The Start of the Academy

(Akari's POV)

I put on the Navy jacket, closing the zipper as I shifted. The 2 pouches I had strapped to a belt under my dark blue jacket, containing nothing as of now... was a good choice for my outfit. Alongside that was the slate grey cargo pants with brown sturdy boots. The shirt was a simple black, that could be seen.

A confident smile plastered itself on my face as I put the tethered bloom on, clipping the flower and pin, on the spot I always used for it, I awaited for my Star to get done.

Shiina arrived a moment later, wearing very new clothing.

Her outfit consisted of a forested green, long sleeved shirt, with the flower-shaped locket showing proudly above it. She had a similar idea for where her pouches would be but this time, they were over a burnt orange pleated skirt, with Shinobi sandals, dyed brown.

I smiled at her. She smiled back.

"Let's get going."

We moved in sync, boots and sandals thudding softly against the stone pathways of Konoha as the morning sun rose behind us. The air carried a mild chill, brushing through the trees and fluttering the ends of Shiina's shirt. The gentle wind seemed to acknowledge the beginning of something — the start of our next chapter.

Today was the official start of the Academy year, the real beginning of our journey as Shinobi. And we weren't going in alone.

Naruto had insisted we all show up together. "It's gotta be stylish," he'd said with that huge grin of his. I'd expected something chaotic, but even he'd been serious about it.

Shiina walked beside me in silence, but it was the kind of silence that didn't need filling. We shared a glance now and then. And every time, there was a spark of warmth, like a quiet flame between us.

We arrived near the central field where Naruto said to meet. Sure enough, he was already there — bouncing on his heels like a spring wound too tight. Hinata stood a step behind him, smiling softly.

Naruto wore a long-sleeved burnt orange shirt with blue trim and cuffs with dark blue pants, tight-fitting and reinforced with burnt orange straps around the right thigh and left shin; he had his pouches neatly at his sides, with basic brown Shinobi sandals.

Hinata's outfit consisted of a deep violet-purple long-sleeve kimono with a sash belt with brown lace-up boots, mid-calf height. The sash on the Kimono was a deep blue, and she had a red-orange butterfly clip given to her by Naruto for Valentine's this year.

What did I and Shiina do that day? Nothing but spending the day together, with some chocolate involved. It wasn't meant to be a big day.

"Finally! I thought you two got lost or something!" he called out, grinning.

Shiina blinked. "We're early, Naruto."

"You're just too early." I added with a smirk.

Naruto crossed his arms dramatically. "It's called enthusiasm, thank you very much."

Hinata offered a small, serene smile as we walked up. "You all look… really nice."

"Thanks, Hinata," Shiina said, stepping forward with a soft glow in her eyes. "So do you. The outfit works well on you."

Naruto looked between us all. "Okay! Everyone ready? We've gotta walk in like bam! The coolest group in the Academy!"

I raised a brow. "Bam? That's our style?"

"Hey, we're gonna own that place."

Shiina tilted her head. "We already do."

Naruto burst out laughing. "That's what I like to hear! Now let's go!"

Hinata covered a giggle with her hand as Naruto marched forward like a man on a mission.

We followed, walking together as a unit.

*The Illustration of the Squad.*

The four of us walked in a not-quite-perfect line, feet tapping in slightly different rhythms on the stone road. The village was slow and sleepy still, but the sky was bright and blue — the kind of morning that practically begged for a good first day.

My hand was holding Shiina's — not tightly, just enough. She hummed something tuneless as we went, swinging our arms a little.

"We're gonna sit next to each other, right?" she asked, glancing up at me with those spark-lit eyes.

"I don't think they assign seats," I replied.

"Good." She grinned. "Because I already claimed yours."

Naruto was walking just ahead with Hinata, his hands tucked behind his head like he was strolling into a ramen shop and not the biggest commitment of our tiny lives so far.

"You nervous?" Hinata asked him, nudging his shoulder gently.

"Nah," he said, a little too fast. "Okay — maybe a little. But I mean, we've already trained way harder than anything they'll throw at us, right?"

She smiled. "You'll be fine. We'll all be fine."

Naruto puffed up slightly at that. "You bet we will. Bet none of the other kids even know how to hold a kunai properly."

"Bet most of them don't know which end is which," I said quietly.

Shiina snorted and bumped me. "Hey, don't judge them too hard. Some of us didn't get trained by a pint-sized Prodigy before we could spell 'chakra'."

"I still can't spell chakra without thinking about how stupid I used to be," Naruto muttered, then perked up. "Wait–pint sized?"

Naruto look flabbergasted with that, after all, I was the tallest of our group.

Shiina grinned. "Hey, she's adorable and scary. Let me live."

I tried not to smile. I failed.

We passed the edge of the market district, where a vendor was setting up fruit stands. The smell of breakfast dumplings wafted from a food stall, and Naruto audibly groaned.

"Did anyone eat this morning?" he asked.

Hinata nodded. "Miso soup."

"Onigiri made by Akari here." Shiina said.

"I had the same of course." I added.

The four of us made our way down the winding path toward the Academy, the morning air still cool against our skin. Konoha was stretching its limbs — shops were just starting to open, birds were chirping, and the scent of grilled fish and miso soup drifted lazily through the air.

Naruto walked a few steps ahead, still doing that casual stroll with his hands behind his head. He looked like a kid without a care in the world, but I knew better. The tension in his shoulders was barely noticeable — unless you'd known him long enough to spot it. Hinata, walking beside him, bumped his arm gently with her own.

"You're overthinking it again," she said softly, but her voice had that steady confidence she carried so well these days.

Naruto blinked at her. "Huh? No I'm not."

She gave him a look.

"…Okay. Maybe I'm slightly overthinking it," he admitted, scratching his cheek. "It's just—this is it, right? The real deal. Academy, missions, teamwork drills. I know we're not rookies or anything but it feels different."

"It is different," Shiina chimed in. "But it's also exactly what you've been training for. You're not walking in like some clueless new kid, Naruto. You're walking in like you belong."

He turned to grin back at her. "You're pretty good at pep talks for someone who still says 'eek' when frogs jump at her."

Shiina pouted. "They surprise me. There's a difference."

"I thought you liked animals?" Hinata asked with a small laugh.

"I do. I just prefer the ones that don't leap at my face without warning."

Naruto snorted. "Fair enough."

I smiled faintly as I listened to them. I didn't need to say much — their voices filled the air like sunlight breaking through leaves. But Shiina gave my hand a small squeeze, and when I looked over, she was already watching me with that quiet brightness she always had.

"You're thinking too hard too," she said.

"Maybe," I said. "Maybe I'm just hoping they let us sit by the window."

She grinned. "So you can look all cool and mysterious while the wind ruffles your hair?"

"…Yeah," I admitted. "That'd be nice."

Shiina beamed like I'd said something poetic. She always did that. Made me feel like the things I said mattered more than I meant them to.

"Anyway," she continued, swinging our hands slightly, "I already claimed the seat next to you, so if anyone tries to take it, I'm throwing a very polite tantrum."

Hinata gave her an approving nod. "Polite tantrums are underrated."

"Exactly! I'll be the picture of grace and fury."

Naruto laughed. "You know, I kinda want to see that now."

"Don't test me," Shiina said sweetly.

The street opened up a little, and we passed by a tea shop with a little old lady sweeping the front steps. She waved at us, and we waved back. Shiina even gave her a cheerful "Good morning!" which earned a chuckle from the woman.

Naruto glanced back at me. "You okay, Akari?"

"I'm good," I said. "Just taking it all in."

He nodded, then smiled a little softer. "Thanks, by the way."

"For what?"

"For... all of it. Training us. Keeping up with us. Not throttling me every time I did something dumb."

"I considered it," I said dryly.

Hinata chuckled. "We're lucky to have you."

There was a pause. Not awkward, just full — full of things we didn't need to say out loud.

Shiina broke it first. "Do you think they'll actually teach anything new today?"

"Probably the basics," Naruto said. "Rules. Classroom layout. Maybe a speech about 'what it means to be a shinobi.'"

Hinata tilted her head. "That wouldn't be so bad."

Naruto gave her a grin. "I mean, you just want to see if they trip over their words."

"…Maybe," she said, looking proud of herself.

I looked over at Shiina again. She was watching the way the sunlight caught the leaves as we passed under a tall maple tree. Then she caught me looking and gave me a wink.

"Let's promise something," she said suddenly.

"What kind of something?"

"That no matter what, we keep walking together. Whether we're assigned to the same team or not. Whether we mess up or ace everything. We keep walking forward. Together."

Naruto stopped just long enough to turn and offer his fist out. "Deal."

Shiina bumped it with hers. Hinata joined, and then, without even thinking, I did too. Four fists, lightly meeting, like a seal of something quietly powerful.

"Alright," Naruto said, turning toward the Academy gates just up ahead. "Let's show them who we are."

"Loudly, right?" Shiina asked.

"And proudly," he shot back.

Hinata smiled. "And just a little stylish."

I nodded. "Let's go make some noise."

We walked the rest of the way with our steps steady and hearts full.

The gates loomed ahead, open wide. The Academy building stood tall, casting a long shadow on the courtyard. But even in its shade, we were already shining.

We stepped through the Academy gates with the same measured pace we'd kept the whole way, the early sunlight casting long shadows behind us. The courtyard was buzzing with students — some already trying to form cliques, others wide-eyed and jittery. I recognized the energy; excitement laced with nerves, the scent of new beginnings.

Hinata's fingers brushed Naruto's hand once before they separated — not out of nervousness, just understanding. The four of us headed toward the large wooden platform set in the center of the open field. There were rows of simple wooden benches forming around it, like the world's least threatening arena. Naruto casually nodded toward one of the side benches, just enough in the shade, and we claimed our spot without fuss.

I sat down first. Shiina plopped beside me, already leaning slightly toward me. Naruto and Hinata settled just ahead of us, their posture relaxed, but alert.

Around us, the crowd fidgeted. Chatter rose and fell in waves. A few kids were already trying to size each other up — trading bold words and half-bragging jutsu tales like candy. I could feel the judgmental glances darting our way. Most ignored us after a moment — we weren't being flashy. Just present. Still. Grounded.

Shiina leaned over and whispered, "I think we're throwing them off by not peacocking."

"Good," I murmured.

Naruto, hands behind his head again, glanced back with a grin. "Let 'em wonder."

Hinata nodded. "Let them see when it matters."

A quiet figure was led onto the platform. I knew who he was immediately, even before the murmurs started.

Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The Sandaime himself. It felt like the man glanced at me, subtly. After all, with what he knew, he already foresaw what was coming soon.

Most of the others didn't know him. You could tell—they just saw an old man in ceremonial robes, hands behind his back, gaze sharp enough to pierce steel. He said nothing. Just stood, surveying the crowd like a hawk might look over a field mouse convention.

He stopped, ever so briefly, as his eyes met mine. Then Shiina's. Then Naruto's. No change in his face, but something in his eyes acknowledged us — not as children, but as something more.

That was all. And still, it was enough.

The crowd, not knowing what to do with silence, began to crack.

"Did you get nervous?" one boy called, tone flippant.

"Did you forget how to speak?" someone else laughed.

Others followed. Like sheep sensing weakness. They filled the silence with noise—jabs, snickers, the smug confidence only kids with no battlefield experience could summon.

But Sarutobi didn't react. Not a twitch. Not a breath.

He didn't need to.

The laughter died. Quickly. Like it had hit a wall. And that wall was fear.

Real fear. Not the kind that comes from ghost stories or tests, but the kind that tightens your throat and silences your bones. The crowd stilled—some kids looking around like they didn't understand what was happening. They'd poked something, and it hadn't blinked.

I glanced sideways. Shiina had gone quiet, curious. Naruto wasn't even grinning anymore. Hinata's expression was unreadable — but focused.

Then, finally, he spoke.

"I'm the Sandaime Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen."

His voice was calm. Clear. Carried with no effort. Like it wasn't even loud — just commanding.

"This Academy aims to make you all Shinobi of Konoha. However, there is much to learn. Your first lesson is by myself. The Will of Fire."

The words were smooth. Earnest. Measured like they'd been carved into the earth itself.

"Some of you may have heard this term before," he continued, his tone never rising, "but none of you understand its true meaning."

The crowd was still now. Rapt.

"The Will of Fire dictates that everyone who lives in Konoha is family. Brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, mothers, fathers. Though we may not be connected through blood, we are bound by this flame that burns in our hearts. This flame burns brightly, beautifully — and it is the reason I, and every shinobi of this village, fights."

My hand was still in Shiina's. She hadn't moved. Neither had I.

"To protect the ones we love."

The man's words settled over the field like a warm blanket—unexpected, grounding, and deeply human.

If it wasn't indoctrination. This entire speech was an indoctrinating one.

"Now then, you may find yourselves asking," Hiruzen continued, "Why should we think of everyone here as family?"

He paused for just a beat, the question hanging gently in the air.

"The simple answer," he said, his tone softening even further, "is that it is our nature that allows us to do so. Every single one of you is akin to my own grandchildren — despite the fact that I already have a few."

That earned a chuckle from a handful of kids, but it wasn't mocking or nervous. Just genuine, surprised warmth.

The Sandaime smiled — a real smile. One that touched his eyes, that softened the hard lines time had carved into his face. And somehow, it made everything he'd said before feel even heavier. More sincere.

"Now then," he continued, straightening just slightly, "I should get going. I'm quite busy, after all. But I look forward to the day I see each and every one of you grow into fine members of the family that is Konoha."

He dipped his head in a simple bow, more respectful than ceremonial. Then he turned and stepped off the stage, flanked by quiet ANBU who hadn't made a sound the entire time.

The moment he was gone, the tension in the air loosened, like someone had released the final thread of a drawn bowstring.

But the silence remained, reverent and contemplative.

Another man stepped onto the platform, clearly the one in charge of the logistics side of things. His tone was businesslike, not cold — but practical.

"Alright, let's keep this moving," he said, holding up a clipboard. "I'll be calling out names and class assignments. Please stay quiet and listen."

Names started to roll.

Students stood and shifted awkwardly, moving to the indicated sides of the field where their new classes were forming. Whispers buzzed here and there — surprise, excitement, disappointment. Some clearly hoped to end up with friends. Some were trying to not end up with certain people.

I wasn't worried.

Shiina leaned a little toward me. "You think they're gonna separate us?" she whispered.

"They could. Doesn't mean they should." I dangerously said, after all I needed to be in Iruka's class for my plans. And if they dared separate me from my girlfriend...

Eventually, we heard it.

"Uzumaki Naruto, Hyuuga Hinata, Yu Shiina… and Inori Akari."

Shiina's hand tightened on mine reflexively. Naruto's head snapped up. Hinata let out the softest breath of relief, like a flower blooming under a frost.

"Assigned to Class 3-A," the man finished. "Instructor Umino Iruka. Proceed to the left-side benches."

We didn't cheer. Didn't high-five or jump around. We didn't need to.

We just stood up. Walked. Together.

Calm. Collected. Cool.

We took our seats on the left with unhurried steps. I sat down first, as always. Shiina next to me. Naruto and Hinata just ahead.

"Looks like someone up there likes us," Shiina whispered, grinning.

"Maybe they just didn't want to deal with Naruto storming the admin office," I replied.

"Hey, I would've been polite about it," he muttered.

"Mmhm," Hinata hummed, not even trying to hide her amusement.

After a while, we were lead into the classroom.

The Academy building was old, but well-kept — polished floors, scroll-lined walls, and windows that let in just enough light to keep you alert but not blind you. It smelled faintly of chalk and floor polish. Nostalgic, in a way I had no right to feel nostalgic for.

Our assigned classroom was already buzzing when we entered. Kids were scrambling for seats, some still riding the adrenaline of the Hokage's speech. The air was loud with the sound of desks screeching and chairs dragging. Familiar chaos.

We didn't scramble. We walked to our seats with the quiet grace of people who knew where they belonged. Hinata picked a desk in the second row by the window, and we all filed in beside her like it was already decided.

Shiina to my right. Naruto in front. Me in the middle. Like center stage in a play we hadn't even read the script for yet.

A teacher entered. Not the main instructor, just a proctor-looking type. Older, squared shoulders, lines under his eyes that said "I've seen things, kid."

He dropped a stack of booklets on the desk up front.

"Diagnostic exam," he said flatly, voice loud enough to cut through the chatter. "No time limit. Do your best. Don't talk."

Booklets were passed around. Pages fluttered. Pencils tapped. The noise died quickly.

I stared down at the questions. Arithmetic. History. Chakra theory. Tactics. More advanced than I expected, but not by much.

Shiina glanced at me once. I gave her the smallest nod.

Then we got to work.

I didn't rush — didn't want to finish too fast. But I also wasn't going to insult the material by dragging it out. Each question unravelled like a loose thread in my head, answers forming easily, naturally. Like breathing.

Still, I made sure to write neatly. Slowly. Let it look like I was just a bit above average.

Shiina, of course, had perfect penmanship and absolutely zero interest in downplaying her skill. Hinata worked quietly, steadily — a calm tide of quiet confidence.

Naruto grumbled once or twice under his breath. He wasn't stuck — I could see that from his scribbles — he was just second-guessing himself. Classic.

Fifteen minutes passed. Then twenty. Some kids started to panic. I could feel it in the way desks creaked and erasers started smearing more than fixing.

Ten more minutes and I closed my booklet, placing my pencil beside it with deliberate quiet.

Shiina followed a moment later. Hinata not long after. Naruto took two more full minutes before he exhaled like he'd survived a war and leaned back, arms behind his head like that was the hard part.

The teacher collected the exams with a raised brow. He didn't say anything, but the glance he gave my paper lingered for a second too long.

Something told me he hadn't expected kids to finish that fast.

Definitely not with that level of neatness.

Definitely not four of us.

Later, we'd find out the results.

Akari: 100%.

Shiina: 100%.

Hinata: 100%.

Naruto: 95%, and he'd practically thrown a celebration about it.

"I only missed one?! That's like-prodigy level! All because of my hard work." he said, grinning so wide you'd think he'd aced the whole world.

"You missed one because you answered 'ramen' on the history question about the founding clans," I told him.

"It was a power move," Shiina offered with a perfectly serious nod.

Hinata stifled her giggle with both hands.

Me? I just smiled.

It was finally time to move out the Orphanage for me and Shiina, and into the Apartments for Orphans, we'd receive a Stipend from the Village obviously, and Naruto? He'd be earning more for this.

Hinata lived with her clan still.

And I can ramp up their training. I just needed the Chakra Induction paper for one more person. But first, Chakra Control, the Leaf Exercise, then Tree Walking, and then Water Walking.

Well then...

The stage has been set, it is time to put the script into action.

(A/N for the Chapters finale. I am pretty certain that in this Arc, the Academy might be side-lined at some point. And that's partly because all 4 of them are insanely powerful. And in all honesty, I might rename this Arc at some point because... well there would be major events in this Arc that require them.

Also, I have to ask, should I redesign the Cover at some point? I might have a Cover pic for Each Volume of this, but I wanted to ask if I should or not. Why? Because I have some options to change her outfit and the like. It would be posted in this A/N. I would also like to remind people I have a Youtube Channel going by the name Nepge Gaming for, self Explanatory but I play games. Stream. Oh and over on a Channel named SMDBZX Productions, I play in a Dragon Ball inspired Table Top, similar to DND.

Self Promotion Over with, I hope you all have a good day.)