Naruto sat in his usual seat at the back of the classroom, keeping his head down and maintaining the façade of an average, inattentive student. The reforms he had worked so hard to plan and implement were finally coming to fruition, but he needed to act as if he were hearing about them for the first time. His loyal ANBU had ensured that his identity as the Fifth Hokage remained a secret, and now it was time for the next phase: introducing the changes to the Shinobi Academy.
Iruka Umino, the academy's main instructor, walked into the classroom with a clipboard in hand. His face was a mixture of seriousness and apprehension. The class, as usual, was rowdy, with Kiba bragging about his clan, Sakura and Ino bickering over Sasuke, and Naruto pretending to nap at his desk.
"Alright, class, quiet down!" Iruka called out, slapping his clipboard on the desk. The noise died down, and the students turned their attention to him.
Iruka cleared his throat. "I have an important announcement to make. As you all know, the Shinobi Academy has been undergoing some significant reforms recently. These changes are being implemented to better prepare you for the future and to ensure that Konoha produces the strongest, most capable shinobi."
The students exchanged curious glances, whispering among themselves.
"What kind of reforms, sensei?" asked Shikamaru lazily, leaning back in his chair.
Iruka adjusted his headband and continued. "First and foremost, starting tomorrow, all students will be required to stay in the academy's newly constructed hostels during the week. This is to encourage discipline, camaraderie, and focus on your training. You will only return to your homes on weekends or during official academy breaks."
This announcement caused an immediate uproar.
"What? We have to stay here?!" Kiba shouted, standing up. "That's ridiculous! I need to be with Akamaru!"
Sakura and Ino looked equally horrified. "What about our families?!" Sakura asked, her voice high-pitched.
Even Sasuke raised an eyebrow, though he remained silent, observing the reactions of his classmates. Naruto, meanwhile, suppressed a smirk. He had anticipated this reaction.
Iruka raised a hand to silence the class. "I understand that this is a big change, but it's necessary. Life as a shinobi isn't easy, and these reforms are designed to instill the discipline and independence you'll need to survive in the field. You'll still have weekends to spend with your families, but during the week, your focus will be on your studies and training."
Naruto pretended to look annoyed, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. "Tch, sounds like a drag," he muttered, mimicking Shikamaru's usual tone.
Iruka ignored him and continued. "In addition to the hostel accommodations, there will be a new academy uniform that all students must wear. These uniforms are designed for practicality and to promote unity among you. No more coming to class in casual clothing. Grooming standards will also be enforced—clean hair, trimmed nails, and a neat appearance are now mandatory."
This caused another wave of protests.
"What's wrong with the way we dress now?!" Kiba barked.
"Uniforms? That's so boring!" Ino whined.
Iruka sighed. "These changes are non-negotiable. They were approved by the Hokage and the council, and they are for your benefit. You're training to be shinobi, not civilians. It's time to start acting like it."
Naruto kept his head down, feigning disinterest, but inside, he was pleased. These reforms were crucial to reshaping the academy into a place where future shinobi could thrive, and while the students might complain now, they would eventually see the benefits.
Iruka looked around the room, his gaze softening. "I know this is a lot to take in, but trust me, it's for the best. The academy is evolving, and so will you. This is a chance to prove yourselves, to become stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead."
Shikamaru let out a long sigh. "Troublesome."
Choji raised his hand. "Sensei, will there be food in the hostels?"
This question elicited a few chuckles, breaking some of the tension. Iruka smiled. "Yes, there will be three meals provided daily, prepared by some of the best cooks in the village."
Naruto hid his grin behind his hand, knowing that Ayame from Ichiraku Ramen had been recruited as one of the chefs.
After Class
When class ended, the students were still buzzing with complaints and curiosity about the changes. Naruto slipped away from the group, his mind already on the next steps.
As he walked back to his apartment, he thought about the long-term impact of these reforms. The hostels would build camaraderie among the students, while the uniforms and grooming standards would instill discipline. The academy would no longer be a place of casual learning but a rigorous training ground for future shinobi.
Back in his apartment, Naruto summoned one of his loyal ANBU agents. The masked figure appeared in a blur, kneeling before him.
"Status?" Naruto asked, his tone serious.
"The hostels are ready, Naruto-sama. The uniforms have been distributed to the academy staff, and everything is in place for the transition," the ANBU reported.
Naruto nodded. "Good. Ensure that the students settle into the hostels smoothly. I don't want any incidents."
"Yes, Naruto-sama."
The ANBU disappeared, leaving Naruto alone. He glanced at his desk, where his diary lay open. Picking it up, he began to write, detailing the day's events and his thoughts on the reforms.
Reaction of the Girls with Diaries
As Naruto wrote in his diary, others with their own versions of the mysterious book were reading his entries.
Yugao Uzuki: Yugao smiled as she read about Naruto's reforms for the academy. "He's really putting thought into this. Turning the academy into something like that... it's brilliant. But I wonder how long he can keep his identity as Hokage a secret?"
Kurenai Yuhi: Kurenai was impressed. "Naruto's ideas are revolutionary. These changes will create a stronger, more disciplined generation of shinobi. He's already thinking like a true leader."
Anko Mitarashi: Anko chuckled. "Uniforms and hostels? The brat's turning into a strict taskmaster. I kinda like it."
Shizune: Shizune was thoughtful. "This could really benefit the village, but I worry about how the students will adjust. Still, Naruto seems to know what he's doing."
Ayame: Ayame read her diary with pride. "Naruto's reforms are amazing. I'm glad I can help by cooking for the students. He's going to change this village for the better."
Kiyomi: Deep in Naruto's mindscape, Kiyomi smirked. "He's shaping Konoha into something extraordinary. The boy's got vision. I just hope he's ready for the challenges ahead."
Conclusion
The reforms were met with resistance, but Naruto was prepared to face every challenge head-on. He knew that change wouldn't come easily, but with his determination and the support of those who believed in him, he was confident that Konoha would emerge stronger than ever. The academy was just the beginning—Naruto's vision for the future was far greater, and nothing would stand in his way.
Author's Note:
Hello, amazing readers!
So, I was originally planning to make this chapter much longer and wait until the end of the week to post it. However, I've hit a crossroads with two exciting directions for the story:
Following a path similar to the canon storyline.
Adding a major twist where Minato and Kushina are alive but faked their deaths. Plus, Naruto has a twin! (I haven't decided yet if the twin will be a boy or a girl.)
If I choose the second route, I know it might feel like the typical "abandoned story" trope at first, but trust me—you won't regret it. If I go this way, Minato and Kushina, along with the twin, will make their appearance during the Chunin Exam arc.
Thank you so much for your support, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on these options! Leave a comment or review and let me know what you think. Your input truly helps shape this story!
Stay tuned for the next chapter, whichever path it may take!