Within the Land of Fire, Konoha.
Above the azure sky, white clouds drifted by, and all was leisurely and tranquil.
Warm sunlight pierced through the clouds and shone upon the lush forest, bathing the entire woodland in a gentle warmth.
"Chirp chirp!"
At the edge of the forest, several little birds perched on branches, tilting their heads as they chirped. Their bright black-and-white eyes watched the scene below with great curiosity.
Beneath the trees, beside a small river, several figures stood together as though discussing something.
By the riverbank, a thick wooden post had been firmly driven into the ground, with a child tied to it.
Beside him stood two other children, a boy and a girl.
"I believe I warned you that sharing your food with him... violates my rules!"
"What you did is unacceptable to me. In that case, there is only one solution: send all of you back to the Ninja Academy. In other words, you are not qualified to graduate at all!"
A harsh, cold voice rang out before the three children!
Standing before them was a tall young man with short white hair and a black mask covering his face, speaking sternly to the three children.
Only one of the young man's eyes was visible, its gaze cold. The other was completely covered by the slanted forehead protector.
Upon hearing his grave words, the children seemed frightened, their faces pale, as though they could not accept what he had said!
"Gulp..."
The blond boy tied to the post swallowed, his eyes trembling slightly. As though driven into a corner, he shouted.
"B-But you were the one who said it, Sensei!!"
Hearing that, the white-haired young man's gaze darkened. He stared fixedly at him and asked in a deep voice.
"Hm!?"
The blond boy choked on