After the night passed, Kuro woke to the quiet stillness of early morning. The house was unnaturally silent. He shook his head and sighed softly as he made his way downstairs.
The old man really should take it easy, he thought with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Mother isn't a ninja does he really need to be so fierce?
The kitchen was empty, the morning light just beginning to filter through the windows. Kuro moved with practiced efficiency, turning on the stove and warming up the leftovers his uncle had given him the night before. The savory aroma of last night's meal filled the kitchen as he prepared a simple breakfast.
His uncle had been thoughtful, giving him extra portions with a knowing look, obviously taking into consideration the possibility of his parents sleeping in the following morning. This meal would benefit not just him, but his mother and father as well when they finally woke.
As he ate in comfortable silence, Kuro glanced at the clock on the wall. He had just enough time to walk slowly to the academy without rushing. Perfect.
After finishing his meal and cleaning up meticulously, making sure to leave no evidence of mess that might trouble his mother later he gathered his things and prepared to leave. He stepped out into the cool morning air, quietly closing the door behind him with barely a click.
The compound was still mostly asleep, only a few early risers visible in the distance.
Unknown to Kuro, his parents watched him leave from the second-floor window of their bedroom.
His father stood behind his wife, arms wrapped around her waist, holding her close as they observed their son walking down the path with measured, unhurried steps.
"He's growing up so fast," his wife said softly, leaning back against her husband's chest. Her voice carried a note of melancholy mixed with pride.
Ryo nodded slowly, his chin resting gently on top of her head. "Sometimes... it feels as if we never raised him. Like he came to us already... grown."
His wife was quiet for a moment, then murmured, "I've had the same thought. Kuro's actions, the way he thinks... it's not like a child."
They watched as Kuro paused at the gate, adjusted the small pack on his shoulder, and then continued forward without looking back.
"Last night," his wife continued, her voice barely above a whisper, "a normal six-year-old would have checked around, seeking their parents. But he understood. He knew to give us space."
"He went to your sister's," Ryo said. He'd figured it out quickly enough when he saw the leftovers in the fridge last night after Kuro went to bed.
"Yes. And this morning, he woke up, made his own breakfast from the leftovers, cleaned everything, and left without waking us. What six-year-old does that?"
"We never instilled these aspects in him, so where did he pick these up?"
Ryo was silent, his mind working through possibilities he'd been considering for months now. "The Second Hokage has a technique that's able to bring back the dead." Ryo paused as if considering his words. "What if he was reborn in the womb, similar but different to the soul summing of the Second Hokage's jutsu? However, this one allows for true rebirth flesh, body, and all allowing for one to have another chance at life."
His wife stiffened slightly in his arms. "You think...?"
"I don't know," Ryo admitted. "But sometimes, when I look at him, I see something old in his eyes. Something that understands too much, has seen too much. It's not the gaze of a child."
However, his knowledge is limited, especially on the aspects and theory of chakra. If he was truly a powerful figure reborn, the stumbling blocks I've guided him through would be easily covered up as innate talent. But it wasn't so. He needed in-depth guidance. He sure learned much faster than an ordinary child and could focus much longer, for sure.
"Should we be worried?" she asked, though her tone suggested she already knew the answer.
"No," Ryo said firmly. After some time, he continued. "He's our son, regardless of what mysteries he carries. Furthermore, he hasn't shown negative aspects towards us. Hence, whatever wisdom or memories he might have, they've made him careful, considerate, strategic. Those aren't bad traits for a shinobi."
His wife turned in his arms, looking up at him. "But what if "
"Whatever he is, whatever he carries, he's still Kuro," Ryo interrupted gently. "He still shows us affection in his own way. He still calls me 'old man' with that little smile. He still worries about whether we're proud of him. Those aren't the actions of something foreign those are the actions of our son."
She nodded slowly, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "You're right. I just... sometimes I wonder if we're doing enough for him. If we understand what he needs."
"We do what any parents do," Ryo said. "We guide him, protect him, and give him the space to become whoever he's meant to be. The rest will work itself out."
They stood together in silence for a few more moments, watching the empty path where their son had disappeared.
"He left food for us," she said suddenly, a soft laugh escaping her. "On the stove. Portioned out and everything."
Ryo chuckled. "Of course he did."
"Our strange, wonderful boy."
"Our son," Ryo corrected gently. "Strange or not, he's ours."
They finally stepped away from the window, the morning sun now fully illuminating their room. Whatever mysteries their son carried, whatever impact he causes, they would face them as a family.
Meanwhile, Kuro walked through the gradually awakening village, completely unaware of his parents' observations and concerns.
While he never went out of his way to hide the mature aspects of himself as children here matured faster and some special ones even showed high levels of intelligence from a young age with that consideration, he was able to live a bit freely, without the mental constraints that other protagonists in similar situations would have had, trying to hide that aspect because of very valid uncertainties.
Slowly strolling, the streets of Konoha were just beginning to stir with life. Early morning was a different world quieter, with peacefulness in the cool air.
"Fresh anpan! Get your morning anpan here!" the baker called out cheerfully to the few people on the street.
The baker gave him a friendly wave despite not knowing him personally. Kuro nodded politely as he passed small village courtesy.
Passing by a small tea house, Kuro could see several chunin and jonin having quiet conversations over tea and rice, likely discussing mission assignments or catching up before the day's duties began. The atmosphere was relaxed as the shinobi fueled up before work.
Continuing further, he observed a middle-aged woman and her teenage son. They unloaded crates of vegetables and fruits, arranging them in attractive displays. The colors were vibrant red tomatoes, green cabbage, orange carrots a feast for the eyes even this early.
"Good morning!" the woman called out to Kuro as he passed. "Off to the academy?"
"Yes, ma'am," Kuro replied politely.
"Study hard! My nephew is starting today too!" She smiled warmly.
The woman's enthusiasm made him smile a bit.
Turning a few other streets and passing a few other shops, he finally saw the academy in the distance.
Some ways away, he saw a large sign in bold letters.
Ninja Academy Supply Store a mid-sized shop compared to others on the same street, seemingly specifically catering to students. It was just opening, the owner unlocking the double sliding doors and flipping the sign. From outside, Kuro could see shelves stocked with practice kunai, training targets, notebooks, and other essentials.
I'll remember to check this place out after school, Kuro noted.
The academy building came into view, its imposing structure silhouetted against the morning sky. Several students were already arriving, some with parents, others alone like him. He noticed the energy was different from yesterday the nervousness and excitement settling in on the young faces.
Kuro checked his mental clock. He'd timed it perfectly.
The Class 1-A classroom was on the second floor, he remembered from the brief tour yesterday. When Kuro arrived, only three other students were present. They looked up as he entered, offering polite nods which he returned.
He chose a seat in the middle row, second from the front. Close enough to see and hear everything clearly.
As he settled in, more students began trickling in. The Hyuga girl Akemi, he remembered arrived next, moving with that instilled calm, emotionless grace. She took her seat in the front row without acknowledging anyone.
A boy with spiky brown hair Hayashi Kenji came in with obvious excitement, practically bouncing. "Good morning!" he called out cheerfully to the room in general. Several students responded, though Kuro simply nodded.
The Uchiha boy, Ryuji, arrived with calculated timing. He moved to his claimed spot by the window and sat down, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp as he occasionally surveyed the room.
Two students entered together, chatting animatedly. Kuro recognized them from their clan symbols one wore the Yamanaka flower, the other the Akimichi swirl. They were discussing something; however, they cut off their conversation when they noticed others listening.
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio, Kuro thought. Or at least two-thirds of it. Where's the Nara?
As if summoned by the thought, a boy with his hair tied up in a spiky ponytail shuffled in, looking half-asleep. He made a beeline for a seat in the back corner prime napping position and promptly put his head down on the desk.
There's the Nara, Kuro confirmed with internal amusement.
The classroom continued filling up. Kuro observed carefully, cataloging faces. If all things go well, everyone here would graduate alongside him in the future. Therefore, two people here could possibly be his teammates for the future. Snapping him out of his internal thoughts.
Soon entered a girl with long black hair and poised demeanor who sat near the Uchiha boy the Senju, Tomiko, if he remembered correctly. The Uchiha surprisingly not seemingly minding her presence and grunted in acknowledgment.
A boy with distinctive red hair and sharp features took a seat near the front, his eyes scanning the room with open curiosity.
Two students entered who immediately caught Kuro's attention they wore similar clothing with unfamiliar clan symbols. They moved with measured steps that made them stand out; to others, their walking gait looked weird, out of the ordinary.
Were they small clans from the Fire Capital that joined the village? Kuro wondered.
They both took the empty seats beside him. One was around Kuro's height, with neat black hair and calm gray eyes. He offered a polite nod as he sat down. The girl sat down quite differently compared to this; Kuro found no issues.
"Genki Kuro," Kuro introduced himself quietly.
"Takamura Shin," the boy replied with equal quietness. "From the Takamura clan."
"I'm not familiar with that clan," Kuro admitted honestly.
Shin smiled slightly. "We're relatively new to Konoha. My family were samurai from the Fire Capital. We used to be one of the clans that guarded the daimyo's descendants. However, we relocated here when the village was founded, almost twenty years ago. We've only recently begun systematically producing shinobi."
"Similar to my family, then," Kuro said. "The Genki clan were merchants. My father is first-generation shinobi."
Shin's expression warmed with recognition. "Ah, so we're both outsiders to the traditional ninja clans."
"It seems so."
Before they could continue, Instructor Kimura entered the classroom, her presence immediately commanding attention. She was tall almost 6 feet with a scar across her face and a long one on her right arm that held a folder with the class number written on it. The scattered conversations quickly died down as students straightened in their seats.
"Good morning, Class 1-A," Kimura said, her sharp eyes scanning the room. "I'm pleased to see you all arrived on time. Punctuality is the first lesson of a shinobi respect for time is respect for your mission and your comrades."
She moved to stand behind her desk, resting the folder on the table with one hand and another on her hip. "Before we begin with the curriculum, let's address what I'm sure many of you are wondering: what exactly have you gotten yourselves into?"
A few nervous chuckles rippled through the room.
"Class 1-A is a classification," Kimura continued. "You have been placed here because you demonstrated superior chakra control and appropriate physical aptitude for your respective ages. However, this placement is not permanent. Your performance in this class will determine whether you remain here, are promoted, or are demoted."
She let that sink in for a moment.
"Now, while I learned your names yesterday during introductions, I want you all to know each other properly. We will go around the room; however, this time, I want more detail. Tell us your name, your clan or family background, and share three things: what you like, what you dislike, and your hopes or dreams for the future. This will help build camaraderie and understanding within the class."
She gestured to the boy at the front. "Hayashi Kenji, let's begin with you."
Kenji stood eagerly. "I'm Hayashi Kenji! No clan. My father is a chunin in the village. I like training and spicy food! I dislike people who give up easily. My dream is to become a jonin and surpass my dad and protect Konoha like my dad!"
"Thank you, Kenji," Kimura said. "Next."
The girl beside him stood. "Yamamoto Rin. My family runs a weapons and tools shop. I like drawing sketches and discovering new weapon blueprints with my father. I dislike sloppiness and poor craftsmanship. My dream is to become a master weapons specialist and create tools that will help shinobi succeed in their missions."
The introductions continued, each student adding color and depth to the names Kuro had cataloged.
A boy from a minor clan spoke about wanting to make a name from his family's techniques. He also liked strategy games but disliked direct confrontation.
A civilian-born girl wanted to become a medical ninja, expressing her love for helping people but dislike for unnecessary violence.
The Yamanaka boy Yamanaka Kenshin, as he introduced himself liked mind games and puzzles but disliked physical labor. His dream was to master his clan's mind techniques.
The Akimichi boy Akimichi Daigo liked food (unsurprisingly) and training with friends, but disliked being underestimated because of his size. His dream was to prove the Akimichi clan's strength.
The Nara boy Nara Yoshiro barely lifted his head from his desk as he mumbled, "Nara Yoshiro. Like sleeping and clouds. Dislike effort. Dream is... to live peacefully, I guess."
Several students laughed, but Kimura's expression remained neutral. "Thank you, Yoshiro."
When the Uchiha boy's turn came, he stood with measured confidence. "Uchiha Ryuji. I like training and perfecting techniques. I dislike weakness and excuses. My dream is to awaken the Sharingan and bring honor to the Uchiha name by becoming one of the village's strongest shinobi."
His declaration stirred the seemingly harmonious atmosphere in the class. A few eyes turned to him with a gleam before looking away.
The Hyuga girl was equally composed. "Hyuga Akemi. I like my clan's Gentle Fist and my interpretation of it. I dislike disorder and lack of discipline. My dream is to master the Gentle Fist and serve my clan with distinction."
A girl with long black hair and a Senju clan symbol introduced herself as "Senju Tomiko. I like nature and helping my family's medical research. I dislike unnecessary cruelty. My dream is to push my clan's healing techniques to new heights, also using medical ninjutsu to help people."
A Senju in my class, Kuro noted.
The two students Kuro had identified as possible samurai clan members confirmed his suspicion.
The boy sitting beside Kuro stood. "Takamura Shin. My family were samurai from the Land of Iron region who settled in Konoha twenty years ago. I like swordsmanship and honor codes. I dislike deception and underhanded tactics. My dream is to integrate our family's samurai techniques with shinobi methods and prove we can contribute meaningfully to the village."
The other samurai clan student, a girl, introduced herself as "Kurogane Satsuki. Similar background to Shin my family also came from samurai traditions. I like discipline and kata practice. I dislike laziness and shortcuts. My dream is to honor my family by excelling as a kunoichi."
Two samurai clans that recently became shinobi, Kuro thought.
The introductions continued until it circled to Kuro.
He stood calmly, aware of the attention shifting to him. "Genki Kuro. My family were merchants specializing in ninja antiques and tools. My father is a jonin first-generation shinobi in our clan."
He paused briefly, organizing his thoughts. "I like learning and discovering efficient solutions. I dislike taking unnecessary risks. My dream is to make my parents proud, live a long life, and be acknowledged as the strongest in the village."
The same shift in atmosphere occurred as with the Uchiha; however, the contrast was a bit different compared to the bold declaration of the Uchiha. The modest-sounding statement at the beginning and his audacious goal created ripples of reaction throughout the room.
Ryuji's eyes narrowed slightly. Akemi's gaze became more assessing. Shin beside him looked impressed and slightly amused.
"An interesting combination of modesty and ambition," Kimura observed. "Very well. Thank you, Kuro."
After the last students finished their introductions, Kimura returned to the front of the classroom.
"Now that we understand each other better, let's discuss what you'll be learning here."
She turned to the blackboard and began writing:
Academy Curriculum - Class 1-A:
Core Subjects:
Chakra Control & Theory (Revision of basics, then various training techniques) Taijutsu (Hand-to-Hand Combat) Weapon Training (Kunai, Shuriken, Senbon) Basic Ninjutsu Foundations (Transformation, Clone, Substitution) Tactics & Strategy History of the Shinobi World Survival Skills Physical Conditioning
Advanced Curriculum (Class 1-A Specific):
Advanced Chakra Exercises Introduction to Chakra Nature Theory Team Combat Scenarios Tracking & Reconnaissance Basics Leadership & Command Principles Advanced Strategy & Planning
Kimura tapped the board with her chalk. "These subjects form the foundation of your training. However, being in Class 1-A means you will be pushed harder and farther than your peers in the other Classes."
She turned back to face them, her expression serious. "You will be tested regularly. Your performance will determine whether you remain in Class 1-A or are moved to 1-B. Conversely, students in 1-B who excel can be promoted to 1-A. Nothing is permanent. Everything is earned."
She let that sink in before continuing.
"The curriculum is designed to break you down and build you back up stronger. Some of you have advantages clan techniques, bloodlines, family training. Others are starting from scratch. This advanced curriculum is designed specifically to level that playing field. The advantages you had before entering this academy? They might disappear. The disadvantages you carried? With dedication, you can overcome them."
Kuro noticed several students shifting uncomfortably particularly those from prominent clans who had likely expected their backgrounds to guarantee success.
"Let me be clear," Kimura continued, her voice sharp. "I don't care if you're an Uchiha, a Hyuga, a Senju, or from a civilian family. I don't care if your father is the Hokage or a shopkeeper. In this classroom, you are all equal. You will rise or fall based solely on your own efforts."
She crossed her arms. "The first week will be primarily lectures and theory. We will establish foundational knowledge that you will build upon for the next six years. After the first month, we will transition to a mixture of classroom instruction and practical training. This pattern will continue throughout your time here."
Kimura walked slowly along the front of the classroom. "Some of you will excel at theory but struggle with practical application. Others will be natural fighters but struggle with academics. The goal is to make you well-rounded capable in all areas, not just your strengths."
She stopped and faced them directly. "Now, let's talk about what being in my class entails."
The students leaned forward slightly, curiosity evident.
"You will train harder. You will study longer. You will be expected to master techniques faster than other classes. Your taijutsu sessions will be more numerous and intense. Your chakra control exercises will be more demanding. Your written exams will be more comprehensive."
She paused. "Why? Because the village invests more resources in you. The instructors spend more time on you. The expectations placed on you are higher. And in return, when you graduate, you will be better prepared for the realities of being a shinobi."
Kimura moved back to her desk and picked up a stack of papers. "These are your schedules for the first month. Take one and pass it back."
As the schedules were distributed, Kuro scanned his copy:
Week 1: Introduction to Shinobi Theory, Basic Chakra Control Review, History of Konoha Week 2: Advanced Chakra Theory, Introduction to Basic Taijutsu Forms, Basic Weapon Fundamentals, Strategy Basics Week 3: Team Formation Exercises, General Chakra Applications, Physical Conditioning Regimen, Tactical Scenarios Week 4: First Comprehensive Assessment, Ranking Evaluation, Curriculum Adjustment Based on Performance
They're front-loading the theory, Kuro observed. Getting everyone on the same page before diving into practical work.
"As you can see," Kimura said, "this month is designed to establish your baseline and identify your strengths and weaknesses. The assessment at the end of Week 4 will be your first major test. Your performance will determine your initial internal class ranking. There will be a baseline fail and you're dropped, and the highest-performing student from a lower class takes your place."
Ryuji's eyes gleamed with competitive interest. Several other students looked nervous.
"Naturally, rankings are not permanent," Kimura emphasized. "They will change throughout your time at the academy based on your performance in various assessments. However, they do matter high-ranking students receive additional training opportunities and specialized training, and may be recommended for early graduation if they consistently excel."
Kuro filed that information away. Rankings meant competition, which meant his classmates would push themselves harder. That would benefit everyone, including him.
"Are there any questions about the curriculum or structure?" Kimura asked.
Shin raised his hand. "Sensei, you mentioned leadership and command principles. Will we actually be leading teams?"
"Yes," Kimura replied. "Starting in your second year, you will rotate through leadership positions during training exercises. By the time you graduate, each of you will have experience commanding a team, executing mission directives, and adapting to different leadership styles. This is essential you never know when you might need to take command in the field."
Another student a civilian-born boy asked nervously, "What if... what if we can't keep up? With the advanced pace?"
Kimura's expression softened slightly. "Then you work harder. If not, you ask for help. You use every resource available to you. This academy has a support system older students who are further along, who stumbled but managed to find their balance and thus grew. There will be instructors who offer extra training sessions, study groups you can form with your classmates. No one expects you to do this alone."
She looked at him directly. "But I won't lie to you it will be difficult. There will be times when you want to quit. Times when you feel like you're failing. That's normal. What matters is whether you push through those moments or give up."
The boy nodded, looking a bit more at ease and somewhat reassured.
"Any other questions?"
When no one else raised their hand, Kimura nodded with satisfaction. "Good. Then let's begin with our first lesson: the philosophy of the shinobi."
She moved to the blackboard and wrote a single word: "Shinobi"
"What does this word mean to you?" she asked the class. "Don't overthink it just tell me the first thing that comes to mind."
"Ninja," one student said.
"Warrior," another added.
"Shadow."
"Protector."
"Assassin."
The answers came quickly, a mix of idealistic and pragmatic interpretations.
Kimura nodded as she listened. "All correct, in their own way. The word 'shinobi' carries many meanings to endure and to persevere. But at its core, what is a shinobi?"
She turned back to the board and wrote: "A tool of the village."
The classroom went quiet.
"This is the fundamental truth you must understand," Kimura said, her voice carrying weight. "A shinobi is a tool a weapon wielded by the village to accomplish its goals. Whether that goal is protection, intelligence gathering, elimination of threats, or diplomacy, you are the instrument through which the village acts."
Some students looked uncomfortable with this characterization. Others particularly those from shinobi families—seemed unsurprised.
"Does this mean you are disposable?" Kimura continued. "No. A wise craftsman takes care of their tools. The village invests in you, trains you, values you. But you must understand the relationship your life belongs to the village. Your skills serve the village. Your loyalty is to the village above all else."
She paused, letting that sink in.
"However," she added, and some of the tension eased, "being a tool does not mean being thoughtless. A kunai is a simple tool it has one purpose. But a shinobi is a complex tool capable of analysis, adaptation, creativity. You are expected to think, to strategize, to make decisions in the field. That's what separates a good shinobi from a mediocre one."
Kuro listened carefully, noting the nuances in Kimura's explanation. She was establishing the ideological foundation the Will of Fire, loyalty to the village and not oneself, the shinobi code while also emphasizing personal agency and intelligence.
It's a delicate balance, he thought. Teaching children to be loyal tools while also encouraging them to think independently. It's a bit blunt, but this is perhaps because of the instructor's frankness.
"Over the course of your training," Kimura continued, "you will learn the shinobi code in depth. You will study the history of the great clan ninja system and how the village system came to be today, and understand why these principles exist. You will be tested on your knowledge and your application of these concepts."
She returned to her desk and pulled out a thick textbook. "This is your history text. It covers the founding of Konoha, the Warring States period before that, the formation of the shinobi village system, and the political landscape of the current era."
She held up another book. "This is your tactics manual. It contains basic strategic principles, common mission types, and foundational combat theory."
And another. "This is your chakra theory textbook. It explains the nature of chakra, how it's generated, how it's controlled, and the scientific principles underlying ninjutsu."
The stack of books kept growing. By the time she finished, there were six textbooks piled on her desk.
"These will be distributed at the end of today's session," Kimura said. "I expect you to read the assigned chapters before each class. There will be reading quizzes to ensure you're keeping up with the material."
Several students groaned quietly, but Kimura's sharp look silenced them immediately.
"This is the reality of being a shinobi," she said firmly. "Knowledge is just as important as physical skill. A shinobi who can throw a perfect kunai but doesn't understand tactical positioning is a liability. A shinobi who can perform jutsu but doesn't know when to use them is a danger to their team."
She crossed her arms. "In Class 1-A, we train complete shinobi mind, body, and spirit. That means academics cannot be neglected."
The rest of the morning was spent on introductory material an overview of the shinobi village system, a brief history of Konoha's founding, and a discussion of the current political structure with the Hokage and village council, known as the Hokage advisors.
Kuro took notes diligently, though much of the information was familiar from his previous life's knowledge of the series. Still, there were details that differed or that the anime had never covered specific names of current council members, the economic structure of the village, the relationship between civilian and shinobi populations.
This is the real history, he reminded himself. Not the simplified version from a children's show. This highlights the various layers of complexity here.
As Kimura lectured, Kuro observed his classmates' reactions. Some were engaged and taking notes. Others looked overwhelmed on their first day. The Nara boy, Yoshiro, was definitely asleep in the back corner.
Shin beside him was attentive, his notes organized and detailed. When he caught Kuro glancing at his notebook, he tilted it slightly so Kuro could see a gesture of friendliness and potential study partnership.
Kuro gave a small nod of acknowledgment. A good person to know. He's organized and willing to share information.
Midway through the session, Kimura assigned their first homework: read Chapters 1-3 of the history textbook and write a one-page summary of Konoha's founding principles.
"This is due in two days," she said. "I will collect and grade these papers. Consider it your first assessment of written communication skills."
As the morning session drew to a close, Kimura looked at the clock. "We'll break for lunch now. You have one hour. Return promptly lateness will not be tolerated."
The room seemed to relax at those words. Many slid down in their seats as if tension had been holding them up before.
The students began gathering their things. Kuro stretched slightly, his muscles stiff from sitting for so long.
"That was... intense," Shin commented quietly beside him.
"Just the beginning," Kuro replied. "She's establishing expectations."
"Think you can keep up with the reading load?"
Kuro nodded. "I'm used to studying on my own. What about you?"
"Should be fine. My family emphasized literacy and learning samurai tradition carries over into shinobi training." Shin smiled slightly. "Want to form a study group? Might be easier to tackle the material together."
Kuro considered. Study groups could be beneficial shared knowledge, different perspectives. "That could work. Who else would you include?"
"Not sure yet. Maybe some of the others who seem serious about the academics." Shin glanced around the classroom. "The Hyuga girl looks focused. Maybe the Senju girl too she mentioned medical research, so she's probably used to studying."
"We'll see who's interested," Kuro said noncommittally. He wasn't opposed to the idea, but he wanted to see how people performed first before committing to a study partnership.
As they filed out of the classroom for lunch, Kuro reflected on the morning.
It was going to be a long six years, Kuro thought, but that was fine.
He had time to build his foundation, discover his advantages, and become strong enough to protect what mattered.
One day at a time.
One lesson at a time.
One step closer to his goal.
As he packed his notebook and pencils, he then remembered that he didn't pack lunch and smacked his face...