Chapter 5:First day of Academy

As the morning class continued, Kai settled further into the flow of the academy's routine. The sound of Iruka's voice droned on in the background, going over chakra control and the basics of the Transformation Jutsu. Kai tuned in and out, listening only when something relevant caught his attention. His mind was already far ahead of the basic training being taught to the class.

("I could teach this better than him, but for now, patience. I need to blend in. Besides, no one here is strong enough yet to challenge me. Not even close.")

Iruka called the students up one by one to perform the Transformation Jutsu, testing their ability to assume the form of a different person. It was a simple jutsu, but for the academy students, it was a key lesson.

"Naruto, you're up," Iruka called.

Kai's eyes followed Naruto as he leaped up from his seat with his usual over-excited energy. Naruto puffed out his chest, clearly determined to impress. He formed the hand seals, concentrating hard, and in a puff of smoke, transformed… into a poorly executed version of Iruka, with exaggerated features that were almost cartoonish.

The class erupted in laughter.

Iruka groaned, rubbing his temples in frustration. "Naruto, how many times have I told you to focus? You need to picture the person clearly in your mind, not some weird, exaggerated version of them."

Naruto scratched his head sheepishly, laughing along with the rest of the class. "Heh, guess I still need to work on that."

Kai observed silently, hiding a faint smirk behind his neutral expression. ("Naruto… he's a fool, but there's something else there. His chakra reserves are unlike anything I've seen in this room. It's like a massive storm trapped inside him. Wild, chaotic, but full of potential.")

"Alright, Kai, you're next," Iruka called out, breaking Kai from his thoughts.

Kai stood up, walking to the front with his usual calm stride. His posture was relaxed, yet there was a quiet confidence in his movements. The other students watched him closely, curious to see what the new student could do.

Kai formed the hand seals slowly, purposefully, as if he was learning for the first time, but his mind was already leagues ahead. He had mastered the Transformation Jutsu long before arriving at the academy, but there was no need to show off.

("Something simple… ordinary. Just enough to get by without drawing attention.")

With a puff of smoke, Kai transformed into a perfect copy of Iruka. His features were exact, right down to the faint lines of worry etched into the real Iruka's face. The class murmured in approval, and Iruka gave a satisfied nod.

"Well done, Kai. Perfect form."

Kai dispelled the transformation with ease, returning to his seat as the other students continued their own practice. He noticed Sasuke watching him from the corner of his eye, his expression unreadable. There was no outward sign of challenge, but Kai could feel the tension in the air. Sasuke wasn't the type to be impressed easily, but he was observing him, just as Kai was observing everyone else.

("Sasuke... a lone wolf, driven by something deeper than ambition. Revenge, maybe? His eyes hold a darkness I've seen before. He's like me in some ways—hungry for power. I'll need to keep an eye on him.")

The rest of the morning passed uneventfully, with Iruka wrapping up the lessons just before lunch.

"Alright, class, you're dismissed for lunch. Be back in an hour for kunai practice!" Iruka announced, prompting the students to file out into the courtyard.

Kai stood up, stretching slightly before heading outside with the rest of the class. As he stepped into the courtyard, the bright midday sun cast long shadows over the academy grounds. Students grouped together, chatting, laughing, and eating, the atmosphere lively and carefree. It was a stark contrast to the intensity Kai was used to, but he welcomed the calm for now.

("This is a strange world... so much peace, despite the undercurrents of danger. But it won't last. Conflict always finds a way.")

Kai scanned the area, noticing Naruto sitting alone on a bench, munching on a poorly made bento box while glaring at Sasuke, who sat nearby, surrounded by a small group of admirers—mostly girls. Sasuke, as usual, ignored them, his attention solely focused on sharpening his kunai.

Ino, along with Sakura, was part of the group fawning over Sasuke, but Kai could see her eyes darting toward him every now and then, curiosity still evident in her gaze.

("She's trying to figure me out. I'll need to keep my guard up around her. The Yamanaka Clan is dangerous with their mind techniques.")

Kai found a quiet spot under a tree, away from the crowd. He wasn't particularly interested in joining any of the groups just yet. For now, he preferred solitude, a chance to collect his thoughts. He pulled a small container of food from his pack, eating slowly as he watched the interactions around him. Naruto, in his usual fashion, was making a loud fuss about Sasuke, challenging him to some kind of ridiculous contest.

("Naruto's insecurity is so obvious. He craves recognition, respect, but he goes about it all wrong. Sasuke… he's aloof, but his strength is undeniable. This dynamic will be important in the future.")

As the lunch break went on, Kai noticed a few of the students sneaking glances at him, but none dared to approach. That was fine with him. He preferred it that way. For now, he was content to observe and plan.

Just as he was finishing his meal, a shadow fell over him. He looked up to see Naruto standing there, hands on his hips and a wide grin on his face.

"Hey! You're the new guy, right? Kai, was it?"

Kai nodded, not bothering to rise from his seat. "Yeah, that's right."

"Awesome! So, what do you think of the academy so far? Pretty cool, huh?" Naruto asked, his energy as infectious as always.

Kai gave a noncommittal shrug. "It's alright."

Naruto plopped down next to him, completely oblivious to any sense of personal space. "You don't talk much, huh? That's cool! You kinda remind me of Sasuke, all quiet and serious. But don't worry, I'll get you to open up eventually!"

Kai raised an eyebrow. ("This kid… no sense of boundaries. But there's something genuine about him. He doesn't hide his emotions, wears them right on his sleeve.")

"Sure," Kai said, keeping his tone neutral.

Naruto beamed, seemingly satisfied with that small response. "Well, if you ever need anything, just let me know! I'm gonna be the Hokage someday, so you'll wanna be on my good side!"

Kai smirked, though only slightly. "I'll keep that in mind."

As Naruto continued rambling about his dream to become the strongest ninja in the village, Kai couldn't help but glance over at Sasuke, who was still sharpening his kunai in silence. The dynamic between the two was clear, even now. Rivalry, ambition, a desire to surpass each other.

("Naruto and Sasuke… two sides of the same coin. Their fates are intertwined. But I'm here now. This world is changing, and so will their destinies. I'll make sure of it.")

The lunch bell rang, signaling the end of the break. Naruto jumped to his feet, eager for the next round of training.

"Alright! Kunai practice! Time to show everyone what I've got!" Naruto declared, already rushing off toward the training grounds.

Kai stood up slowly, dusting off his clothes. He cast one more glance around the courtyard, his expression unreadable.

("This is only the beginning. Soon enough, they'll all know who I am.")

With that, he followed the rest of the class back to the academy. The game was just starting, and Kai had every intention of playing it on his own terms.