The Ninja Academy was the place that bread new shinobi for the village hidden in the leaves. When Naruto and I were told about this we were excited... But when we were told we would be attending we were ecstatic. The Hokage had told us when Naruto turned Six; everything that we needed to know about the academy and that as it started next week we could start with the rest of the ninja wannabes, that there were lots of clan heirs that would be attending in our class too. To celebrate we had decided to buy practice equipment and some books to help us with our studies.
Although buying these items needed the aid of the person who checked up on mainly Naruto but made sure I was alright too. Anyways, one Iruka umino had came to our apartments each month and made sure nothing was wrong. I was confused at first, when I was told that I could sense chakra of people I started to look at as many as possible but Iruka had a smaller amount than Naruto did, which I thought was odd, he wore a chunin outfit, so he was a ninja. just wasn't too huge on chakra. At first Iruka had tried to make visits brief as possible, I could tell that while he wouldn't hurt us he didn't exactly want to be around too long. Though with time he came to actually make sure we went out every once in awhile, even to his favourite restaurant: Ichiraku Ramen. Which incidentally became Naruto's favourite also.
I also had bought Naruto some plants to gardening, he said he found nature to be calming and enjoyable and he needed some type of distraction.
Iruka had failed to tell us anything about his ninja life, whether it was because he was embarrassed or because he was stubborn about not telling stories. But when Iruka had a knowing smirk when getting academy supplies I was weary of why. I'd soon find out that he was a pure mastermind.
During the week I had studied as much as possible, the effort one had to put in to be a shinobi was quite tremendous, they had condensed the academy down to four years but that was a result of tension and war, also the tailed beast assault made them keep the standards and not change it.
Since the Hokage had entered Naruto's life he had looked up to him and declared that he wanted to be the Hokage one day, the people who heard him say it thought he was being disrespectful to the village and the title of kage even though this was not the case. He really wanted to go to the academy, have people notice him and believe in his ability to do what he set his mind to.
The night before we went to the academy was when we decided that we would practice our social skills... It was odd in concept but neither of us had good memories with people our age, and Naruto had this natural skill to be able to talk to anyone and have no problem, it was me who had the problem. Naruto tried to give me pointers and advise that he deemed useful such as 'Just talk, be you, ya know?' Which didn't really help me but I was thankful and it reminded me that Naruto would be there and he is quite the attention magnet... It could be his bright features or his way of communication which was rather expressive. Even if my social lesson hadn't progressed too much I was excited to be starting my journey as a budding shinobi.
The first thing I noticed that morning was this blond blur which was shaking me without remorse "Naruto? isn't it too early... for anything?" I usually wouldn't reply in a lazy manner, but it was just one of those mornings. At least I thought it was until I was told what day it was.
"Not when it's the first day at the academy!" and those last five words sent me into a excitement filled rush to get changed and prepare for the first day, all while Naruto made some ramen for us both. Usually I would reject ramen for breakfast but I was too ready for the day to reject. We finished the food and started on our walk to the academy, the Hokage had been waiting at the gate of the academy and welcomed us, he had said that all paperwork that had to be done was except that we had to sign saying that we would like to enrol.
The academy was fairly big both in the building and surrounding areas which belonged to the academy. The academy building was a massive building in the typical style found in Konohagakure. surrounding the grounds where training/practical instructing occurs is a wall with gates making the entrance. Currently the academy was being flooded with small children being accompanied by parents all excited to be here, including Naruto and myself, the Hokage was smiling to everyone before we arrived which added to the whole experience.
Once signing we were sent to our classroom and it was fairly basic with a small pedestal at the front behind it was a blackboard and then the rest of the classroom has three sets of seats three rows reaching to the back of the room. Which fortunately was able to hold all this year's students and some more.
With everyone's guardian gone we had all filtered into the room slotting ourselves in the seats; Naruto and I sat together near the back adjacent to the window overlooking the training area of the academy. Others had flowed into the seats and seemed to form instant friend groups, even if they were made prior to this day.
The people were unidentifiable to me yet I noticed a few donning crests and symbols which I assumed to be clan related, not too much of a stretch since this is the village noted for it's many clans.
Almost as if it were clockwork the clock swiveled to nine am and the door slide open in the presence of the last person I'd expected to see... Iruka Umino in the usual chunin apparel and looking happy as ever, he glanced over at the astonished faces that belonged to myself and most certainly Naruto. Iruka carried on with no response to us which is to be expected, he had lots to get in order for the new students although it looked as if he had a slight smirk painted across his face. I could only wonder why.
The day as a whole was normal, and all the students were creating their social groups; Naruto and myself decided that we shouldn't be any different. Naruto talked to many more people than I did. Making good foundations, fortunately most children weren't aware that all adults (with few exceptions) despised him.
While Naruto had gleefully mingled I strayed towards some trees that were not too far away from the rest of the students. There wasn't anyone here but that just allowed me to think more clearly on this whole situation. Finally here and now the idea of becoming a shinobi wouldn't be too far fetched. The only concern on my mind was Naruto. While I'm sure he could make it through the academics, at least the physical areas, these children will probably not stay around forever.
I was a slightly cynical child and knew that these kid's parents wouldn't allow this friendship to develop. 'Mother knows best' right? I hated the concept that everyone should be evil to one person no matter what, especially if they've done nothing wrong.
Coming out of my thoughts the group that Naruto was conversing with had started to siphon away from the main body and become smaller groups. Naruto had three people stood next to him, The tallest of the newcomers had spiked hair formed into a ponytail, dark lazy eyes that accompanied the bored posture that finalised the person, I analysed that he talked the least, and wasn't all to interested as they kept glancing up at the sky. The most talkative was a hooded person who I couldn't see the front of, they contradicted their outfit by wearing a furry jacket and shorts which was odd since the village is in a warm and hot area. The final person I had a few glimpses of, they seemed to have some red on their face which wasn't too uncommon for shinobi to have, it aided the fashion of some, and had a scarf type accessory to fit with some casual wear (again scarf and shorts... It's pretty damn hot in the village)
Their conversation had maninly switched between the two most talkative people, that being Naruto and the fur jacket wearing kid. Naruto had swiftly mentioned me and that caused the focus to shift and I was shortly motioned and told to join in.
Appearing next to Naruto I stood waiting for some indiciation on the topic of the conversation, I was being talked about somehow but needed to know the details. Naruto had briefly stated that they were talking about their thoughts on the school and Naruto had said that he and myself were excited and were going to celebrate tonight.
I still didn't say too much even now that I had joined in but the conversation strayed from me after that anyways. With my late insertion into the conversation I felt it'd be awkward if I tried to speak.
Not too long after the time to go home had arrived. We were all given a timetable for this year, it was fairly balanced between theory and... more theory, they didn't let the first years do any practical stuff. Except for two times, once during the halfway mark of the academic year where we were tested on basic physical ability (running and climbing). The second time is when we reach the end of the year and they once more test physical ability, as it was a requirement.
This was the part of the day I was dreading. When everyone was getting picked up by their parents and guardians the children were explaining their day and when the adults saw Naruto they had questioned the small innocent people about their interactions between themselves and Naruto. Then followed with a few words and the children often looked confused but followed along. There were few exceptions either because they hadn't interacted with Naruto or because the adult hadn't seen him. I looked at Naruto who was looking down; expecting this to be different, a new place where everyone shared a common goal meaning that we could all have cohesion.
I looked at my friend with a small smile "Hey Naruto..." The only acknowledgement was a small glance at me "It is probably is best, if they are swayed so easily then they don't deserve your friendship..." It was a far fetched attempt, and one that wasn't really effective. I knew that I couldn't stop even if I wasn't currently helping, because as I looked back towards the leaving people I noticed that there was Shikamaru and his best friend Choji (their names had cone up during the conversation) talking about their day to their fathers, Shikamaru pointed over towards Naruto and I and their wasn't a disappointing look or anything similar to that. "Naruto, Shikamaru's dad is coming over here... But I feel like he isn't like the others."
Naruto had shook slightly as I started talking about someone coming over but looked up in confusion and slight disbelief as I spoke the latter part. "You're Naruto, and Zuko right?" It was a very authoritative voice that seemed to demand the truth and would produce consequences if lied to. The voice had us both nod and unable to speak reliably.
He had looked at us with a gaze that analysed us with every detail. His eyes slightly cloudy while detailing Naruto, they had also lingered for slightly longer. Not a few seconds later after getting a response from us he retorted once more "You two are friends with Shikamaru and Choji?" which gained the same response, if not a little hesitant as Naruto and myself look between us then at the boys in question. It was surprising when he smiled and his voice became much more calming "Well then I'd like to invite you both to celebrate the entering of the academy with us tonight." it wasn't a question, not that we could refuse anyway.
Naruto had looked more confused than I had and we were unsure on how to accept. Naruto was the one who stood up to the pedestal That's awesome, we will be there, that's a promise!" He said this with a goofy smile and then there was a small pause. "So where is it gonna be?"
Shikamaru's dad chuckled and answered "At the Akamichi BBQ restaurant. We'll see you there at five p.m." With that he turned and escorted his son and son's best friend home. Leaving us to understand what just transpired.
"Hey Zuko..." Naruto was the first to speak
Slightly shocked still I just muttered "Yeah?".
"We made friends on the first day!" Basically radiating with joy Naruto exclaimed that, then urged that we tell Iruka. I agreed without hesitation, it was something new and that to me was exciting.
Iruka was just walking out of the classroom when we approached, faces full of glee. Iruka had a slightly worried face as he wasn't too sure why we were so happy. "Hey Iruka-Sensei we made some friends and they asked us to come eat with them tonight at five!" Naruto had almost erupted with words that slightly sounded coherent. Judging from Iruka's huge uplift in his face, he had heard and was very happy as well.
"That's great guys, who are you going with, and where to?" I could guess that Iruka would be slightly worried with us going out with someone he didn't know. Most people would have taken this opportunity to harm us, so the questions were appreciated... It also tested Naruto's memory.
"It's uh... In a resturant. With Shikamaru and Choji, I think Shikamaru's dad will be there too." He almost got all of it remembered.
Iruka visibly relaxed when he heard that members of the prestigious clans were going to be there. Swiftly looking between Naruto and I he agreed to let us go. "You two should have something nicer to wear there though..." It was a nice gesture but I knew Iruka would go too fancy or too extravagant for what would most likely a casual event.
I took this thought to heart and spoke up "Ah Iruka, I think it will just be casual. We'll be fine." Iruka looked at me and seemed to ponder the situation as if it were the biggest decision of his life. Then he just sighed; giving in he let us go prepare while he finished doing things at the academy.
When Naruto and I arrived at the resturant we were stumped. Both excited and nervous we hadn't been to a place with huge amounts of popularity and merit. Sure Ichiraku was good, but it was rather isolated in a lesser district. Comparing the two is the same as comparing the Hokage to a Chunin; Sure they'd have some experience and potential but there isn't as much seriousness to the business either. I was certain that we would never be at a place like this but here we are.
Shikamaru was the first to see us giving a small 'hey' while someone with long dark hair and extremely acute, feminine features sat adjacent looking with a gentle scan of the two of us.
'Hey Shika!' Naruto was straight into acting his usual self once seeing Shikamaru. It was a quick exchange but one that swiftly allowed us to seat ourselves, being introduced to Shikamaru's parents. They seemed fairly nice and hadn't shown any scorn or dislike towards myself or Naruto. At first I was surprised by Shikamaru's mother being there but it was explained that it wouldn't be fair leaving her on her own.
Choji came in a few minutes later and apologised for being the last there; assuming he was late. The meal was quiet, or at least it was too me. Everyone talked to each other, but I was noticeably isolated, it was ironic as I was sat in the middle of Naruto and Choji. I didn't exactly instigate any conversations but at the same time no one seemed to want to start one with me anyways.
The event was over and everyone was parting ways, happiness was evident in everyone and it was a good dine which made this day very memorable. Walking home Naruto talked about the conversations at the restaurant, 'Shika's dad was asking a lot about what we thought about stuff. Kinda cool to go out and be talked to like anyone else right?' It was more rhetorical but nevertheless I agreed with him verbally.
'It was a nice change of pace.' There was a few seconds of silence 'Hey, do you think that Shikaku wanted to be a shinobi?' It was an odd question, but it was there and I thought that it wouldn't be bad to ask.
Naruto thought for a short moment before answering, 'That's an weird thing to ask... I think he did. Because then he can protect all of his clan.' It was said with a face of determination, as if he himself were in that position. It took me by surprise a little, I thought that he would rather be close to the less dangerous areas of life, but then there's his clan, it would be hard if he wasn't a shinobi. His friends were probably shinobi too.
The rest of the walk was in silence, Naruto content with the surroundings and I pondering the most random thoughts.