Chapter 39: First day of Class

They approached the Academy gates, familiar faces began to come into view. The crowd of students and parents bustled with excitement, but among them were those Naruto and Karin had known for years.

Sasuke stood with his mother, Mikoto, and his elder brother, Itachi. But the warmth Itachi once had seemed to have faded even more. His expression was colder than before, his presence distant, as if he had walled himself off from everyone around him.

Not far from them, Hinata stood with her family—her father, Hiashi, her mother, Hana, and in her mother's arms, her baby sister, Hanabi, only a few months old. It was no secret that Hanabi's birth had been difficult, but thanks to Tsunade's presence in the village that day, both mother and child had survived. Hana looked tired but happy, holding Hanabi close while Hiashi stood with his usual stern composure.

Sakura arrived with her parents, Kizashi and Mebuki, both merchants. Unlike the children from noble clans, Sakura's family had no shinobi lineage, but that didn't stop her from standing tall, her pink hair bright against the crowd.

Ino stood confidently beside her father, Inoichi, the head of the Yamanaka clan, and her mother, Sayuri, who ran a flourishing flower shop. Even at this age, Ino carried herself with the same proud elegance as her parents.

Shikamaru walked up with his father, Shikaku, the brilliant yet laid-back head of the Nara clan. As expected, Shikamaru already looked bored, his hands shoved into his pockets as he let out a long sigh.

Right next to them, Chōji munched on a bag of chips, standing beside his father, Chōza, the head of the Akimichi clan. His father patted his back encouragingly, while Chōji just enjoyed his snack without a care in the world.

Kiba entered with his fierce-looking mother, Tsume, a high-ranking Jōnin of the Inuzuka clan. His wild energy was barely contained, and he grinned widely as he looked around, eager to jump into something exciting.

And finally, Shino stood quietly with his father, Shibi, the head of the Aburame clan. Clad in his high collar and dark shades, he was as mysterious as ever, his posture calm yet unreadable.

The children had already formed small groups, chatting amongst themselves, the air thick with anticipation. Some were eager, some nervous, but all of them were about to step onto the same path.

Naruto and Karin exchanged glances before stepping forward, ready to join them.

"Good morning, everyone!" Naruto and Karin greeted as they approached the group, with Kushina right behind them, watching over them with a bright smile.

A chorus of replies followed—some cheerful, some subdued.

"Morning, Naruto, Karin," Hinata said with a shy smile.

Shikamaru gave a lazy nod. "Troublesome… but yeah, morning."

Shino simply inclined his head in silent acknowledgment.

Sakura perked up and waved. "Good morning, Naruto! Karin! And good morning to you too, Kushina-san!"

Ino flipped her hair and smirked. "Morning, Naruto. Karin. Kushina-san, you're looking stunning as always!"

Kiba grinned. "Yo! Morning, guys! Ready to show everyone who's boss?"

Chōji, in between bites of chips, gave a cheerful, "Morning!" before offering Kushina a chip out of politeness.

Shikaku chuckled at his son's reaction and gave Kushina a polite nod. "Morning, Kushina. Looks like your boy's already stealing the spotlight."

Sasuke, who had been quiet, gave a short, "Hn. Morning." He looked away, clearly uninterested but still acknowledging them.

Itachi, ever composed, inclined his head. "Good morning, Naruto. Karin. Kushina-san."

Mikoto smiled warmly at Kushina. "Good morning, dear. It's good to see you again."

Kushina laughed, placing her hands on her hips. "Good morning to all of you too! Man, you kids are growing up so fast. Before you know it, you'll all be taller than me!"

Naruto's eyes scanned the crowd before landing on Mikoto. "Mikoto-obachan, did Fugaku-ojisan come too?" he asked curiously.

Mikoto shook her head, a tinge of sadness in her voice. "No, he had some important matters to attend to, so he asked Itachi and me to accompany Sasuke."

Naruto hummed in thought, tapping his chin dramatically. "More important than Sasuke? Must be serious then."

Sasuke scoffed but said nothing, his expression barely shifting.

Just then, Naruto casually moved next to Itachi, a mischievous grin creeping onto his face. "Hey, Itachi, I didn't know you had a girlfriend," he said teasingly, expecting at least a hint of embarrassment.

But to his disappointment, Itachi remained utterly composed. "Yes, Izumi Uchiha," he replied flatly, though Naruto didn't miss the faint warmth in his otherwise unreadable eyes.

Naruto smirked. "You should teach Sasuke how to get a girlfriend too! Look at him—he's always alone and keeps saying he doesn't need women, that they only 'interrupt his strength.'"

Sasuke, who had been listening closely—of course, he was listening, this was his brother and Naruto talking—immediately narrowed his eyes. "Oi… what was that?"

"Nothing," Naruto replied quickly, trying and failing to suppress his grin.

Karin snickered, Hinata covered her mouth to hide a smile, and even Itachi's lips twitched slightly in amusement.

Sasuke just crossed his arms and turned away with a huff. "Tch. Idiot."

Naruto only laughed, patting him on the back. "One day, Sasuke, one day."

The group chuckled, and for a moment, the tension of the upcoming Academy day faded, replaced by the warmth of familiarity and friendship.

The entrance test for civilian children began soon after, and the results were as expected—many failed.

Some vowed to try again next year, their determination still intact. Others cried, their dreams of becoming shinobi shattered before they even began. And then there were those who accepted their fate without tears, already thinking about other paths they could take in life.

An hour passed before the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, took the stage. The crowd quieted as he stood before them, his presence commanding respect. With a kind yet firm voice, he began his inauguration speech, the same one he had given for generations.

Most of the students and parents listened with enthusiasm, nodding along to his words, eyes filled with admiration. But there were exceptions—Naruto being one of them.

Then, as always, Hiruzen unleashed his most powerful jutsu—"Hi no Ishi."

"The leaves may fall, but the fire within them never fades. As one generation withers, another rises, carrying the flames of hope, love, and sacrifice."

Naruto sighed internally. And just like that, the brainwashing begins.

His attention drifted almost immediately, his body remaining upright while his mind checked out. Over the years, he had perfected a technique for moments like this—his personal counter to long, boring lectures. He had even given it a name: Tachinemuri no Jutsu.

While the crowd remained captivated, Naruto dozed off while still standing, maintaining just enough awareness to jolt back if necessary.

The speech dragged on.

And on.

And on.

Two damn hours.

Yet somehow, when it finally ended, the audience was still smiling.

What a terrifying jutsu, Naruto thought with disbelief. Two hours and no one even looks tired. Damn, old man.

Finally, after bidding farewell to their parents, the new students were ushered inside the Academy.

As expected, Naruto and his friends were all assigned to the same class—Class 1-A.

And with that, their Academy life truly began.