Ninja Academy Opening Ceremony

Just as the three children began interacting in a strange yet tense manner, a subdued but distinct commotion arose from the edge of the crowd.

Nangō Kumoi, the Third Hokage, led the way, with Hokage aide Hiruzen Sarutobi half a step behind him.

Accompanied by a group of schoolteachers and several Anbu, the two steadily made their way through the crowd toward the temporary podium at the front of the plaza.

Today, Nangō Kumoi wore an especially formal Divine Robe embroidered with dark golden flame patterns. With the Hokage's conical hat on his head, he looked imposing without losing his gentleness.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, meanwhile, wore a neat dark Jonin vest and carried himself with calm composure.

Their arrival immediately drew everyone's attention. The noisy plaza swiftly quieted, leaving only the teachers' low voices maintaining order:

"Quiet, children. Stand properly.

"The Hokage is here."

Standing in line, Tsunade spotted Uncle Kumoi and Teacher Hiruzen in the crowd at once, and her eyes immediately lit up.

Her little hand rose instinctively, wanting to wave, but she immediately realized this was not the right occasion.

She quickly lowered her hand and straightened her small body, trying hard to look more serious and attentive.

Yet those large eyes could not help following Nangō Kumoi's figure.

Nangō Kumoi swept his gaze across the crowd and naturally noticed the little blonde figure trying so hard to stand straight.

The stern expression on his face softened slightly. He gave Tsunade an almost imperceptible nod, sending her a look of encouragement and approval.

Receiving the signal, Tsunade immediately felt much more at ease. She even secretly lifted her chin, looking all the more spirited.

Jiraiya, standing beside Tsunade, reacted completely differently.

The moment he saw Nangō Kumoi—especially that conspicuous Hokage robe—the terrifying memory of being caught red-handed several days ago and punished with copying the "Code of Conduct" a hundred times surged into his mind.

His neck shrank instinctively, and he wished he could hide behind the student in front of him.

He prayed frantically inside:

Can't see me, can't see me, can't see me... Lord Hokage, you're so busy every day, please don't notice an insignificant little runt like me!

Please! I'll never dare do it again! At least not today!

Trying hard to diminish his presence, even his signature white hair seemed to want to droop.

Orochimaru, however, was the calmest and most objective observer of the three.

He raised his pale little face, his clear eyes brimming with curiosity fixed unblinkingly on Nangō Kumoi as he approached.

This was Konohagakure's highest leader, the Third Hokage.

He looked very young, yet someone like Uncle Hiruzen followed him respectfully, and his appearance could silence the entire crowd in an instant.

Orochimaru's gaze carefully examined Nangō Kumoi's stride, demeanor, and the instinctive reactions of those around him.

He felt little awe or fear. What he felt more was pure observation and analysis:

This is the "Hokage." The person who holds the village's highest authority.

He is a ninja, just like my parents.

But he seems... different from my parents.

His chakra feels very unusual. Very... gentle?

But Uncle Hiruzen said that anyone who could become Hokage was an exceptionally powerful ninja.

Could strength look like this too?

Orochimaru's observations were interrupted by a burst of enthusiastic applause.

Nangō Kumoi and Hiruzen Sarutobi had already stepped onto the podium. The Ninja Academy's vice principal, who was hosting the ceremony, respectfully invited the Hokage to speak.

Nangō Kumoi removed his conical hat, handed it to Hiruzen at his side, and stepped forward.

He did not speak immediately. Instead, his gentle yet powerful gaze slowly swept over the young but earnest faces below the stage.

His gaze lingered for an extra moment on the orphaned students whose eyes held sorrow or confusion.

The morning sunlight was just right, falling upon him and upon the hundreds of Konoha's future hopes below the stage.

Standing before the podium in the morning light and facing hundreds of clear eyes, Nangō Kumoi slowly began to speak. His voice was gentle, yet it carried clearly throughout the entire plaza.

"Good morning, children.

"And to all the parents and colleagues here to witness this ceremony."

"I am Nangō Kumoi, the Third Hokage of Konohagakure."

After a brief pause, his gaze swept across the crowd, lingering for an extra second on several children with bowed heads and gloomy expressions.

"Today, standing here and seeing all your vibrant faces, filled with nervousness and curiosity, makes me very happy. It also makes me deeply aware of my responsibility.

"Because you are Konoha's tomorrow. You are the freshest and most precious new buds nurtured by these leaves."

"Not long ago, our village went through a sorrowful farewell.

"Many brave ninja left us forever to protect their comrades and protect Konoha.

"Among them may have been your fathers, mothers, older brothers, or uncles and aunts you knew well.

"Please, at this moment, remember them silently in your hearts and thank them for the peace and tranquility they brought us."

The entire plaza fell silent. Many children, especially the orphans, began to redden around the eyes, but they all tried hard to keep their backs straight.

"Sorrow is real, and loss is painful.

"But children, Konoha is called a 'home' because it remains standing after wind and rain, and because it supports one another through pain.

"In the name of the Hokage, I promise you—and the entire village—that Konoha will never forget the sacrifices of its heroes, nor will it ever abandon a single child."

"From today onward, everyone who enters this school, whether you come from a family with a long history or an ordinary household,

"or have just suffered a loss... here, you are all equal students, all part of Konoha's future.

"The village will provide you with an environment to learn, opportunities to grow, and protection as warm as we can make it.

"What you have lost, Konoha, this great family, will strive to make up for in its own way."

His tone gradually rose, carrying encouragement.

"The Ninja Academy is where your dreams set sail.

"Here, you will learn knowledge, temper your bodies, and master the strength to protect yourselves and those you cherish.

"But remember, strength takes more than one form—

"It can be the sharp kunai in your hand, the medical arts that heal wounds, the wisdom that builds homes, or the steadfast heart that protects your comrades."

"I hope you will not only learn how to fight, but also why you fight;

"not only seek personal strength, but also understand unity and sharing.

"Konoha's future needs ninja skilled in battle, craftsmen skilled in building, wise people who can see what lies ahead, and even more, healers with compassion in their hearts.

"Find what you love and excel at, then give it everything you have and do it as well as possible. That is the best contribution you can make to the village, and the greatest comfort you can offer your departed loved ones."

His gaze turned toward the teachers and parents present.

"Teachers, parents, I leave them in your care.

"Please use your patience and wisdom to guide these young sprouts, so that while they gain strength, they may also distinguish right from wrong, cherish life, and understand the true meaning of inheritance and protection within the Will of Fire."

Finally, his gaze returned to the children, his tone sincere and full of hope.

"Children, the new term has begun, and Konoha's new chapter is being written.

"The road ahead may be filled with thorns, but do not be afraid.

"Your teachers, families, and we who came before you will always stand behind you.

"And I ask you to become companions to one another, learning from and supporting each other."

"Cherish your time at school. Work hard to absorb knowledge, and happily make friends.

"May all of you grow here into outstanding ninja who make yourselves proud, bring comfort to your families, and make Konoha proud."

"Where the leaves of Konoha dance, the fire burns on unceasingly."

"Finally, I announce: Konohagakure Ninja Academy's new school year—officially begins!"

He gave a slight nod and stepped back half a pace, returning the stage to the vice principal.

After a brief silence, the plaza erupted in enthusiastic applause, mixed with children's irrepressibly excited whispers and parents' relieved sighs.

Sunlight fell over everyone, as though gilding this hopeful ceremony of new beginnings with a layer of golden radiance.