Chapter 128

As the bustling activity at the academy entrance reached a crescendo, the subtle movement of a new ANBU squad caught the attention of veteran Shinobi nearby. These were the elite guards tasked with protecting the Hokage. Initially, many assumed it was just Hiruzen's usual entourage, but the swift ANBU movement signaled something different. Word spread like wildfire among the crowd, igniting a ripple of excitement and anticipation.

The prospect of Tsunade herself gracing the ceremony elevated the atmosphere to new heights. With her recent ascension to the position of Hokage, the Leaf Village has experienced unprecedented growth and prosperity. Under her leadership, Konoha's reputation had surged, reclaiming its status as a formidable force in the Shinobi world.

The mere mention of Tsunade's arrival sent a shiver of reverence through the crowd. In just a year, she had solidified her place as a leader not to be trifled with. Her decisive actions, like the eradication of the rebellious Daimyo family, sent a clear message: defiance would not be tolerated.

Even Shikamaru, standing under the shade with his father, Shikaku, couldn't contain his curiosity. His attire, reminiscent of his brother Kazuki's, drew attention, but it was the pristine tanto strapped to his back that captured the gaze of onlookers. The recent changes in academy policy have relaxed restrictions on carrying weapons for young Shinobi. However, with this freedom came responsibility. Each child had to understand the gravity of their training—the art they were learning was one of life and death.

"Hokage-sama is coming?" Shikamaru's inquiry hung in the air, a reflection of the collective excitement and awe surrounding Tsunade's imminent arrival. The academy grounds buzzed with anticipation as they awaited the presence of their esteemed leader, a symbol of strength and authority in the village.

"Yes, I think so. Hokage Sama's personal ANBU team has already surrounded the area, in addition to the ANBU that were already patrolling the area." Inochi Yamanaka, standing alongside Shikaku with Ino by his side, was a veteran Sensor Ninja. Despite the ANBU being meticulous, he could detect a few of them.

Just as everyone was eagerly waiting, a group neared the entrance. It was none other than Tsunade and Hiruzen, alongside an old man with silver hair.

With Tsunade's arrival, the entire venue showed reverence and parted like the tide to make way for their leader towards the podium. As it was the first day, it wasn't just the first-year newcomers; the venue was filled with other students as well. With the news of Hokage-sama's arrival spreading, even children from higher classes had come to join their juniors.

The academy instructors in charge of the ceremony quickly added a few more seats on the podium. Tsunade, Hiruzen, Jiraiya, and Minato made their way towards the podium. Tsunade extended an invitation to Jiraiya and Minato to join them, and Minato, after leaving Naruto with his friends Shikamaru and Choji, promptly joined Tsunade.

And with that, the ceremony began. The lineup on the podium was grand: three Hokages, the legendary Toad Sage, and an old man with silver hair whom many couldn't recognize. Mizuki, who stood by the side, carefully eyed the proceedings on the stage. He had already been informed by the ANBU that his application for the position of instructor at the New Academy had been accepted.

Originally, he had feared his cover had been blown because he didn't receive any response until this morning. But now that he had acquired the position, he was relieved that his cover was intact. He needed to serve Orochimaru-sama with all his heart, and this was the first task his master had given him. He was determined to fulfill this task, no matter what.

As the ceremony commenced, Tsunade tactfully urged Hiruzen to address the children first. She knew her sensei had a tendency to delve into lengthy speeches about the "Will of Fire," which could become tedious for the young shinobi.

Hiruzen, true to form, embarked on his usual routine of instilling the values of Konoha's legacy into the eager minds of the children. However, after two dozen minutes of his traditional spiel, even the most attentive among them started to fidget.

Sensing the need for a change of pace, Tsunade stepped forward with a more straightforward approach. With her commanding presence, she captured the attention of the children effortlessly.

"Listen up, little Shinobi," Tsunade began, her voice firm yet encouraging. "Today marks the beginning of your journey as a ninja of Konoha. Remember, being a shinobi isn't just about strength and skill. It's about protecting what's important to you, standing up for what's right, and never backing down in the face of adversity."

"Well, honestly, that's the sweet way of putting it to fool you young ones," Tsunade started, her voice and demeanor completely changing to firm and resolute. "I'm not here to bore you with idle talk or sugarcoat the truth. The world of a Shinobi is harsh and unforgiving. It's a world where strength often means the difference between life and death. The entire Shinobi world is forged by the lives of countless ninjas; it's a history written with blood."

The children listened intently, their eyes wide, as Tsunade exposed them to the harsh reality of the Shinobi world.

"Outside the walls of Konoha, your lives are not guaranteed," Tsunade continued, her words carrying a weight of solemnity. "You will face challenges that will test your limits, and you may encounter situations where your training and skills are all that stand between you and danger."

She didn't mince words as she spoke of the harsh realities they would face. "The academy can only pave the way and provide you with resources. But how far you go and what you choose to do with your life is up to you."

As Tsunade continued, her voice carried the weight of experience and wisdom. "In the Shinobi world, you will face enemies who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. You may be forced to make difficult decisions, ones that will test your morals and convictions. There will be times when you must put the mission above all else, even if it means sacrificing your own safety or that of your comrades."

She paused, letting her words sink in, before continuing. "You must understand that failure is not an option. In battle, hesitation can cost lives. You must be prepared to act swiftly and decisively, even in the face of fear and uncertainty."

The children listened in solemn silence, the gravity of Tsunade's words settling over them like a heavy blanket. They were beginning to grasp the harsh reality of their chosen path, where every mission carried the risk of injury or death.

"Remember," Tsunade emphasized, her gaze sweeping over the young faces before her, "as Shinobi, you must be prepared to make sacrifices. Your duty to the village and its people comes above all else. Yes, you may ask me, should one forget the importance of compassion and empathy? Remember this, little ones: these emotions are the luxury of the strong. With enough strength in your name, you can afford to think of such things."

"I am not going to push you all into this abyss without your children being truly aware of what becoming a Shinobi truly entails. You do not have to worry. Those of you here who think that the Shinobi life isn't for you can step aside. There are still other courses offered, like fuinjutsu, iryo ninjutsu, and other craftsman arts, where your safety might be a bit higher than being a Shinobi. But remember this: once you step into the world of Shinobi, there is no turning back. So if anyone wants to quit, the time is now." Tsunade laid the offer bare in front of the massive crowd. Many couldn't help but hiss back in surprise at the hokage's words. Tsunade's way of initiating the new children was more akin to a baptism of blood; it was only for the courageous.

"Don't worry about what others might say. It takes a massive amount of courage to quit," she continued with a smirk, offering this option not just to the new joiners but also to the senior students. She knew the Leaf Village didn't need a half-hearted Shinobi graduating from its academy. Any Shinobi who walks out of these walls must be able to face any kind of adversary they may encounter in the future.

"But it takes even more guts to stay. So tell me, Do you guys have the guts to become true Shinobi of the Leaf?" Tsunade's challenge hung in the air, the weight of her words sinking into the hearts of every individual present. The entire venue was frozen in silence, while Hiruzen's mouth was wide open in shock. He never would have thought his student would throw the truth right in the face of these little children. Each year, there were always children who dropped out because they couldn't cope, but Tsunade was directly offering them a way out even before they started.

Contrary to Hiruzen's expectations, the fire in the little children's eyes burned even brighter, as if acknowledging the Hokage's challenge. None of the little shinobi walked aside; in fact, some children who had planned to quit in the senior years joined back, wanting to continue their shinobi training. Tsunade, with a smile, addressed the crowd.

"Do not worry about anything else. Use these coming six years to grow to your utmost. It doesn't matter whether you are a civilian, a clan child, or an orphan. The village will nurture you. Your merit, your progress, and your hard work will be the only things you will be judged on. If you have the drive to grow, I promise to nurture each and every one of you. Show me that you are worth it to represent the village in the future."

With that, Tsunade sat back in her place, leaving the entire venue shell-shocked. Shizune picked up the pieces and started calling the new joiners' names one by one to give them the welcome gifts in the name of the Hokage. After Tsunade's speech, the little children enthusiastically moved to collect the gifts. The senior students were envious of the newcomers, but then they knew that as long as they showed enough growth, even they could receive such rewards from the academy.

Zenitsu was appointed as the Vice Principal, and with more than 100 students just in the first year, the instructors had planned to split the class into three to decrease the burden. However, Tsunade intervened. Despite her instructions, the classes were being segregated, favoring clan children and assigning higher-ranked instructors to them. She immediately scrapped the idea of different classrooms for first-year students.

"So what if the instructors are burdened? Everyone will get the same treatment. However, those who can finish learning things will be pushed ahead. There is no need to waste the potential of those who truly show progress. For the rest, it will be a reminder of how much extra effort they have to put in. And if they want to settle for mediocrity, then I'm sure they will not survive Shinobi training."

Unlike in the canon, where any child who spent six years in the academy could basically become a Genin, Tsunade was not going to make it so easy. She was aiming for quality over quantity. However, she also made sure to provide top-notch resources and guidance to facilitate such growth. So even an average child, if willing to put in enough effort and hard work, would clear the Shinobi course.

The massive auditorium-style classroom gleamed with newness, a testament to the academy's commitment to providing the best resources for its young shinobi. Rows of sleek desks, each equipped with a brand-new chair, stretched out before the students, offering ample space for learning and collaboration.

Every desk was adorned with a set of brand-new Shinobi gear, neatly arranged in pouches: complete sets of kunai, shuriken, and senbon, all provided by the academy. Gone were the days when parents had to dig into their pockets to purchase these essential tools; now, they were freely given, a symbol of the village's investment in its future protectors.

Alongside the Shinobi gear, each desk boasted a personal laptop, a modern addition to the classroom that spoke to the academy's dedication to embracing technology in education. These laptops were preloaded with educational software and resources, allowing students to access information and practice their skills with ease.

At the front of the classroom, a large blackboard stood ready for lessons, its surface pristine and awaiting the chalk that would soon fill it with knowledge. Above, the ceiling was adorned with modern lighting fixtures, casting a bright and welcoming glow over the room.

Even the smaller details had been taken care of. Blank tags, scrolls, and other necessities that would normally have to be purchased by the students were provided by the academy, ensuring that every young Shinobi had access to the tools they needed to succeed.

As the students settled into their seats, the excitement in the air was palpable. This was more than just a classroom; it was a space where dreams would be forged, where the next generation of Konoha's shinobi would learn, grow, and ultimately become the heroes that the village needed. And with every new piece of furniture and resource provided by the academy, the path to greatness seemed clearer and more attainable than ever before.

Despite its size, the classroom was anything but quiet. The chatter of eager students filled the air, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter or excited whispers. Some students huddled together, exchanging nervous glances and excitedly discussing the challenges that lay ahead.

As the students settled into their seats, the buzz of excitement in the air began to fade into the background. Most of the children had already forgotten about Hokage's words, their minds wandering to more trivial matters. Topics like who was the most handsome boy or the prettiest girl ran rampant through the classroom, filling the air with whispers and giggles.

Sasuke, the young master from the Uchiha clan, found himself at the center of attention, surrounded by multiple girls vying for his affections. His stoic demeanor only seemed to add to his allure, drawing even more attention to him. Meanwhile, the presence of Chomei, the Seven-Tails bijuu, attracted curious glances from his classmates, adding an extra layer of excitement to the room.

Little groups had already formed within the classroom, with children gravitating towards seats that suited them best. The first-year class was special in more ways than one, as there were three Jinchuriki among them. Matabi and Kurama were safely tucked away inside their sealed spaces, following Shikamaru's advice to keep them hidden.

Shikaku had warned Shikamaru against showing his lazy attitude in the classroom, emphasizing that the new academy was no joke. It was a place meant to train the younglings for the harsh realities of their future lives, and while there would be time for fun, the classroom was not the place for it.

Just as the rowdiness in the classroom was about to reach its peak, the door swung open, and an old man with silver hair walked in. His gaze swept over the children, who quickly scrambled to find their seats, their attention now fully on the new arrival.