Today, the weather was clear, devoid of any snowfall. Although a chill breeze persisted, the presence of sunshine brightened the day.
Having awoken slightly earlier than usual, I couldn't shake off the lingering sleepiness
"Nagato, on your first day of school, listen to your teacher and study diligently. Don't disappoint your Teacher, Akihiko" my mother advised me with a warm smile, standing before me.
"I understand, Mom," I replied, shouldering my small backpack. Letting out a lazy yawn, I assured her, "I'll work hard"
Nagato Uzumaki.
After the Uzumaki clan settled in the Land of Grass, I accompanied my mother in restoring the Uzumaki lineage.
As I observed my mother, who now wore a brighter smile and radiated more beauty, an unintentional smile spread across my face.
Just a couple of months ago, I couldn't have imagined living in this peaceful country, free from hunger and cold, where my mother no longer had to live in constant fear.
Every day, I am surrounded by friends, and I have the opportunity to learn ninjutsu techniques.
To be honest...
It still feels surreal. Everything is so wonderful! Of course,
It would be even better if Akihiko-sensei could make it without having to climb over the wall. His meticulously nurtured flowers and plants would avoid being trampled.
Those resilient plants manage to survive even in winter!
Glancing at Konan, my neighbor who is also heading out, I give her an affirming nod.
At this hour, I assume Akihiko-sensei is still sound asleep. While he possesses remarkable skills, his penchant for enjoying a long slumber and motivating others to excel can be quite exasperating.
I heard that the leader will be delivering a speech later, and I wonder if Akihiko-sensei will make it on time.
"Mom, I'm off to school"
I bid my mother farewell with a wave before setting out alongside Konan, carrying my backpack, on our way to school.
Meanwhile, my mother, Mrs. Fusō, wearing an apron, watches the two of us as we head off. She waves her hand silently, her face adorned with a serene and contented smile.
Only after the figures of Konan and I have receded into the distance, she directs her gaze towards the neighboring house. "Akihiko probably hasn't woken up yet" she muses
As Nagato walked along the road, he continued to yawn, gazing calmly at the morning landscape of the Land of Grass.
In comparison to the desolation and war-ravaged Rain Country, even on winter mornings, the Land of Grass still had people bustling about. Most of them were likely headed to work, while some children, like Nagato, were on their way to school.
He truly appreciated the Land of Grass. Here, at least, there was peace, and everyone seemed lively, occasionally sharing smiles.
Unlike the Rain Country... where doors remained tightly shut, and rain poured heavily day after day.
Yahiko had mentioned that despite the war having ended, the Rain Country remained in turmoil. The conflicts within the country had not ceased, they were still caught up in ongoing strife.
They were still in the midst of war!
Upon arriving at school, they located their seats. They had already been informed of their seating arrangements the previous day.
"Nagato, Konan, you're here too?" Yahiko, who had arrived early, greeted them with a smile and a wave as he spotted Nagato and Konan entering the classroom. "I beat you guys here!"
"Yahiko!" they responded in unison.
After exchanging greetings with Nagato and Konan, Yahiko settled into his seat.
In addition to attending school, the three of them also received ninjutsu training from Teacher Akihiko and Sister Kana.
Yahiko had heard that in the future, he would learn Uncle Mubuki's ancestral secret technique. And whenever he had spare time, he would also delve into the Uzumaki clan's sealing technique.
The Uzumaki sealing technique was said to be formidable, but Nagato was still uncertain of its true power. He had only heard about it from Akihiko-sensei. Now, he aspired to become stronger and possess the ability to protect the ones dear to him!
As for Konan, she would learn various secret techniques from Teacher Akihiko, particularly those related to origami. Konan had become incredibly skilled in origami.
Yet, Nagato couldn't help but wonder how potent origami could truly be. Was Teacher Akihiko simply entertaining the young girl?
At that moment, Yahiko lowered his voice, leaning in as if sharing a secret. "Let me tell you something," he whispered, his expression turning strange, and his tone chilling. "This school is haunted!"
"?! " Nagato and Konan exclaimed simultaneously, their faces frozen with shock.
Seeing their frightened reactions, Yahiko nodded with satisfaction and continued, "I heard it from the elders who were involved in building the school. It turns out that the Ninja Academy in the Land of Grass was constructed on top of a mass grave."
"When the Land of Grass fell in the past, many people lost their lives, and their bodies were left unattended. However, there was a compassionate individual, an old man who had lost his wife and son and despised war. Unable to bear witness to the corpses scattered across the land, he took it upon himself to collect and bury all the bodies."
Yahiko let out a sigh.
"But because he was alone and aged, he could only dig makeshift graves and bury the bodies where he found them. Even after burying the last person, he dug a grave for himself and laid to rest alongside them."
"And Teacher Akihiko is unaware of this, which is why he chose to establish the academy here, unknowingly disturbing the spirits at rest. That's why..."
His tone gradually grew sinister, his words delivered convincingly, leaving Nagato and Konan utterly bewildered.
Even young Konan quivered with fear. It was undeniably quite terrifying! The thought of the school being built on a mass grave sent shivers down their spines. Could it be true?
The bell rang, signaling the start of the class. The discussion about the haunting rumors came to a halt, and the students focused their attention on the fact that the school was built on a mass grave, which still sent shivers down their spines.
However...
The teacher had already entered the classroom. It was a middle-aged man with vibrant red hair. Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan immediately recognized him.
It was Eiji Uzumaki, a shinobi from the Uzumaki clan.
"Hello, children!" Eiji greeted warmly as he walked up to the podium, placing the teaching materials provided by the Land of Grass on the desk. He looked at the attentive children seated before him.
Emotions swelled within Eiji. He was one of the three surviving Jonin of the Uzumaki clan.
He couldn't help but reminisce about over a month ago...
They were once refugees from the Village Hidden in Whirlpools, seeking shelter in the shinobi world. They were relentlessly pursued by ninjas from various countries, facing rejection wherever they went. They lived a nomadic existence, struggling to find enough food and warmth.
But now...
After being accepted by the leader, their days of wandering and suffering were over. They no longer had to worry about hunger and cold.
And now, Eiji has become a teacher in the newly established school. They were filled with gratitude towards the leader in their hearts.
Compared to Konohagakure, which had previously turned them away, the Land of Grass had become their home as members of the Uzumaki clan.
Speaking of which...
The Village Hidden in Whirlpools was too small to have a proper ninja academy, so they relied on the traditions of their own family to teach the next generation of shinobi.
Therefore, it was Eiji's first time as a teacher, and he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.
However...
Recalling the conversation he had with the Third Elder a few days ago, Eiji developed a slight headache. "Eh, Eiji, the leader wants us to have lots of children!"
Eiji cleared his throat, maintaining a smile on his face, and continued, "My name is Eiji, and I will be your homeroom teacher. As for where I live, I believe you already know. If you encounter any problems, you can come to me for help! You're even welcome to visit my house during vacations for some fun!"
With that, he wrote his name on the blackboard.
"Now, let's start with the student in the first row, first seat, for self-introductions!"
As he finished speaking, the first student in the front row stood up, feeling a bit nervous.
"I-I... My name is Tobio. Actually, my name used to be... Daishi. But my dad said it was changed to commemorate the reconstruction of the Land of Grass and symbolize a leap into development."
Though stumbling a bit, he managed to complete his introduction.
One by one, the students introduced themselves.
And then, it was Konan's turn.
"I'm Konan. Teacher Akihiko... I mean, the leader brought me back from the Land of Rain. If it weren't for Teacher Akihiko, I might have starved to death there." Konan stood up, her smile sweet, and said, "I hope to repay Teacher Akihiko. War is really frightening, and I hope the Land of Grass will never experience such conflicts."
"Nagato! Also brought back by Teacher Akihiko! Um, same as Konan! I hope to protect my mom and repay the teacher."
"Yahiko! I'm from the Land of Rain too!
"I'll become a strong ninja, just you wait!" Yahiko exclaimed with determination.
As each student finished their self-introduction, Eiji couldn't help but smile as he observed the three young ones who came from the Land of Grass. He pondered the significance of the Uzumaki clan and their journey.
The leader truly was an extraordinary person, Eiji thought. It was the leader's compassion and generosity that brought them together, providing them a new home and a chance to rebuild their lives. Eiji felt a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility as a teacher, knowing that he had a part to play in shaping the future of these children.
"Thank you all for your introductions," Eiji said, addressing the class. "I am grateful to have each and every one of you here. Together, we will learn and grow, not just as students but as individuals who can make a difference in the world."
Eiji, aware of the children's dedication, smiled with satisfaction. It was evident that they were not only eager to learn but also motivated by a strong sense of purpose.
He then proceeded to pick up the teaching materials and said in his calm yet encouraging tone, "It's still early, and according to the curriculum, we'll begin with our morning reading session. Let me tell you, this textbook was personally written by the leader whom you all admire. So, make sure to study diligently and take this opportunity to absorb the wisdom within its pages." With a sense of pride, he flipped open the textbook and continued, "I'll read a sentence, and I want you all to repeat after me."
"Repay evil with kindness, how to repay kindness? Repay evil with justice, repay kindness with kindness..."
As he finished the sentence, the children obediently followed their teacher, their voices harmonizing as they recited the words.
"Repay evil with kindness, how to repay kindness? Repay evil with justice, repay kindness with kindness..."
The melodious sound of their reading filled the air, resonating within the walls of the newly built school.
However...
Unbeknownst to them, deep beneath the academy, in a hidden underground chamber, an elderly man with a tube inserted in his back raised his head. His face contorted with pain, and he stared at the sand falling gently through a small crevice. After a moment of silence, a weary voice escaped from the depths of the cave.
"Damn it..."
Will these people ever stop making so much noise?