Waking before the sun had fully painted the sky, Akashi swiftly dressed in his preferred training attire: comfortable black joggers, tightly wrapped hands, and practical sandals. A grey hoodie, proudly displaying the Uzumaki clan symbol in contrasting black and vibrant red on the back, completed his ensemble.
A final, critical assessment in the mirror confirmed his satisfaction with his appearance. He then headed out, his family's presence a comforting anchor, towards the grand opening of the village's new academy.
The streets were already bustling with activity. Families, young and old, were making their way towards the academy's imposing gates. The establishment of this institution was a momentous occasion for Uzushiogakure, a tangible symbol of their resilience and their commitment to a brighter future. Everyone, regardless of whether they had children enrolling, wanted to witness this historical event.
Reaching the academy's grand entrance, Akashi observed a vibrant scene of children, a kaleidoscope of youthful energy, excitedly introducing themselves to one another, their nervous anticipation palpable.
"Akashi, look! There are so many children!" Mina exclaimed, her voice brimming with a joy that held a subtle undercurrent of relief. Secretly, she had harbored a quiet worry for her son. For as long as she could remember, Akashi had been a reserved child, content in his own company, never causing the usual childhood mischief. While she was immensely proud of his early maturity and deep interest in the clan's affairs, a part of her yearned for him to experience a more conventional childhood, filled with boisterous friendships and playful antics. Now, this new academy offered that very opportunity. Perhaps, she mused with a hopeful, slightly mischievous grin, he might even bring home a lovely young girl one day…
CHILLS.
A sudden, inexplicable shiver ran down Akashi's spine. What is my mother thinking with that creepy, knowing smile? It can only spell trouble. He mentally braced himself, already strategizing how to strategically position his father as a buffer in any potentially embarrassing future scenarios.
Moments later, a hush fell over the excited crowd, drawing Akashi's attention to the makeshift stage. There stood his grandfather, Grandfather Ashina, flanked by several of the village's most formidable shinobi.
"Everyone," Ashina's voice resonated with authority and heartfelt emotion, "I stand before you today with immense pride to welcome you to the grand opening of our new Academy. Two years ago, our beloved home was invaded by those whose hearts were consumed by greed. Those were dark days, a time when the very spirit of our village seemed shrouded in despair. But we persevered! We were not broken that day; instead, we stood firm and repelled our enemies. Alas, victory often demands a heavy toll. In that arduous battle, we lost more than half of our valiant forces, leaving us in a precarious position. Thankfully, we now stand alongside our new allies, the honorable Chinoike Clan, their strength adding a vital layer of protection to our home. But this alliance was merely the first step towards securing our future. Now, with the establishment of this new academy, every child in our village will have the opportunity to contribute to our defense. This school will impart the skills and knowledge necessary to become true shinobi, without prejudice, regardless of clan affiliation!"
A thunderous wave of cheers erupted from the assembled villagers. A collective sense of hope and anticipation filled the air. For many civilians, the desire to become shinobi and actively participate in protecting Uzushiogakure had long been a suppressed aspiration, a yearning that intensified during the helplessness of the invasion. Now, presented with this unprecedented opportunity, countless families eagerly looked forward to a different future for their children.
"Is it just me," Akashi murmured to his parents, "or has Gramps become even more compelling in his speeches?"
His father chuckled. "Your grandfather has always been a gifted orator, Akashi, but I believe you're right. Perhaps he's been practicing."
"Alright, settle down, everyone, settle down," Ashina continued, his voice regaining control of the enthusiastic crowd.
"The classes for each child have already been carefully assigned based on their individual needs and potential. Behind me stand the dedicated instructors of our new academy. Each one will step forward and call out the names of the students in their charge. When your name is called, please follow your teacher, and they will provide you with further instructions."
One by one, several instructors stepped forward, each calling out the names of approximately thirty students before leading their respective classes away. Eventually, an older man with distinctive grey-blonde hair approached the front.
"Greetings, everyone," he said, his voice carrying a quiet authority. "I am Instructor Shin Chinoike, a retired shinobi of the Chinoike Clan. When I call your name, please step forward and follow me."
He then began to read from a scroll, his voice calm and measured. Akashi listened attentively as name after name was called, until finally, he heard his own.
"Oyashiro Chinoike, and lastly, Akashi Uzumaki. Alright, I believe that concludes our list. Follow me, class."
Oyashiro? Akashi frowned internally. Why does that name sound so strangely familiar?
{AUTHOR NOTICE: Yes, I am aware that En Oyashiro's age may differ in the original source material. However, for the purposes of this narrative, he will still have his daughter in the future. I simply needed a recognizable Chinoike name.}
Pushing the fleeting sense of déjà vu aside, Akashi followed his classmates as Instructor Shin led them towards one of the newly constructed school buildings.
"Alright, class," Shin-sensei addressed them once they were inside a spacious classroom. "Allow me to introduce myself once more, for the sake of clarity. I am Shin Chinoike, a retired shinobi of our allied clan.
My personal interests include poetry, music, and the appreciation of fine art. As for dislikes… well, let's just say I harbor a strong aversion to the Uchiha Clan." A subtle undercurrent of bitterness laced his voice.
"Now, regarding our goals for this academy… the cultivation of strong, capable shinobi who will protect our village. With the Uchiha matter largely resolved, it is time to outline our curriculum. From this day forward, I will be instructing you in mathematics, geography, basic science, ninjutsu fundamentals, and taijutsu. For those of you eager to excel, I highly recommend making use of the school's extensive library. It houses a vast collection of jutsu scrolls generously donated by both the Uzumaki and Chinoike clans."
Library, huh? Akashi thought. Not particularly useful for me, considering my access to the Uzumaki clan's entire repository. But it might be worth a cursory glance if the Chinoike have contributed anything particularly unique or interesting.
The initial subjects proved remarkably easy, especially for someone with the memories and knowledge of a fully grown adult. Even with the elementary nature of the lessons,
Akashi found himself occasionally intrigued by certain nuances or perspectives.
Maybe I should pull an Itachi and just send a Shadow Clone to attend these basic classes instead of actually being present, he mused. No, that won't work. Not with the pervasive sensory abilities of the Kagura Eye. It would look incredibly suspicious. Looks like I'm stuck attending, at least for now. Perhaps I can subtly switch places with a clone every now and then. It's not as if all the teachers here are Uzumaki with sensory prowess.
The academy had begun, and with it, a new chapter in Akashi's carefully laid plans. The dual path of formal education and clandestine training had commenced, a delicate balancing act that would shape his future and, ultimately, the fate of Uzushiogakure.
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End of 16th chapter