi followed his gaze, and upon seeing both Itachi and Akira, a wave of complex emotions washed over his visible eye, guilt, nostalgia, and sadness all battling for dominance.
Itachi noticed the shift. He gently nudged Akira's arm in response. Akira didn't flinch, didn't even blink. It was as though the world beyond the window was far more real to him than the men who once shaped his fate.
Itachi sighed quietly. He looked back at Minato and Kakashi, gave them a soft shake of the head—not now, it said silently. He's not ready.
Understanding that unspoken message, Minato and Kakashi gave small nods and proceeded to the podium. The cheers began to calm as the children returned to their seats, anticipation hanging in the air.
Akira's POV
The moment their footsteps echoed through the classroom, I knew they had arrived.
I didn't move. I didn't look.
Even as the voices around me buzzed with admiration, even as Itachi tried to gently nudge me back to attention, I kept my eyes outside. The trees were swaying gently in the late afternoon breeze. A leaf danced downward, alone.
Then, as expected, the Third Hokage stepped forward, the master manipulator, wearing that calm, wise old mask. He addressed the class with practiced charm:
"Good afternoon, students. I must apologize for making you stay beyond class hours. I had initially suggested we meet you tomorrow… but he,"—he gestured with a smile toward Minato—"was adamant about seeing the newest batch of shinobi on their first day. So, without further delay, allow me to present your Fourth Hokage… Minato Namikaze."
I almost rolled my eyes. Even his introductions are traps wrapped in smiles.
Everything about it was a careful ploy, set the stage, spark awe, raise admiration, and tie that loyalty to Minato's name. The Will of Fire, now wearing a sunny smile. The old monkey doesn't miss a chance to push pieces forward, even from retirement.
Minato stood before the class, golden hair catching the slant of afternoon light that spilled through the open windows. His calm, composed smile wasn't a mask; it was quiet reassurance, forged through war, loss, and the weight of leadership. He waited until the room stilled, then began.
"Good afternoon, everyone. First, let me say, today isn't just your first day at the academy. It's your first step toward becoming protectors of Konoha... of your people, your dreams, and even your enemies, sometimes. I know these words might seem far off now, but in time, they'll become real to you."
His tone was steady, warm. Not theatrical like Hiruzen's, no veiled politics, no grand illusions. Just… introspection. Grounded truth.
That voice hasn't changed… calm, sincere, unshaken. Not like the Third, who preached peace while stirring hidden wars. Minato believes his words.
"You may have heard this phrase already: ' When the tree leaves dance, one shall find flames. The fire shadow will illuminate the village, and once again, tree leaves shall burn anew.'But let me be clear, following it blindly isn't the path I believe in. My Will of Fire is simple: it means understanding the weight of every life that walks beside you. Not as tools. Not as soldiers. But as people."
His gaze swept the classroom, soft and observant, but it paused, just briefly, when it reached me.
"You don't need to be strong to protect others. You need resolve. Strength will come. But resolve, that's what will make you stand up when it's easier to stay down. That'll help you forgive when hatred feels easier. And that'll make you run toward danger, not away from it."
Yeah, as if resolve could bring people back from the dead…The only strength is the true meaning of life. If I am strong enough, I can do anything.
"I want you to grow strong, not just with jutsu or chakra, but in judgment. In compassion. That's what this village needs. Shinobi who can think, feel, and lead, without forgetting they're human."
Some students blinked, puzzled. Others nodded slowly, as if trying to grasp the meaning blooming in his words. I remained still. Silent.Didn't scoff. Didn't frown. I just… listened.
Even if I wanted to blame him…Even if I tried to hate him for being late, I couldn't. How could I? When every word he spoke echoed with sincerity?
Truly, if Naruto wasn't the child of prophecy…Minato might have been one. But only for Konoha. To its enemies, he's the child of disaster.
"In this room, there might be the next Hokage. Or someone who saves a friend from the brink.Or someone who builds something better for the generation that comes next. All I ask of you, for today and for all the days that follow, is to never forget why you became a shinobi in the first place."
Silence followed. Not out of awe, but respect, cheers. No outbursts. Just stillness, quiet understanding.
Minato gave a soft nod, knowing he didn't need applause. He'd said what he came to say.
And for me, sitting by the window, the wind threads softly through my hair.
It wasn't forgiveness. But maybe… it was the beginning. The beginning of remembering why I once looked up to that man.
After his speech, Minato allowed some questions from the ninjas, and their queries were filled with excitement, especially for the young ninjas, particularly the girls. While he was answering, my eyes fell on Kakashi. I hadn't seen him in two years. Not much had changed, just his eyes and aura; they had warmed and were now filled with hope and love. From these changes, it seemed he and Rin were now a thing, most likely.
I called out in my mind, "Nano, scan Kakashi's body and his spiritual status. Are there any changes, particularly in his Sharingan?" I asked. The best way to know whether Obito has fallen or not is by seeing if Kakashi has awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. It's most likely he doesn't know and has no control over it, and it would consume all his stamina and chakra to use it, like the original Kakashi during Pain's attack. If he has awakened it, Obito has somehow fallen into darkness.
But how…?
The most logical answer is to see Rin and Kakashi as a couple. But will that truly be enough to fall into darkness? Sure, he would be hurt, but this much? I don't think so. Still, maybe it is possible in this unpredictable world, especially if we consider the mastermind behind him, Madara, and Black Zetsu. Madara is a mastermind when it comes to scheming with people like Obito. He must have somehow turned Obito into his pawn. But how, I don't know.
After some time, Nano responded, "Host, according to the scan, Kakashi's spiritual levels have grown by leaps and bounds, especially in Yin chakra, which is highly concentrated in his Sharingan. A trace of spatial chakra is being concentrated into it, but I cannot scan further due to less exposure of the eyes."From the scan, it seems he did awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan. But my attention was on the spatial chakra. I asked, "Nano, can you scan the spatial chakra and its connection to body and spiritual energy? I want to know why only a few can use it and how to grow my spatial chakra affinity."
In the original anime, only a few were capable of using spatial techniques like Minato, Tobirama, and Obito, and then Kaguya and Sasuke with his Rinnegan. But the reason why anyone other than them failed to use them, even Kakashi, who failed to learn the Flying Thunder God technique, if it was only about genetics or body, then Naruto must have also been able to use spatial techniques.
And since Sasuke was able to use it only after getting the Rinnegan, if he had the spatial affinity earlier, I am sure Orochimaru would have taught him. I'm certain Orochimaru has recorded that technique and must have tried to learn it, but failed. And since Sasuke didn't learn it at first, he must not have had enough spatial affinity. But after getting the Rinnegan, he awakened the ability to switch places with anyone. That means, due to getting the Rinnegan, his affinity with spatial chakra must have grown, giving him the ability of Amenotejikara.
Similarly, what if I studied the spatial chakra and allowed Nano to make my body compatible with it? It would be great if I could use techniques like Kamui or Flying Raijin. I would already have Kage-level strength.
Nano replied, "Host, the spatial chakra is very limited and cannot be used for scanning and analyzing."
I replied, "Try scanning Minato's body and analyzing his spiritual connection with the spatial chakra. And for getting the spatial chakra, study the Flying Raijin technique we obtained from Minato."While making the seal for Rin, I did study Flying Raijin. I was focused on one aspect of the technique, which was the alarm system. And since time was short, I only studied it when necessary. But I told Nano to scan the whole scroll and make a mental copy. So I have the techniques, I just haven't done much with them, as I was trying to master other techniques.
I plan to use multiple techniques, as I will have many aliases and be active outside the village for my plans. I've already thought of using Gravity Release as another alias. And if I succeed, I can use spatial techniques with another alias, if possible, integrate it with Shadow Release or Mind techniques. But that is for the future.
After some time, Nano replied, "From the scan, Minato shows exceptional affinity with spatial chakra, and his spiritual power has been tempered by the pressure and tangibility of spatial chakra.""Good. Then scan his spiritual energy and his reason for spatial affinity. Also, scan spatial affinity from Flying Raijin and give me the report for it at night," I said.
While I was speaking to Nano, the Q&A session ended, and Minato, Kakashi, and Old Monkey were leaving. I stood up and was about to leave when Itachi stopped me and said, "Akira, how about joining me in training? We haven't seen each other's progress for a year, let's have a match."
He said it with fire in his eyes. I shook my head, "No. I'm going to Uncle Shikaku's home to help Aunt Yoshino…"
What I said was indeed true, not an excuse. Even though I have distanced myself from them, they are my family. And when I learned of her pregnancy, I stopped training much and used my time helping them around the house and doing heavy work for her to relax. I also sent my shadow clone to Aunt Inoichi to help her. Since Aunt Yoshino is four months pregnant, I chose to be beside her more often.
After hearing my reason, Itachi sighed and said, "Okay. But how about the day after tomorrow, on Sunday morning?"
I thought for a bit and said, "Okay," and left.
I was also curious about his progress. This Itachi is already stronger than the original, in both mental and physical aspects. His body has been trained to handle the extreme Yin chakra concentrated in him. I have also altered his psychological aspect so he no longer only thinks from the village-driven perspective, to the point of eradicating his whole clan.
It is also thanks to Minato now being Hokage and being in touch with Itachi that he can relax and not worry about the clan situation this early on.
I made my way toward the Nara compound and created a shadow clone, which went toward Uncle Inoichi's house.
After entering the house, I saw Aunt Yoshino sleeping. I let her rest and quietly made my way into the kitchen to wash the dishes and prepare dinner. For the past four months, I had been learning to cook from Aunt Yoshino, and of course, with Nano's new AI support, I had even started coming up with new dishes from time to time.
While washing the dishes, I suddenly sensed two very, very familiar chakra signatures. As I was about to move toward the door, I heard Aunt Yoshino, who had woken up a minute or two earlier, say, "Akira, can you see who's at the door?"
I replied, "I'm on it."
I walked over and opened the door to find Aunt Mikoto and Aunt Kushina standing there, with Rin and Itachi following behind them. For a moment, I was stunned… before quickly regaining my composure.
"Please, come in," I said, stepping aside to let them in. Then I called out, "Aunt, Kushina-sensei and Aunt Mikoto are here to see you."
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Chapter length-3000 words
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