Chapter 148: First Day Back

Like before, my two classes were scheduled for the final two slots of the day, meaning I had time to spend preparing for the arrival of my students, going over the lesson plans for Taijutsu a few times to make sure I had it memorized.

This first week would be basic review of our previous material, making sure everyone in the class still was capable of what they did before, lest I throw them into something they were unprepared for.

Of course, as Shinobi Aspirants, they should have been training on their own during their free time over the summer, but I doubt most of them trained as hard as they did during the academic year...

Again, key word being 'most'; I knew that Naruto, Sasuke, Rock Lee, Ami, and Hinata were still up to snuff, but the others were just me being hopeful.

Obviously that wasn't to say that my students were spending their summer frivolously; I knew most of them would still be diligently studying or training, but they most likely would need a week to reacquaint themselves to my harsher training.

Nodding to myself, I finished writing down the last of my thoughts inside the small journal, storing it inside my desk as I waited for everyone to arrive.

I had written down my thoughts on my students current status so that I could compare what I thought to reality, to get a better understanding of what I wish to happen and what actually happened.

That way, I could perhaps learn to temper my expectations going forwards.

Anyways, I lounged back in my chair and waited, my mind wandering towards how my little Riku was doing under the supervision of Mikoto and Cameia...

Though a smile tugged at my lips as I wondered what Anko was currently dealing with with Akari~!

Hearing the door open, I straightened my posture and donned a warm smile, watching as the first of my students entered my classroom.

Peeking around the door was a pinknette, followed closely by the subdued pale gold of her close friend; Sakura and Ino were the first to arrive, much to no ones surprise.

Smiling cheerfully at me, the two slipped inside and took their seats, both chatting happily together.

Shortly after the green haired Midori and orange haired Kasumi entered as well, with Midori no longer shrinking in on herself as someone looked at her, instead meeting my gaze for a few moments before looking away.

Progress was progress, even if she hugged her book closer to her chest.

Then Ika, Aki, and Fuki walked in, the twins talking to the wine haired Fuki in hushed tones, with the shorter twin Aki smirking at the girl.

Nodding to me, they sat down and looked around, greeting their classmates before returning to their conversation.

Hinata entered by herself, and just like Midori she no longer seemed as shy as she used to, instead smiling softly and bowing to everyone, getting greetings back.

Everyone either rested against their desks or spoke to one another, taking the quick break I gave them as we continued to wait on the remaining two girls.

Drumming my fingers on the desk, I stared intently at the door as time ticked by, the room slowly quieting down as another minute passed.

As I turned to ask if anyone had seen Ami and Tenten, the two girls in question opened the door; Ami didn't seem at all concerned by her lateness, while Tenten was already bowing to me as she entered, worry clearly written on her face.

Getting up, I stared at Ami with a raised brow, meeting her brown gaze.

"So? Why're you tardy, Ami?"

Tapping a finger against my arm, I stared down at her as I waited for her response, the cocky little demon having the social acumen to at least purse her lips as she thought up an answer.

Tenten, on the other hand, only blanched at my tone, her hand instantly tugging at Ami's sleeve as she sputtered out "S-Sorry Kokoro-Sensei! A-Ami just wanted to g-go grab-!"

"Ah! We were just talking with Iruka-Sensei is all; had a few questions for him after class!"

Ami gave me a wide smile, her face almost innocent enough that a normal civilian teacher, or a retired, elderly Shinobi who hadn't been on the field in roughly seven decades might have fell for.

"Ami, please. I might've just given birth, but that doesn't mean that I forgot your schedules. Your last class was Genjutsu. Good try though."

Waving my hand towards their desks, I watched as Ami frowned and pulled Tenten behind her, much to the amusement of the rest of the girls.

Clapping my hands together, I smiled at them all, each one shivering as my gaze fell on them one by one.

"Now, this is a rather interesting year, isn't it~! The Principal has given me my requirements for each of you to pass, and I must say... she expects a lot out of you; out of each of you. We impressed her last year, but the credit, obviously, goes to you all; you were the ones to train hard, so you deserve a reward~! Any guesses on what that reward is~?"

Maintaining a warm smile was hard as I looked over the class, watching in amusement as Sakura gulped and raised her hand.

"Sakura~?"

"U-Uhm... m-maybe a cake..?"

Tilting my head slightly, I stared at her in silence for a few moments more before shaking my head.

"No, not a cake~! No, your reward is something... much sweeter..!"

The girls all looked away from me as I turned towards them, and I felt my smile drop for a moment, replaced by a rather... 'charming' grin.

"Your reward is a set of new weights each~! Not only that, I've had something special made for all of you... something you'll be getting intimately familiar with this year~! What, you might ask~?"

Reaching into the drawer of my desk, I pulled out a tag, making everyone frown.

Sticking it to the board, I peeled off the second tag and placed that beside the first, patting the board as I said "I had some really fun tags made for us this year. One is a gravity tag, meaning the pressure around you as you train will be scaling as you progress, and the other is a chakra suppression tag, since this year we begin to unlock your chakra and teach you how to control it~!"

Everyone stiffened as they stared at the board in horror, and before anyone could speak I continued on.

"No, I am not going to be permanently harming nor maiming you; if you must know, I went through this type of training as a child your age, so I know its possible~! Anyways, we must strive for excellence, yes~? To be the best Shinobi we can be to better protect this village, your families, your friends, and yourselves. That is why I am upping our regimen..."

'Smiling' at them, I clapped my hands in excitement as I asked "Are you all ready for this fun, incredibly fruitful year together~?"