The classroom buzzed with chatter, desks filled with children from different clans and families of Konoha. The faint scent of chalk and ink filled the air, mixing with the restless energy of young shinobi hopefuls.
Renjiro slipped into a seat near the back, quietly observing.
Kakashi sat by the window, arms crossed, his expression cold and detached. Obito was in the center row, trying to impress a group of girls who ignored him completely. Asuma had already started a contest of thumb wrestling with another boy, his grin wide. Kurenai sat near the front, her red eyes flickering toward everyone, sharp and assessing.
Renjiro let out a slow breath. So these are the geniuses and heirs of my generation…
The door slid open with a loud shhk!
"Settle down," said Academy Instructor Ebisu, stepping in with a stern face and clipboard in hand. His gaze swept the room. "Today, you'll be tested on chakra control. A simple leaf concentration exercise. Nothing more, nothing less."
A murmur spread through the class. Some looked excited, others nervous.
Renjiro's fingers curled under his desk. For most, this was the first real test of their shinobi potential. For him, it was something he had failed countless times before. But now…
His chakra pulsed differently. Stronger. Fuller. Scaled with Kakashi, the System had said.
The students were called one by one. Some managed to hold the leaf for a few seconds. A few, like Kurenai, held it steadily, drawing murmurs of approval.
When Kakashi's turn came, he pressed the leaf against his forehead. His chakra flowed perfectly — the leaf didn't even tremble.
The class erupted in whispers. "He's amazing!" "No wonder they say he's a prodigy…"
Renjiro's turn came soon after.
His heartbeat quickened as he stepped forward. Eyes turned to him — most indifferent, some curious.
Renjiro placed the leaf on his forehead. He closed his eyes, steadying his breathing. Chakra surged through his coils, steady and vast, unlike ever before.
The leaf stayed.Seconds ticked by.Still steady.
Whispers rose. "Wait, isn't that the younger brother of Shikaku?""Didn't they say he was weak?"
Renjiro exhaled slowly, controlling his chakra with care. He didn't hold it as effortlessly as Kakashi, but he didn't falter either.
When he finally removed the leaf, the instructor raised his brows. "Impressive control for your first day, Nara Renjiro."
Renjiro bowed slightly, suppressing the grin tugging at his lips.
Ding! [Quest Complete: First Impression]Reward Added to Inventory.
The System's faint voice chimed, but Renjiro ignored it, focusing instead on the gazes of his classmates. Some looked surprised, others thoughtful.
Obito frowned, muttering, "Tch, another show-off…"Asuma smirked. "Not bad for a Nara kid."Kurenai studied him quietly, her crimson eyes unreadable.Kakashi glanced his way — just for a moment — before looking out the window again.
Renjiro returned to his seat, his heart pounding. For the first time, he wasn't invisible.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of lessons, shuriken-throwing practice, and drills. Renjiro pushed himself quietly, steady in his efforts. When the final bell rang and the children spilled out, laughing and bickering, Renjiro stayed behind for a moment, stretching his tired arms.
The System's window flickered faintly in his vision.
Reward Claimed: 5 Stat Points, Skill Scroll Acquired – [Chakra Reinforcement Basics].
Renjiro's eyes widened. A skill scroll? He pressed his hand against it mentally, and the knowledge flowed into him — the art of reinforcing muscles and strikes with raw chakra. A fundamental step toward taijutsu mastery.
His lips curved into a rare grin.
"…Looks like the shadows aren't so dark anymore."
And with that thought, he left the Academy grounds, the sun dipping low behind Konoha's walls, his journey only just beginning.