Back to the Academy
by Tiggs Panther
The Third Hokage wasn't rated the top ninja in the village, despite his age, for no reason. The fact that he'd reached old age in the ninja lifestyle spoke volumes about his skill levels. And when a Ninja Master makes a threat, you can be damn sure that he intends to back it up with action.
"I may make you redo your training in the Academy, depending on your performance." - Episode 69, fourteen minutes in.
A New Student Returns
Life in Konoha slowly settled back down into some sort of routine. As the village had beaten back the uprising from the Sand and Sound villages, the Third had managed to defeat the mastermind behind it, Orochimaru. It hadn't been without cost to himself, his latest injuries would probably remain with him the rest of his days. His defeat of Orichimaru, however, wasn't over yet. The punishment was something so inane, yet that was all the more scary as Sarutobi was able to enforce it with sheer force of will.
He was not, however, looking forward to the next time his grandson came to visit. By the First, Konohamaru was going to kill him.
Konohamaru was bored. The village was being rebuilt and he was stuck in classes at the Academy. Udon was at home with a bad cold, Moegi was more interested in drawing cute kittens than goofing off in class and the girl three rows in front of him was a better shot with a spitwad than he was. Sometimes being a trainee ninja sucked. He wished that things were more exciting. He wished that his days could have a little more action.
"I've got a new transfer student to introduce to you all today," said Iruka-sensei, his voice sounding oddly strained. "He comes from the Village of Sound and came recommended by Hokage-sama himself." At this Konohamaru's ears priced up, even as Iruka started to write on the blackboard.
Konohamaru struggled with the characters on the board, recognising something-maru before the pieces dropped into place like a puzzle his grandfather had once given him. The name, the village of origin. And, finally, the plainly adult form walking through the door of the classroom. The apparition spoke with the voice of death and decay itself.
"Orochimaru."
And someone had braided his hair.
You know the drill by now. Naruto is not mine. The characters and setting is not mine. The idea is, in conjunction with my friend Fiona. We watched episode 69 and thought it'd be amusing if Sarutobi had actually followed through on his threat.