The Will of Fire

"That was close. I almost didn't make it."

Lin Ze looked at the admissions list hanging on the wall and found his name at the very bottom.

"Huh... why isn't it there?"

A sudden shout came from beside him. A boy in a bright green tracksuit, flashing a mouthful of gleaming white teeth, stood on tiptoe and frantically scanned the list. Beads of sweat still clung to his forehead, unwiped. He had clearly rushed over straight from a run.

"Give it up, Guy," a silver-haired boy beside him said.

Isn't that Kakashi and Might Guy? Only then did Lin Ze notice the two beside him.

Right, it's year 38 of Konoha. Kakashi and Guy should both be five. Kakashi enrolled at four and graduated at five, while Guy also took the Entrance Exam at four, but only got into the Ninja Academy at six with the Third's special permission.

"But... I worked so hard." Might Guy's voice caught as his little hands clenched into fists. "Dad said that if I gave it everything I had, I'd be able to go to school with everyone..."

Kakashi pressed his lips together and said nothing more, simply standing silently beside him.

Guy's shoulders trembled slightly, but he stubbornly refused to let his tears fall.

Watching them, Lin Ze felt a slight stir within. So these two future rivals already had this connection back then.

Just then, Kurenai Yuhi ran over, her face bright with joy. "Lin Ze, you passed!"

"Yeah, I got lucky." Lin Ze smiled.

Kurenai's mother came over as well and said gently, "Congratulations, Lin Ze. You'll be classmates with Kurenai now. Please look out for her."

Kurenai's name was far, far above his on the list...

Lin Ze nodded awkwardly. "I will."

As they were talking, a teacher began announcing the class assignments. Lin Ze and Kurenai were assigned to Class 1-B, with a Chunin named Yamada as their homeroom teacher.

Once the class assignments were finished, Mr. Yamada took the new students on a tour of the school and explained the curriculum and school rules.

As Lin Ze listened, he quietly planned out his future life at the Ninja Academy.

Lin Ze positioned himself as a hardworking Taijutsu genius like Guy, only with a little held back. He would keep half of his full strength in reserve, leaving himself a fallback for unexpected situations. Playing it safe was the whole point!

After the tour came the day's main event: a speech by the current Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi!

The Ninja Academy's athletic field.

By then, the field was packed with new students, and a simple podium had been set up at the front. Lin Ze pulled Kurenai along to stand in the middle of the crowd.

"Look, look! Lord Hokage's coming!"

Lin Ze followed everyone else's gaze and saw a figure in Hokage robes and a conical hat walking slowly up to the podium, a pipe between his lips-it was none other than the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Hello, students." The Third waved with a warm smile, his voice gentle yet full of authority. "Today, I'd like to talk to you about Konoha's 'Will of Fire.'"

Lin Ze immediately perked up. Here it comes!

"What is the Will of Fire?" The Third surveyed the crowd with a kindly gaze. "Simply put, it is the conviction to protect the village and safeguard your comrades."

Clap, clap, clap!!!

Enthusiastic applause rose from below the podium.

Lin Ze clapped along, while inwardly snarking furiously. Translation: go die for the village, and you even get your name on the Memorial Stone afterward. All profit, no loss!

"In Konoha, ninja are not tools," the Third continued. "We are people with feelings and bonds. It is these very bonds that make us stronger."

"Take my students, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru, for example." A nostalgic look crossed the Third's face. "When they were young, they studied and grew at the Ninja Academy, just like you..."

Lin Ze nearly laughed aloud. You probably have no idea that Orochimaru's going to defect and send you to your grave...

Just then, the Third's gaze suddenly swept toward Lin Ze. Their eyes briefly met, and Lin Ze immediately put on a "deeply moved" expression and nodded emphatically.

"Lin Ze, why are your eyes red?" Kurenai asked softly. "Are you that moved?"

"Huh? Oh, I got sand in my eyes..." Lin Ze hurriedly rubbed his eyes.

The Third continued his speech. "...So, I hope you will remember: wherever leaves dance, fire will burn unceasingly..."

Clap, clap, clap!!!

Thunderous applause rose from the crowd again. Lin Ze clapped as he thought, That line does sound pretty badass. Too bad Danzo and his lot ruin it later...

"Finally, I'd like to give special praise to one student." The Third suddenly changed the subject. "Despite his limited talent for chakra, he passed the Entrance Exam through astonishing perseverance. Lin Ze, please come forward."

*???*

What's going on? Why did he suddenly call on me? Don't tell me this old man figured out I'm a transmigrator?!

Utterly bewildered, Lin Ze walked up to the podium.

"Lin Ze has proven that even without sufficient talent, one can become an excellent ninja through the Will of Fire and tireless effort," the Third said with satisfaction. "That spirit is Konoha's most precious treasure."

Everyone's eyes instantly focused on Lin Ze. All he could do was give a "bashful" smile.

I'm screwed. The bird that sticks its head out gets shot first!

"Thank you, Lord Third." Lin Ze bowed "excitedly," his voice even sounding a little "choked up" as he said loudly, "I... I'll keep working hard!"

Below, Kurenai watched him admiringly and murmured to herself, "Lin Ze's amazing..."

"..."

The Third's speech finally neared its end. Lin Ze let out a long breath.

It's finally ending. If I keep acting any longer, I'll qualify for an Oscar...

"...Then I hope you will all remember today's lesson," the Third concluded. "Dismissed!"

The crowd began dispersing. Lin Ze was about to slip away when Mr. Yamada stopped him. "Lin Ze, Lord Third wants to see you."

"See me?" Lin Ze's heart lurched. Don't tell me I've given myself away...

He followed Mr. Yamada to an office and found the Third sitting at a desk, drinking tea. Seeing Lin Ze enter, he beckoned kindly. "Come, sit."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage." Lin Ze sat down properly, while his mind raced through the possibilities. What's this old man after? Is he going to take me as his student? No, that can't be right. My chakra's so lousy...

"No need to be nervous." The Third smiled. "I'm simply curious. What keeps you working so hard?"

Lin Ze's mind raced, and he quickly pulled out the explanation he had prepared:

"Because... I don't want to see anyone lose someone important to them ever again. My village... it was wandering ninja who..." As he spoke, he lowered his head at just the right moment, looking very "sorrowful."

"I see." The Third nodded, a glimmer of approval flashing in his eyes. "So that is your 'Will of Fire.'"

Sure, sure, whatever you say.

Lin Ze rolled his eyes inwardly, but outwardly said with "resolve," "Yes! I want to become stronger and protect the people important to me!"

"Very good." The Third patted his shoulder with satisfaction. "I look forward to seeing how you do at school."