It has been two full weeks since the academy began, and with that, Rokushō gave his evaluation and observations about the attitudes these kids have.
Of all of them, the one who stands out the most is Yūji, although what disappointed him was the fact that Yūji wasn't good with multiple weapons, a clear weakness of his, but at least he felt relieved to see that he could use a kunai perfectly; that told him he wasn't a totally lost cause.
His attitude toward studying was at least average, but his knowledge of chakra indicated that the child, without a doubt, could learn something just by listening for a moment, since Yūji analyzed the information and executed it.
The times when he ended up asking him what methods for making a stealth attack might work, he was quite creative with his answers.
He had no complaints about that little kid who always gave him a smile.
For now, they were on break. Rokushō was eating in peace, sitting at the poor desk that Amegakure was lucky to have, but ever since Konan-sama came into power after Hanzō the Salamander's fall, Amegakure could have what they know as a " moment of peace."
The bloody period happened, but at least one could be safe in that place. He was eating a little bread while analyzing the area, thoughtful.
At least, that was how it was until he saw Yūji enter the classroom. He swallowed the piece of bread from his mouth in order to now appear calm, sporting a gentle smile on his face.
" Yūji, did you forget something? Why aren't you outside with the others? "
" It's just that I don't want to get wet before going out. " the child replied playfully, although he sat in one of the front seats, right in front of his sensei. Even so, this time his smile changed to one of curiosity.
Rokushō showed some curiosity about Yūji's attitude, so even while still smiling he remained kind and playfully asked, " Do I have something on my face? "
The little redhead blushed a little. " N-no, it's just that… I'm curious. "
" Well, you can ask me anything. After all, I'm your sensei; I'll let you know your doubts and fill you with knowledge. " said the Jōnin in a playful tone, watching as the child was gaining the confidence to ask.
" Nothing, it's just a small curiosity—what was your life like here as a sensei? "
Hearing such a deep question from a four-year-old surprised him; his purple eyes widened at that very moment to look at Yūji, seeing his big eyes filled with the curiosity he showed.
" My life, huh… " the Jōnin began analyzing, with a playful smile. He placed a hand on his cheek while he thought.
He remembered how his life had been in Konohagakure, also being an instructor as he is today in Amegakure, living humbly as a Chūnin in the Leaf Village…
But his greed blinded him, using an innocent child to steal the legendary weapon of the Second Hokage. Unconsciously, he placed his hand on the weapon that always accompanied him at every moment.
He deserted Konohagakure, and then came to Amegakure. Unlike his quiet life in the Leaf Village, in the Rain Village there was a lot of despair and abundant sadness, but after a while the village gradually calmed down to the point that it was no longer common to see people lying in the streets or begging for food, the Rain Village slowly improved, at least in part.
He too already considered that village his home, being classified as a Jōnin by selling information to the village and providing his services for Amegakure.
" What can I say, Yūji? The ninja life is always full of ups and downs. My life was… eh, peaceful, as peaceful as it can be in these times. " Rokushō said, giving that little one a smile.
He saw how Yūji, with his big curious eyes, was interested. " And what about these missions you explained earlier, sensei? "
There, Rokushō showed a slight air of seriousness, though still remaining kind with the child. He sat a bit upright in his chair; the old chair creaked. " Well, a ninja's missions are dangerous. Here in Amegakure there are very few missions, and the ones that do come are valuable since not many ask for our services. At least around here we can only be called by Kusagakure or Ta no kuni, or smaller countries such as Takigakure or Kemurigakure. It depends; therefore, if you get a mission, consider yourself lucky. " Rokushō stood up, stretching a little, looking somewhat serious though smiling.
" Missions differ. They can be escort, assassination, or infiltration. " mentioned the Jōnin calmly, glancing sideways as he saw Yūji's spirit fall again at the mention of assassination no doubt the child was very sensitive. " In other villages, they use ranks to categorize missions… but here in Amegakure we don't have any of that. As I said, missions are scarce. Whether it's an S rank or a D rank, your duty is to accept it. " He looked back at the child, appreciating how he analyzed his words.
" What ranks has Rokushō-sensei completed? "
" If we were to list them in ranks… it could be… " Rokushō really didn't think about it. He placed his finger on his chin in a pondering gesture, moving his eyes from side to side. "It could be that most are C rank, a few B's, one A and one S. It's not a big deal, but it works in my record." The green-haired one turned his gaze back to Yūji, seeing how excited he was and showing his surprise.
" Sensei, you've already worked so hard! I'd like to see you fight sometime. " said the child happily, his curiosity now sated. Yūji got up, happy and excited. " I'm going to go out and play for a moment with Uguma and Nabumi. Thanks for telling me, sensei. You're a good person. " Just by talking to him, Yūji felt at peace since Rokushō always maintained a kind look and a gracious smile.
The green-haired one watched as Yūji ran out of the room still with a joyful gesture something that did not quite contrast with the sad place.
Rokushō remained standing in his place, his eyes showing how his emotions were out of control. He was truly faking his smile and his kind nature.
He really didn't care about anyone; his mission at that moment was to be the sensei of a bunch of brats who didn't know the cruelty of the ninja world.
He mostly tried to prevent the children from getting hurt, even though he faked his concern.
But now, seeing how that redheaded kid who, from the moment he caught his attention, now told him that he was good squeezed his heart, the armor he had built from his arrogance and distrust in everyone softened a little.
That child was actually the first who cared and showed interest in him; he never believed that anyone could ever take an interest in his life.
" How pathetic I am to feel this way because of a few words from a child. " he thought, sitting back in his seat waiting for the moment of peace to end.
But remembering how Yūji was, his optimism, his concern for others, the joy he spread among those kids, he recalled how they were before the redhead arrived.
Some gloomy faces, so sad and drawn-out that he felt like mocking them and saying that they'd never make it to the academy because they wouldn't be able to become ninjas with such weak attitudes.
Something he hated without a doubt, weakness.
But upon meeting Yūji, he saw everyone's enthusiasm and determination to do their best; like those lines that were always closed now showed a brilliant, burning smile, always full of healthy competition.
One effect he noticed was that Yūji had the ability to bring people together and show their true colors.
" That little brat… is full of surprises. " Now Rokushō only sighed, but on his face there was a very gentle, genuine smile.
Even though this time it was a true smile, his eyes softened by the anticipation of kindness, the very first that a person shows. Perhaps it wasn't a bad idea to teach if Yūji was present.
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The day passed quietly at the academy. Now, once again, Karin and Yūji went with Konan-sensei to the same spot where she always trained them.
Although a more noticeable smile was on the lilac-haired girl's face, her softened eyes looked at the prodigy children in front of her. " In two weeks you have managed to complete my style of taijutsu that I passed on to you, and weapon handling, although Yūji seems not to like that at all. " she observed as she saw the child puff his cheeks, causing Karin to let out a few small laughs. She also noticed how Konan closed her eyes in a smiling manner.
" Well, in physical aptitudes you have the highest level I've witnessed, and now, I think we'll move on to the next phase of training. " Calmly, Konan pulled out two sheets of paper from her hand, noticing the curious look on Yūji's face and an excited one on Karin's.
" Konan-sensei, is this what I think it is? " Karin stepped forward to take the small paper; in her class they already knew what that little strip was for.
" Exactly. " she explained. "It is a special paper to know your chakra natures. " She handed the paper to Yūji, who looked curious, seeing that, of course, it was a very normal paper but it didn't seem to be affected by the rain as the drops slid off.
" This is to know whether I'm fit to teach you ninjutsu or if I'll have to look for someone capable. " she continued, still calmly observing how the children paid attention. " When your chakra floods the paper, if it is fire it will burn, if it is water it will get wet, if it is earth it will crumble, if it is wind it will be cut, and if it is lightning the paper will wrinkle. " Saying this, Konan looked attentively at the two children, watching how Karin was always the first to try something new.
" I hope it's something cool. " the girl said happily with a big smile. Karin infused her chakra into the paper, and to her surprise, one corner of the paper got wet, now being affected by water and another crumbled. It was a surprise on her face when she saw that; her smile grew big. " Look, Yūji! I have earth and water, how cool, your sister! " she said happily, looking at her brother whose eyes also sparkled.
" Ah, sis! You have an incredible nature, I hope mine too. " Yūji said with an immature smile as he looked at the paper in his hand.
Konan saw what Karin's paper did, sighing inwardly somewhat disappointed. " It's a shame; if you had inherited the wind nature, I could have taught you the paper release. " she said, seeing how Karin made a disappointed gesture, " but still I have many proper jutsus to use like yours. " She ruffled the girl's abundant hair, watching as Karin smiled again.
" Now it's your turn, Yūji-chan, infuse your chakra. "
The child sighed dramatically, now showing a serious look. He infused his chakra slowly, leaving Konan and Karin in suspense as they watched the paper change.
One part got wet, another part burned to ashes, another part wrinkled.
The last part made both Konan and Karin surprised and confused.
" Blood…? " This time it was the only word Konan spoke, making her look more deeply at the child.
Yūji looked at it curiously but with a smile he looked at his sister. " Look, sis! I also have water. It's a pity I didn't have earth, um, but why did my paper get painted red in this corner, Konan-sensei? Is it another nature that you haven't told me about? " he asked curiously of his teacher. He had fire, wind, and water, but this red part in the corner he didn't know could be anything.
" That is not a nature, Yūji. It could be possible that… you are a user of a Kekke Genkai, but it's difficult for me to think which one; it's one I haven't heard about. " Konan admitted, a bit lost. That red seemed like a very dark color, like thick blood, but she couldn't find a unique and extravagant release; besides, she still didn't understand why.
Yūji stared at his paper intently, but the strange thing about it was that red corner.
He kept analyzing it deeply until his little eyes widened, perhaps realizing why his paper had that color. He pressed his lips together, feeling his heart beat.
' Choso, big brother, you even accompanied me here along with the others… ' thought the child, both excited and melancholic, since it was possible that having eaten the cursed wombs, they had also impregnated his being.
Perhaps… this was also the last gift his big brother from another life, Choso.
Although he said nothing, he only acted curious. " I don't know what it could be, Konan-sensei, but maybe later I'll learn to use it; for now I really haven't felt anything unusual. " he dedicated a soft smile to his teacher, seeing how Konan also returned a soft smile.
" All right, Yūji, very well. I can teach you most of the releases of jutsu in water, wind, and earth, but about fire… "
Konan fell silent for a moment, pressing her lips together.
Should I tell him…?
" I'll look for someone to help you with that, Yūji. "
Yūji only nodded excitedly, but then began talking about how incredible it would be to cast very epic jutsus. Konan saw how the child rarely had that mark of joy on his face, which also spread to Karin, as his very essence reflected his soul.
Konan's heart, which had been formed with a thick layer of ice, seemed to be melting as she interacted with Yūji as if that child was always reflecting his excitement, reminding her tirelessly of Yahiko's bravery and determination.
For Konan, before Yūji and his sister arrived, it was only about supervising the Rain Village; she never got close to the people except to provide them with supplies and basic necessities. But upon rescuing the child, something inside her told her that she had to do it.
Her icy face showed more emotion and sweetness every time she looked at the child and his sister.
Because those two children emit a spark in the bitter sadness that corrodes her being and possibly everything in the village.
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[ Illustration for today ♡
— Image ]
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