On a bright, sunny morning, Kirito sat atop the Fourth Hokage's head on the Hokage Rock, gazing out over the entirety of Konoha Village. The view was breathtaking, offering a complete perspective of the bustling village below.
No wonder people in Naruto always liked sitting here. The scenery really is something special.
Ever since he first discovered this spot months ago, Kirito had found himself returning frequently. It was a place where he could feel detached from his current identity in the ninja world and reflect on the fact that he was, at his core, a transmigrator from another world.
Two years had passed since the Cloud hijacking incident. The outcome of that night remained a mystery:
The Cloud envoy tasked with peace talks vanished without a trace, and the accompanying operatives disguised as black-clad attackers were subdued by Hiruzen Sarutobi. Cloud was left with no evidence to implicate Konoha or the Hyuga clan. Despite their claims of foul play, Konoha insisted it was investigating the envoy's disappearance, offering no solid conclusions. Public pressure eventually forced both sides into peace negotiations, and the war ended shortly thereafter.
For Kirito, these events were mere background noise. After ensuring the Hyuga clan escaped Cloud's machinations, he'd paid no further attention to the incident. He no longer owed the Hyuga clan anything, and his focus shifted back to himself.
I've nearly mastered the Gentle Fist. It's time to attend the Ninja Academy and learn something new. Conveniently, registration is just around the corner.
The past two years had been a relentless game of "hide and seek" with the Hyuga clan. Kirito had faced countless branch family members sent to capture him, using these encounters to refine his Gentle Fist techniques. Through these skirmishes, he mastered abilities like Hakkeshō Kaiten (Rotation) and Hakke Kūshō (Air Palm), learning by observing and adapting their techniques.
While his Gentle Fist lacked the structured forms like the original 32 or 64 Palms, Kirito's raw talent and improvisation made him a force to be reckoned with. By now, there were few in the Hyuga clan—apart from Hiashi and Hizashi—who could stand against him.
Standing up, Kirito stretched, feeling the cool breeze brush his face. Time to figure out what I need for school. With that, he jumped down from the Hokage Rock and into the heart of Konoha.
Meanwhile, at the Hyuga Compound
Hizashi Hyuga trained with his son Neji in their courtyard. The sound of fists and palms clashing echoed as Neji, now a bit older, attacked his father with relentless energy. Though his strikes were precise and determined, they failed to break Hizashi's calm defense.
"Not enough," Hizashi remarked, blocking a series of strikes effortlessly. "The gap between you and that 'monster' will only grow if you don't push yourself harder."
"Yes, Father," Neji replied, panting heavily. Despite his exhaustion, he raised his arms and resumed the sparring session.
After several more rounds, they ended their training and sat on the corridor steps to rest.
"Father," Neji asked, curiosity lighting his tired face, "is it true that no one has managed to catch that… monster in these past two years?"
Hizashi took a sip of tea before responding. "That's right. The main family elders would never allow a branch member to roam free without the Caged Bird Seal. But no matter how many times they've tried, they've failed."
Neji's thoughts drifted back to the day Kirito stood tall after being struck by the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms. He had underestimated Kirito back then but now realized just how exceptional the boy truly was.
"Rumors say he's mastered the Gentle Fist and techniques like Rotation and Air Palm just by fighting the clan members," Hizashi continued. "If that's true, it's no wonder no one can stop him."
Hizashi's expression turned serious as he added, "Neji, you're six years old now. It's time for you to enroll in the Ninja Academy."
Neji hesitated. "But Father, can't you continue teaching me?"
Hizashi shook his head. "The monster has taught us a valuable lesson: only those with overwhelming strength can defy their fate. If you want to surpass the constraints of the Hyuga clan, you must strengthen yourself. The Academy is the first step."
"I understand, Father," Neji said quietly, determination hardening his voice.
The Ninja Academy Registration
On the day of registration, the Academy was packed with eager children and their families. Among the crowd, Neji stood in line, quietly waiting to submit his application form.
Near the front of the line, a familiar figure caught his eye—a boy with silver hair, pale skin, and a faded dark kimono. The boy was arguing with the registration instructor.
"Hey, you're not six years old, are you?" the instructor questioned, narrowing his eyes.
"Who says I'm not?" Kirito shot back. "My form clearly states I'm six. It's signed and stamped by the orphanage director."
"The Hyuga clan says you're only five," the instructor countered. "I can't let you in."
"They're not my parents, so how would they know my age?" Kirito waved his form in the air, pointing to the long line behind him. "Besides, I've got all the required documents. Stop wasting everyone's time."
After some grumbling, the instructor relented. "Fine, but there's an entrance test. If you don't pass, you're out."
"No problem," Kirito said smugly, moving past the line.
Watching from a distance, Neji turned to his father. "Is that the monster?"
Hizashi nodded. "Yes. He'll be in the Academy now. Keep your guard up."
The Entrance Test
The Academy's entrance test assessed physical fitness, general knowledge, and chakra control. While many students struggled—especially with chakra extraction—Kirito breezed through every task. His physical fitness was leagues beyond his peers, and his chakra control was precise and refined.
Though the general knowledge test required recalling details of the ninja world, Kirito managed by piecing together fragments of the original Naruto storyline.
Among the other children, Kirito noticed three familiar faces: Neji, Tenten, and Rock Lee. Tenten, wearing a red cheongsam, sported her signature twin buns. Neji's long black hair and white eyes gave him his usual composed look, while Rock Lee, in a white training suit, stood out with his thick eyebrows and wide eyes.
Guess Lee hasn't adopted the green jumpsuit look yet, Kirito thought, smirking.
After completing the registration, Kirito cradled Little Leopard in his arms, rubbing the creature's head absentmindedly. I should celebrate with some Ichiraku Ramen tonight. It's been too long.
While he enjoyed ramen, Kirito couldn't help but worry about finances. The orphanage provided basic needs, but Ninja Academy tuition might be expensive. He'd have to find a way to earn money.
Maybe I should look into scholarships—or find a side hustle.
For now, Kirito was ready to begin his journey as a student of the Ninja Academy, his sights set on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
(End of Chapter 8)