"Fujiwara-kun, don't mind them."
Kurenai Yūhi tugged at Lock's sleeve and pulled him aside. All the other students had swarmed around Kakashi, showering him with praise. Very few even glanced Lock's way. Her brows knitted in frustration. "They don't know how strong you really are. But I know. Fujiwara-kun, you're even stronger than Kakashi."
Lock blinked at her sincerity, then gave a small laugh and reached out to ruffle her hair. Her warmth cut through the noise around him. "You silly girl."
At a time when all eyes were on Kakashi, it was Kurenai who had run over to stand by him, to reassure him. That kind of loyalty left a deep mark on his heart.
"Kakashi is very strong," Lock admitted. "Stronger than most realize. Honestly, I may not be able to defeat him right now."
He had seen the way Kakashi fought against Furukawa. The improvement in his strength since their last spar was obvious. By comparison, Lock's own growth felt slower, steadier. If they fought seriously now, he wasn't certain of the outcome.
But Kurenai shook her head, eyes clear and unshaken. "No. To me, Fujiwara-kun will always be the strongest."
Lock chuckled softly, touched despite himself. He wasn't so fragile that jealousy over Kakashi's moment would shake him. If anything, having the spotlight elsewhere made him more comfortable. Better to be overlooked. An assassin moves best in shadow, not on stage.
Kurenai's gaze lingered on the forehead protector in his hand. Envy flickered across her face, though she quickly replaced it with determination. "I wonder when I'll be able to graduate and become a ninja too…"
"You will," Lock assured her. "You're already talented, Kurenai. Work hard, and it won't be long."
Her lips tightened with resolve. "I'll try my best. But… Fujiwara-kun, once you're a ninja, you won't be at the Academy anymore. I… I'll miss you." Her eyes shimmered, cheeks turning rosy.
Lock smiled and ruffled her hair again. "I'm not going anywhere. If you want to see me, just come by my family's shop. I'll be there whenever I get the chance."
"Mm!" She nodded quickly, eyes brightening again.
Just then, a familiar loud voice cut through.
"Oi, Lock! What was that today? You let Kakashi show off! Didn't you always beat him before? Why'd you suddenly get all cowardly?!"
Uchiha Obito stomped over, irritation written all over his face.
Lock's brow twitched. "Shut it, idiot. Do you think I wanted to lose? My examiner wasn't some academy instructor. It was Namikaze Minato."
Obito froze, mouth hanging open.
Genma Shiranui frowned in thought. "So that's it… If even you say he was strong, then Minato-senpai must be on another level."
"Strong doesn't even cover it," Lock said honestly. "If he hadn't been merciful, I wouldn't have lasted a minute."
Genma gave a low whistle. "Then Kakashi and you both… You really had it tough."
Might Guy, burning with spirit, pumped his fists. "Still, congratulations, Lock! You and Kakashi are the first among us to become real shinobi! But don't think I'll fall behind. I'll train harder than ever, and I'll catch up to you both!"
Lock smiled at his fiery determination. "Then I'll be waiting for you, Guy."
Before leaving the Academy, Lock made one last stop. He sought out Yagyū-sensei—Ichirō Yagyū, the stern-faced teacher who, despite his harsh exterior, had always shown Lock quiet kindness.
"Sensei," Lock said, bowing slightly. "I came to say goodbye."
Yagyū looked at the boy standing before him. Six years old, forehead protector gleaming in his hand. He exhaled slowly, eyes full of complicated emotion. "So you've graduated. Even Hokage-sama himself approved it… Then I have nothing left to say. But remember, Lock—the path of a shinobi is not what you imagine. Always stay vigilant. Watch more. Speak less. Think carefully. That's all this teacher can give you."
He had once been a shinobi himself, years ago. He might have risen higher, but he knew his own limits. Teaching suited him better. Even so, after years of guiding young students, he had only once seen geniuses like Kakashi and Lock. That made him all the more determined to prepare them for the harshness ahead.
Lock's chest tightened at the words. He bowed his head. "I'll remember, Sensei. Whatever I accomplish in the future, I won't forget that you were the first to guide me."
The teacher's stern mask cracked into a smile, and he swatted Lock's shoulder lightly. "You shameless brat… saying things like that. But… it means more than you think."
His gaze turned solemn again. "Kakashi's father's death has changed him. I don't know whether for better or worse. But you, Lock—you must not make the same mistakes. Endure when you must endure. Fight when you must fight. A shinobi's world is cruel. The weak don't get sympathy."
Lock listened intently. These weren't just words—they were lessons born of regret, the kind only someone who had stepped away from the battlefield could pass on.
When Yagyū finally finished, Lock bowed deeply once more. "Thank you, Sensei."
He left the Academy at last, his friends trailing behind to see him off. The building that had been his world now stood behind him, and the forehead protector tied tightly across his brow marked the end of one life—and the beginning of another.
From this day forward, Fujiwara Lock was no longer a student.
He was a shinobi of Konohagakure.
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