The next three months passed in a blur for Raizen. He was coming up on the end of his first year in the academy, and he was excited.
He was tired of sitting through Takuma's long lectures on theoretical knowledge — lessons he already had a great grasp on thanks to his previous life.
Even though his clan heir status was secured, he still wasn't satisfied with his position in the elite classes.
It seemed like everyone else was still improving just as fast, maybe even faster than him. The flaws in their taijutsu, once glaring, had begun to close up just like his.
Raizen leaned back on the training yard fence, eyes narrowing as he thought over each of his classmates.
Tetsuo was the most obvious. Once stiff and heavy-handed, his movements had grown sharper, more disciplined. He no longer relied only on brute strength — Raizen had noticed him weaving in feints, baiting attacks before countering with punishing blows. He was becoming a true brawler who could think while he fought.
Karui had changed too. Her speed had always been there, but now it carried purpose. She wasn't just quick — she was precise. Her sword drills had grown cleaner, her footwork lighter. Raizen had seen her spar with Reina and force her onto the defensive, something no one would have expected months ago.
Omoi remained cautious, always overthinking before acting, but there was progress even in that. His hesitation had begun to harden into strategy. He would stall, defend, then strike only when the opening was perfect. Raizen realized Omoi was becoming the kind of fighter who outlasted you — frustrating, deliberate, and dangerous when underestimated.
Reina was as relentless as ever. She wielded her chakra-metal blade like an extension of her body, her pride in every swing. But it wasn't just raw talent anymore — she was refining her strikes, her timing. Every day she looked more like a warrior groomed for command, and her confidence only burned hotter.
And then there was Samui. Calm, collected, always composed. She didn't shine in a single area, but somehow she never slipped behind. Her ninjutsu had become sharper, her tactical sense more reliable. She reminded Raizen of the still air before a storm — quiet, but carrying weight. He knew she would be a leader someday.
Raizen clenched his fists. Each of them had grown, and so had he, but he couldn't ignore the pressure building in his chest.
If I don't push harder, they'll leave me behind. Clan heir or not, I won't settle for being second.
Suddenly, the academy's bell rang, signaling the start of their last class of the first year.
Raizen slipped into his seat, still buzzing with the mix of excitement and nerves that came with finishing his first year. Moments later, their instructor Takuma shuffled in, a yawn stretching across his face before he spoke.
"Alright, listen up," Takuma said, scratching his head like he'd rather be anywhere else. "Today marks the end of your first year at the academy. After this… you all get a break."
The class perked up instantly — until he added,
"Two weeks."
The reaction was immediate chaos.
Karui gasped, eyes watering. "Only two weeks?! That's not a break, that's a nap!"
Omoi clutched his head, muttering under his breath, "Two weeks isn't enough… what if we don't rest properly? What if we go into Year Two already behind? What if—"
Tetsuo leaned back so hard his chair nearly tipped over. "Two… weeks…? My body can't take this…"
Reina slammed her fist on the desk, her jaw tight. "You're kidding. You have to be kidding. Who do I speak to about this?"
Meanwhile, Samui sat perfectly still, flipping her pen between her fingers. The only hint of disappointment was the faintest sigh.
Raizen couldn't help it — a laugh slipped out. It felt good to see the "elite class" crumble over something so small.
Takuma pinched the bridge of his nose, waiting for the noise to settle.
"Quiet down. In the future your breaks will be longer. But the first year's purpose is simple: foundational knowledge, taijutsu basics, chakra control. You don't need months to recover from that."
Karui groaned dramatically. Tetsuo let his head thump against the desk. Omoi muttered about "scheduling conspiracies." Reina just glared at Takuma like she wanted to duel him on the spot.
Takuma smirked. "Besides, the faster you get through the academy, the faster you graduate. And then? You're shinobi. Free to take missions, travel, do whatever you want."
That shut them up.
"Well," Takuma clapped his hands, "today we'll wrap things up with an assessment. Each of you will be called in one by one. I'll go over your strengths, weaknesses, and what you need to focus on in Year Two. Then I'll preview next year's curriculum."
He disappeared into the next room. One by one, students were called inside.
Raizen sat forward in his chair, heart beating faster. He wasn't nervous — he was excited. To be assessed by an elite jōnin meant getting clarity, direction. It meant he'd know exactly where to strike next in his training.
Finally, his name was called.
Raizen stepped into the smaller training room. Takuma sat at a desk with a notepad, his usual lazy posture gone, replaced by sharp, appraising eyes.
"Raizen Tsukihana," Takuma began. "You've shown steady progress this year. Your taijutsu is grounded in discipline, and your hearing ability has become your edge. You've adapted faster than most — that's your strength."
Takuma flipped the page, nodding once.
"Your chakra control is exceptional — possibly the best in this class. You've turned it into a weapon, and that will take you far. With control like that, your growth curve is sharper than the others."
Raizen's chest swelled, pride mixing with determination.
"But…" Takuma leaned forward, tone sharpening. "You rely too heavily on instinct in battle. When your first plan falters, you scramble. You need more structure — not just counters, but layered strategy. If you can blend your precision with patience, you'll be a nightmare for anyone you face."
Raizen nodded, absorbing every word.
Takuma leaned back, arms folding. "Your goal for Year Two should be balance. Build plans within plans. Use that control not only to strike harder but to think sharper. If you can do that, your foundation will be strong enough to carry your clan name with pride."
A spark of determination lit Raizen's eyes. This was what he wanted — clarity, a target to chase.
He bowed. "Understood."
Takuma smirked faintly. "Good. Dismissed."