Waking up very early the day of enrollment, I stretched up.
"Damn, I wish I could sleep some more, or just train as I wish."
Unfortunately, I am still very much in the shinobi world. Fighting and killing is pretty much part of the course.
Besides, soon the third ninja world war should break out, so as a Hyuga with a working pair of Byakugan I would be sent to the frontlines. Training or not, these eyes are an asset, so I would be shipped there anyway.
Better get some training to not become complete cannon fodder or something.
I just want to complain since I am not a morning person and this world committed the sin of lacking coffee. Only that tea crap, and even then it is expensive as fuck.
… I miss my old life where I had a loving family and coffee in the morning. Good times.
I just put on my clothes as normal, including a headband over my forehead to cover that curse seal.
No, it is not like I care for that one, I simply was sent a reminder that when walking outside the clan grounds I should cover up. It was Hizashi who sent the missive, apparently the cursed seal is not common knowledge amongst many civilian ninjas or the regular civs, and the clan doesn't want others to know it all that much.
It would look bad for the main branch if they gain the notoriety that they enslave most of their kids and adults into slaves, and the side branch feels ashamed of their position in the clan, so we are all expected to act like we are nobles with a stick up our collective buttholes when outside.
Hypocrisy of the highest degree, but nothing I can do anything about. I can either obey or be tortured and likely starved by the clan (I depend on them for financial support and the main branch can kill me with a thought).
So, with my headband and old kimono, I leave home and start walking towards the ninja school building.
Of course, other kids of the Hyuga clan are also going, but amongst those my age there is no other 'orphan' like me so they go with their parents, and I doubt said parents would want their kids close to me due to looking so disheveled and badly cared for. I dunno, but the whole clan up until now did nothing to dissuade me from this kind of perspective.
After Leaving my house I walked a bit until I arrived close to the central region of the Hyuga compound. In it, there was the main street of the family residence which is extremely large and well decorated. Even the street passing through the center looks like they spent considerable effort to set it up with a perfect mood and conditions to it, exuding its beauty and elegance of the clan.
Only, if one paid attention, they would be able to easily see that even in the central region there was a clear distinction between the two sides of the street. Towards the more central one, the houses and residences were extremely luxurious and magnificent, maids passing by and most houses looking like something you'd expect from nobles of ancient China or Japan. The other, the houses were much smaller and clustered together with very small yards if they even have those and the houses all much simpler by comparison and no decorations or something that can differentiate one house from another.
Two guesses which side belongs to which side of the family.
Even inside the compound the people in the side branch house used something to cover the curse marks on their foreheads. If they were already ninjas, they would wear forehead protectors, and if they were not ninjas, they would wear white bandages.
As for those on the main branch house, they even made it a point to showcase their foreheads being with no seal in them. They pretty much showcased them being special and unlike the rest at every moment they could get away with.
"Why did I have to be born in this clan. Fuck." I complain once more, knowing I have been doing it way too much since I got in this land, but this whole clan just pisses me off.
I could just quicken my pace, wanting to leave the family residence as soon as possible and go check how Konoha was and maybe, just maybe, find someone out there who would not repulse me to my very bones.
Just when I had just taken the first step outside the gates, a burst of noisy and lively voices rushed towards me.
It was clearly early in the morning, but the village was already buzzing with people coming and going.
It was in sharp contrast with the family residence behind, which was far too quiet and lifeless, almost as if a half dead town that just didn't get the memo.
As someone who grew up in the United States, I was not good with that oppressive mood of the clan. This though, the people coming and going, people shouting to sell their wares and so much chaos and voices all around, I felt almost as if a near black and white world suddenly gained colors and became bright and full of life.
It's as if Hyuga's family is already a dying old man, while the village is like a vibrant teenager.
Oh, I know very well that this village has plenty of darkness in it. But, even if this place is like that, I can't help the smile that spreads across my face as I walk through the area. The smells, the people, the plants, everything is simply amazing and so much better than anything the Hyuga clan can offer.
Yes, this is what I wanted. When I go back to that stinky house I was assigned to, I will go talk with Hizashi about living outside the clan.
I, I just can't do it. Living in that dreary place is just not something I can do, having to worry every day if I will somehow provoke some main branch member into torturing me for shits and giggles. To follow pointless posturing rules that just further cement my position as a slave. To be surrounded by that dreadful place where even a child's playground had kids who were discouraged to smile or show much in the way of emotion.
My home, my real home, was somewhere so different from this. This world may never be able to become like it, but I just can't imagine myself spending any more time than strictly necessary in the clan grounds, that prison.
No, I would see if I can get a job somewhere (they let kids at age 6 become killers for hire, child work is clearly allowed here!) and, failing that, I would just live in the woods or something and go to school as normal.
Heck, the clan would probably approve of me doing so if only so they no longer need to give me financial support.
With a plan in my head, I continue to admire the place.
"Hey, whose family are you from? Why did you run outside like that?"
Suddenly, a gentle woman's voice came from behind.
Turning my head to look, I found that the other party also had a pair of near-white eyes and a headband on her forehead.
She was a young mother who looked about twenty-five years old, and she was leading a child who was about the same age as me who was looking curiously in my direction.
"My name is Hyuga Setsuna," I answered easily enough. "I'm going to school because of the orders of the main branch to try to enter the genius class."
"So that's how it is," the mother nodded to express her understanding, but a look of sadness flashed in her eyes, and a bitter arc curled up at the corner of her mouth.
Oh, she was looking at my covered forehead. Well, we are all side branch members, so she likely pitties me or something.
Kinda pointless considering we are all on the same boat, but it is nice to know that there are still some people in the Hyuga clan who have something in their chest besides shit and crap (or titties in the case of the Hyuga females who all are D cup and above).
"This child is called Hyuga Iroha, and he is going to take the entrance examination just like you. How about coming with us there?" the young mother said.
I looked at her with surprise. Honestly, I expected to be ignored or something. At best, the other clan members were passive aggressive or something, so her trying to be polite to me was honestly a bit shocking.
"Thank you. I would like that." I said and gave her a smile. The woman soon led me with her child towards the clan and… damn, why is it that even just walking means her melons shake so much while going back to firmly standing in place right after.
Hyuga genes on women are that good it seems.
It seems she noticed me staring and smiled down at me, her son turning to me with a tilt on his head and spoke.
"Hello there. I am Hyuga Iroha."
"Hello." I said before asking. "Are you confident to enter the genius class?"
"Of course. I am a Hyuga and have been working hard for so long, so I can do it!" Iroha said with his chest out with pride.
It would be more impressive if he didn't look like a five years old kid boasting about winning a video game match.
"I am sure you will, child." His mother said with a carrying head pat. "But remember, there are only 30 spots in that class and many people from many clans want to enter, so there is no pressure. You will be a great ninja regardless."
"Yes, mommy." Iroha said, his eyes half closed as he enjoyed the headpat making me remember a cat more than anything else.
In the end we just continued walking, Iroha babbling on and on with his mother who smiled and answered when needed.
It took us almost half an hour to arrive at the Ninja School, and that is because the Hyuga compound is close to it. Konoha is freaking huge, it just doesn't seem as much in the anime because the ninjas use the 'rooftop express' a lot.
In front of the building a small crow was already formed. The place was rather crowded as many kids were trying to enter and join.
According to the missive from Hizashi, the genius class was given preferential treatment in many things, but entering it was slightly complicated. The kids should be 5 years or below and had to showcase what they could do, the 30 more impressive would be allowed to enter it.
Of course, anything could be shown. As such, even just regular theoretical knowledge was more than okay for entering the class if one wished, only the test would be more stringent for it. Of course, a medical ninja would check our bodies to see if there was any sort of defect to it, after all even the most capable theoretical or taijutsu genius would be deemed useless if their chakra coils had issues.
Pretty sure that is why Gai nearly failed at the time.
Anyway, both I and Iroha approached the gates, there were many lines to enter and we each went towards a different one to make things faster. While Iroha and his mother went into one, I checked the others until I noticed that on a corner I could see spiky white hair. Approaching, I noticed that it really was Kakashi and his dad.
That was pretty cool, only, I saw that even as a five years old kid Kakashi was already using a face mask and, while on the anime it seemed cool, now-
"Doesn't it get hot with that on your face?" I blurted out as Kakashi looked in my direction, raising an eyebrow at me.
Beside him, an older man with spiky white hair actually laughed as he heard my comment and patted kid Kakashi on the back.
"See, even the other kids think you don't need to use that."
"Humph." That was Kakashi's only answer, who I am pretty sure is his father.
The legendary hero of the second shinobi war and one of the main deterrents of Konoha, Hatake Sakumo the White Fang of Konoha, just looks slightly depressed as he sees his son ignoring him.
Seeing his dejected expression I give a wry smile and speak up.
"Hello, I am Setsuna. Are you the White Fang?" I ask, knowing pretty well the man is exactly that.
Sakumo, as if reinvigorated, smiles broadly as he answers.
"That is right kid. And this here is my son Kakashi," Sakumo says, trying to push Kakashi forward who ignores his dad as he clearly tries to act cool. "... He is a bit quirky, but he is a good kid. Please be his friend."
Wow, Kakashi must be as 'approachable' right now as he later becomes, if not worse. If I was the father of someone this antisocial I am pretty sure I would act like that, my older brother certainly acted like that in my previous life sometimes.
"Don't bother father, I doubt this kid will join the class anyway." Kakashi says with no care about me, causing his father to sweatdrop.
"Hey there, you don't know that. Besides, if he enters that class or not doesn't mean you should or should not become friends with other kids."
Kakashi, again, just ignores his father's advice and walks ahead towards the registration boot. Sakumo looks slightly apologetic, but I just shrug.
"At least he is interesting," I say, causing Sakumo to smile.
"Yeah, please don't think badly of him. He is just… he is a good kid. Please look out for him when you two are in class."
I could not help but raise a brow at him.
"And you think I can enter it?"
"Who knows? I just have a gut feeling you will and, when you get to my level, those feelings are usually right." Sakumo says before he points ahead as it becomes my turn to go inside.
I could only nod and wave goodbye to the man before entering the room. It was a rather spacious place and the Chunin responsible had a pen and paper in hand as he spoke up.
"Name?"
"Hyuga Setsuna."
"Age?"
"5."
"... Another hope for the genius class, it seems. Honestly, why so many are trying to enter it this year is ridiculous." The chunin complained, and it kinda makes sense. After all, it is not like all those who enter the ninja school had to be 5, they could start between ages 6 and 11 with little problem, they just would not be able to enter that class unless they were promoted into it by the teachers. "Show me what you can do kid."
Nodding, I first activated the Byakugan, the man nodded and took some notes. I then moved to the wall and walked on it a few steps before making a single hand sign and using the clone technique.
The technique may require three signs normally, but it is honestly unnecessary if one can actually see how the chakra is supposed to work. The jutsu is so basic in terms of how the chakra moves that just a single sign to start the process is enough in my eyes.
"Oh, not bad kid." The man said, writing it down as I produced four clones before dispelling them and dropping down to the floor.
Just this small exhibition cost me around 40% of my chakra reserves, but it is not a bad thing at all. The chunin nodded a few times before asking.
"Anything else you would like to showcase?"
"Sure, you have some writing tests as well?"
The chunin raised a single brow before he moved to the side and showed some papers in it.
"Mathematics, biology, chemistry, torture, history, logic. Take your pick and you can do it freely."
Looking at them I pick Mathematics, biology, logic, chemistry, and torture. The first four were obvious picks as far as I was concerned and the final one, well, I had a girlfriend who made me watch the full Twilight series with her at once during valentine's day before I could get into her panties at the end.
Fuck physical torture, I know how mental torture is after that one.
Besides, I was quite a nerd when I was in highschool and amongst the many things I have checked I've seen my fair share of documentaries about ancient and modern torture methods and such. Pretty sure twilight is still the worst of the bunch, but I at least have the knowledge in this one.
The Chunin raised a brow at my picks.
"Brave kid. Come with me."
He then led me to a separate room where an older man with a single tomoe Sharingan active was standing at the very front of the hall and about twelve kids had their faces down and were writing down their answers.
"Do the tests as well as you can manage before delivering them at the front. Don't try to cheat or that grumpy old man will see it."
I nod before going to one of the chairs and sitting down.
Now, how much should I try for this one… oh, who am I kidding? I will just try my best and, if I get the attention of someone higher up who might want to invest in me then all the better! Not like Danzou would want or actually try add me to the ROOT (one of the scant few advantages of this slave seal on my forehead) so any positives I get out of this chance, the better things will be for me.
3° Person P.O.V.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the third Hokage of Konoha, was sitting at his desk smoking his usual 'stress relief grass' he imported from the land of Grass as he listened to the report from the chunin responsible for the enrollment in ninja school.
"We have had a total of 230 new students joining this year. Thanks to relaxing the application requirements and expanding the school we could accommodate all of them but we will need more ninjas to serve as teachers if we are to keep up."
Hiruzen nodded and, after thinking for a moment, spoke up.
"I will tell my son Shinosuke to send another 20 chunins from the Sarutobi clan over. That should be enough to help in the process. Also, were there applicants for teacher positions for the special courses we will start this year?"
"Yes, we have had applicants for the Genjutsu and Kenjutsu specializations, we are still searching for better Taijutsu teachers as the only applicant at the moment is Might Dai, and we also have lady Kushina requesting to open a course for Fuinjutsu and the head of the hospital sending a message regarding their willingness to teach students medical jutsu." The chunin said, reading the document before giving Hiruzen the document.
He was not too surprised to find that Shinku Yuhi wanted to teach the Genjutsu course, his daughter Kurenai would certainly be able to enter the genius class and even without that the man wanted to make other ninjas take notice of Genjutsu. It was the passion of the Yuhi clan, but Hiruzen found that putting a Jonin as responsible for this course was a tad wasteful… but he would let the man work there for a year or so for now.
With how the world is now, it would not be long until the third ninja war starts and, by then, these young ninjas would be at the frontlines. With genjutsu not requiring as much chakra and mostly being about control of it, it might be useful for them to have more contact with Genjutsu.
It would be hard for Hiruzen ever so slightly to have a proper Jonin stationed in ninja school, but he figures it could work as an investment for what was to come.
For Kenjutsu he nodded his head seeing that it was a ninja from the Gekko clan. Their ninjas may not be as well known for their kenjutsu as those from the Hatake clan, but they were certainly good being previously a samurai clan before joining Konoha. The chunin who requested the post was an old man of the clan who did not become an elder due to his lacking strength, but he was a veteran of the first and second shinobi wars and would certainly be good.
Hiruzen was, however, disappointed that there were no applicants for Taijutsu specialization. Sure, there is Dai, but the man was a genin so HIruzen didn't even consider him. What made Hiruzen say it was how Konoha's clan had so many great taijutsu methods, but not one clan stepped forward to help teach this. Sighing, Hiruzen decided to ask his son for another Chunin who was good at Taijutsu. The Sarutobi clan was by far and wide the most numerous clan after all, numbering over 1000 ninjas and still growing, there ought to be someone good at Taijutsu.
Checking the requirements of the hospital, Hiruzen signed up for there to be posters and other things to help incentivize the students to go there. Even with considerable pain in his heart, he decided to add a monetary incentive for students studying medical ninjutsu. The Hokage was more than aware enough about how tight the money was right now, with all the investments on military supplies and stockpiles, but medical ninjas might be the deciding factor between victory and defeat in a war.
During the second shinobi war, if it wasn't for Tsunade being there to counter that old hag Chio, Konoha would have lost at least six thousand ninjas and be crippled at this point in time. Even if Hiruzen was not yet willing to invest to the point Tsunade desired in regards to medic ninjas (making 25% of all available ninjas be a medic type was far too much of a burden), he still saw the worth of expanding their forces in that department.
Now, for the request of Kushina, Hiruzen didn't even consider it. Kushina was not suitable as a teacher and, as a Jinchuuriki who was able to use some of the beast's chakra and a Uzumaki with all her clan signature powers, she would do better staying where she is, meaning the Barrier Team watching over the village and staying available for deployment at any given time.
Unless someone showed up that had high enough talent on Fuinjutsu to make it worth allowing Kushina to spend time teaching, she would be more useful helping in the barrier department.
Feeling that this would do for now, Hiruzen wanted a slight change of pace, maybe to hear some good news.
"So? Did someone impressive enroll in the genius class?"
The chunin smiled at that, knowing that the Hokage wanted more than just the list of names he was given before.
"Yes, we had two specially impressive new children. One is the son of lord White Fang, the kid was able to fight at Genin level using his kenjutsu and he has excellent chakra control and impressive large reserves for his age."
Hiruzen nodded at that, a pleased smile on his face. Sure, he did not appreciate all that much the praise that Sakumo has been getting recently, nor the ninjas talking of him becoming the fourth hokage, but knowing that another ninja who might have similar qualifications appeared in Konoha was not bad at all.
Without noticing the Hokage's thoughts, the chunin continued
"And the other is a child from the Hyuga clan, Hyuga Setsuna. He already activated his byakugan and can walk on walls, but the most interesting thing is his knowledge."
"Oh, so he did a theoretical test?" Hiruzen said and the chunin nodded his head.
"Yes, and the results are astounding. I don't even know how he came upon so much knowledge, but it is really surprising."
Hiruzen had a pensive expression at that, sending the Chunin away but requesting to be sent the tests for him to check personally. After all, while great fighters like the Hatake child were good, Konoha lacked those with more capable minds. The only two really incredible ones right now, as far as Hiruzen was concerned, were his disciples Orochimaru and Tsunade, but both had their own problems.
If this child was as intelligent as the Chunin seemed to suggest, then he might later on become a third great thinker and be able to create great things for the village.
And, a while later, as Hiruzen read the tests of Setsuna, especially when it comes to medical knowledge and the torture one, one question could not help but pop up into his head.
"... Since when did Tsunade and Orochimaru have a kid?"