The Late Enrollment Notice

In the late autumn of Konoha Year 40, there was already a distinct chill in the air. The leaves of the old tree in the corner of the yard had turned dry and yellow, and occasionally, a few spiraled down. Leaning on a cane, Kyohaku was attempting the most basic chakra control exercise in the yard—gathering an almost imperceptible thread of chakra at his fingertip and trying to make a fallen leaf float. The process was slow and difficult. The strain of standing on his right foot brought a fine sheen of sweat to his forehead, but his mind remained intensely focused as he sensed the extraordinarily delicate flow of that faint energy.

Just then, a gentle female voice came from outside the courtyard gate. "Excuse me, is this Uchiha Kyohaku's home?"

Kyohaku immediately dispersed the chakra at his fingertip, and the leaf drifted gracefully to the ground. He adjusted his expression, putting on a touch of childish timidity, then hobbled over with his cane and opened the gate.

Outside stood a friendly-looking female ninja in her twenties, dressed in a chunin vest and holding a folder. When she saw Kyohaku's condition, understanding and sympathy flashed through her eyes.

"Hello, I'm a teacher at the Ninja Academy. You can call me Teacher Mizuno." She bent down slightly so that her eyes were level with Kyohaku's. "You're Uchiha Kyohaku, right? You should have enrolled this year, but because of what happened before... it was delayed. Are you feeling better now? I'm here to notify you on the school's behalf that you can begin classes tomorrow."

So it's here. Kyohaku understood, but his face showed the appropriate mixture of nervousness and faint expectation. "Hello, Teacher Mizuno... I-I'm much better now. I can... go tomorrow?"

"Yes." Teacher Mizuno's smile grew even gentler. "Don't worry. The teachers will help you catch up on the lessons you missed. There are also many students at school, and you'll make new friends." Her gaze casually swept over the cane supporting him and his slightly unnatural stance before she added, "The school is aware of your situation as well. Some physical training classes will be adjusted appropriately according to your condition."

"Thank you, Teacher." Kyohaku nodded obediently, but his mind was racing. The Ninja Academy... a place full of uncertainties. A large number of children his age meant countless observers and potential risks. He had to be even more careful in playing the role of an Uchiha orphan who was "introverted, somewhat gloomy due to injury, illness, and the loss of his parents, but trying hard to fit in."

"This is your enrollment notice and some matters requiring attention." Teacher Mizuno handed him several sheets from the folder. "Report to the first-year classroom at eight tomorrow morning, on time."

After seeing Teacher Mizuno off, Kyohaku stood silently in the yard for a long time, holding those light yet immensely significant sheets of paper. No outsider, including that teacher, could know that inside the shell of this seemingly pitiful, limping five-year-old child now resided the soul of a twenty-eight-year-old from another world. To him, the Ninja Academy was far more than a simple place of learning—it was a stage where he would need to maintain his disguise at all times.

That evening, as he prepared a simple dinner in the kitchen, the courtyard gate was knocked on again.

This time, Uchiha Shota stood outside, dusty from travel. He was still dressed in the Security Force uniform, his face bearing the fatigue of a completed mission, though his eyes were much gentler than they had been during their last meeting. He had clearly already heard that Kyohaku had moved. His gaze quickly swept over the somewhat remote and shabby little house, and his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, but in the end, he said nothing.

"Kyohaku." Uchiha Shota's voice was hoarser than usual. "I heard about your enrollment as soon as I got back. I also went to where you used to live and only then found out you'd moved here... Why didn't you tell your uncle?" His tone carried a trace of barely detectable reproach, but even more complex concern.

"Uncle." Kyohaku lowered his head and fiddled with the corner of his clothes, repeating the excuse he had prepared long ago. "The old house... was too big. I was scared by myself. This place... is smaller. It's nice."

Uchiha Shota fell silent for a moment, then sighed. He could understand the child's feelings, but he felt the decision had been too hasty and too distant. He entered the house and saw that although it was small, it had been kept clean and tidy. A simple aroma of food drifted from the kitchen, and it seemed the child was truly trying hard to live on his own.

"I heard the school teacher came to notify you about enrollment?" He changed the subject.

"Mm. I'm going tomorrow."

"Good. Once you're at school, study hard. Although..." He paused, his gaze falling on Kyohaku's right foot as his tone turned solemn. "Although your body is inconvenient, the Uchiha name must not be disgraced. You must do well in your academic and theory classes. As for taijutsu and shuriken training... just do your best. Don't force yourself and worsen your injury." His words held both the pride of the clan and a trace of helplessness and advice born of reality.

"I understand, Uncle. I'll study hard," Kyohaku replied.

"If you have any trouble, or if anyone bullies you, remember to come to the Security Force and find me." Uchiha Shota looked at this nephew who was far too quiet and mature for his age, feeling somewhat uncomfortable inside. He could only emphasize it once more. "We're family, understand?"

"Mm. Thank you, Uncle." Kyohaku nodded obediently again.

Uchiha Shota stayed for a while longer and asked about some details of his life. When he learned that Grandma Obito lived next door, his expression seemed to relax somewhat. He left behind some pastries he had bought on the road, gave a few more instructions, then got up and left. As a Security Force squad captain, he still had many matters to handle.

After seeing his uncle off, Kyohaku closed the door. The obedient timidity on his face gradually faded, returning to calm contemplation.

The enrollment notice, his uncle's visit... The outside world was pulling him back onto the predetermined track, one step at a time.

The Ninja Academy would be the first—and most important—testing ground for his ability to disguise himself. While learning the necessary knowledge of a ninja, he had to hide himself perfectly and "grow up" like a genuine five-year-old child who had suffered misfortune.

He looked out the window. Dusk had settled, and in the darkness, the outline of Konoha's distant walls appeared increasingly stern.

Tomorrow, everything would officially begin.