Chapter 4: Entering the Academy
Two years had passed since Akira had crossed into this world, and much had changed in Konoha. The Hidden Leaf Village had faced turmoil and witnessed monumental events. Chief among them was the devastating attack of Uchiha Madara, who had unleashed the fearsome Nine Tails on the village. For most of Konoha's residents, the battle that followed was nothing more than a relentless series of earthquakes and explosions that shook the ground beneath their feet for three consecutive days.
It was said that Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage and the man revered as the God of Shinobi, fought Madara in a battle so fierce it seemed like the heavens themselves were at war. When the dust finally settled, Hashirama had triumphed, but victory came at a tremendous cost. The legendary shinobi was gravely wounded, and just a few days later, the entire village mourned as news spread of his passing.
With the death of the First Hokage, Senju Tobirama, his younger brother, was swiftly named the Second Hokage. The loss of the village's greatest protector sent shockwaves not only through Konoha but across the entire ninja world, with whispers of the First Great Shinobi War brewing in the shadows. However, for now, those events felt distant and far removed from Akira's life. As a commoner orphan, his concerns were focused on one thing: preparing to enter the Ninja Academy.
He had worked hard over the past two years, training his body every day, trying to accumulate points through his system. But progress was slow.
In a small, cleared-out section of the forest on the edge of the village, a five-year-old Akira was drenched in sweat. The sun beat down from above as he finished another day of intense training. He collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily as he muttered to himself, "Another day, another point... Maybe. Training is such a slow way to get stronger."
He sighed and mentally summoned his system.
'Status,' he thought.
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Name: Akira Watanabe
Age: 5
Strength: 8
Agility: 9
Defense: 7
Physique: 15
Mental Strength: 14
Chakra: Not yet extracted
Skills: Punching Lv. 5, Kicking Lv. 3, Hand Signs Lv. 4
Points Available: 0
Remarks: A child with a strong body and mind, almost reaching the level of an adult.
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Over the past two years, Akira had gained 24 points through his system, though the progress had been frustratingly slow. Training added points, but it was far less efficient than he had hoped. On average, he earned about one point a month, sometimes two if he really pushed himself. The majority of the points had gone into increasing his physique, which now sat at a respectable 15.
He could feel the difference. His stamina was far better, his body healed faster, and his overall strength had grown considerably. He was no longer the sickly boy who had died of heart issues in his past life. Now, he was healthy and fit, with a body that, while still small and childlike, was far more resilient than that of most other kids his age.
"Well," he muttered to himself, wiping the sweat from his brow, "I guess I'm ready for the academy. With these stats, I should be able to score pretty well and get into the top class."
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Five days later, the day of the entrance exam for the Ninja Academy had finally arrived. Akira stood at the entrance of the academy grounds, watching the hustle and bustle of excited children and anxious parents. Many of the children were being dropped off by their families, but there were also a few who, like Akira, stood alone. Likely orphans, he thought, scanning the crowd.
His eyes quickly caught sight of a familiar figure: a boy with wild, spiky white hair who was practically bouncing with energy. It didn't take long for Akira to recognize him.
Jiraiya, he thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. One of the future Sannin and the greatest teacher in Naruto's story.
Jiraiya seemed to be completely absorbed in his own world, punching the air excitedly as he muttered something about becoming the strongest ninja ever. Akira approached him, deciding to make an effort to befriend him.
"Hey, ready for the exam?" Akira asked, offering a friendly smile.
Jiraiya stopped bouncing and turned to face him, grinning broadly. "Of course! Lord Jiraiya is going to ace this exam and become the greatest ninja in history!" he declared, his chest puffed out with pride.
Akira chuckled. "Yeah? Well, I guess we'll see about that. I'm aiming for the top spot too."
Jiraiya's eyes gleamed with competitive spirit. "Oh, it's on then!" he said, flashing a mischievous grin before turning and sprinting off toward the academy grounds, eager to get started.
As the entrance exam began, Akira found himself surprisingly calm. The first test was a basic stamina run—five laps around the academy grounds. Akira paced himself carefully, feeling the improvements in his physique with each stride. He wasn't the fastest in terms of agility, but his endurance was unmatched. By the time the other children were panting and struggling to complete their laps, Akira was still running smoothly, finishing well ahead of most of his peers.
Next was the obstacle course. It required quick thinking, speed, and balance. Akira focused, his agility stats kicking in as he maneuvered over hurdles, climbed walls, and dodged swinging logs with ease. When he crossed the finish line, he was once again at the top, only one person close behind—a blonde girl with striking eyes.
That must be Tsunade, Akira thought, recognizing the future Sannin almost immediately.
Orochimaru, the pale and quiet boy, came in third, his movements eerily precise and controlled. Jiraiya, despite his earlier boasting, barely managed fourth, still grinning even as he collapsed onto the ground in exhaustion.
As the exam ended, Akira caught sight of Tsunade nearby, who was stretching out her arms after the race. Feeling a surge of confidence, he decided to approach her.
"Hey, that was a pretty good run," he said, trying to sound casual.
Tsunade turned to him, eyeing him up and down for a moment before nodding. "You too," she replied. "Didn't think anyone would beat me today."
Akira grinned. "Guess there's always someone stronger, huh?"
Tsunade smirked. "Not for long."
As they shared a brief but competitive glance, Akira felt a surge of excitement. The future seemed bright, filled with possibilities. He had entered a new life, and now, alongside these future legends, he was ready to carve out his own path.
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