"Over the rooftops?"
"Hmm, I think I'll get us there faster," the elder shook her head.
Placing her hand on my shoulder, she formed another seal, and I felt the familiar pulling sensation in my stomach.
"Shunshin."
Whoosh!
We appeared slightly to the side of the gates in the wall enclosing the ninja academy. After waiting a moment for us to recover, Mito grabbed my hand and pulled me along. However, we were neither the first nor the last to pass through the large gates - inside, a crowd of people already stood, future killers and their parents continued to gather, some arriving by techniques and some the old-fashioned way - on foot. We stood not far from the podium, where the academy teachers were already stationed, and began to look around.
Despite the ongoing war, the faces of those around us didn't seem too worried, although one small detail didn't escape me - the vast majority of the incoming children were accompanied by one of their parents or close relatives, such as a brother or sister. There were exceptions, but they mostly concerned ordinary townsfolk. I spotted a few loners and a group of orphaned children under the guidance of two chunin.
Among them, I noticed a suspiciously familiar blond head. Yeah, Minato had already embarked on the path of a shinobi... Despite the fact that not many clan members usually attend the academy, this time the patches on the presentees were present on almost every other child. I wonder if it's because the patronage over the academy has shifted to the Senju?
Before I could further observe those around me, I was distracted by Toka Senju, who appeared on the podium, slightly older compared to our first meeting but still radiating power and confidence with every fiber of her being.
"Toka-ba-chan!" Kushina exclaimed happily, waving her hand and attracting the attention of those around her.
For her efforts, the little one received a warm smile and a barely noticeable nod before Senju began her welcoming speech. I didn't bother listening attentively since I would soon be standing here myself, so I just glanced around, spotting all the clans of Konoha.
The Hyuga and Aburame stood in their respective groups not far from us, in their unchanged pristine white attire and closed cloaks, respectively. Our clan was not in sight, and among the children of suitable age, there were only two, whose parents decided to teach their children at home. A small Akamichi family stood out quite noticeably, and I even recognized them from the frequent banquets of the three clans. Nearby was a pleasant blonde from the Yamanaka (who winked at me) with two boys, and in the far corner of the platform, the Inuzuka attentively listened with their tailed partners.
I didn't see Sarutobi or Uchiha, which was somewhat strange. While it's understandable regarding the latter, the Sarutobi clan isn't small enough to send no one for education. Of course, most of the future students turned out to be Senju, apparently fully committed to studying at the academy.
In principle, it was a very wise decision for them, allowing clan children not only to find friends but also from an early age to gain influence among the next generation of shinobi and kunoichi. And it's beneficial for the clan as well.
Senju finished her speech on the podium, wishing the future defenders of Konoha success in their studies, said goodbye, and went about her business. The parents of the excited children slowly made their way to the exit, and the children towards the entrance to the main building of the academy.
"What class is Kushina-chan in?" I turned to Mito.
"1-B on the first floor," she replied, and sitting down on her haunches in front of the little one, she hugged her for a few seconds. "Come on, Kushina-chan, show them all what Uzumaki are made of!"
"Right, and if anyone doesn't get it themselves - don't hesitate to knock into the heads of your classmates that you don't mess with Uzumaki!" I continued, spreading into a broad smile and punching my palm.
"I'll be the strongest of all students, dattebane!" the little one gleamed.
"That's right! I've taught you a lot, and kicking the butts of a few idiots won't be a problem for you!" Mito spread into an equally bloodthirsty smile.
Ha-ha, now let anyone just mention her round face and distinctive hair color - I don't envy the idiots! Waving goodbye to us, the little Uzumaki picked up her portfolio and purposefully marched towards the doors of the academy.
"I almost feel sorry for all the classmates who will study with her," the elder shook her head, "despite the age difference of a couple of years, she's already stronger than the vast majority of children her age and will be able to stand up for herself."
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