Daily Life

On the new students' first day of class, their teacher, Kirito, stood at the front and explained the Ninja Academy's history, motto, and rules. "In short, our academy has a five-year program. You must be at least eight years old and pass a physical and family background check to enroll. We have two breaks each year, and at the end of every year, you'll take written and practical exams. If your overall score isn't good enough, you'll have to repeat the year. In your fifth year, you'll also take a graduation exam, which Lord Hokage will personally oversee. You can only become a ninja after officially graduating from the academy. Of course, you can choose another profession when you graduate. They all serve Konoha, and every profession is equally important. We treat everyone the same." As Kirito went on and on, Uchiha Zhuang listened only to the most useful part, then closed his eyes and focused on cultivating chakra and Natural Energy. Sitting beside him, Akihime could faintly sense the vitality radiating from his sturdy body. The closer she sat, the calmer she felt, and she kept leaning toward him, quietly taking in his presence. The chubby boy behind them watched and felt jealousy well up inside him. He decided that after school, he'd gather all his lackeys—including the ones from the streets—and teach Uchiha Zhuang a lesson. Then he'd definitely beg for mercy. Hahaha! I, Fat Tiger, am the strongest kid around! Fat Tiger, lost in his daydreams, began waving his arms around. When Teacher Kirito noticed and made him stand at the front of the classroom, it was a classic case of getting carried away and paying the price.

They ate lunch in the school cafeteria, though they could also bring food from home. Looking at the refined bento Akihime had brought, Uchiha Zhuang wondered if she was hiding her true appetite, but she seemed to be eating slowly and delicately for real. He headed to the cafeteria, taking the lunch basin hidden in his backpack. As a modern-day food lover, all Uchiha Zhuang cared about was eating; nothing else mattered. He paid double and filled a basin-sized bowl to the brim. He had to admit, the food in the ninja world was above average: a huge serving of fried tempura, fried shrimp, grilled eel, slices of fatty beef, two hot spring eggs, seasonal vegetables, and a whole plate of sushi. After some thought, Uchiha Zhuang decided to return to the classroom to eat. He found that Akihime had only eaten half her meal. He plopped down without a care and dug into the delicious food drenched in sauce, occasionally popping a piece of sushi into his mouth. Seeing Akihime's hand trembling beside him, Uchiha Zhuang's heart skipped a beat. Oh no, she can eat even more than I can! But that's exactly the kind of girl I like. He sighed inwardly, then said to Akihime, "Miss, I probably won't be able to finish all this. If you don't mind, would you like to share it with me?" Looking at Uchiha Zhuang's sincere expression, Akihime nodded shyly, then transformed into a fellow food lover and began eating one spoonful after another. The food in the basin disappeared before their eyes. Uchiha Zhuang refused to be outdone, and soon the two of them were devouring the same basin of food at lightning speed, stunning the few children in the classroom.

In the warm, peaceful autumn afternoon sunlight, Uchiha Zhuang dozed off while meditating. Meditation helped the body develop and kept the energy inside it stable and pure. Beside him, Akihime listened attentively as the teacher explained the nature and origins of chakra, as well as how to refine it. When the dismissal bell rang and the teacher left, Uchiha Zhuang gave a huge yawn and stretched. It was the most comfortable nap he'd had since setting out on his travels. Looking at her delicate face, smooth hair, and distinctive eyes, he slung on his backpack. As she watched Uchiha Zhuang's face slowly lose its childishness, she asked, "Are you really eight? You look fifteen!" Uchiha Zhuang couldn't tolerate anyone questioning his abilities. "How do you know I'm not eight? If I were fifteen, I couldn't enroll in the first grade! You tell me how old you are, and I'll tell you my real age!" Akihime looked at the unusually serious Uchiha Zhuang, then said, "I'm six this year! The academy says you have to be eight to enroll, but some of us get in early. Geniuses start young, while others learn in their own clans." After thinking it over, Uchiha Zhuang said, "I really am eight this year. I'm just an ordinary Uchiha, so I enrolled the usual way." Akihime looked as if she understood. "Well, see you tomorrow, Zhuang-kun. Am I not as quiet and demure as other girls? I'm used to talking like a boy because I started training when I was very young. During training, I got used to thinking of myself as a boy. It made me feel strong and brave enough to keep going!" Uchiha Zhuang looked at Akihime's earnest face and determined, delicate smile. There was something heroic about her. Oh no, is this what falling for someone feels like? Uchiha Zhuang said, "I think you're beautiful like this. As beautiful as the goddess I dream about every day!" "You're awful!" Akihime said with a playful frown. She smiled at Uchiha Zhuang, put on her backpack, and walked out.

"Come on out, Fat Tiger. Did you set up a big welcome for me?" Uchiha Zhuang called, leaning sideways as he looked behind the podium. Fat Tiger came out. He was sturdier than he'd been a few months ago, but as he looked at Uchiha Zhuang sitting there, he couldn't figure out why he was trembling inside. His hands and feet wouldn't obey him. Forcing himself to stay calm, Fat Tiger said, "Uchiha brat, meet me in the alley behind the school. We'll settle our score!" Then he ran out the door, shaking. Uchiha Zhuang smiled and shook his head. The little chubby kid was pretty funny, working up the nerve to talk tough like that. Fine, he'd teach him a lesson. In the alley behind the school, Uchiha Zhuang found himself surrounded by around thirty kids, including several tall teenagers who looked like someone's older brothers. Fat Tiger stepped forward, emboldened by his lackeys, and swaggered. "You damn bastard, Uchiha brat! It's too late to beg for mercy now. You had a great time beating me before, didn't you? Now you're dead!" At Fat Tiger's command, the kids charged in a swarm. Some of the little punks carried rocks and wooden boards with sharp edges. Uchiha Zhuang hadn't had fun fighting in a long time, so this was a good chance to stretch his legs. He launched a powerful kick at the kids charging from the front, sending them flying seven or eight meters, then took down seven or eight more with successive sidekicks, one after another. The first dozen were too scared to come any closer, keeping their distance as they faced him down. The kids behind them, however, were still bold. One raised a rock and tried to smash him, but alert Uchiha Zhuang spun around and delivered a kick. With a loud bang, the trash can took the hit, and someone writhed and groaned in the garbage. The rest shrank back, hesitating to approach. Uchiha Zhuang faced the teenagers and Fat Tiger. Fat Tiger realized something was wrong. So many lackeys had been knocked down in an instant. This kid was a lot stronger than before!