Saimin Seishi- *Cough*

Ren started his day as usual, waking up early despite the Academy starting at 9 AM. He had more than enough time for his morning training, so he set out for his daily run around Konoha.

As he ran, his thoughts drifted to ninjutsu.

"I should finally start learning some techniques."

For now, he could only use D-rank and C-rank jutsu, but mastering them early would allow him to move on to more advanced techniques sooner.

The Academy Three—Clone Jutsu, Transformation Jutsu, and Substitution Jutsu—were considered fundamentals, but they weren't taught until the third year. If he wanted to learn them beforehand, he had two options first, visit the Library – His father had told him that the student-accessible section only contained E-rank jutsu, although there were many available second, ask Juichi – He could directly request the techniques from his father.

The D-rank Body Flicker Jutsu was available in the Library level available to students, since Konoha didn't mind sharing basic-level techniques. There was no risk in spies learning them, as these jutsu were mostly used by foot soldiers in wars.

"The real powerful techniques are reserved for those with the right resources or talent."

By the time he finished thinking, his run came to an end, and he made his way home.

After taking a bath, Ren changed into a fresh outfit for his first day at the Academy. A sleeveless deep-blue denim top with matching joggers for free movement together with white shoes he had found in the market and his round black sunglasses.

When he stepped out, he saw Juichi already at the table, eating breakfast.

Without hesitation, he sat down to eat as well.

Seeing his outfit, Juichi grinned. "Trying to impress someone on the first day?"

Ren simply rolled his eyes but smirked. "Yeah. Wanted to bring a girlfriend home the first day."

With 30 minutes left before the Academy started, Ren and Juichi walked together to the Academy.

To Ren's mild surprise, Juichi brought a portable camera with him.

"The technology in this world is really weird…"

By the time they arrived, the Academy grounds were more crowded than yesterday. Most parents had come to drop off their children, making the entrance lively and full of conversation.

Ren immediately went to the notice board to check the class lists.

As expected, his name was in the Elite Class—ranked #2.

At #1, of course, was Itachi Uchiha.

After informing Juichi, his father wasn't surprised but was still happy nonetheless.

While they stood there, Juichi spotted an acquaintance who was also dropping off his child and asked him to take a picture for them.

The man easily agreed, and Ren stood beside his father for the photo.

He stood to Juichi's right, where his father's missing arm would have been.

Both of them smiled for the camera, and the picture was taken with the Academy in the backdrop.

Juichi promised, "I'll get it developed later today."

Soon, the Academy gates opened, and the students began entering.

Ren gave one last glance at Juichi, raising a hand in a casual wave.

Juichi smiled back. "Do your best."

With that, Ren stepped inside, officially beginning his journey as a shinobi.

The new students were directed into a large hall, spacious enough to accommodate all of them comfortably.

At the front of the hall, a podium stood prominently. Seeing it, Ren had a few guesses about what was coming.

To the right of the podium, Instructor Utakata stood with his usual stoic expression.

Without wasting time, he gave his first order.

"Form lines based on the class you've been assigned. You have 30 seconds. Begin."

The Elite Class immediately formed the first column, consisting of 30 students.

Following them, Classes 1, 2, 3, and 4 also formed their lines, each with 30 students.

A total of 150 students had been accepted into the Academy.

Given that nearly 500 students had taken the exam yesterday, this showed just how strict the admission process was.

As soon as the students finished organizing themselves, movement at the podium drew their attention.

A man in white robes, with the Hokage's hat resting on his head, stepped forward.

It was none other than the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The man who had once again taken office after the death of the Fourth Hokage.

"Here he is, the 'Professor' himself, here to teach the young lambs."

Ren's lips curled into a barely noticeable smirk.

Hiruzen stood on the podium, his expression warm and welcoming, smiling like a kind grandfather. His eyes scanned the crowd, occasionally pausing on certain students, though most of them wouldn't even notice.

Ren, however, was keenly aware when the Hokage's gaze landed on him.

For just a second longer than most, Hiruzen's eyes lingered on him.

Ren smiled in response, maintaining a calm and respectful expression.

Why wouldn't he?

Hiruzen would be his greatest support until he became strong enough to stand on his own.

If he wanted freedom to grow, aligning himself with the Third Hokage's influence would be his safest bet.

Of course, the longest pause was reserved for Itachi Uchiha, who stood right beside Ren.

It was no surprise—Itachi was a once-in-a-generation prodigy, already well-known despite his young age.

Ren briefly glanced at Itachi but didn't dwell on it.

Right now, he needed to focus on himself.

The Hokage had finished his silent observations.

With a gentle smile, he began speaking, his voice carrying across the hall with the weight of experience and wisdom.

"Welcome, young ones, to the beginning of your journey as shinobi of Konohagakure."

He paused, letting the words settle in.

"Today, you stand here as students, but one day, you will be the protectors of this village—the future that we entrust with our dreams, our values, and our legacy."

His eyes slowly passed over the students, lingering on some of them—especially those who carried the weight of great potential.

"You may have different reasons for being here. Some of you come from shinobi families, carrying the pride of your clans. Some of you come from civilian backgrounds, eager to carve your own path through hard work and determination. But remember this—once you wear the headband of Konoha, you are all comrades, bound by the same purpose."

His expression grew more serious, his tone steady and unwavering.

"The path of a shinobi is not easy. It is a life of sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering resolve. You will face hardships, battles, and moments of doubt. But in those moments, when the darkness looms and the road ahead seems impossible to walk, you must remember the most important principle of Konoha—The Will of Fire."

The room fell silent as his words echoed.

"The Will of Fire is what binds us as a village. It is the belief that we must protect one another, that the strength of a shinobi does not come from jutsu alone, but from the heart that beats for their comrades. Our strength is not just for ourselves—it is for the people we care about, for the generations that will follow, and for the village that we call home."

His voice carried the weight of countless battles, of losses and victories alike.

"It was this Will of Fire that built Konoha, that carried us through the hardships of war, and that will continue to guide us in the years to come. It is what makes us strong—not because we seek power, but because we fight to protect what we love."

Hiruzen's expression softened as he looked at them—these young minds, brimming with potential, standing at the threshold of the future.

"You may be students today, but you are already walking the path of a shinobi. In these halls, you will learn not just how to fight, but how to stand for something greater than yourselves. Train hard, respect your instructors, cherish your comrades, and never forget why you chose to take this path."

He then straightened, his gaze now carrying the authority of the Hokage.

"Konoha is your home. Its people are your family. And as long as the Will of Fire burns within you, you will never be alone."

A moment of silence passed, the weight of his words settling over the students. Then, with a nod, he concluded:

"Welcome to the Academy. Your journey begins now."

With that, he stepped back, allowing the instructors to take over. The students remained silent for a moment before murmurs began to spread through the crowd, some inspired, some thoughtful, and some simply taking in the significance of the moment.

Ren, standing in his place, simply smirked.

"Brainwashing complete."

But even he had to admit—Hiruzen knew how to captivate an audience.

As soon as Hiruzen's speech ended, the murmurs among the students grew louder, with some looking inspired, others deep in thought, and a few simply indifferent.

Ren, however, remained calm, his mind already moving past the speech. It was expected. The Will of Fire rhetoric was a necessary tool to shape young minds, and he knew it had worked on many of his classmates.

Before the room could become too restless, Utakata-sensei stepped forward once again.

His sharp gaze swept over the students, and in his usual no-nonsense tone, he gave the next command.

"All first-year classes are on the first floor. You have one minute to disperse and assemble in your assigned classrooms. Move."

The atmosphere immediately shifted, and the students hurried out, eager to get to their new classrooms.