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The moment he stepped into the classroom, he saw more than a dozen kids messing around. But since they were only three or four years old, they had no problem playing together even if they didn't know each other. Compared to them, six-year-old Aki stood out—completely cold and distant, like a "Do Not Disturb" sign with legs. After all, he used to be a 40-year-old man, and playing with toddlers just wasn't something he could get into. So, he simply put on his best poker face, looking like an ice block. He sat by the window, stared outside, and zoned out again.
Just then, a man dressed like a ninja walked into the classroom. Seeing the chaotic scene, he cleared his throat and said, "Alright everyone, sit down. It's class time."
The kids glanced at him… and went right back to playing.
BANG! THUD! BANG! THUD!
Ten minutes of "discipline" later, the classroom finally calmed down. Once again, it was proven: nothing gets kids in line like a little good old-fashioned intimidation.
The ninja instructor looked over his now "obedient" students with satisfaction. "To help you get to know each other," he said, "let's do introductions. I'll go first. I'm Sato Ueno, a Chūnin. I'll be your teacher from now on. I love reading and I'm passionate about our village. My current goal is to train you all into becoming ninjas, and in doing so, I can contribute to Konoha in my own way. Alright, now it's your turn."
Then, a white-haired boy suddenly slammed one foot on his desk and shouted, "I'm Jiraiya! I'm three years old! My favorite person is Tsunade, and I hate him—and him!" He pointed dramatically at Aki by the window and a long-haired boy sitting in the corner. "My dream is to become a man like the Hokage and protect Konoha!"
Watching this lively and loud declaration, the rest of the kids burst into cheers. Aki let out a soft chuckle and thought to himself, Man, they really are lucky… Konoha's a pretty good village, actually. At least, the darkness I've seen only exists inside my house. Outside... it's really not that bad.
Next up, the blonde little loli Tsunade stood up and said, "I'm Senju Tsunade. I'm three. You can call me Tsunade. I love rolling dice, gambling, and hanging out with hot guys." Then she glared at Jiraiya and added, "What I hate most is him. My dream is to win everyone's money in the whole wide world!"
One by one, the kids introduced themselves, until finally it was Aki's turn.
He stood up and said, "My name's Uchiha Aki. I'm six. I like a lot of things... and I dislike quite a few too. Don't really have a dream yet."
Then, the long-haired kid in the corner also stood and said, "My name is Orochimaru. I'm three years old. I like my mom's cooking and my dad's stories. My dream is to become a great ninja who can protect my parents and my village from harm. Oh, and what I hate most is Jiraiya."
And just like that, Uchiha Aki's life in the Ninja Academy had officially begun.
March, Year 13 of the Hidden Leaf
Atop a mountain in the Land of Earth, the Second Tsuchikage, Mu, stood gazing down at Iwagakure. Beside him was his disciple, Two Scales Daigen.
"Daigen," Mu said, "the world order has already been shattered. Uchiha Madara's death marks the beginning of Konoha's decline. Even Takigakure's leader suggested we start using Tailed Beasts as weapons in battle. That way, we won't have to bow to Konoha anymore."
"The Daimyō of the Land of Earth has made it clear—he no longer wants to pay tribute to the Land of Fire. In fact, he fully supports us. Why should we accept that only the First Hokage gets to assign the Jinchūriki? If we can get our hands on two or more Tailed Beasts, we can shift the balance. With even more, the Land of Fire might one day have to bow to us. And Konoha… we'll make them pay for the humiliation they caused us back then."
Daigen looked at his teacher and thought, Madara's defeat really scarred him. And after the First Tsuchikage died unwillingly, Mu's hatred for Konoha only grew deeper. Sigh… I wonder how many shinobi will die in the war this time.
At the same time, in the Land of Wind, the First Kazekage looked toward the horizon and said to his gathered ninjas, "It's time to move. Our target this time is the Five-Tails. No matter the cost—it'll be worth it."
"Yes, sir!" the ninja replied and quickly scattered.
The First Kazekage stared back at the village, lost in thought.
In the Land of Lightning, the Second Raikage sat in the Raikage's hall and addressed the gathered shinobi.
"Takigakure's movements are suspicious. Iwagakure and Kirigakure are stocking up on weapons. It's clear things are heating up. Be alert and guard the borders. I'll discuss our next steps with the Daimyō, but until then, keep a close eye on our Jinchūriki and start stockpiling supplies. Got it?"
"Yes, Lord Second!" The shinobi bowed and left.
As they left, the Second Raikage turned and looked out over the village. Please… let nothing bad happen during this time, he silently prayed.
On the Great Stone Face of the First Hokage, the man himself—dressed in traditional robes—stood smiling as he looked down at the village below. Suddenly, a grey-haired man wearing the Hokage cloak appeared behind him.
"Big Brother," said the man, "things are getting tense. I have no idea what Iwagakure is planning. This arms race is getting out of control. If this keeps going, war's inevitable. But the Daimyō of the Land of Fire refuses to listen to me."
The First Hokage smiled at the village and replied, "It's alright. As long as you and I are here, they won't dare make a move. And if they do act up, I won't mind reminding them that I'm still around. But tell me, Tobirama, are you aware of how unstable Konoha is on the inside?"
"You mean the clan elders?"
"Exactly. As long as you and I are around, we can keep things under control. But if anything were to happen to us, there's a good chance they'd try to turn the Hokage into just a figurehead. We grew strong because so many clans joined us, but that also put us in a very risky position."
"Big Brother, my students Sarutobi Sasuke and Shimura Danzō are both excellent candidates for the future. I've already started training them. If time allows, they'll become the pillars of Konoha. Even if we're not around anymore, they'll protect the village well. So don't worry. What I am worried about is… is your illness really incurable?"
"Heh, I know my own body. Don't worry—I've still got some time left."
"Damn that Uchiha Madara… If not for him, you wouldn't be like this. If I'd known how things would turn out, I would've killed him when I had the chance. Then you wouldn't have had to sacrifice your life force."
"It's fine. He was my friend. The moment I cut him down, I understood something. But right now, we need to focus on the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and that Uchiha kid."
"You mean Uchiha Aki, the one in the Academy? There's nothing to worry about. Killing an undeveloped Madara-wannabe is easier than squashing an ant. The Uchiha won't dare fight back."
"Tobirama, I won't let you do that. He's still just a kid. And besides, his upbringing was completely different from Madara's. He's a genius—one of Konoha's brightest hopes."
"The Uchiha gain power through hatred. And that kid Aki? He's been different since birth. His talent with chakra control and ninjutsu is the strongest I've ever seen—stronger than you or me. You ever seen a six-year-old pull off two B-rank jutsu in under a minute? We couldn't even do that. And the scariest part? His expression. He always acts like he's better than everyone else. I've watched him for a long time—he's like a better version of Madara. One Madara almost destroyed Konoha. We can't let another one rise."
"Tobirama! That's enough! You're too biased against the Uchiha. You're putting them in an impossible situation. You think I haven't noticed? You'll push them to rebel one day—and what then? Wipe them all out again? That's not right. Starting tomorrow, I'll teach that boy myself. I believe things can change. He's not Madara. He shouldn't have to carry the sins of his ancestors, nor should he be punished for them."
"Fine, Big Brother. I'll keep watching him. But if I see even one sign of danger, I won't hesitate to eliminate that cursed bloodline. Anyway, about the Nine-Tails… Sister-in-law's health is getting worse. And we haven't found a replacement Jinchūriki yet. It's a big problem."
"Mito can't hold on much longer. Maybe suppressing the Nine-Tails is just too much of a drain on her life. Once she passes, I plan to seal the beast away in Uzushio for a while. Konoha doesn't need Tailed Beasts to scare other villages. We're already stronger than any Tailed Beast."
The two brothers looked down over the village in silence for a long while.
Then Tobirama said, "Big Brother… what do you think people will say about us after we're gone? Will Konoha still be as strong as it is now?"
"Heh… who knows? I just believe in the Will of Fire. As long as there are leaves flying, the fire will keep burning. And as long as the fire burns, it will light up the village—and new leaves will grow. That's what a friend once told me. I don't know what he meant by 'Konoha' exactly, but I've decided that the Will of Fire will be our village's symbol, passed down from generation to generation."
The First Hokage looked up at the sky and thought: Protecting the people close to you, never giving up—that's what gives a ninja true strength. Loneliness isn't scary. What's scary is trapping yourself in it. It's because of the Will of Fire that ninjas become truly powerful. My friend… you were wrong.
"Hah, guess I'll go find my granddaughter and bet some money. She's been on a losing streak lately!"
"Big Brother, Tsunade's only three years old! You're corrupting her. She's a little girl, look at her now!"
"Well if you're so concerned, go have a kid yourself. Don't lecture me about my granddaughter, you old bachelor! Hahaha!"
"I'm just busy with work, alright! Otherwise, I'd have tons of kids!"
With that, the Second Hokage took off in a flash, his mood a mix of frustration and worry, flying toward the Hokage's office.
As the sun set in the west, the First Hokage stood watching the village under the red sky, his face full of peace and happiness.
"....."