"Not what you expected?"
A voice rang out, full of smug amusement.
Kazeo didn't even need to turn. He already knew who it was.
Uchiha Ishikawa stood a few steps away, hands behind his head, smirking like he owned the place.
'This guy again…' For some reason, Ishikawa had made it his mission to compete with him in everything. Even when Kazeo won, he never stopped taunting.
Kazeo turned, flashing a polite smile.
"Shouldn't you check the results before talking , Ishikawa-kun?"
Ishikawa huffed, his smirk widening.
"Why would I? I already know I got first place. And you? Hmm… fourth? No, fifth!"
Kazeo's smile stretched just a bit more.
"Oh? Then you should definitely take a look. You might be in for a surprise."
For a moment, Ishikawa looked unsure. But then he scoffed and walked over to the board. The moment his eyes landed on the rankings, his whole face froze.
Academy Exam Results:
1. Tanaka Kazeo - 313
2. Uchiha Ishikawa - 312
3. Hyuga Kaito - 309
4. Senju Rin - 303
5. Hyuga Shinko - 297
...
7. Shimura Hiko - 286
Silence.
Then—
"Whaaaaat?!"
Ishikawa staggered back a step, eyes darting over the list again, as if he had misread it. But no. The numbers didn't change.
"No way! This—this has to be a mistake!" He whirled around, jabbing a finger at Kazeo. "How can a clanless kid beat an Uchiha?!"
His voice carried through the room, making a few other clan kids shift uncomfortably.
"Ishikawa… stop being dramatic." Someone muttered.
"Tch." Ishikawa crossed his arms, scowling. "You must've cheated on the written exam! No way you beat me fair and square!"
Kazeo sighed, rubbing his temple. "If I cheated, wouldn't I have gotten a perfect score?"
Ishikawa opened his mouth, then closed it. He spun back toward the rankings, staring at the single-point difference. His hands twitched.
"This isn't over, Tanaka! Next time, I'm going to crush you!" He declared, jabbing a thumb at himself.
Kazeo didn't reply. He had already turned away, his mind elsewhere.
-----
'All exams were worth 100 marks, except for the shuriken throwing test. Since the first year focused more on theory, practical skills would only gain more weightage from the second year onward. That was why I hadn't been too concerned about this particular exam. '
The written exam had been laughably easy for him. While the other kids struggled, racking their brains , Kazeo had breezed through it. The Leaf Concentration exam had been another major factor in his victory. But despite securing first place, a frown tugged at his lips.
His fingers tapped against his arm, his eyes lingering on the rankings. Too close.
'A single mistake and I would've lost. Next time, I might not be so lucky.'
That realization sent a sharp wave of irritation through him. He clenched his fists.
It wasn't enough.
His taijutsu was still lacking. His shuriken throwing needed serious work. And next year, the practical exams would weigh even more.
If he didn't push himself harder, some clan kid—armed with years of inherited techniques and elite training—would snatch the top position.
And with it, the rewards from hokage also.
------
A few minutes later, Okabe-sensei arrived, his serious face as intimidating as ever.
"Good, you're all here."
He glanced at Kazeo for a moment before continuing.
"Congratulations, Kazeo, on taking first place."
Kazeo gave a small bow. "Thank you, Okabe-sensei."
"Now, listen up. The Hokage will be arriving soon. Follow me."
Excited whispers spread among the students. They were about to meet the Hokage again!
Inside the training ground, all the students lined up properly. Before them stood Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.
His kind smile rested on the students as he spoke.
"Congratulations to all of you who passed. You are now part of the Second-Year Elite Class. And for those who didn't make it, don't be discouraged. Work hard, and you may enter the elite class next year again."
Then, of course, came the Will of Fire speech.
Kazeo stood still, listening, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
Then, the Hokage's gaze landed on him.
"Tanaka Kazeo, Congratulations on securing first place. Step forward and ask what you want as your reward."
Kazeo walked forward and bowed. He stayed silent for a moment before speaking.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama. Umm.. Can I ask for the Uchiha or Hyuga clan's Taijutsu techniques as my reward?"
Gasps
The Third Hokage studied Kazeo with calm, unreadable eyes, his wise gaze piercing through the boy's seemingly innocent request. The weight of history, of countless generations protecting their clan secrets, rested on his shoulders. And yet…
"That is a bold request," Hiruzen finally said, his tone measured. "But you must understand, clan techniques are closely guarded, not freely given to outsiders."
A ripple of whispers spread through the students. Even some of the instructors seemed caught off guard by Kazeo's directness. Asking for an Uchiha or Hyuga's taijutsu? That wasn't just bold—it was audacious.
The Hokage, however, remained composed, his gaze never leaving Kazeo's. After a brief pause, he let out a small, amused chuckle.
"Still… it is not often that someone asks me for such a thing so directly."
His smile was unreadable—part intrigue, part amusement.
"I can make the request on your behalf," he continued, "but the final decision rests with the clan heads. However, if you would prefer a guaranteed reward, you may choose something else."
Kazeo had expected this. He thought
'A direct request might get rejected outright. But if I show interest in multiple things, I might at least get something useful.'
Kazeo didn't miss a beat. His lips curled into a thoughtful smile as he responded, "Then… what about Senju Clan's Taijutsu?"
Another wave of murmurs spread. The Senju may not be as prominent as before, but their taijutsu was still formidable.
This time, Hiruzen outright chuckled, shaking his head. "A persistent one, aren't you?" His voice held something between amusement and admiration."Very well. The Senju's open-hand combat forms can be arranged.However, the Senju's Taijutsu requires great physical endurance. It may not suit you. Are you sure?"
Kazeo paused, faking hesitation before sighing. "In that case, Hokage-sama… may I have a week to decide?"
Hiruzen's eyes gleamed with knowing amusement. 'The boy is calculating his options, angling for the best deal. Clever.'
"Very well," he nodded. "You have one week. If you cannot decide, I will personally speak with the Uchiha and Hyuga clan heads to see what can be done."
Kazeo bowed low. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen watched him for a moment longer, a flicker of curiosity in his ancient gaze. 'This boy… he sure is interesting.'
-------
After Hokage left, Okabe stepped forward, his usual serious expression in place as he addressed the students.
"There will be a two-month holiday starting tomorrow. The academy will resume as usual after that. So, enjoy your break, but don't slack off. Keep training your chakra, and if possible, try to learn some jutsu as well," he said, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group. "That's all. You are dismissed."
A wave of excitement rippled through the children. Whispers and murmurs quickly turned into cheers as they realized they had two full months without the rigid academy schedule. Some were already discussing what they would do—training, playing, or just lazing around.
"TWO MONTHS?! LET'S GOOOOO!"
"I'm gonna learn the Fireball Jutsu!"
"Haha, I'm just gonna eat ramen every day!"
Kazeo shook his head at his classmates excitement but said nothing.
As the students started heading home, Kazeo stretched his arms, letting out a breath before turning on his heels.
-------
Kazeo didn't head home immediately after the academy ceremony. Instead, he stopped by the market.
The stalls were lively, merchants shouting about fresh vegetables, warm dumplings, and handcrafted toys. Kazeo ignored most of the noise and focused on his task—buying something for the orphanage kids.
He had already planned this in advance—celebrating with the orphanage kids. After all, he wasn't close to anyone else other than them in this world.
At a small toy stall, he carefully picked out spinning tops, wooden kunai, and a couple of dolls for the younger ones but then realization hit him.
"Damn… how am I supposed to carry all of this?"
His seven-year-old arms weren't exactly built for hauling large bags of toys and food. And while his body was stronger than most kids his age, it didn't change the fact that he was still small.
He sighed. "Alright… let's do this smartly."
After a bit of haggling, he convinced the shopkeeper to hold the toys for him while he went to buy food.
Next, he stopped at a food stall, carefully selecting rice balls, sweet dango, and a small cake. But when the vendor handed him the food, he stared at the bags.
"This… is a lot."
Balancing the bags on his arms, he carefully walked back to the toy stall, where the shopkeeper raised an eyebrow.
"You sure you can carry all of that, kid?"
"…Of course," Kazeo replied, his pride refusing to let him admit the obvious struggle.
The moment he tried picking up the toy bag, he knew he messed up. His arms wobbled, and for a second, he felt like everything was about to fall.
"Oi, oi, careful!" The shopkeeper snatched the bag before disaster struck.
Kazeo clicked his tongue. "Tch… This is annoying."
Then, an idea struck him.
Setting the food bags down for a moment, he took out a small scroll from his pocket. It was something he had bought after getting the money . It wasn't much—just a simple storage seal.
"You're a ninja?" the shopkeeper asked, watching in surprise as Kazeo placed the toys inside the seal and rolled it up.
"Not yet. But soon," Kazeo smirked.
With the food in his hands and the toys sealed safely in the scroll, he finally made his way to the orphanage.
-------
The orphanage was the same as always—old, creaky, but filled with warmth. The moment he stepped inside, excited voices filled the air.
"Big Brother Kazeo!"
A blur of movement, and suddenly, small hands clung to his body. A little girl with pigtails looked up at him with bright eyes. Behind her, more children peeked out, their faces lighting up when they saw what he was carrying.
"Food" one of them cheered.
Before he could say anything, the children dragged him inside, their excitement bubbling over.
Inside more children started flocking him.
"You came back!"
"Did you bring something?"
Kazeo smirked. "Why do you all assume I brought something?"
The kids pouted. "Because you always do!"
Kazeo chuckled and held up the bags and scroll of toys. "Alright, alright. I got food and toys."
"Yay!"
As the kids cheered, a familiar voice cut through the noise.
"Now, now, don't trample the poor boy."
The children instantly stepped aside as Grandma Kaori walked in.
Her silver-streaked hair tied in a neat bun. Though she moved slowly, her presence still carried authority.
But the warmth in her gaze was what made this place feel like home.
"Grandma," Kazeo greeted with a small bow.
She gave him a knowing look. "First place, huh?"
Kazeo blinked in surprise. "How did you—"
Kaori chuckled, tapping her foot on the wooden floor. "You may be growing up, but you still have the same look in your eyes whenever you accomplish something."
Kazeo scratched his cheek, feeling strangely embarrassed.
"Come here, boy."
She raised her arms slightly, and for a moment, Kazeo hesitated. He was too old for hugs… wasn't he?
But when he saw the soft smile on her wrinkled face, he sighed and stepped forward. She pulled him into a brief embrace, patting his back.
"I'm proud of you, Kazeo," she whispered. "You work so hard, even when no one is watching."
Kazeo clenched his jaw, familiar warmth swelling in his chest.
"Thanks… Grandma."
She scanned the food and toys bags and then gave Kazeo a long, knowing look.
"Kazeo," she sighed. "Are you spending your academy pension on this?"
Kazeo blinked.
"Huh?"
Kaori crossed her arms. "That little pension they give academy students is barely enough to survive a month. If you're using it to buy food and toys for the orphanage… Are you cutting down on your own meals?"
Kazeo realized where she was coming from. She didn't know about his extra earnings. To her, it looked like he was burning through his already tight finances.
He sighed. "Grandma… don't worry. I have a side income."
Kaori narrowed her eyes. "Side income? What side income?"
"Just some extra money from… things." He shrugged.
Kaori wasn't buying it. "You better not be doing anything reckless."
Kazeo chuckled. "No illegal work, I promise."
Kaori sighed again but ruffled his hair. "Hmph. Just don't starve yourself, idiot boy."
"I won't," he reassured her.
She let go, her eyes studying his face. "But don't think you can just bribe us with food and toys. You're staying for dinner."
Kazeo chuckled. "I figured."
The celebration quickly began.
The kids tore into the food with excitement, munching on dango and rice balls. They ran around, spinning their new tops and pretending to be ninjas.
At one point, Kazeo noticed a group of boys holding wooden sticks, pretending to fight.
"Hyaaah! Take this, demon!"
"Hah! I'm an Upper Moon! You'll never defeat me!"
"But I'm Kamado Tanjiro! I'll protect everyone!"
Kazeo raised an eyebrow. So, Demon Slayer fever had taken over the orphanage, too, huh?
"Big Brother, be Rengoku!" one of the kids suddenly demanded, shoving a wooden stick into Kazeo's hands.
"Eh?"
"Yeah! You have to fight us! You're the Flame Hashira!"
Before he could protest, five kids charged at him, wooden sticks raised.
Kazeo sighed. 'Guess I have no choice.'
He spun his stick dramatically. "Very well. As a Hashira, I cannot allow demons to roam freely!"
The "battle" was chaotic. The kids charged at him wildly, swinging their sticks with full force but Kazeo dodged easily, tapping them lightly with his "sword." One by one, they fell to the ground, dramatically pretending to be defeated.
"Agh! He's too strong!"
"Nooo! Rengoku is amazing!"
Laughter echoed through the orphanage. Even Grandma Kaori chuckled as she watched from the side.
Kazeo, of course, dodged easily.
After the "battle," Kazeo sat down beside her. She passed him a cup of tea, her hands trembling slightly as she poured.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
She smiled. "Old."
Kazeo frowned. Lately, he had noticed it—how her hands shook more, how her voice sounded weaker.
'She won't be around forever.'
The thought made his chest feel tight.
"Kazeo," Kaori said suddenly, looking at him. "You're growing up so fast… Sometimes, I wonder if you'll outgrow this place one day."
Kazeo shook his head. "This will always be my home."
Kaori's smile softened. She reached out, resting a hand on his head.
"Then promise me something," she said. "No matter where life takes you… don't lose the kindness in your heart."
Kazeo swallowed, nodding. "I promise."
For a long moment, they sat there in comfortable silence, watching the children play.
No matter what happened, no matter how strong he became—this moment, this warmth, would always be a part of him.
---------
Hokage's Office – Evening
Kazeo stood in front of the Hokage's office, arms crossed, the glow of the evening sun casting long shadows across the wooden floor.
I already asked for my reward in morning, and the Hokage told me to return in the evening. But why this late?
The office door remained shut, and despite the occasional footsteps of passing shinobi, the hallway was eerily silent.
Something feels… off.
A few minutes later, the door creaked open, and a chunin gestured for him to enter.
"Lord Hokage is expecting you," the man said, stepping aside.
Taking a breath, Kazeo walked in.
Inside, the Third Hokage sat behind his desk, a grandfatherly smile resting on his lips. The warm glow of the lanterns behind him painted his wrinkled face in an almost comforting hue.
"Ah, Kazeo," the old man greeted.
"Close the door behind you, would you?"
Kazeo nodded and did as he was told, the soft click of the latch echoing in the room. He turned back—
—only to meet a pair of glowing red eyes.
His body froze.
Sharingan? Here?
A sudden weight pressed against his mind, drowning his thoughts before he could even react. His vision blurred, his limbs went numb, and darkness swallowed him whole.
( To be Continued....)
-------
[Author's Note :
Next chapter date - 11th March
Two of my exams went well, so I decided to upload a chapter from my reserve. Hope you enjoy it!
]