First Step into the World.(EDITED)

It was late evening when Shizune came running toward me. She was now nine years old—just a couple of months away from graduating from the Ninja Academy. Today, however, she was on a different mission.

"I have permission from Tsunade-sama!" she said with a bright smile. "I'm here to take you out. It's time you see the village before your first day at the academy tomorrow!"

I blinked, then smiled wide. Finally. After six years, I was finally stepping out of the Senju compound.

Following Shizune, I took my first steps beyond the compound walls. The wind felt different. Freer. Livelier. It was as if the world was opening up before me.

We wandered through the streets of Konoha. I wasn't surprised by the Hokage Mountain—it was visible from the Senju house itself. Its massive faces of the Hokage loomed over the village, a reminder of the past and the power Konoha held.

But it was the life of the streets that amazed me. Weapon shops, steaming food stalls, children running around in headbands, shinobi leaping across rooftops—it was all so… real.

Shizune led me to several restaurants, where I tried street food for the first time. The sweet dango, spicy meat skewers, and steaming bowls of miso ramen were enough to make me wish I'd snuck out earlier.

After eating, we headed toward a nearby public training ground.

That's when I saw him.

A lone boy, around my age, training with fierce determination. His brows were thick, his outfit green, and he radiated energy with every punch and push-up.

"Wait," I said, stopping Shizune. "I want to talk to him."

I approached the boy.

"Hii. Why are you training alone?" I asked casually.

He looked up with a fiery grin. "Because it's the flames of youth, my friend! There's no time to waste! Come, join me!"

I chuckled. "Haha, no thanks. Maybe tomorrow."

"Then I'll see you tomorrow!" he said, punching the air.

Might Guy.

He didn't know it, but we'd just crossed paths with one of the strongest taijutsu users in history. Not yet though. Right now, he was just another passionate kid chasing strength.

As we walked away, Shizune glanced at me. "Do you know him?"

"Not really," I said with a shrug. "Just someone my age, training hard. Thought I'd say hello."

She didn't question it further. After all, I rarely spoke to anyone outside of her and Tsunade.

We continued touring the village. She showed me the Hokage office, the Uchiha clan district (though we didn't go in), the Academy building, and other key locations like the shinobi library, training zones, and public parks. Finally, we arrived at the Konoha Hospital.

Inside, we walked through familiar halls until we reached a room labeled Tsunade-sama. No one stopped us—Shizune was well-known here. Me, on the other hand… I was still an unknown shadow.

After knocking, we entered to find Tsunade buried in paperwork. She looked up and smiled.

"How was the village?" she asked.

"It was amazing," I replied with a mischievous grin. "Especially the food."

Tsunade chuckled. "Are you ready for the academy tomorrow?"

"Of course," I said confidently. "I could probably graduate in a day if they let me."

She raised an eyebrow. "Well, don't get too cocky. There's someone in your batch just as talented as you. You'll see him tomorrow."

I smirked. "Let him come. I'll see for myself."

Of course, I already knew who she was talking about—Kakashi Hatake, the prodigy. Son of the White Fang. Future Copy Ninja. I was excited to meet him, honestly.

After a little more chatting, Tsunade wrapped up her hospital duties and we all left together. She took us to a small ramen shop tucked near the market square. We laughed, ate, and even let Tsunade enjoy some sake.

That night, back at the compound, I followed the usual routine—shower, stretch, and meditate.

But tonight, I did something more. As I always did, I gently pushed a small amount of nature energy into Tsunade's chakra system. These days, I could afford to inject a slightly larger amount. She was steadily recovering, her youthful vitality slowly returning. Still two more years before it was complete—but we were on track.

Before I slept, I lay down, drawing in a little more nature energy myself. My body had become attuned to it—almost ready for sage body transformation.

Just a little longer…

I thought about tomorrow—my first day at the Academy.

Who would I meet? What would the instructors be like? Would I blend in… or stand out?

Doesn't matter, I thought, pulling the blanket over myself.

I've trained for six years. I've mastered the Senju arts. I'm ready.

With that, I drifted off to sleep.

Tomorrow, Ren Senju steps into the light.

Author Note:

Next chapter, Ren begins his academy journey! Will he meet Kakashi? Will he surprise his instructors? Let me know if you'd like to include any specific characters or events from this arc!