Ch. 21The Days of School, Part One
Key Plot Points and Events
- Higashino Makoto starts his first day at the Ninja Academy, carrying ninja tools instead of a backpack.
- He meets Hayate Gekko and Uzuki Yugao on the way, and they walk together.
- The trio arrives at Class 1-A, where Higashino Makoto and Uzuki Yugao are greeted with resentment from boys and admiration from girls due to their high entrance exam scores.
- Shisui sits alone, repelling others with his clan crest and captivating eyes.
- Students introduce themselves, revealing their dreams and hobbies.
- Higashino Makoto feels watched by the Third Hokage using the Crystal Ball.
- The first class is about Konoha's history and the Will of Fire, heavily edited and analyzed through the Third Hokage's perspective.
Character Developments
- Higashino Makoto: Shows maturity and understanding of the Will of Fire, prioritizing protecting comrades over becoming Hokage.
- Uzuki Yugao: Grows from a clueless little girl to a more guarded and independent young girl.
- Shisui: Shows maturity beyond his years, with a dream of mutual understanding among villagers.
Significant Themes
- The Will of Fire: The ideology that binds Konoha ninja, emphasizing loyalty, understanding, and protecting the village.
- The importance of mutual understanding and respect among villagers.
- The tension between personal dreams and the village's needs, as seen in Higashino Makoto's response to Teacher Inoue.
Character Interactions
- Higashino Makoto, Uzuki Yugao, and Shisui interact, discussing their dreams, hobbies, and the curriculum.
- Higashino Makoto and Shisui have a philosophical discussion about understanding and agreement.
- Higashino Makoto feels the Third Hokage's gaze on him during class.