---
The village was buzzing with energy.
It wasn't just the late spring warmth or the bustle of families preparing for market—it was Academy Day. Once a year, children from all over the Hidden Leaf Village officially entered the Ninja Academy. Age six was the earliest accepted, though many children entered later. It was the first step on the long road to becoming a shinobi—a warrior of the shadows.
Timoshi Uchiha stood among the other children at the central training grounds, dressed in a simple dark blue shirt and light slacks. His hair was jet-black, cut shorter than most Uchiha children. His expression was calm, curious, and slightly amused.
He wasn't nervous. He'd lived through much worse. But he was excited.
"Everything starts here," he whispered to himself.
---
The Hokage's Speech
At the front of the grounds, a raised platform had been set. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood above them with a patient, weathered smile. His robes were crisp white and red, and his eyes held the weight of responsibility.
"Children of Konoha," he began, voice strong and warm, "Today, you take your first step on a path of strength, service, and sacrifice."
He spoke of courage and kindness. Of learning to protect what was precious. He reminded them that strength without compassion leads to ruin, and that the village's greatest heroes were not just powerful—but wise.
Timoshi listened with a mix of appreciation and irony. He had heard countless political speeches in his past life. But this one? This one meant something. And somehow, he believed Hiruzen meant every word. But, he still knew that the human heart is unfathomable, perception can be deceptive. This is a ninja world.
As the Hokage finished, the instructors began calling out names and assigning the children to their classes.
---
The Classmates
Timoshi was placed into Class 1-A. His instructor was a lean, sharp-eyed man named Tetsujin. Unlike some of the more relaxed teachers, Tetsujin was known for being strict but fair. He believed in testing potential—sometimes harshly.
In his class were familiar faces:
Mikoto Uchiha, calm and graceful, already showing signs of prodigy.
Etsu, the merchant's daughter, quick-witted and loud.
Naoki Yamanaka, the thoughtful boy from the mind-reading clan.
Masaru, the quiet insect enthusiast.
Sakura Haruno's mother, named Saki, chatty and overly proud.
Choza Akimichi's father, a big-hearted boy with a big appetite.
Inoichi Yamanaka, older than Naoki but in the same class due to a delayed start.
Children like Fugaku Uchiha, Hiashi Hyūga, and Hizashi Hyūga were already in upper classes due to being older or advancing quickly. Kushina Uzumaki hadn't arrived in the village yet—but her appearance would shake everything when it happened.
And then there was Minato Namikaze.
A soft-spoken boy with golden hair and clear blue eyes. He didn't talk much, but his presence was calming, even at six. He stood near the back, observing everyone with quiet interest. Timoshi noticed him instantly.
> "That boy… there's something golden about him," Timoshi thought. "Not just his hair. His spirit."
They exchanged nods but not words.
Yet.
---
The First Trials
The Academy didn't waste time. After a day of introductions and rules, the physical training began.
The drills were basic—running laps, dodging obstacles, holding stances—but to a six-year-old, they were intense. Some collapsed halfway through. Others cried. A few even quit.
Timoshi completed them with quiet determination. He pushed just hard enough to seem impressive but not extraordinary.
His small chakra reserves were still an issue. So he leaned into taijutsu—hand-to-hand combat—and perfected his hand signs and footwork for the three techniques he did know: Body Replacement, Shadow Clone, and Flying Thunder God.
But those techniques? He never used them.
Especially not the shadow clone. He couldn't risk even the instructors figuring out how his versions shared memory without dispelling.
---
Classroom Combat
By the second week, sparring began.
Timoshi's match was against a cocky boy named Riku, a distant cousin of the Nara clan. He boasted a lazy fighting style with clever traps.
As they bowed to each other, Timoshi smiled.
He could have ended it instantly. But that wasn't the goal.
The match began.
Riku charged.
Timoshi stepped aside, redirecting with a shoulder brush.
Riku swung a leg—Timoshi ducked and countered with a gentle push that sent him stumbling. No hard hits. Just clever redirection. He used his former knowledge of anatomy and physics to stay ahead, winning the match without hurting his opponent.
Afterward, some kids whispered, "He's weird but smart," while others shrugged him off as lucky.
Timoshi walked off smiling. Perfect.
A Moment of Truth
At the end of class, Instructor Tetsujin announced a special trial.
"One student will act as leader," he said, "and guide a team of four through a simple obstacle course while blindfolded. You may only give verbal commands. This test is not about speed or power. It is about leadership."
Timoshi's hand was the first to rise.
Tetsujin raised an eyebrow. "Very well, Uchiha."
He blindfolded them and handed control of Etsu, Masaru, Naoki, and Saki.
What followed was a test of words and wisdom. With calm, deliberate instructions, Timoshi guided them through rope climbs, narrow bridges, and target throwing—all without them seeing.
He called on Etsu's energy to move quickly.
He trusted Masaru's patience to wait for openings.
He assigned Naoki the trickiest tasks, knowing his focus.
And when Saki panicked on a bridge, he simply said:
> "You're not alone. Just take my voice one step at a time."
They passed. Barely. But they passed as a team.
That night, as he walked home under a sky brushed with stars, Timoshi whispered to himself:
> "So many things I cannot yet do. So many things I must not do."
> "But this I can do. Lead."