"School's out! Come on, come on, come on! I learned a new ninjutsu—let's practice at the usual spot."
"Think I'm scared of you? Loser's the other guy's son!"
"Let's go!"
As the dismissal bell rang melodiously, half-grown children shouted as they ran past Enkō, leaving behind a string of crisp laughter.
Over the past four years, the Ninja Academy of the Flame Hidden Village had enrolled nearly five hundred students. Aside from the younger generation of the major clans, there were also many civilian children. Yet after selection, every child from an ordinary family possessed tremendous potential. They would become the backbone of the village in the future.
Enkō made his way to the principal's office with practiced ease, raised his hand, and knocked on the door. A pleasant voice immediately came from within.
"Come in!"
Creak—
When he pushed open the door, a bright, lovely face greeted him. Due to her long-term contact with children, Uchiha Juri's face had lost some of its cool aloofness and gained a touch of gentleness.
When she saw Enkō, a hint of surprise flashed through Juri's eyes. "Enkō? You're back from the meeting?"
"Yeah, I only got back a little while ago." Enkō casually pulled out a chair and sat down. "Sister Juri, how does it feel to be a teacher?"
"Not bad. Looking at these children makes me feel much younger myself." Juri smiled brightly, then set down the documents in her hands. "By the way, what did you come to see me for?"
"Uh... can't I visit you if I don't have anything to do?"
Juri merely smiled at him. "Do you believe that yourself? When have you ever come here just to see me?"
Enkō said rather awkwardly, "Well... couldn't this be the first time?"
Juri waved her hand. "All