Night had fallen by the time Aburame Shiki strolled home, unhurried as always.
Aburame Shino was already used to his late returns. Shiki had always been exceptionally mature for his age, so there was no worry. In this world, early maturity was almost synonymous with genius—like Uchiha Itachi, who had fought in the Third Great Ninja War at four years old and completely unhinged himself in the process.
At Shiki's age, sleep came easily. He also lived by a strict principle: never carry fatigue or stress into the next day. He went to bed early, and the next morning, he was full of energy.
Pushing open the door, Shiki found Shino already hard at work.
His face was crawling with his symbiotic insects.
Getting started this early?
Shiki tugged at the corner of his mouth. He felt his mild trypophobia creeping in. If this were anime, it would be fine. But in reality… the sight was unsettling.
"Big brother."
Under Shino's control, the insects retreated. Shino's diligence had been fueled by Shiki's reckless behavior yesterday—he genuinely feared that his older brother might get beaten up.
"Breakfast," Shiki said, heading toward the living room.
A typical breakfast in this part of the Land of Fire was simple: rice, miso soup, natto, and grilled fish. Shiki couldn't stomach natto, so he skipped it. Instead, he had picked up two onsen eggs, a couple of rice balls, and milk from a street-side breakfast shop.
Shino tilted her head, slightly confused. She had never seen Shiki act this way before. Not hungry enough at home?
At school, Shino quickly noticed something odd.
The situation was completely different from what she had imagined. She had assumed that Shiki's antics yesterday would make him socially distant, but instead, his popularity had skyrocketed. Everywhere he went, people greeted him warmly.
"Children are simple," Shiki said with a faint smile. "They only like what's visually appealing."
Shino had no words. Brutally honest.
Entering the classroom, Shiki scanned the room. They had arrived early; fewer than a third of the seats were filled. Yamanaka Ino, Haruno Sakura, and Uzumaki Naruto hadn't arrived yet, but Hyūga Hinata was already seated.
"Shino, have Hinata come out here for a moment," Shiki said after a brief pause.
Shino froze. Big brother likes Hinata? But yesterday, he had seemed so cheerful talking with Ino. Two-timing?
Shino's worry deepened. He's going to get himself killed someday.
Hinata had noticed Shiki and Shino as well—specifically Shino. She had been unusually awake last night, her mind restless, still feeling exhilarated and anxious. The cause, of course, was Shiki's invitation yesterday. Sneaking out without her father's permission gave her a rare sense of breaking taboos.
"Hinata," Shino said, approaching her. "My brother needs to speak with you."
Hinata froze, instinctively glancing at Shiki. He stood at the doorway, sunglasses hiding any expression.
A few moments passed, then she stood and followed.
"Come with me," Shiki said, not explaining further. They made their way up to the rooftop.
The rooftop was quiet and empty. Shiki pressed a bag into her hands.
Hinata tilted her head, confused.
"Eat this before returning to class," Shiki said, then turned and left.
Opening the bag, Hinata blushed violently. The bag was full of food. Steam seemed to rise from her entire body.
Did Shiki prepare this just for me?
He not only knew she hadn't eaten enough but had considered her personality in preparing it. Her head spun with a flurry of emotions.
She bit into a rice ball. A slight sweetness hit her tongue.
"No passive achievements triggered," Shiki muttered, sitting cross-armed at his desk, deep in thought. Hinata had triggered a passive achievement related to food previously. By his experience, there should be more—after all, eating was one of her defining traits.
"Shiki!"
A familiar voice called out. Shiki looked up to see Ino waving brightly at him.
I wonder what her passive achievements are…
"Last night, the moon was beautiful," Ino said, sharing her impression. "It sparkled like jade."
The moonlight, really? Shiki glanced at her. Golden bangs partially covered her right eye, and he couldn't help but think of that old meme: Eyes not needed? Donate to those in need.
Speaking of gold, he couldn't help but think of Tsunade. Would she take him as her apprentice? He wasn't just thinking about the children—having Tsunade as a mentor guaranteed him absolute security in Konoha.
"Afternoon is practical training," Iruka announced as the morning classes concluded. "Meet on the field promptly."
Although termed "practical," it was mostly taijutsu and an assessment of their fundamentals. At six or seven, most children couldn't perform ninjutsu. Iruka's goal was to gauge their foundation. Students from ninja clans naturally had stronger basics, but the focus was on civilian kids.
Some students buzzed with excitement. Practical classes meant action—the real part of the ninja school. For them, it was playtime.
Except for someone like Uchiha Sasuke. Practical training revealed which students could be considered worthy opponents. He wanted someone who would push him, someone he could unleash his full strength on—earning praise from both his father and brother.
Meanwhile, in a gambling den in the Land of Fire…
"Tsunade!"
Shizune cradled a pink piglet, pleading. "Please, stop!"
"One last hand!" The blonde woman's eyes gleamed with manic determination. "Big! Big! Big!"
"Sorry," the sexy dealer smiled charmingly. "The points are low."
"Damn it!" Tsunade gritted her fists, brow furrowing as a sharp light entered her eyes.
"Shizune, let's go," she said, rising and leaving the casino.
Shizune froze. What just happened?
Tsunade stopped in a secluded alley.
"Lady Tsunade," an ANBU appeared, presenting a letter with both hands. "This is from the Hokage."
"That stubborn old man…" Tsunade scowled but opened the letter.
Soon, a flicker of disbelief crossed her beautiful face.
"Did he really say… six years old?"
Shizune gawked. Six years old mastering the Chakra Scalpel? She prided herself on her talent in medical ninjutsu and had Tsunade's guidance, yet she herself hadn't mastered the technique until after twelve. Six?!