A full year had passed since the day Lee's chakra disease was diagnosed. They were able to find out who botched the surgery. The man was a nameless doctor, who lied to save what little reputation he had.
The village charged him with medical malpractice. Lee was encouraged to go further, but denied. Instead, he received a hefty sum of Ryo from the hospital as a settlement.
Most of the village knew of Lee and his unique condition by now, almost solely because of that incident. Lee walked down the street, noticing a few pitying gazes on him. Lee gave a soft sigh and continued walking.
He had used his money to buy a small plot of land on the outskirts of Konoha. He had decided himself that no longer wanted to be confined by the rules of the orphanage.
Especially given he wouldn't be allowed to train without his sensei if he stayed there.
It would've been problematic, especially after Gai told him to train his body everyday, even if they weren't together.
He had been training at full speed with Gai, and Gai had finally decided he was ready to start learning Fuin about 3 months in.
Currently, Anko's training is still outside of his grasp. Gai had told him that Anko's training is lethal to those that aren't prepared. Fuinjutsu was risky, but worth the risk.
Lee stopped walking when he saw a large crowd of people, cheerful shouts in the air signaling his arrival.
He was at the academy. His technical first year.
They had decided that instead of him graduating a year late, he would enter a year early. With his Fuin knowledge and Gai's training, he should be able to make it through the first few years of the academy just fine.
Lee walked into the crowd, weaving through his peers and their parents to see the man standing on top of the academy.
One Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The Hokage had the same grandfatherly smile on his face that he always did. He cleared his throat, amplifying the noise with chakra. The crowd quickly silenced, gazing at the Hokage expectantly.
"I'm happy to see so many boys and girls here today. It warms my old bones to know just how many want to learn. I'll say this now, and once. This will be difficult for many of you. Learning things that go against the natural order, the way of Shinobi. Have faith however, we will guide you all through you through those hardships! I promise that with hard work, every single one of you can become a splendid Ninja!" Applause echoed through the area.
"The academy instructors will take over from here, enjoy your first day."
Lee watched as a man, covered in scars, hitai-ate and bandana covering his head, entered his vision.
"You must be a first year student, right?" Lee nodded, happy to be found so quickly. "Follow me then, I'll take you to the rest of the class."
Lee walked with the man, wondering the reason behind his sudden kindness.
"What's your name, Shinobi-san?" The man gave Lee a small smile.
"My name is Ibiki. I'm a friend of Anko's. Anko asked me to look after you today. I'll be here to pick you up from the academy as well." Lee nodded, a wide smile on his face.
The pair walked to a large group of students, rapidly gaining attention.
"Bye! Ibiki-san!" Ibiki smiled and waved at the young Lee. Iruka smiled at the strange pair.
"Ah, hello there!" Iruka smiled and waved. "I'll be your Academy Sensei from now on." Lee nodded rapidly. "I see you know some shinobi?"
"Yes! I've been receiving training from a few senses for about a year!" Iruka tilted his head, before feeling Lee's chakra, only to find it all contained into his body.
"Oh my- wait! You must be Lee!" Lee nodded quickly. "I was told of your special circumstances by the Hokage. Don't worry though, I'll push you just as hard as everyone else." Lee smiled and gave a thumbs up toward his sensei.
He, after beating down the image of Gai, addressed the, now full, class.
"Alright class, follow me inside, I'll be taking you all to the classroom. I expect you to memorize its location." The class nodded, paying special attention to their surroundings as they entered.
As they sat down in class a boy burst through the door, a manic look on his face. Lee shook his head slightly at his lateness.
"I'm not late, am I?!" Iruka sighed, a surprising cold look in his eyes.
"Yes, yes you are. Now sit down." The boy nodded, either not noticing the coldness, or not caring.
Lee could hear the whispers of the people around him.
Isn't that the boy mama told us to stay aways from…
I heard on the street that he's a demon…
Dad might pull me out this year…
Lee frowned at the class, and noticed the boy's resilient, perhaps even fake grin.
He was used to this. Unacceptable.
"Oi!" Lee shouted at the boy, pointing at him, with a smile on his face. Naruto looked up, grin lessening. "Come sit next to me!" Naruto immediately lit up, with a genuine smile on his face.
The boy seemingly teleported next to Lee with how quickly he moved. "I'm Naruto-tebayyo!" Naruto was vibrating with excitement.
"My name is Lee, my new youthful friend!" Lee gave Naruto a thumbs up, watching Naruto shake off his confusion at the choice of words.
Iruka shook his head slightly, not noticing Lee's look of disappointment in his direction.
Iruka coughed into his hand, getting the class's attention.
"I suppose we should do introductions before getting into what you'll be learning this year." Draws of students introduced themselves.
Lee ignored many, not finding making friends with cruel children something he wanted to do. He paid attention to a few however.
Shikamaru Nara, a lazy guy.
Ino Yamanaka, a bossy girl.
Choji Akimichi, a big guy.
Shino Aburame, a buggy guy.
Hinata Hyuga, a shy girl.
Kiba Inuzuka, a brash guy.
Sakura Haruno, another shy girl.
Two however, stood out. Sasuke Uchiha seemed strange. He was closed off to those around him, but Lee could see… something in his eyes. He was someone worth befriending.
And of course, his new friend, Naruto Uzumaki. Lee had remembered the name from a passing discussion with the Hokage and Iryo. Afterall, fuinjutsu and Uzumaki were synonymous. Perhaps he could talk Iryo into helping him.
"Lee, it's your turn." Naruto said at a rather low volume. Lee was jolted from his thoughts at the sound of his friend's voice.
"Ah, I see!" A few in the room chuckled. "My name is Rock Lee! Please call me Lee. I am incapable of Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, however, my dream is to surpass my Master, Might Guy!" Iruka's brows shot up in surprise, coughing on the air he was inhaling.
"You can't do ninjutsu?" Naruto spoke, gaining Lee's attention.
"No, but I can do many different things. I do, afterall, still have chakra." Naruto nodded and put a hand on his chin.
"So if you can't use Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, what will you use?" Naruto asked, his head slightly tilted.
"Taijutsu, Fuinjutsu, and Senjutsu!" Iruka, having gained his bearings, lost them immediately at the mention of Senjutsu.
"Like seals? So fists, seals, and… sages?" Lee nodded.
"Basically, it's a lot scarier to face than you think. Have you asked the Hokage about the Uzumaki?" Naruto nodded.
"Yeah! He told me they had those seal thingys too!" Lee nodded.
"Maybe you should give it a shot! Afterall, even if the name is given, Uzumaki and Fuinjutsu are synonymous." Uzumaki put a hand on his chin.
"Alright then-" Iruka started. "-Let's get into the plans for today, shall we?"
