"This means that the appropriate war time measures in regards to your education must be followed. However, because of the abrupt nature of the declaration, some plans will have to be changed. The council has come together and devised a four month training program for a select amount of students to undergo. If they manage to successfully complete the program, they will be exempt from the graduation test, and evaluated for potential assignment to a Jounin-sensei."

The nervous energy was palpable, but no one dared to speak.

"The lists are posted at the exit. You are dismissed." Chizuru-sensei stepped out, and the rest of the faculty followed.

As soon as they left, pandemonium erupted.

Voices shouted over each other. Children rushing to the exit, others standing completely still, still others running to their friends.

Fear, excitement, anger, sadness. Somehow all of it was there.

"Torune! Isn't this great?! We get to graduate early!" Ayame rushed back into the hall. When did she leave?

"I'm on the list?" She asked.

"Yes! And Arata too! Isn't it great?!" She jumped on top of Torune, scaring Shiromaru out of her arms.

"No. No! Not great!" I crossed my arms into an X.

"What's wrong with graduating earlier?" Torune asked, pulling out some chips from.. who knows where.

"Graduating earlier means getting sent out earlier. Into a war."

"I don't get it."

Right. Shinobi children. Feudal times, feudal times. "Nevermind."

"Oh! Is this about that Hunt thing? That's soon right?" She said, not breaking eye contact as she shoved more and more chips into her mouth.

Shiromaru climbed on top of my head. "How do you know about that?" To be honest, I almost completely forgot about it.

"Tomoe won't stop talking about it. Hunt this, hunt that. I'm surprised you haven't heard her ranting." Ayame complained, dismounting from Torune.

"Well, we don't exactly enjoy each other's company."

"Right. Well, meet you guys later! I gotta go pack." Ayame started leaving.

"Wait, when do we leave?" I shouted out after her.

"Tomorrow!"

"You'll make it back in time. But you'll only have about a day of rest. Think you can handle it?" Tsume asked. She was standing outside my room, watching me pack. The Academy sent over a list of what I'd need. Also another list of things I wasn't allowed to bring. Strangely enough, I couldn't bring any sort of weapons.

"I mean, the Hunt's never been my main priority. I think surviving through it is enough for me." Would I really need this many socks? I barely even use socks. I'll pack them anyway.

"And you don't care about your markings?"

"Markings are just paint, in the end." Then again, I'm only gonna be wearing them when I go to sleep. Would I even get the time to put them on?

"And Tomoe?" Maybe I could use them as gloves. I doubt wherever they're taking us is going to be a sanitary place.

"I'll handle Tomoe just fine." She sneered.

"Not likely. I already have people on the case." If I'm gonna use them as gloves, is there even a point in matching them?

"Shiromaru told you?" I swear. That damn dog can't learn to keep his mouth shut.

"Not likely to get anything from you anymore." I was quiet.

I rearranged my socks again.

"My marriage ceremony is next month." I stopped. Took a deep breath. Apparently arranged marriages are fairly common in shinobi circles. Since breeding actually matters here, smushing your Heir together with a suitable mate is common sense. Dad was the exception, since he was the spare. Just wish Shizuka would've told me that earlier. Somehow.

"I wish you all the best." I continued with my socks. She stayed for a while, not saying anything, and then left.

A few moments later Shizuka came to my door. "Hey. I heard you're leaving?"

"Yeah. Training camp. For the war and all." She walked into the room and turned on the privacy seals, closing the door behind her.

"Why are you folding socks? What would you even use them for?" I dropped them from my hands.

"Honestly? I don't know."

"Right. Back to important things." She sat herself down next to me. "Hatake Sakumo has been found dead in his home last night."

Yeah, there was nothing we could do about that. There were entire campaigns working against him there. Banners to mock-executions to riots. Arrests had to be made. People got hurt in the hate.

Still. "That was quick." It's been a day and change. If that.

"So it was planned then. Must have wanted the scapegoating to be quick and done with. Focus everyone on the war effort faster." I grimaced.

"Did you think it was the noble thing to do?" She asked.

"Suicide is never noble." I answered firmly. I think she got the message.

"Perhaps. Anyway, Minato tells us Kakashi's been mute since yesterday. He fears he might crawl up inside of himself forever if he leaves him alone. He's been thinking about signing up for being a Jounin-sensei. Help him form new bonds with kids his age."

"Good. Encourage him on that, if you can. I don't want to leave things up to chance."

She sighed. "There's not much we can do about anything right now, Arata. Until we get into a better position keeping tabs on things we're not supposed to could end us up in some serious trouble."

Ne. "You're right. I'll just focus on my training for now, I guess."

Shizuka P.O.V.

"Because you've totally been neglecting that right?" I asked, half-teasing. He still hasn't stopped his mad dash for more strength. Although lately he's been hitting the books more often. Genjutsu, then sealing, then tactics, then jutsu creation. Probably more. It's hard to keep track.

"Have you found the solution to your energy imbalance?" Another hint to his reincarnation that I should have recognized. The amount of spiritual energy he has is closer to an adult Chuunin rather than a 6 year old academy student.

Reincarnation. Knowledge of the future. I mean really. It's still hard to believe, even if the evidence was just brutally shoved in my face just last night.

His eyes wandered around the room. "I think? Most of the issue will get fixed if I just get more physical energy. But it's not like more spiritual energy is too much of a hindrance. It helps my genjutsu."

To be honest I didn't even know we even had clan genjutsu. Not that it would have helped. I tried some myself in my genin days. Failed to even conjure up a flower. Gave myself a nasty headache too. So not worth it. "Fair."

I followed his eyes over to where he was looking. His coming-of-age attire? "Say, what does your world's militia even wear? They'd have to have some recognizable distinction, right?" I've been trying to ask more about his world, subtly prod here and there. It's just got me so curious! An entire civilization that doesn't even have chakra? How are they even alive?!

He picked up his black gi (from the floor!) and shoved it in his pack. "They wear camouflage outfits to blend in with the dirt and the sand and the trees. Don't really know what it's made out of. Speaking of, why do I even need the kimono thing anyway? Can't I just wear something better? That actually, you know, protects me?"

I gasped. "How could you?! It's tradition! I even picked that out for you myself! And it's not a kimono! It's a shinobi gi!" I crossed my arms. It cost good money too! "You're so ungrateful." He flinched. Woops.

"I'm sor-sorry, I guess? I just don't understand why I can only wear one outfit until I become a chuunin."

"Its TRA-DI-TION! Plus, it makes you more recognizable and memorable as an individual, which helps a lot when you're working with a lot of different people at the same time." I huffed. "Honestly Arata, It's not that big of a deal. Just wear it when you get the headband, okay?"

He pouted. Just a little. "Okay. Fine."

An odd knock sounded from the door. I disabled the privacy seal.

"Who's there!" Oh woops. Was that too aggressive? Oh yep, Arata's looking at me weirdly.

"Oh, it's Shiromaru." Arata said, opening the door for him. Sure enough, he was at the other end of the door. "Did you just knock with your head?"

Shiromaru walked in. "How else would I knock? With my tail?" He sat down on his bed. "Anyways. You're leaving later today right?" Yup, Shiromaru is staying behind. Apparently they're not allowed to bring ninken with us to the camp. I wasn't gonna fight the academy over it though, since I doubt Shiromaru wanted to do much training in the first place. Besides, I don't get paid to do that stuff. That's Nobuyuki's job.

"Uh yeah?"

"Right then. Raff!" No joke. He didn't bark. He just actually said the word 'raff.' I am beyond bewildered.

Just then two chakra signals registered on the other side of the hallway.

"Happy early birthday!" Hisao-sama and Yuuna-sama came in through the door with a large decorated bag. They both had to carry it through the door, it was so big.

"What is even in there?" Arata asked.

"Duuh. Chitose-ame.* What else?"

"That much?! Did you rob all the stores in Konoha?!"

"No, we asked nicely." Hisao-sama said. I don't wanna know.

"You know I'm not a girl right? And not even seven yet?" Arata gave the door longing looks.

"But you're gonna be leaving so soon and we're not even gonna be able to see you till the end and then your birthday will have happened already." Yuuna-sama said, trying to hide an overly fanciful kimono behind her back.

"How am I supposed to even pack all this? I can't eat it all."

They looked genuinely perplexed. Somehow all the pushback on their budget proposals made sense now. "Huh. Didn't think about that." Hisao-sama said.

"Hey Shizuka. Shouldn't you be preparing food for next week in the kitchens right about now?" Hisao-sama suddenly asked me. Oh shit. Right.

"Uuuh." Wow. Smart response. A-1. 10 out of 10. "I'll just... go then."

I quickly fled the room, closing the door behind me.

Arata's voice came in through the door. They didn't engage the privacy seal? "That was not subtle at all."

Yuuna-sama responded, but just before I could hear the sound cut out. Damn. Nevermind.

I started walking out of the Head's House, mentally planning the rest of my day.

I really hope Mana's not leading chef today. I really can't put up with her nagging tonight—aghFUCK!

A strong pain in my back and head sent me tumbling to the ground.

I hope that didn't make too big a sound. Don't wanna stir anybody. Kami I can't move my leg. I swear if I find that little fucker again I will strangle him with his teeth! SOMEHOW!

"Good luck yea? Don't stand out too much." Shiromaru said.

"Who are you talking to again?" Arata barely squeezed out of the death grip Hisao-sama and Yuuna-sama had on him.

Tsume shook him out not long after, much to his relief. "Tch. Make sure you come back in one piece. Can't have any otouto of mine missing his Hunt." Something passed between the two's eyes, though I couldn't tell what.

"Alright. I really gotta go now. They're leaving me behind." Oh and yup, the congregation of Academy students of various ages were already moving further into the forests leading to Training Ground 101.

Always thought that name was a little on-the-nose.

"Just be careful okay? And don't stop going at it. No matter what." Yuuna-sama said, finally letting go of him.

Her husband followed suit. "Oooh and bring a souvenir."

"A souvenir? Like what?" Arata responded, massaging his sore ribs.

"Doesn't matter. Just go already!" Shiromaru exclaimed. The group was already fading from sight.

"Yeah, yeah." Arata turned away and sped off to catch up.

Everyone watched him link up with his strange ashen-haired friend, who had been walking sideways the entire time.

...I'm not gonna comment.

"He outta hearing range yet?" Shiromaru asked.

"You know you really seem to enjoy going behind Arata's back all the time." Tsume said.

"Somedays it feels like that's the only way to get things done anymore."

"Damn straight. Alright, you know where to go. Don't be late, mom."

Yuuna-sama gasped. "I just had to make sure Arata wasn't following me back, okay? I had to make a believable diversion." She said, her arms flapping like a bird.

"Of course, dear. That's obviously why you spent the next two hours rolling him in the dirt."

"It was valuable training!"

"Hmm." Hisao-sama agreed, already heading back to the Clan Compound. Yuuna-sama pouted behind him. "Of course, dear."

Arata P.O.V.

We had finally arrived at Training Ground 101 and as soon as we passed through the gates the only thing you could see was trees. Trees everywhere, and thanks to that the place was a whole lot darker, since you couldn't see the sun anymore. There was no path, so we just kinda followed the teacher to somewhere. Once we reached a clearing Ikkaku-sensei started barking orders.

"Alright kids! Drop off your luggage at the barracks assigned to you and get back here in less than five minutes. Anyone that's late is on cleanup duty for the next three weeks!"

Oookay then. Reaching the barracks I noticed it was all unisex, and each of the beds had a name attached to them.

"Aww you guys are all the way over there!" Ayame pouted loud enough to hear from across the room.

"I think that was the point." Torune muttered, a few rows across from me.

Filing in back at the clearing several different teachers were lined up in front of us, watching and waiting. Chizuru-sensei was among them. Great.

Once the last person fell in Chizuru-sensei started speaking. "Welcome, to your introduction to what being a ninja is actually about. Throughout these next four months, you will be pushed through every way we know how to reach your limits, and then surpass them. Anyone that manages to complete the entire program will be made a full-fledged ninja. Anyone, that at anytime, gives up or falls behind, is sent back." Her voice seemed almost quiet, clashing against the sounds of the forest, yet I was sure every single person had heard her loud and clear.

Shit. Did it I just sign up for bootcamp? I did didn't I? "Starting now, your trial will begin. Start running." Confused murmurs passed through the crowd, unsure of what to do or where to go.

"START RUNNING IDIOTS!" Someone shouted, and a giant explosion of white smoke filled the area.

"BBBBBZZZZZ!" Out of the smoke came a veritable storm of human-sized beetles rocketing towards us.

"Kyaaaaaa!" "AAAaaaaahhh!" Pandemonium was too kind a word for the madness that came next. Everyone sprinted away and into the trees, as far as they possibly could to avoid them. I didn't stop for anyone, running in a random direction, dodging trees and bushes as I went. They didn't give me any reprieve, at least four were hot on my tail. Were there four? I couldn't tell, I was going too fast to be able to see.

God, this is way worse than bootcamp. I'm gonna fucking die!

"NOOoooOOooo!" I couldn't tell from amidst the screams which one was mine.

Shizuka P.O.V.

"So Nobuyuki has a secret base? Inside the compound? And you're only just now finding out? The compound's not that big!" I shouted. Thankfully the seals on the walls of the Head's house were enough to keep them it leaking out. "And you're telling me, he what, tortures children in there or something?" The more I found out about this the deeper it went!

Shiromaru nodded. Calm as you like. "Sounds about right, yes. But he only tortures Tomoe and her partner there."

"Small victories." I commented about as sarcastically as I could. "So he's planning a conspiracy. Inside the compound? To overthrow you guys?" Everyone else nodded their heads. "What do you want me to do about it? They already know I'm on your side so it's not like I can spy for you or anything."

"Yes, but you are expected to be near the place for your caretaker duties." Hisao-sama argued. "Basically we need you as lookout."

"It's a simple plan, really. Me and Hanako sneak in, get whatever incriminating evidence we need, and get out. But we need the place to be clear for us to do that, so we need a lookout. Hence you." Yuuna-sama said. Her partner Hanako-sama nodded next to her.

"Sounds simple enough. And it's nothing I haven't done before, but doesn't that feel too much like a trap? I mean, a secret hideout? He couldn't be more cliché if he tried."

"We're prepared for all eventualities." Hanako-sama said, smiling mischievously at Tsume-sama. I decided not to ask.

"So you'll do it?" Tsume-sama asked.

I sighed. This gave me a bad feeling. "Of course."

A/N. YA KNOW. I knew that last chapter was gonna elicit interesting reactions. Yet somehow I still didn't expect the outcome. Stupid me. Anyways. I told ya I was gonna do it different. If you don't like where it's going just know it's going deeper.

To those who didn't leave though, thank you for staying! I also finally got smart enough to mark my AN notes type things at the end now. Yippee. (That was the dryest celebration ever..)

*Look up Shichi-Go-San. Totally forgot to add that in the first time..

Revised on 12/2/2021.