Graduation from the Konoha Ninja Academy was mandatory for the populace of the village. Every child spent four years there, learned the basics of ninja training, as well as history, social studies, and survival. This had been the way of life, ever since the Second Hokage was in office. Graduates from the Academy would then either move on to the many civilian trade businesses in the village, resume schooling in an academic sense, or they took the Genin Exam. Konohagakure may not have the biggest military force since the war, but everyone was able to fight if needed.
Naruto took a seat in the classroom, the almost 200 other students around him all milling about and or talking. Everyone was excited for one reason or another, today they finally graduated. All the ninja-prone students sat more or less in the same section, and the young boy was able to spot a few faces he recognized. Kiba, of course, who was talking to Shikamaru and Choji, was talking about his 'cool new moves' he was learning with his partner Akamaru. Akamaru was sleeping in the boy's jacket, totally immune to the noise around him. Ino and Sakura, the resident chatterboxes, were all huddled around the Sasuke-Fan-Club table, where they talked, giggled, and looked longingly at the Uchiha heir. Said Sasuke was in the closes seat to a dark corner, brooding and attempting to look cool. Although the definition of 'cool' varied from person to person.
The only student he recognized that he didn't see was Hinata. The shy girl had always been nice to him, even though she turned red and stuttered a lot, but she was usually always on time. Not seeing her in her usual seat was weird.
The young boy stretched and leaned back in his seat, his feet propped up on the desk. His mind started to drift a bit while the noises around him faded away. Last night's dream had him confused. He didn't remember much of it, a really big fight with some weird white figure, and flying around at super fast speeds. He remembered the woman being scary, and powerful, but he wasn't scared. Like the him in his dream was super powerful and could fight her. But when she spoke to him in the end, he couldn't for the life of him remember what she said. His mind continued to drift until the sudden rapping of a ruler on a desk woke him from his day dreams. Iruka-sensei was at his desk at the front of the classroom, twirling a ruler in his hand.
"Goooood Morning class!"
"Good Morning, Iruka-sensei." The class droned in response. The man gave them a good hearted smile. "Now I can see how excited you guys are for your last day of class. I know many of you are looking forward to continuing your schooling elsewhere-" groans from the class "And I know some of you are going to be moving on to the Genin Exam as well. So to commemorate your last day of the Academy, I've made a quiz!"
The wailing of distraught students was like sweet music to the teacher. He laughed and held up his hands. "Don't worry, it won't be going to your grade. And it won't take long either. Everyone take their seats and we can get started." The rumble of feet as the students went to their places echoed for a moment, then Iruka cleared his throat.
"Alright, now. Who can tell me the names of the four Hokages? Yes, Sakura."
The pink headed student stood and took a breath. "The first Hokage was Hashirama Senju, the founder of Konoha and was known as the God of Shinobi. The Second Hokage was his younger brother, Tobirama Senju, who founded the Ninja Academy as well as the current government structure here. The Third Hokage is Hiruzen Sarutobi, and he is the current Hokage, known as the Professor. He was succeeded by Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, also known as the Yellow Flash. The Fourth fell in battle with the Kyubii, and Sarutobi-sama took the seat of Hokage once again. The Four Kages are remembered by the four statues found in the different districts of Konoha."
Naruto listened, his eyes growing solemn at the mention of his dad. The Hero everyone adored and admired. Iruka glanced his way, but continued.
"Very good Sakura. Who can tell me about the Five Nations? Shikamaru?"
The Nara groaned and stood up, scratching the back of his head. "The Leaf Country, The Sand Country, Rock, Cloud, and Mists are the major nations. There are other smaller countries, but none of them have an acting Kage or Ninja economy." He sat down and Iruka sweatdropped.
"Straight and to the point. Ok last- Oh, Miss Hyuga." Heads turned to see the Hyuga heir enter the classroom, looking embarrassed and red faced. "Glad you could join us, we were just having a last day quiz. Maybe you can answer this next question. What are the core values of the Ninja of the Leaf?"
The shy heiress was quiet as she quickly made her way to an empty seat. "Valor, Intelligence, and Instinct. B-but above all Unity. One without the other is weak. B-but together, we are strong."
Iruka nodded to her. "Very good Hinata. Take your seat." He turned to the rest of the class. "Unity. Teamwork is the backbone of Konoha. It's why we have such renown teams such as Ino-Shika-Cho, the Twin Ravens, and even the Legendary Sannin. By yourselves, you can be strong, and you can achieve great things. But together, you can be unstoppable."
Many students listened intently. Naruto was excited, getting put on a team with any of his friends would be amazing. Sasuke looked disinterested, like anyone he was teamed with had better not slow him down. Iruka continued. "All of you know how to survive. All of your have it in you to be great ninja. Not all of you will answer the call. But know this. I am proud of each and every one of you…"
He trailed off, looking at the class. Then he grinned. "What are you waiting for? Get out of here! Class dismissed!" The roar of joy that came from the room could be heard even from outside. Kids were jumping and shouting, and many of them were already running out of the doors. Iruka walked around to the front of his desk, raising his voice to be heard.
"All who are taking the Genin Exam, follow me!" And with that, he jumped up to the rafters. Naruto watched as he opened the skylight in the room, and soon he and the other candidates around him were jumping after their teacher. While the civilian kids were leaving, the rest were bounding on top of the academy, making their way to the highest point. Passed the third floor Naruto saw where they were headed, the observatory on the fourth floor. It had a large open balcony next to a huge telescope, enough for the couple dozen student who arrived. As Naruto touched down he spotted Iruka, standing in front of the telescope with his arms folded.
"Alright, everybody here? Today is the day you stop being an academy student. Today you join the ranks of the Konoha Ninja. You will each be tested and judged. If you pass, you will get one of these."
He tapped the headband he was wearing. The etched symbol of the Leaf shimmered under the sun. "When you wear this, you are the face of Konoha. You are the first and last line of defense for this village. This is not a child's game. This is life and death."
The crowd was hushed, listening intently. Many gulped in worry, and a few actually edged towards the door back downstairs. Iruka smiled thinly. "I actually was able to get a guest speaker today. Someone who knows what it means to be a ninja."
It was then that people looked up and saw a figure in a long lab coat at the top of the telescope. The figure turned their way, then jumped, landing in front of them.
"I present to you one of the Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru."
-=- 著者からの言葉 -=-
Well, not much else to say at this point. I do want to thank tastybigsexy for following though. I appreciate it. :) Looking forward to see where all this goes...
I want to NOT do the typical in this fic. Everything I read is the same story, over and over. It's either a retelling of the manga scene by scene with little variation, or mini stories that take place outside the narrative. I want to change that.