In the Middle of the Leaf, In the area which once included the marketplace, the stadium, some Clans living quarters and the Orphanage was completely destroyed — a consequence wrought by the Nine-Tails rampant destruction upon its release. Along with many other people who lost their houses were also people from the Orphanage.
While the process of reconstruction was underway, a multitude of people were either forced to live in tents or even live in shared spaces in the buildings that were spared from the chaos. While the people went about their own business trying to prepare food for the evening in makeshift supplies given by the village, a small group of children were currently exercising in the training ground nearby.
In a secluded corner, Shin, Akiko, and Hiro were engrossed in pushups. The brother duo had already completed the running laps around the designated area, while Shin practiced the Nature Release on the Leaf. He was able to split it evenly in two parts, very quickly, indicating his increase of chakra control and Wind Nature Chakra.
"Alright you two take a ten-minute breather", Shin ordered.
The brothers flopped down, panting heavily, their endurance vastly improved under Shin's rigorous training regime. What once left them wheezing after twenty minutes now saw them pushing through an entire hour of strenuous exercise.
Shin looked over the two with pride. 'Ah how my padawans have grown strong'
Akiko after taking a few deep breaths, looked at Shin, impressed at the composure of his little brother who had now grown to match his height of four feet and more. After considering for a beat, he asked Shin, "Shin, would it be okay with you If I also invite Yaraki and Izume on our training sessions?"
Shin, surprised by the impromptu question, asked, "Why. Did he ask you?"
"Well, he was a bit interested when I told him about the exercise and our plan to take part in the test"
Shin thought about it for a moment and agreed that it was a good thing. "They can participate Aki, but I really don't know how much they can improve in just a week"
Excitement gleamed in Hiro's eyes as he chimed in, "Really, did they already announce the entry test date?"
"Yeah, I passed by the library yesterday and the notice was posted there", Shin told them about the Exam schedule and the announcement of a different type of exam this year.
"Hmm, I thought that the academy would wait for about a month but it's only been two weeks, since they are still rebuilding the village. But It's great. We don't have to wait anymore", Akiko's serious expression cracked and revealed excitement at the prospect of joining the academy.
"So, according to the notice for the exams, There will be two types of tests after the initial one. They called it the Elite test and the Normal test"
Akiko Interjected midway, "Shin, are we allowed to choose which test we will take, because I want to participate in the Elite test"
"No, they will give you the opportunity to take part in the Elite test if you show a very good performance in the initial exams", Shin answered as a matter of fact.
"Right, so we better get to training.", Hiro smashed his fists together in concert, showing his eagerness.
"Not so fast, Hiro. Rest up first. We'll spar after the break," Shin interjected, halting Hiro's eager momentum.
Turning to Akiko, Shin nodded, "Inviting Yaraki and Izume is fine. They can join us. But let's not get our hopes up for their success in the academy entrance test."
"Right.."Akiko replied.
"Let the sparring begin! It's you two against me—bring it on!" Shin announced playfully.
"Hehe you will be in trouble if you underestimate us again. Brother and I have been sparring in secret. You will be sorry", Hiro boasted, only to receive a swift smack on the head from Akiko.
"Oww", Hiro rubbed the spot and looked at Akiko with protest in his eyes
"Stupid, don't tell him that. Really I should really tape your mouth before the fight"
"Alright, Alright... geez, big brother you worry too much. I promise I wont tell him about him the secret chok—"
Receiving another smack from Akiko, Hiro squatted down and begged for mercy before Akiko finally let him go. Shin watched the spectacle with amusement.
On one side stood Akiko and Hiro, while Shin stood alone on the other. With a confident gesture, Shin raised his hand. "Shinobi Hand-to-Hand Combat. Well, now that you are ready, Begin!"
Akiko surged forward with a clenched fist aimed at Shin's face, while Hiro swiftly circled around to Shin's back. Shin deftly intercepted Akiko's fist with his own hand, parrying each subsequent blow with practiced ease. Hiro attempted a kick from behind, but Shin smoothly blocked it with a swift turn of his leg.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Akiko launched a kick at Shin below the belt. Realizing his intentions, Shin blocked the lower area. 'Wow, he really is vicious'
After thwarting Akiko's attack, Hiro unleashed a flurry of fists and kicks, momentarily overwhelming Shin. "Well, well, someone's been learning quickly," Shin remarked, impressed.
"There's more where that came from", replied Hiro mid launching another kick. Suddenly the fight intensified for a moment where Hiro's assault forced Shin to retreat slowly by slowly.
'Wow, where did he learn these comebacks', Shin wondered in midfight.
"Got You!!", Realizing he was in danger, he launched a kick, this time putting more strength into it, sending Hiro flying back. He looked above and saw Akiko dropping towards him from the tree. 'Damn'.
It was too late to maneuver and Akiko got a hold of Shin putting him under the chokehold. Akiko had two hands wrapped around his neck. He smiled triumphantly, "Give up Shin, we won".
"Oh Really!. Dont celebrate too soon."
Shin raised his arm making a fist and then struck his elbow in Akiko's midsection with controlled force, causing him to double over in pain.
Suddenly Hiro sprinted forward, Prompting Shin to twitch, "Again.."
Hiro ran forward and just a bit of distance before launching a kick which was blocked by Shin. Hiro smiled and then struck Shin with his fist. As he approached the face, the fist cracked open and the encapsulated sand in the fist was about to hit the face when Shin blocked it with a smile.
"That's cheating you know"
"You lost, K.O"
Defeated, Akiko and Hiro hung their heads in acknowledgment. "Alright, what's the punishment this time?" Akiko asked resignedly.
"Hmm, what should be the punishment this time, let me think", looking at Shin deciding their next round of torture, both Akiko and Hiro trembled at the thought.
"Alright this time—"
GULP...GULP...
"Hey Shin, I already filled out the form and got it signed by Emi."
"Thanks, Big brother Dai.", Shin received the forms with care.
Dai placed his hand on his head and said, "Honestly, I still can't figure out why you are so eager to join the ninja academy this early. Akiko and Hiro I get, But still you have another year you can wait and join a bit easily then. But if you join so soon you will face greater competition from the grown up boys. If you want you can even join after two more years. No one would care"
Drawing closer to Shin, Dai whispered, "Even Emi isn't keen on this. You know, it took a lot of convincing to get her approval."
"Um.. Thank You brother Dai. I promise I will pay you back some day but this is something that I have to do as soon as possible", Shin's eyes steeled with resolve. Dai looked at Shin and decided to not speak about the matter anymore.
Moving his hands while preparing dinner in the area outside the big tent, Dai asked, "Anyway, where are Akiko and Hiro? I thought they were with you"
"Oh they are currently busy with something", Shin replied with a smile
Their attention was drawn to a commotion nearby as Yumiko rushed over, beckoning them excitedly. "Shin, Brother Dai, you have to see this!" Suppressing her laughter, she grabbed their hands and led them toward the crowd.
"Shin is the greatest and we were defeated fair and Square"
"Shin is the greatest and we were defeated fair and Square"
"Shin is the greatest and we were defeated fair and Square"
Chants and laughter resonated from the crowd. Upon reaching the scene, Dai witnessed an unbelievable sight. Akiko and Hiro were doing handstands, moving forward while chanting the lines. Both had their bottoms adorned with red pen inscriptions reading "I lost" on each ass cheek.
The entire crowd erupted in laughter. Even those burdened with grief found themselves chuckling at the sight, momentarily distracted from the recent tragedy.
The duo completed their handstand walk, reaching the Orphanage Kids' tent where they collapsed, fulfilling the terms of the punishment.
"What did you do to them, Shin?" Dai inquired.
"Nothing much, just a bet they lost," Shin explained nonchalantly.
Dai chuckled. "You might have gone a bit overboard with the punishment, eh."
"Yeah, But it was fun and the people around needed a laugh"
Dai looked at the young child, his eyes observing the child while in deep thought. Shin noticed the gaze after a moment and asked, "What?"
Dai placed his hand on Shin's head and said, "You are a kind child".
Embarrassed by the remark, Shin's face flushed with an awkward silence. The trio continued towards the tent as well. The crowd had parted after the performance was over.
Akiko and Hiro were exhausted and breathed heavily while lying on the ground. face towards the clear sky. Suddenly a malevolent face creeped in and blocked the view.
"Ah, No more, no more!", Hiro protested, shaking his head.
Laughing out loud at the antics, Shin asked after a while, "Now will you cheat again during the Taijutsu battle?"
"No, we won't. I promise Shin", The brothers shouted aloud as if practiced in unison.
"Good"
Later that night, all of the children sat in the concentric circle in the spacious tent. Dai brought in the broth he had been cooking in the cooking pot. As they sat down to eat, the ground trembled.
"Ah, Emi is here," Dai noted.
Shin looked at the bubbling broth on his plate. After taking the first bite, he got the urge to vomit at the taste. However he held it back and finally downed the entire thing. 'Man! I can't believe it's been an entire year since I arrived in this world. Clearly my taste buds haven't gotten adjusted.
I really have to look for the spices to make Biryani. In my old world, it would have been unimaginable to go one month without Biryani.' Shin's eyes closed, Saliva flooded instantly with the idea.
When he opened his eyes, he saw Akiko looking at him awkwardly.
"What?"
"Don't do it again. You look creepy, Shin".
"Eh, really"
"Yeah, cut it out"
After finishing the Dinner, Shin handed the entry document to Akiko and Hiro and moved towards Yaraki and said, "I have already told Dai for your entry and he will make yours as well. but since you didn't participate in our exercises from the start, I can't be certain if you would pass. But still I would like to train you in this last week before the exam. Is that okay with you?"
"Yeah it's fine", Yaraki responded in a meek tone.
"Hmm, You too Izume, same goes for you".
"No problem Shin. And also you still owe me that Dango ball that you stole.", Izume reminded.
"Ah, my bad. How about this—win tomorrow's sparring match, and I'll treat you to two Dango balls. But if you lose, you'll face a punishment from me," Shin proposed with a hint of mischief.
Izume's mouth watered at the proposition, fearing that Shin might take back the offer, He shook his hand immediately. "Deal, you better keep your word, Shin"
Akiko and Hiro looked at each other and then again at Izume, lamenting at the fate that awaited him.
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Author's Notes:
Need your Power Stones!!!.
THREE advance chapters on Patreon.
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