Iruka's POV

(Five months before Graduation)

Ink painted the paper, the dark liquid staining the wooden counter as my wrist gracefully flicked across. The months flew by quicker than expected, the students I had no clue about previously being written about like a musician reciting his favorite tune. Downing the remaining water that laid in my vicinity, I pulled out the names I did a day or so ago.

Kirayari Kirazomi, a unique character. Talkative beyond the brim can quite literally talk someone to death. I caught the young Kunoichi speaking longer than Naruto at times which was saying something, sometimes she rambles about nothing and other times its information that's worthy. If one word was to describe her, it'd be determination. I watched as she overcame a mountain of obstacles to get where she is right now. She has the ambition and focus to make her dreams come true; a strength many lack; although it seems too soon I think she has adopted the Will Of Fire. Although being lesser she had been a subject to bullying akin to Naruto in a way, not by the elder audience but her peers or ex-peers. Despite all the good things I had to say, she has a major weakness. When it comes to her underlying reactions or explanation to her emotions regarding the bullying she attempts to dodge, bottling whatever she truly feels. Following suit she sometimes has trouble understanding where she fell short, likely speaking she can't sometimes accept her own shortcomings, which could be a reaction effect of the bullying. Often seen lingering around Aju and Sakura, or anyone who can put up with her.

On that subject, I glossed over towards Aju's file. I left it blank for the longest, writing about her was a headache alone. But somehow, I found the words and put together a nice report. To start, if someone could match Naruto's energy it was no doubt her. I overheard some students calling her Naruto's sister, which wouldn't pass if you put their looks together. Aju Ishigo was a bundle of joy, she could uplift a sour room in seconds, and has a knack for figuring out someone. What she lacks in intelligence she makes up within character. Rereading what I wrote, I couldn't help how passive-aggressive it sounded. A compliment right after an insult, not finding it enough to do over I skimmed over the rest. Ishigo doesn't have a problem making friends and as much as she adores playing around she loves fighting, despite being so warm people find it hard to be around her at times to the point where they'd leave without an excuse. She can be found anywhere really but tends to butt heads with Shinobu in a comedic teasing form.

Shinobu Asobiemu is another child that enjoys playing around and pranks as much as Naruto, the two are close despite the words from the villagers that fill his head. That alone proves to me, that the red-haired brat is headstrong believing in what he finds is right; not letting society change his thoughts and beliefs. The male was someone one would either hate or love, his constant teasing to his peers was seen as an annoyance and sometimes he didn't know when to stop; a simple fault that could be corrected. I noticed a lot about the young man because he freezes up when an older woman is present or someone like Mia which radiates energy akin to an older woman. I noticed I kept his short, I knew all I could about the growing boy, and diving into personal life and clans wasn't something in my jurisdiction.

There were more files lying around, hell I even had one on Fukō. Not, diving into that report yet I pulled out Seiko Yuki's case. This was difficult for its own reason entirely, to put it down he was reserved and shy. Something like the Hyuga heiress. Even given the hate people throw at him, he has a naturally warm heart always looking out for people or at least his classmates. The young child wear's a mask for some reason, but it's enough for people to waver him sickly. especially if you take in his deathly pale skin. The child was usually in and out of the classroom for reasons I can't explain. His major flaw when he was around is that he takes all the blame when something goes wrong or messes up, honestly, its mentally deteriorating. Neatly placing each file in order, I went over the remaining one for tonight.

Fukō Adohira could be compared to Kiyoshi in terms of silence, some days he won't speak a lick others he could have a short conversation if he wanted. He only does things that interest him to some degree or benefit him. Lately, he's been bothering Hinata which has become a hobby, whenever he gets the chance he'll mention Naruto's name around her which will make her flustered. Surprisingly he retains certain information easily, but other times it flies over his head; he has a knack for talking his way into and out of trouble, last week he somehow got me to let him leave early. If anything, his way of thinking and mouth was a dangerous combo; still, he hurts in many areas, namely ambition and healthy social interaction. I came to a conclusion he doesn't strive in anything, and the only time you'll catch him being a tad relaxed was when Hotaru was around; maybe it's because everyone knows how to get some use out of her or he enjoys her company it's still unknown. Granted the two can be spotted around each other once maybe twice a month, I can only wonder what type of conversations they have or if they speak at all.

Time was thinning and the updated cells were proving to be more absurd than last month, it wasn't my decision who they were put with; so I didn't understand why parents came to me pleading they be placed with someone with hope and promise. It was fatuous how people viewed some of my students but I couldn't do much to change them in the end, they would prove everyone wrong after all it tastes sweet when you make it when people didn't believe you.

A yawn left my body, the sudden sensation of sleep overriding all previous functions. It was late, and I had to teach the children tomorrow. My mind drifted off, the grades on the project coming to play. Everyone did exceptional even Naruto and Aju which I thought Mia wouldn't handle, she seemed to prove me wrong. That didn't grant her top marks; Sakura's project took the highest grade and for the reward, I treated them to whatever they wanted...and it hurt my pockets. Who knew children had such appetites for expensive dining?

To top it off, they even talked me into giving them a singular free day in the class to talk and mingle; was it necessary? No, not in the slightest. Falling onto the ground, my body began to shut down; rest was overtaking me. Mentally praying for my student's safety I slept.

No one's POV

Aju dangled her legs in the seat, her elbows placed on the wooden table balancing her head with her knuckles. The months didn't offer anything fruitful for her besides more blossoming friendships, her training was lessening from the workload Iruka gave them all; she wasn't interested in this course her main focus was solely on taijutsu, it refreshed her; plus it was something she could dominate in. Today was going to be different from the previous, Instructor Jiei spoke about some sort of mixed sparring. It was uncommon for him to say such things, given how different each gender was in the class; not many could keep up with each other. Kiyoshi and Sasuke were someone that kept up with the girls, and Shino could be applied but considering his clan revolved around using insects he limited all of our movements; in hindsight, Shino could most likely destroy anyone in the class at the moment.

Iruka shook the female from her thoughts, bushy ponytails bounced as he signaled for her and Kiyoshi to come to the front. Even in the middle of the lesson, something like this was strange but everyone involved complied. Aju and Kiyoshi stood at the head of the class awaiting the order from the sensei.

In little to no time, the two were sent outside to deliver some papers to Mia. It seems she has been absent for a few days, it wasn't something normal for her which worried Aju. They weren't on good terms to be considered friends persay, but she liked to think they were.

The two walked in silence, something the female didn't enjoy at least now; she hardly got time to talk to the quiet boy, and when she did he usually would ignore her or downright stay silent. Not letting this chance pass up, bright-green eyes followed the dirt road her lips parting to strike some sort of icebreaker. "Soo, pairing you up with me is something strange is it not Mr. Quiet kid?" The ends of her mouth turned into a cheesing smile, a missing tooth around the left side of her mouth becoming visible.

Kiyoshi didn't budge nor show any sort of emotion to her attempt at teasing, he knew he was quiet and what he was like; so it wouldn't make sense to answer his classmate. "Wow, tough crowd." Her voice lingered around his head before disappearing in the wind.

"You must not have any friends or at least a social life? What do you do for fun? Scratch that, what is fun to you!?" Her loud voice tilted his head, at least she was reasonable enough to go straight towards what she wanted to ask.

"Training, eating, and sleeping." Jet black hair moved as more wind blessed the two, his answers were habitually short, it wasn't he didn't enjoy speaking; he found actions better than words. Those three words bought stars to Aju's squinty eyes, her arm swinging around the male; the height difference was there which made her hardly reach his shoulder. The difference between 128.016cm and 161.544cm was rather huge.

"I think that's a record for how much you actually spoke if we don't count your time as a baby." Aju took note of his hesitation for a second, it was minor but enough to catch her eye. She wasn't bright like some of her peers, she was better in different aspects. After his answer, the onslaught of questions began; it was worse than an interrogation. Seriously she could be used in torture.

After the influx of questions and little answers, the dark-brown-haired, medium-skin-toned female found the ending question to be the best of them all. "Do you happen to like anyone in the class?"

He didn't have to think about it, he never sought out such relations especially at such an age but considering they were preteens or a tad younger such topics would interest many. Knowing the answer, why did he hesitate? No, why couldn't he say anything? Sure, some of the girls caught his eye in the looks department but their personality ruined most of them. "No." Aju inhaled her petite frame sucking in, before coming out with a sigh. She wasn't expecting much; they weren't in the class so she couldn't catch him looking at someone before answering.

To her it was easy to read people, it was something everyone could do in her mind. When she asked her companions about crushes or other matters along with that topic they'd subconsciously look towards the one they liked or showing some interest in things that person would do. It was only a handful of people who truly didn't fancy anyone, the only person I couldn't get a read on was Hotaru. When I asked her, she sarcastically responded with Sasuke. It seems every since we tried to joking pair them up during the project, she'd use that in a multitude of manners; even using going to meet him to escape from Sakura.

Hotaru was hard to read but Kiyoshi and Fukō were harder, one didn't react, and the other reacted but found loopholes to flip the questions or downright ignored it. Her class was strange, but she wouldn't change it.

Making it to the address, the two students looked around the area. The stone pathway leading to the door was what caught the children's eyes, around the stone was a bloom of flowers; each a different yet same strain as the others. The flat surface stopped at the stairs that lead up to a small porch, a chair and table harbored the porch the door the main feature. Aju placed her soles on the wool matt that spelled out the name of a clothing shop, her dainty fingers knocking against the wood.

A soft voice echoed out, both of the students suddenly presenting themselves in a better manner. Kiyoshi dusted off his shoulders and followed through with combing his hair out with his hand; Aju on the other hand began to tap the sides of her hair and fix her normal attire, hearing the doorknob twist both stood straight.

The light from inside the house blew the two back, at least what they thought was from the house was Uyeda Kobayashi her creamy skin and neck-length hair bought a hint of red to Aju's face. "Pardon, but the shop is going to be closed today for secluded complexities." Her sweet tone was music to their ear's and before they could fall into a trace Aju cleared her throat.

"I-I...w-we know Mia! A-And..." Perplexed as to why she was a sudden mess, she looked over towards her peer for help only to be met with a shrug. "We are here to deliver some papers to Mia! We noticed she's been absent and doesn't like to be behind so." In an abrupt manner, she pushed the papers into the mature lady's lap before latching onto Kiyoshi's wrist and dragging him off their land. Dust picked up as she dragged him away. "If that was Mia's mother I can only imagine how she will turn out!"

Uyeda Kobayashi hardly caught the papers before placing them on a nearby counter, her fingers coming up to stifle the giggle that bounced inside. Her daughter hardly had friends over let alone classmates, "Oh, I didn't inform them of my flower's current status." Sighing she closed the door, she had to attend to her sick daughter at the moment.

Hotaru's POV

Iruka's voice shot through one ear and out the other, the topic of today's course was what we should be studying in the upcoming exam; and given the properties, he spoke about, I more or less would pass with ease. I wasn't attempting to be cocky in the slightest. The clan head, otherwise known as my grandfather taught me the passing techniques with ease. In his words, it was easier for me to catch on to things whether it had to do with knowledge or day-to-day obligations it was simply effortlessly to pick up. I didn't think anything of this talent of mine, but my grandfather boasted which led to people having high expectations. Hell, even my cousins began to act indifferent towards me once the old man opened his mouth.

It was an excuse, I knew it. It wasn't my grandfather's opinion on me, nor my knowledge people sought me simply because of my brother. He was impressive socially the divided clan was able to mix when he was around, at least in certain instances. Both branches loved him, and despite that love, I couldn't shake this feeling that it was the end of him. Everything changed once he went away, my hand tugged against the folds on my shirt; the large fabric giving me a sense of warmth. The school was no different from the compound at first, for many years I was alone only being targeted when someone needed something; then I met Mia someone that had a great future ahead of her. Me and her...weren't close but could be considered acquaintances. Unlike others, she didn't beg me for help; it was one different thing that even now I am hardly used to. She kept the order in the classroom, but Ino and Sakura tried following her around like a fruit fly following a two-day-old peach. Whenever they would come into the equation I would leave, even now I am like this.

Nothing was wrong with me, I enjoyed being alone left to read among other things. Lately, though my remaining days as a student have been changing. I stowed away from the louder kids, but even then someone always found a way near me at least once a month. Ever since I overworked myself in the library, Fukō found time to be near me at least one time every month. I questioned it at first, but he didn't say much. All he said was, "It's quiet near you." I didn't read much into it, whenever he came by he was silent. If it didn't bother my research or brainstorming it didn't matter. He'd keep his head down, and only would move when it was time.

Another thing that came as a result of that particular boy being near me, Sasuke was keeping a closer eye than usual on me. At least from what I've been told, we had minor history. Sometimes, I'd accompany my brother to the Uchiha compound and from there we'd occasionally see each other, but that was years ago. Years I more or less wouldn't remember in the upcoming time. It finally dawned on me that my seatmate was speaking to me, before I registered her existence I prepared myself for the barrage of talking.

"I was also wondering if you were going to take part in today's taijutsu class?" Kirayari Kirazomi finished, my golden cat-like gaze focused on her as I tried to piece together what she was speaking about.

"I don't know, it doesn't interest me to spar against the boys in our class." It was the truth, sparring right now won't do much but provide insecurities in the future; it was something people needed to figure out.

"I don't think so. It'll help you hone your skill in natural combat and we will get feedback on what to improve on. Sucks, Mia isn't present. I think she would've been one to dominate the competition." Her dark purple hair not in its normal ponytail did little to hold my attention. "Plus, your boyfriend is participating from what I overheard. Who knows maybe you'll get picked either way to go against him." Her ending sentence got a reaction out of me, my eyebrows rose and my lips parted in question.

"Pardon?" The scowl on my features was natural...it happened most of the time when something made me grouchy

Kirayari used her index finger to point towards Sasuke, it was a simple misunderstanding or misinformation plus it was something I didn't want to spread at all. Being grouped up with him meant making an enemy with his fangirls. Perhaps, my words from the library were finally coming back to haunt me? I did my best to clear up the information Kirayari got, in the end, it didn't save me from his army.

The recess came faster than ever, everyone stationed in the little groups they enjoyed. Aju and Kiyoshi were still out which left an open table that was quickly taken by Hinata; so why did Ino and Sakura find a seat next to me? If that wasn't enough, they were accompanied by some random students which amplified the noise. My nails scratched against the cover of the book in my grasp, it was an edition I haven't even opened yet and to make matters worse it's never been open! My grandfather left this at my door and without much said I took it ready to read it when recess came, so what was this misfortune? Was I destined to live a life full of noise? Pulling my head away from the girl group, surveying the area I took note of a location away from the rest. The table was far off in the corner, the only problem was someone was resting right there with two or four boys around him. Without anyone really noticing I left the table, my legs taking me to Sasuke's section. No one stuck around him, the fangirls admired him from afar, and the boys hated him for taking everyone. It was the best option, distant chattering echoed into the air. It wasn't enough to ruin this moment.

I was tunnel-visioned at the moment and didn't react to the water being splashed on Sasuke, droplets and even a wave reached me the book in hand suddenly drenched, time seemed to stop for me. The arguing was dull, I could always dry my shirt, but this book was something else. My nail once again hit the cover, I hated this school. I really hated it, I couldn't do anything.

A shadow loomed over me, gold met silver the moment was bad. I felt my anger rising, eyes trailing down I noticed the object in his hand. His lips moved, but I didn't hear a thing. Swallowing, I grabbed ahold of a Fūinjutsu book. It reached above the volume I was on, the condition was fairly new and it even had an autograph of the Hokage. Despite all I was confused over everything, we hardly knew each other so why would he be giving me such an item?

"I don't say sorry, often if at all. I noticed you enjoy Fūinjutsu and couldn't help but make amends for allowing you to take over my portion of the assignment." His tone was lazy, and the yawn only amplified my thoughts. He didn't mean it, like the apology in front of the class. I didn't question it, not knowing the male much I opened the first page to make sure it wasn't a fool's copy, and upon reading the word inscribed I found my lips tugging into a smile.

'Don't push yourself so hard for a meaningless goal' - Fukō

Maybe, he meant it? Timeout was he teasing me and did this take my mind away from my anger?

No one's POV

The leg shot through the air effortlessly, the heel narrowly scraping against Seiko's mask. The battle had been raging for fifteen minutes, stamina was one thing the male didn't have enough of. Bending his knee's he dodged another strike, his plan coming into this was to draw out his opponent until they collapsed. Thinking back it wasn't one of his brightest, rolling on his back he used the momentum to come onto his feet, back straightened and legs wobbly. Kirayari was a formidable opponent.

She figured she'd be at a disadvantage, she usually trained her taijutsu with her wooden su yari. Her offense consisted of the weapon in name, and with it, in hand, she could've made easy work of the male dodging her attacks. "It's quite annoying having to switch up my style, but anyone knows that adapting is a vital key in becoming a skilled ninja." Following her own words, she came at the male once more. A cross jab being put in the air, only for one to dodge and counter with an elbow lung shot. Using her other limb she caught the attempt with the fold of her arm.

Seiko let out a grunt, he knew under other circumstances he could've won; this close proximity was enough for him to thrive in a real battle, but it was a spar. Jumping back, was his first mistake. Kirayari was gone from her previous spot, she was quick with reacting. His head pulsed, he felt the incoming attack her presence known. As her knee impacted the male in the temple, his vision dazed a sudden weak sensation washing over his body.

Jiei commenced the battle over, and declared the girls yet another victory; at the moment it was tied three-three. The first couple of matches were exciting as the rest, boys vs girls were something that got the classes riled. Now, the focal reason they were trying so hard was the condition Jiei gave the winner. Whichever side won, would be free from doing exercise for a week.

Hinata and Shinobu walked up to the stage, both giving each other a bow before the battle started.

Hinata pushed one leg forward, her attack stance in its traditional Hyuga party. Her usual shaky gaze now hardened on the target, gulping the growing female waited for Shinobu to make the first move. She would rely on her speed to counter anything he threw at her, taking action first would only accompany trouble when you couldn't place your competitor skills. It was her dad's words that helped her think of this, and hopefully, it would work.

Shinobu licked his lips, he knew of the Hyuga clan's techniques. It was something that relied on chakra heavily, but at this moment speed was enough to make a difference. Hearing Naruto's loud voice from the sidelines caused the male to sigh mentally, his friend was really stupid. Shinobu wasn't the same as before, after his terrible loss to Sasuke he honed his battle-ready experience. Dashing towards the shy girl, he watched as she held her ground. Halting a few feet in front of her, the male jumped to the side. Side-stepping was something that would help with victory, sure he wasn't fast enough to have an afterimage but it was unpredictable where he would come from.

Coming to a stop, he lunged at the female his arm out to catch her jaw.

Hinata calmed her beating heart, the wind around her howling with each of his movements. She was able to distinguish a two-second intervale when he touched the ground, which meant he would come at her within even numbers. Not able to count the seconds, the young girl quickly leaned back his fist gliding past her clear gaze. Her left foot pivoted five degrees, the back of her hand quickly catching the preteens chest, the strength in her attack was softer than usual. Sliding the hand up to his armpit, her other hand grabbed ahold her his wrist. He was heavy, closing her eyes she used all her might to flip him.

Shinobu wouldn't lie he was amazed at her progress, she was a remarkable fighter without a doubt. Being flipped the young man didn't prepare for landing, his leg swung to the side; the grip on his arm was loose, she tried something she wasn't used to using. Spin flipping out of her grasp mid-air, his hair spun with him as he landed. "Nice, I wasn't expecting that from you!" She did land a soft tap against his chest though, if she applied her chakra then and there he would've been out for the count. Her speed and skill were above his own.

Nibbling on her lower lips, she let her anxiety roll around her body. The battle was only starting.

xXx

The crowd of students watching could only applaud Hinata for her quick counter, but Shinobu's display was beautiful which got a couple of wows out of the group.

Aju watched as Shinobu tried the same tactic once more, it was a slow battle; one was superior in a decent amount of aspects, but they needed to rely on chance rather than skill at this moment. "Gah! I wish I was inside the ring again! I could totally mop the floor with this tentacle bum!" Her legs came to her chest, she wanted to intervene or at least have another go at a fight. She was one of the first in the ring and being placed against Shikamaru was anything but fun, before they could start he quit. Holding back the urge to scream, Aju turned to view Hotaru in the middle of airing one of the two books she had. Even Hotaru had a decent fight, Kiba put up a good battle; at least it seemed like it at first before Hotaru destroyed him.

Ino and Sakura cheered on for Hinata, as they two traded blows.

Hotaru wasn't even marginally interested in the battle in front of her, she was still trying to get the book dry without ruining the work. Her battle hardly fazed her, at first she tried her signature way of talking Kiba into submitting but after the idiot declined and pressed forward she let off some steam.

Kiyoshi crossed his arms, he wasn't focused as much on Shinobu. The Hyuga's style of fighting always put him in a trance, it was graceful and had little openings it really showed but years of hard work could accomplish. Watching her move, he had the urge to fight her at full strength no holding back.

xXx

Blow after blow Hinata pushed the male back, it was the moment she was waiting for. He missed his grab and paid the price. Moving her legs, her heels picked up dust her legs moving forward at each consecutive strike, she aimed not to hit anything vital it was a spar she didn't want to hurt a fellow comrade. Her kindness was one thing, but her technique was another. Moving faster than her body could handle she tripped over her own footing, the side of her hand hitting the male's ribcage with a large smack. The weight combined with shock from her barrage of attacks made both fall back, one landing on top of the other.

Jiei shook his head, it was over. Raising his hand he stopped mid-motion, Shinbou locked his arm around the female's head; although being blind his other senses were beyond normal people. This could have been what Shinobu was planning beforehand, all the damage taken and supply execution was to let her guard slip; the moment he gave himself an opening she took it, and then he countered.

Shinobu put pressure on Hinata's head, her face buried in his clothing. The air was slowly leaving her body sending her mind in a panic, feeling as if her life was at risk two fingers jabbed at the male's side; the point forcing the young boy to let go. His body was numb, all these fights were against his favor; Jiei didn't want the kids using ninjutsu but if they could he'd dominate. The match ended with the girls getting another victory, and it left one more. Originally, it was supposed to be Mia going against Fukō but given one wasn't present Sakura replaced her.

The two children marched onto the stage, one bowing while the other yawned.

Fukō knew his taijutsu was below average compared to others, he only recently started training in hand-to-hand combat he wasn't as bad as he made himself out to be; but finding his own style was bothersome. Luckily the first thing his brother taught him was killing intent, it was the act of emitting aura to paralyze whoever they were focusing on. The range varied on how much intent one could let loose, theoretically speaking it was a move that could play a benefactor in the grand scheme. If he didn't have what it took to unleash even a tiny amount then he'd rely on his speed to keep the battle going.

Sakura focused on the male standing with her, she was destined to win this fight; all the days he was absent she was training off hard work. It would be an easy fight.

The white-haired male had no qualms about killing one of his peers, something like this would happen down the line it didn't mean he really wanted to either. If anything he'd throw this whole fight, but getting a week off from this class was something he wanted. He needed to win...the match started.

Sakura smirked leaving her spot, closing the distance and ending it with one move was what she wanted and for him to sit still for her was awesome.

Fukō controlled his breathing, his eyes piercing her own. It wasn't anything personal.

Sakura's world turned black as his shaky iris glared into her own, her movements ceased her frame toppling over. Rolling around she saw herself being killed, the young boy would stick his two fingers in her eyesocket before breaking her neck. His overwhelming pressure would render her dead, color reentered her world. She didn't react, puke came out of her system and harbored the ground. She was scared.

Taking a step, Sakura quickly scrambled backward ignoring her own fluids staining her outfit. She couldn't explain what she felt and saw, but her skin crawled.

Jiei didn't get affected by the poor quality, it was amusing; for a child to use such a skill to place fear into someone. For a young boy to muster up enough to affect another comrade meant wonders, now if he had someone to kill would it only amplify? Declaring Sakura unable to battle, the crowd muttered wondering what happened.

Kei muttered a silent prayer, his knees harboring the dirt and grime. The wooden cross sticking up from the ground was a recently fallen comrade, someone that he thought dearly of in some sense. It was the very person to help him get accustomed to this village, when they first came everyone was skeptical of him and his brother yet the one lying in the grave was warm and welcoming. "You old fool." Standing up particles of dirt descended from his knees, a light breeze blowing his short hair to the side. Coming to this grave was a good luck charm of short, something he and his brother did when he had to leave for a mission.

It was around that time. Danzō requested him to eliminate some foreign mercenaries, the rank of the task was unknown which bother Kei. No known rank meant this mission could vary from a week to a couple of months, it saved him some time knowing they were resting at an Inn around a small neighboring rest stop. Placing his blade in its respective holder, the young man took the mask he wore and placed it on like so. He left a note at home, which notified of his departure he knew his brother would be pleased to have some time to rest. The delightful thought bought a lightweight simper to his face.

Stretching he began on the journey, working with Danzō had more con(s) than qualities, the only thing that was noticeably equal was how fast he climbed the rank; even if the old man was shady he had plenty of connections around the village, so finding them a home and tuition for the academy was just as easy as accessing one's chakra. Twigs snapped underneath his boot, each step putting him further than the village. After partnering with the old fool, people welcomed him and his brother in; it was before he knew of Danzō's true nature. Well, it was an overstatement. Kei never fully had an idea of how Danzō acted, some of his plans were for the betterment of the village, and others could be differentiated? He couldn't find the word to describe the man, he didn't even know if he relished the village like everyone else.

The sun was soon blocked out by the forest, and Kei took more moments in to reflect on his decisions in life. Friends, before meeting the shady character was hard...even now it was harder; he couldn't tell if someone was hired to befriend him or spy on him, hell he'd never admit it but he was glad his brother hardly had comrades in arms; anyone could be bought by Danzō to spy on them. On that interest, something strange had happened recently.

His younger brother asked him to get something he'd never think catch his eye, and upon questioning the brat he was left with more questions than answers. Whatever the case, he had enough trust in his brother in some aspect. Passing up a traveling merchant, blue eyes traced over the large pack they had. "I wonder how things will turn out?"

xXx

Fukō viewed the note pinned up against the wall, leaving him alone for an unknown amount of time was never good. The academy was something optional at this point, with his brother away for the time being he'd stay home to collect the days of silence he was given. Alone, he thought about his actions today. It's been one of his most productive days in the end, he took Mia's order to get Hotaru a new book to make up for his misdeed. If she never lectured him and attempted some sort of punishment he wouldn't have thought twice about the subject. His eyes darted over to a book about archery, he'd need to pass time some way.

More characters are to be introduced soon, but we have a look of how Hotaru views things. More interactions and bonds are being built, even Sasuke has his eyes on someone...who knows where that will lead. Mia isn't present in this chapter, but we got a glimpse of her home and mother who's a beauty herself. Needless to say, Iruka may take her out for a few shots...or not

The world-building aspect starts to draw in, the students even fought a bit (sorry Shinobu!). He's been getting beat in the spotlight, but using ninjutsu would prove different results.

Killing intent doesn't require chakra which doesn't make it a Genjutsu if anyone is wondering!

How the students view each other is something I wanna touch up more before teams get settled, there is lots of foreshadowing everywhere some minor and some major small pushes at world-building at the moment but the next couple of chapters should change that.

Thanks for the feedback and support it means a lot really. Hope everyone has a pleasant day/night!