While Jade was lost in thought, the classroom door opened. Their homeroom teacher came in with a reassuring smile and clapped for quiet.
"Everyone, settle down. We have a new student joining our class today. His family was caught in a pirate attack. Kirigakure's maritime patrol rescued him, and he's been taken care of."
"Let's make him feel welcome and help him settle into school." The teacher turned toward the door. "Come in and introduce yourself."
A boy walked in under the curious gazes of his classmates.
He looked about Jade's age, tall and slender. His plain clothes were clean and fit well, his short black hair curled naturally, and his skin was a healthy light tan.
His eyes stood out most. They were an unusual dark gold, with a shifting gleam deep in his pupils. His gaze was calm, carrying a composure beyond his years, as though he had seen far too much.
He stopped before the class, looked around calmly, and offered a measured smile.
"Hello, everyone. My name is Hsi Wu. It's nice to meet you all, and I hope we can be friends."
The teacher checked the seating chart and pointed to the empty seat beside Jade. "Hsi Wu, sit next to Jade. Jade, help our new student out."
"Sure!" Jade snapped back to attention, set her worries aside for the moment, and gave him a bright smile.
She was always eager to help new students, and there was something strangely familiar about this one.
Hsi Wu nodded and walked steadily to the seat beside her. He sat down and set his simple schoolbag on the desk.
"Hey! Hi, Hsi Wu! I'm Jade!" She leaned toward him and lowered her voice, her eyes curving with her smile. "That's a nice name! But this is so weird."