Konoha.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
Konoha's Ninja Academy welcomed its annual opening season.
This year's new students were rather special.
Because the heirs of Konoha's major ninja clans were almost all in this class.
"What a drag..."
Shikamaru Nara yawned.
With both hands in Kabuto, he looked like he had not woken up yet.
Beside him.
Choji Akimichi was hugging a bag of chips and munching away.
"Shikamaru."
"Aren't you eating?"
"They're barbecue flavored!"
"..."
Not far away.
Ino Yamanaka was smoothing out her skirt.
She looked around, seemingly searching for prey.
"Woof!"
A pure white puppy squeezed out from the crowd.
"Akamaru."
"Starting today, we're Ninja Academy students!"
Kiba Inuzuka, his hair a complete mess, laughed arrogantly.
On the other side.
Hinata Hyuga hid behind her father, Hyuga Hiashi.
Her head was lowered, and her two fingers twisted nervously together. She did not dare look at anyone around her.
Just then.
The crowd suddenly parted to make way.
Kakashi Hatake walked over with one hand in Kabuto, leading a blond little boy by the hand.
Uzumaki Naruto.
Today, Naruto wore a brand-new dark tracksuit.
Goggles rested on his forehead, making him look full of energy.
"Big Brother Kakashi!"
"Big Brother Chiba lied to me!"
"He clearly promised he'd personally bring me to school today!"
Naruto pouted, his face full of displeasure.
A hint of helplessness appeared in Kakashi's eyes.
He ruffled Naruto's blond hair.
"The Hokage is very busy."
"He has a lot of documents to handle at the Hokage Building."
Several villagers passing by spotted Naruto as well.
Not only did they not show disgust, they smiled at him kindly instead.
A fruit-selling Big Mom even took the initiative to hand Naruto a red apple.
"Little Naruto."
"Listen to your teachers at