Chapter 1: That Year I Had My Hands in My Pockets
March 15, Konoha 38 — The bulletin board outside the Ninja School was already crowded with people.
There were students who had come to take the assessment, and there were also their parents.
Hoshita Shuichi quickly scanned the names on the board and let out a relieved sigh when he finally spotted his own name.
While he was confident about passing the assessment, he didn't feel completely secure until it was official. Passing the test meant the only thing left to do before starting at the Ninja School was to submit some documents after the entrance ceremony. Once that was done, he'd officially enter school on April 1st.
As he silently thought through the process, Hoshita Shuichi's focus shifted to a tree in his mind.
He called it the Entry Tree. Right now, the tree had only two bare leaves, each representing an entry.
One of the leaves was 90% white and 10% gray.
Entry: Student
Acquisition Conditions: Become a student of the Ninja School.
Effect: Increases concentration by 100% when studying.
The other leaf, fully activated and glowing in white light, represented his second entry.
Entry: Self-Discipline
Acquisition Conditions: Stick to a training plan (at least 30 minutes of exercise daily for one year).
Effect: "Diligence can make up for weakness. Effort will always pay off, even if it's just a little at a time."
Hoshita Shuichi had unlocked this entry when he was four years old. For an entire year, he'd stuck to his exercise plan, working through rain or shine. At first, it had been 30 minutes of daily exercise, but now it had grown to at least an hour every day.
Though he'd acquired this entry long ago, he had become addicted to its effects. The entry worked wonders — it was the kind of magic that made hard work feel worth it. Without this entry, he might have become discouraged after years of struggling without seeing results. But now, he knew that effort would eventually lead to progress.
His orphan status was one reason why he trained so fiercely. If he didn't push himself, he wouldn't be able to make up for his lack of resources.
The orphanage where he grew up didn't have the money to buy expensive medicines to enhance his training, but the orphanage's dean, Yakushi Nonou, had an excellent command of medical ninjutsu, which helped him train more effectively.
Thinking of the kind-hearted, gentle woman, Hoshita Shuichi felt warmth in his heart. But when his mind turned to Danzo, his expression immediately grew cold.
"We need to become stronger as quickly as possible…"
"…And make money."
Hoshita Shuichi clenched his fists.
Despite being an orphan, he wasn't entirely without support. His father had once been a Chuunin in Konoha, and his mother had been a Genin. Thanks to their legacy, he would receive an inheritance, allowing him to move out of the orphanage. While the inheritance might not be much, and village subsidies would cover basic living expenses, it would likely be difficult to support his intense training regimen.
But how could he make money at his age? He was too young…
As these thoughts ran through his head, a voice broke his concentration.
"No, my name isn't on the list at all, Dad!" a boy cried.
"Keep looking, Kai. You've tried your best!" came the father's comforting reply.
"You've worked hard, and you will be rewarded. On the road full of tears, you will eventually find your name!"
Hoshita Shuichi turned to look at the source of the conversation. He recognized the figures immediately.
It was Matt Day and his son, Metkai.
Despite their dramatic appearance, with their green clothes and energetic manner, the scene wasn't funny anymore. The conversation between father and son was filled with so much determination that it inspired a sense of seriousness in Hoshita Shuichi.
Turning his attention away from the father and son, Hoshita Shuichi noticed potential future classmates nearby.
Nohara Rin.
Sunset Red.
They seemed a bit immature.
He quickly shifted his gaze.
Suddenly, his eyes landed on someone else — a white-haired man walking past the crowd with his hands in his pockets.
This guy… he's already showing off at such a young age. Damn it!
As the crowd began to thin out, Hoshita Shuichi was about to leave when something unexpected happened. He felt a sudden chill, and at that moment, a new leaf appeared on his Entry Tree.
He paused, surprised.
Entry: Strong and Resilient
Acquisition Conditions: Accompany Metkai in exercise for 100 consecutive days.
Effect: Enhanced physical strength, resilience, and recovery. 100% increased injury resistance and physical skill.
What the hell?!
The effects of this entry were incredible! His heart raced as he read it. This was an entry he couldn't miss!
Without wasting any time, Hoshita Shuichi changed his plans. Instead of leaving, he sat down on a nearby swing and began to slowly sway back and forth. His gaze remained fixed on Metkai and his father as they continued their exercise.
It didn't take long for Metkai to come running by again, wearing a banner tied around his body, running laps around the schoolyard.
The sight of him quickly attracted attention, and some nearby students began to whisper and laugh. Hoshita Shuichi could hear their mixed reactions, but he remained calm.
With a smile, Hoshita Shuichi stood up, walked to the swing, and approached Metkai.
Metkai noticed him, his eyes widening slightly. He slowed down, unsure of what to make of the newcomer.
"Didn't you pass the exam, too?" Metkai asked, confused.
Hoshita Shuichi grinned and replied, "I did pass, but that doesn't mean I can stop working hard. I think your uncle Dai's words are spot on."
Metkai's eyes lit up. "What words?"
Hoshita Shuichi smiled, standing a bit taller than Metkai as he said, "There's no way your hard work won't be rewarded."
"I believe that hard work always pays off — it's just a matter of time."
"My name's Hoshita Shuichi. I believe you can get into the ninja school."
Hoshita Shuichi's words struck a chord with Metkai, who suddenly found new energy surging through him. He grinned widely and shouted, "My goal is 500 laps! If I don't make it, I'll do 500 push-ups!"
The two of them began running side by side around the school grounds, the intensity of their training matching their shared enthusiasm.
From that day on, two familiar figures could always be seen training together on the Ninja School grounds, rain or shine.
Sometimes Matt Dai would cheer them on from the sidelines, and sometimes it was just the two of them, blocking out the ridicule from the other students.
Once in a while, a familiar white-haired figure would pass by, hands in pockets, casting a lingering glance at them.
Ten days later, on March 25th, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, came to inspect the school in preparation for the new semester. When he saw Hoshita Shuichi and Metkai drenched in sweat and pushing their limits, he was filled with admiration.
Such dedication was exactly what Konoha needed to secure its future.
The very next day, Metkai's name was posted on the bulletin board at the Ninja School.
"Congratulations, Kai!"
Hoshita Shuichi smiled warmly at his new friend.
Although he knew the plot, he also knew that without Metkai's hard work, the Third Hokage would never have noticed him. Metkai's efforts had made all the difference.
Metkai, overwhelmed with emotion, began to cry. "Thank you, Shuichi!"
Hoshita Shuichi shrugged and grinned. "See? Hard work doesn't go unrewarded."
"Now let's go, our training isn't finished for today!"
Metkai wiped away his tears, his face now filled with determination. "Today, I'll do 1,000 laps! And if I can't do it, I'll do 1,000 push-ups! Plus, I'll make sure I last longer than you!"
And so, the two friends continued to push each other toward their goals, training relentlessly, with one goal in mind: to become the strongest ninjas Konoha had ever seen.