The morning sun spilled over the rooftops of Konohagakure, golden light cutting through the bustle of the village. Today was my first day at the Ninja Academy, and for the first time, I felt the weight of expectation—not just from my father, but from the entire Sarutobi name.
I adjusted the staff strapped to my back, its faint hum resonating with the pulse of my chakra. The system flickered in my vision:
[Viewing Panel Updated]
Name: Jin SarutobiAge: 7 yearsAffiliation: Konohagakure (Sarutobi Clan)Parent: Hiruzen Sarutobi, Biwako Sarutobi
[Attributes]Ninjutsu: BeginnerTaijutsu: High – FluidGenjutsu: LowChakra: Moderate – Rising
[Body]Strength: ModerateSpeed/Agility: HighStamina: Very HighChakra Control: Moderate
[Abilities]Staff Resonance: Level 7 – Full IntegrationReflexive Combat Awareness: Level 6Chakra Flow Manipulation: Level 2
System Note: Early combat awareness sufficient for Academy-level training. Recommend sparring with peers.
I took a deep breath and stepped through the gates. The Academy grounds were alive with children laughing, shouting, and practicing techniques. The air was thick with the smell of ink, paper, and freshly cut grass.
A tall instructor approached, a stern but fair expression on his face. "Welcome, new students. Today begins your journey as shinobi. You will learn control, technique, and teamwork. Observation and practice are just as important as raw talent."
I nodded silently, letting my eyes roam. Among the new students, two figures immediately caught my attention:
A sharp-eyed girl, short, light brown hair, a gaze both confident and cautious.
A boy with long black hair, eyes calculating, posture deliberate, movements precise.
Tsunade and Orochimaru. My future teammates.
The instructor clapped his hands. "You three will be grouped together for training exercises. Observe, cooperate, and develop bonds. Only those who can work together will pass the Academy and become Genin."
I adjusted my grip on my staff. The hum pulsed softly in acknowledgment. Team formation detected. Observation recommended.
The first few days were intense. Classes focused on the basics: chakra control, taijutsu drills, and understanding chakra flow. While others struggled to even channel chakra consistently, I focused on the rhythm between my body and my staff.
A leaf fluttered past, and without thinking, I twirled the staff instinctively, blocking it mid-air before it reached the ground. Orochimaru's eyes narrowed. "You… move unnaturally precise for someone your age."
I looked at him calmly. "I've been training since birth. Observation, patience, and practice."
Tsunade tilted her head. "Since birth?"
I shrugged. "Father believes in preparation. Mother believes in patience. I… combine both."
The system flickered: Peer observation complete. Tsunade impressed. Orochimaru intrigued.
By the third week, we began basic teamwork exercises. Our first drill: maneuvering through a course while staying coordinated. My staff pulsed softly, responding to my chakra. I moved ahead carefully, anticipating obstacles, guiding Tsunade and Orochimaru silently with subtle gestures.
The instructor called out, "Impressive, Jin. You've adapted faster than expected. But remember, the purpose is teamwork, not solo efficiency."
I smiled faintly, adjusting my staff. Coordination was instinct now; the system updated:
[Viewing Panel Updated]
Staff Resonance: Level 8 – Advanced ManipulationReflexive Combat Awareness: Level 7Team Cohesion: Level 1
System Note: Early teamwork proficiency detected. Recommend exposure to practical group exercises.
Weeks passed. Training intensified. Hiruzen occasionally observed from the shadows, a subtle nod when he saw me execute perfect chakra control. Biwako's voice reminded me to balance strength with patience.
Then came the Academy Graduation Exam, the real test of our progress. Written portion first. I finished quickly, almost mechanically, guided by intuition and the system's subtle advice.
Next, the practical combat exam. Pairs were tested on taijutsu and basic ninjutsu. I moved smoothly, staff in hand, striking training dummies with precise swings, avoiding mistakes, guiding my teammates silently when needed.
Finally, the teamwork exercise: navigate a course with obstacles, guards, and mock threats, only passing if all three completed the course together. Tsunade was energetic but cautious, Orochimaru precise and calculating, and I… the bridge between them. I twirled the staff, knocked aside barriers, and directed chakra subtly to support them, alerting them to hazards with gestures.
The final checkpoint loomed: a high platform, two dummies guarding the way. I glanced at Tsunade and Orochimaru. "We move together. On my count."
System pulsed: Team Synchronization Detected. Probability of success: 92%.
I leapt, staff guiding my trajectory, striking the first dummy mid-air. Tsunade followed seamlessly, knocking the second down. Orochimaru darted ahead, precise as ever.
We reached the finish line simultaneously. The instructor's stern face broke into a rare smile. "Pass. All three of you have demonstrated skill, coordination, and adaptability. Welcome to the ranks of Genin."
The system updated rapidly:
[Viewing Panel Updated]
Name: Jin SarutobiAge: 7 yearsRank: Genin (Official)Team: Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jin Sarutobi
[Attributes]Ninjutsu: Beginner – RisingTaijutsu: High – FluidGenjutsu: BeginnerChakra: High – Moderate Control
[Body]Strength: ModerateSpeed/Agility: HighStamina: Very HighChakra Control: Moderate – Rising
[Abilities]Staff Resonance: Level 9 – Fully IntegratedReflexive Combat Awareness: Level 8Chakra Flow Manipulation: Level 3Team Coordination: Level 2
System Note: Official Genin. Recommend missions to test combat proficiency and team synergy.
That evening, back at the Sarutobi estate, Hiruzen observed quietly. "You've passed, Jin. Officially a Genin."
I nodded, staff resting against my shoulder. "I understand, Father. Missions come next."
Biwako placed a hand on my head. "Remember… a Genin isn't just about strength. Decisions, empathy, and foresight… that's what makes a shinobi truly great."
I glanced at my system panel, flickering faintly. Next objectives: Field missions, team development, staff mastery.
The wind whispered through the trees outside. I tightened my grip on the staff.
I was Jin Sarutobi, Hiruzen's son, officially a Genin, and ready to carve a path that would one day rival even the hokage.
The world had to wait.