Chapter 15- Getting Famous
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The classroom buzzed with energy as I entered. Today was the first day of our second year at the Ninja Academy, and everyone was talking about it. Finally, we'd be starting our ninjutsu lessons. I already knew a couple of techniques, but I was still excited to learn more, even if they were just E-rank.
I spotted Jiraiya sprawled on his desk, snoozing away as usual. I smirked and nudged his arm. "Hey, Jiraiya. You're actually early today! Decided to show up on time for once?"
He snorted awake, blinking at me. "Huh? Oh, it's you, Akira." He rubbed his eyes and added defensively, "I'm always on time! What are you talking about?"
"Right," I said, laughing. Just then, Tsunade walked in, and I greeted her as she slid into the seat beside me.
"So," she said, raising an eyebrow, "you're finally gonna learn some ninjutsu, huh?"
"Oh?" I replied, flashing her a grin. "And what makes you think I haven't already?"
She snorted, crossing her arms. "Well, you didn't use any in our last spar."
"That's because I didn't need to," I said with a shrug, enjoying the way her face tensed slightly at the jab.
"Wait—so you weren't even trying?" she asked, a bit of irritation seeping into her voice.
I raised my hands in mock surrender. "Just kidding, Tsuna-chan. But I've been working on something since then. A little surprise for next time."
Her eyes widened, but before she could respond, she was cut off by our instructor, Udo-sensei, who had just entered the room. "Settle down, everyone!" he called out.
The classroom quieted, but Tsunade's curiosity wasn't so easily suppressed. "Wait—you're saying you created your own ninjutsu?" she asked, a bit too loudly.
Heads turned, and Udo-sensei raised an eyebrow, looking my way with a glint of surprise. "Akira, did I hear that correctly? You've created your own jutsu?"
"Yes, Sensei," I said, feeling a mix of pride and nerves as the attention settled on me.
Udo-sensei's expression shifted to one of cautious disbelief. "Creating ninjutsu is no small feat, especially at your age. Are you certain you've developed it yourself?"
I nodded firmly. "Yes, Sensei."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the class, and Udo-sensei straightened, seeming to make up his mind. "Well then, let's see this jutsu of yours. Everyone, outside to the training grounds!"
My classmates' chatter filled the air as we made our way to the academy's outdoor training area. I stepped into the center of the field, with everyone watching from the sidelines. I took a deep breath, centered my chakra, and began a series of hand signs. I could feel my classmates' eyes on me, curious and skeptical.
"Fire Style: Flame Wave Jutsu!" I called, and with a surge of chakra, a wave of fire shot from my mouth, rolling across the training field in a blazing, ten-meter arc. The flames crackled as they scorched the ground, their heat radiating back toward me.
The reaction from my classmates was immediate. Gasps and murmurs filled the air as they took in the sight. Jiraiya's jaw dropped, and even Tsunade looked stunned, her eyes wide with shock.
"Did you see that?" one student whispered, sounding incredulous. "I didn't even know he could use fire jutsu!"
Another student chimed in, "They say only high-ranking ninja can create their own jutsu. I thought that was just a rumor…"
Udo-sensei walked over, clearly impressed. "Akira," he said, a hint of respect in his voice, "this is beyond what we'd expect from someone your age. Even the Hokage would be interested to know about this."
As we filed back into class, I could hear my classmates still whispering, and I couldn't help but smile. My reputation was growing, and by tomorrow, the entire village would know about what I'd done.
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Across the village, in the Hokage's office, Tobirama Senju sifted through the latest reports from the academy. One note in particular caught his attention, scrawled hastily at the bottom of the page.
"Akira Watanabe…" he murmured, recognizing the name. Tsunade's friend, he had met him once or twice, but he hadn't given it much thought—until now. The note described Akira's fire technique in surprising detail. Tobirama's brow furrowed as he read on.
Creating jutsu at his age? he thought, setting the report aside and leaning back in his chair. He tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the desk. It seems I'll need to keep an eye on this one. Perhaps there's more potential here than I realized.
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The next morning, as I walked through Konoha, I noticed people looking my way, whispering as I passed. A group of villagers had gathered near a tea shop, and I overheard snippets of their conversation.
"Did you hear about that boy at the academy?" one man said, sounding both impressed and a bit amazed. "They say he created his own jutsu! At his age!"
Another person chimed in, "It's true—I heard the Hokage himself took an interest. Imagine that, a kid with that kind of talent."
I tried not to let it go to my head, but hearing their words filled me with a sense of pride and anticipation. As I continued toward the academy, I caught more whispers and looks of admiration. It was strange, almost surreal, but I couldn't deny that I liked it.
When I arrived in class, Tsunade was already there, smirking as she watched me take my seat. "Looks like you're the talk of the village now," she said, crossing her arms with a grin.
I gave her a shrug, though I couldn't hide the small smile tugging at my lips. "What can I say? I guess that's what happens when you're a genius."
Jiraiya rolled his eyes, but I caught the hint of a smile on his face. "Yeah, yeah, don't let it go to your head."
Udo-sensei walked in, casting a quick glance in my direction. His look carried a newfound respect, and I realized then that things had changed. This was only the beginning, but I was ready to face whatever challenges came next.
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With that, I'd taken my first step into the spotlight. As I sat back and listened to the quiet chatter around me, I knew that I'd carved my name into the fabric of Konoha's story. And something told me this was only the start of what would be an unforgettable journey.