Self-Introduction

"Ding."

"The bell for the end of class? When did that happen? What a waste of excitement." Genichi felt a surge of thrill, only for it to vanish as quickly as it came—or perhaps it was more accurate to say he had been indifferent all along.

Time slipped away unnoticed as the Third Hokage spoke on the podium for over two hours.

"And so, the opening ceremony concludes here. Everyone, return to your classrooms. I look forward to seeing you all grow into excellent ninja."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked out at the vibrant children before him. Their future growth would gradually add bricks and mortar to the village's development, eventually becoming the solid foundation of its strength.

For a moment, he saw a scene of burgeoning vitality and all things striving for progress. He couldn't help but recall the day many years ago when he accepted the mantle of Hokage from the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, in a moment of crisis.

"Ever since I became Hokage, I have carefully maintained the hard-won peace of Konoha, tirelessly handling the village's affairs, big and small. It is only through this day-after-day effort that Konoha enjoys its current prosperity."

"Yet, peace has lasted for little more than a decade, and the situation between nations is becoming unstable again. Teacher, I have walked on thin ice my entire life. Do you think I will ever reach the other shore?"

"Mikoto, let's sit together in the classroom later. I'm quite interested in the Uchiha clan; you should tell me more about it when you have time." Genichi shamelessly extended the invitation.

"Well, alright." Mikoto hesitated, but ultimately agreed. The first friend she had made at the Ninja Academy might be a bit eccentric, but he was probably a good person, right?

Upon arriving at the classroom, Genichi immediately chose a spot in the second-to-last row by the window. There were three seats on that side of the aisle; Mikoto sat on the inside, and Genichi took the middle seat.

It wasn't that he didn't want to sit in the front and listen attentively; the curriculum at the Ninja Academy consisted mostly of theoretical knowledge, barely enough to lay a foundation.

If one expected the school teachers to turn them into masters, they might as well hope to dream of the Sage of Six Paths passing down his power while they slept.

The student in the seat to his right arrived—a girl with a gentle temperament and a smile on her face. Before he could even greet her:

"Bang, bang!"

The teacher on the podium wore an official ninja flak jacket, sported a thick beard, and had a stern expression. He rapped on the blackboard to grab everyone's attention and said:

"My name is Sarutobi Kimura, and I will be your homeroom teacher for the next few years."

"I am a Special Jonin rated for my outstanding teaching ability, specializing in Fire Style and Konoha-style swordsmanship. I like obedient students and, conversely, dislike those who do not listen. Now, everyone, introduce yourselves in order."

The students in front went quickly, and their introductions were a mixed bag—some liked cats and hated dogs, while others liked dogs and hated cats.

It was incredibly lively; if they weren't in a classroom, it would have already turned into a brawl. There were also many nameless faces, background characters whose dream was to become Hokage.

Genichi nodded in approval on the surface, but inwardly shook his head. Looking at the history of the seven Hokage, it was all about bloodlines or master-disciple relationships. Only by becoming part of the Hokage's inner circle would you ever be given the chance to become one yourself.

Next was a chubby red-haired boy who stood up to introduce himself:

"My name is Akimichi Choza. I like eating delicious food, I don't like it when people call me fat, and my dream is to have an endless supply of good food in the future."

Genichi took a seemingly casual glance around him. The boy with pale yellow hair who looked quite aloof must be Yamanaka Inoichi;

And the one with his hair spiked high, looking completely listless and resembling the future Shikamaru, must be Nara Shikaku.

The future heads of the "Ino-Shika-Cho" trio were all here. This class was truly packed with talent, yet they all paled in comparison to the figure who would appear next:

The ninja who truly popularized the Flying Thunder God, recognized by the ninja world as the "Yellow Flash," a former student of the "Sannin" Jiraiya, a commoner who became the Fourth Hokage at the age of 23, known as the fastest man in the ninja world—Minato Namikaze.

"My dream is to become Hokage and protect everyone in the village," the young little sun said.

Immediately after, Chiba Genichi slowly stood up, the corners of his mouth curling slightly as he spoke in a friendly tone:

"Hello everyone, I'm Chiba Genichi. I don't have anything I dislike for the time being. I usually like playing chess or fishing, and my dream is to live a peaceful life in the future."

"Likes chess and fishing? And a peaceful life?" Shikaku, who had been slumped over his desk, couldn't help but look up, almost thinking his Shadow Clone was on the podium.

He hadn't expected to meet a classmate with the same hobbies and dreams. For the first time, he felt a glimmer of anticipation for the next few years.

"I am Hyuga Hana. I like sweet food and beautiful flowers. I don't have anything I dislike for now, and I hope to live more freely in the future."

Genichi looked at his seatmate. Her voice and appearance were as gentle as water; she felt like someone very easy to get along with.

"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?" After sitting down, Genichi noticed Mikoto glancing at him from time to time.

"I just didn't expect you to introduce yourself so seriously. I thought you were going to say those strange things of yours on purpose again."

Afraid of being caught by the teacher, Mikoto leaned close to Genichi's ear and whispered her explanation.

The warm breath brushed against Genichi's ear, and he could faintly smell a fresh scent—was it shampoo?

"Is that what you thought? Then, Mikoto, do you know what the first step to living a peaceful life is?"

"What is it?" Mikoto asked, puzzled. She felt her life had always been quite peaceful.

Leaning slightly closer to her ear, Genichi joked in a voice only the two of them could hear: "Of course, it's to find a female ninja to marry first. Preferably one as gentle and beautiful as you, Mikoto."

"You're so annoying!" Flustered and angry, Mikoto shoved Genichi back into his seat, her face turning as red as an apple.

"Ahem! Since this student is so impatient, she can be the next to introduce herself." The teacher on the podium spoke helplessly, pointing at Uchiha Mikoto.

They were already acting up on the first day before class had even officially started, showing no respect for the teacher—he didn't even want to imagine what they would do later.

"Ah, are you calling me?" Mikoto was startled, hurriedly standing up, and stammered:

"My dream is to live a peaceful... I mean, a happy life. I like cooking delicious food, and I dislike Genichi—oh, no, I don't have anything I dislike."

Having said that, she sat down without a moment's hesitation, keeping her head low, afraid to look at anyone else.

What do I do? Now I'm going to be seen as a weirdo. Ninja Academy life is a total failure! Why did it turn out like this... Leaving the clan compound for the first time to come to the Ninja Academy, successfully making my first friend from outside the clan—two happy things overlapping.

And these two joys have brought me even more joy. What I should have received was a time as happy as a dream... but why, why did it turn out like this...

Poor Mikoto had been played in the palm of the naturally wicked brat Genichi on her very first day of school.

Mikoto bit her lower lip gently, her hands clenched tight. She couldn't help but turn her head and glare fiercely at the innocent-looking culprit, silently making a resolution in her heart:

"Even though Grandpa always says I'm gentle, my fists aren't necessarily weak, and my kunai has yet to be tested."