Chapter 3- The Academy

Once the two weeks had passed, Sasuke finally had to go back to the academy. After viewing the memories of the lessons that were taught, he simply decided to brand the academy lessons as propaganda. The lectures given by the teachers were simply just explaining the greatness of Konoha and how it was one of the most powerful hidden villages. There were occasionally few good lessons that he appreciated.

The ninja lessons were alright at best as they included basic shuriken and kunai training, basic chakra moulding training and basic taijutsu training. After reviewing the classes, he knew he had to put more effort into his physical training or else he would otherwise be attached to another object by an inclined plane wrapped helically around an axis. Screwed in simple terms.

After getting ready for the day, he ate his breakfast before getting out of this apartment in the early morning. The village was completely quiet instead of the bustling streets of Konoha that were known by the rest of the world. After Sasuke exited the apartment, he immediately began walking towards the academy that was situated close to the Hokage tower and was built on the base of the Hokage Mountain. 

After leisurely walking down the dirt path, enjoying the cold summer morning breeze brushing against his skin, he had already arrived at the academy entrance without realising it. Sasuke braced himself, getting quite nervous about meeting his classmates. Not because he was shy but because they were most likely the people who probably would notice some change in his behaviour. After all, they were the ones the old Sasuke spent the most time with after his family. While they were kids, they weren't to be underestimated. 

A lot of the children in his class were from famous clans such as the Yamanaka, Aburame and the Nara which were known to be the smartest clans and also one of the more powerful clans that Konoha had. He knew that he couldn't do anything too drastic that the old Sasuke would never do. 

'Maybe the massacre could be a good opportunity for any slight changes in my behaviour. Everyone in this village is pretty much ninjas. I doubt that some of them couldn't notice anything strange.' Sasuke thought. He entered the building, heading towards his class, 1A which was the highest first year class among the 5 classes in the academy. There were 4 other years which also had 5 classes in e 1E.

To sort the students into the classes, each student had to take an enrollment exam which was used to decide the class ranking. The class ranking was not permanent due to the end of year exams that are held each year to test and also to move any students that were either excelling in their classes or failing. However Sasuke knew there was something shady going on with the class ranking. One student in particular wasn't suitable to be in their class.

'That Naruto kid. Why was he put in our class?' Sasuke pondered as he arrived at his classroom. He knocked on the door and waited as his teacher gave permission to enter.

"Sasuke, I'm glad that you are feeling better." Iruka, his sensei, greeted with a smile, causing everyone to turn their attention towards him. Sasuke was surprised at the sudden silence. Viewing old Sasuke's memories, he expected both a blonde haired girl and a pink haired girl to greet him with an annoying scream.

'Maybe it's my lucky day today.' Sasuke thought elated. He just nodded at his sensei before walking to his assigned seat. It was just behind the child that he was quite confused by. He was quite perplexed with the young child with blonde hair that seemed to be touched by the sun. 

"Continuing from yesterday, we will be staying overnight in two at the Senju forest to help you gain experience as a ninja. Remember not to bring any food or water. Just some clothes suitable for any muddy activities." Iruka said with a stern expression.

"But sensei, how will we eat?" Sakura asked immediately. Sasuke was amazed at her question. She was somehow known to be one or the smartest in the class for some stupid reason. While she did read books about ninjas and chakra, she couldn't apply the knowledge in a practical situation even if her life depended on it.

'At this rate I'm going to end up with two dimwits.' Sasuke thought with desperation. Thankfully he was informed about the genin team selections by his father before he enrolled into the academy. From his knowledge, he knew that the top male of the class would end up with the top female and the worst male of the class. For some unknown reason, the teams consisted of two male students and one female student along with their sensei.

'Naruto is an enigma. He might have potential but that's hard to believe in when he pretty much fails in everything. Sakura seems to also have some potential but that's also hard to believe when she clearly can't put that organ in her head to any use. Maybe I can make another female student in our class the top female student.' He quickly glanced at all the females that had some value to his team before crying in his head.

'Why the heck are there only two females that stand out. Hinata Hyuga and Ino Yamanaka. One is too shy and the other is just annoying as fuck.' Sasuke cursed his luck. 

"As I was saying. The class will be staying at the forest overnight to gain experience for your ninja career. You'll have to make your own camp and fetch your own food and water." Iruka informed, already prepared for the complaints that immediately came.

"Iruka-Sensei. Do we really have to go? Can't we just skip it?" Kiba Inuzuka said with a whiny tone. The dog in his head agreed with a bark which Sasuke found quite cute. 

"How will we shower sensei?" Sakura asked once again, worried at the thought of no shower or bath. A look of horror immediately appeared on her face.

"The visit is mandatory Kiba. If you want to move into next year, you have to attend this trip just like all other trips. And Sakura, you'll have to find yourself a river to clean yourself if you can wait till we arrive back at the village." He answered, getting another wave of complaints.

"What about any dangerous animals, Iruka-sensei." Ino asked, getting everyone's attention. Iruka paused for a second for dramatic effect before he prepared his answer to ease any tension the kids might be having.

"You kids don't have to worry about any dangerous wild animals. Most of the animals are harmless and the ones that are dangerous are in the Forest of Death. We'll have another chunin with us just in case." Iruka words both relieved the student as well as causing them to wonder about the ominous forest with the word "death" attached to it.

"The Forest of Death, sensei?" Sakura asked, having no clue about it. Iruka sighed at the endless amount of questions he had been receiving.

"The Forest of Death, also known as training ground 44. It's filled with gigantic poisonous hordes of flora and fauna. It's too dangerous for academy students and can cause your early demise so I would strongly suggest you kids don't approach it." Iruka warned. Some of the students already began to pale, making him cheer in his head that he already began to instill some fear in them. It was better for them if they feared the forest enough to deter them from approaching the training ground.

"Anyways we are getting off topic. As I was saying, prepare yourself next Monday. Eat enough and drink enough water before you come to class. You'll be needing to stay hydrated for a few hours. Come in the right clothes as well." He advised with a smile. "Anyways let's start our lesson. " He continued with a hint of excitement.

"Today we'll be learning about the different ranks in our village. At the bottom of the ladder we have the academy students. Although you guys are not fully fledged ninjas, you are still counted in. Next we have the Genin and after that we have the Chunin. The next two are the highest ranking " Iruka voiced with some passion.

"What rank are you Iruka-sensei?" Naruto queried. 

"I'm a chunin, Naruto." Iruka responded honestly. 

"As I was saying, the next two ranks are Jounin and of course the Hokage." Iruka's words immediately made Naruto pay his full attention. 

"How do you become the Hokage, sensei? Cause I'm going to become one." Naruto said passionately, something that most of the students lacked. A wave of snickers were sent towards Naruto who just ignored it, being too caught up in the idea of becoming the Hokage.

Sasuke wondered why the boy was determined and enthusiastic about becoming the village leader. He was quite confused whether the blonde haired kid knew the responsibilities that come with the job.

'Doesn't he know that he would be sometimes sending people to their death. I guess ignorance is bliss after all.' He doubted that Naruto concerned himself about the responsibilities that would come with the position. The day went by really quickly before he had realised, he was already walking back to his apartment.

'Lets see what this library is about.'