6 Chapter 6 : Learning is Great

Over Kenji's first week in the academy, he absorbed any kind of knowledge he could. Even with Mr. Yuto putting his class to sleep with lectures of the first great war, Kenji attentively listened with the occasional nudge of Hansuke's shoulder to wake him up. Kenji often did this. Even though his initial reaction was angry, Hansuke learned to appreciate how much his friend cared. And speaking of friends, every single day after the ten year lecture of Mr. Yuto, the class would participate in sparring, shuriken, and kunai practice. The sparring field. This is where Hansuke and Kenji enjoyed their time the most. Upon the dismissal from the classroom, the students could never find Mr. Yuto at all. He was probably sleeping somewhere. Whatever. He looked like he needed it. Anyway, since the students assumed they were without supervision, everyone would genuinely practice what they were told for only half the allotted time. Instead of finishing, the class would gather around the center of the field which was marked by the largest oak tree within the surrounding 200 miles.

Each student wondered in anticipation what trick the two prodigies would pull out. It turns out, Kenji and Hansuke became the catalyst of acceleration for each other in terms of learning shinobi tricks. After class, the moment the boys parted from each other and joined the 'retrieval' posse, aka parents picking up their children, questions would fly.

"Mom! What else can you teach me? Hansuke showed me up today."

"Mom! Dad! I need something to blow the socks off Kenji tomorrow."

It didn't matter how minuscule. A new kick, a new ninjutsu, a shuriken bank shot. Whatever tricks they thought could trump each other were learn without hesitation. It not only became a contest for the two friends, but it also boosted the morale and confidence of their classmates, especially one day when the boys played their hand simultaneously. They both used the clone jutsu at the same time. Uproar continued throughout the entire session.

"If they can do that, why can't I."

"I should ask my parents to teach me something too."

The thoughts and desires of each and every child merged into one. The determination to become the greatest ninja possible was formed as the foundation or the cornerstone of Mr. Yuto's class.

The first week proved to be an excellent tool for Mr. Yuto as well. As the oooooo's and aaaahhhh's radiated from the center of the field, Mr. Yuto was perched along the roof of the building. Listening. And smiling.

For the second week, Mr. Yuto hastily required all students to test the nature of their chakra using traditional chakra paper.

Kenji didn't understand this. Why would the academy test for nature so quickly? Aya certainly never told him about this, but there's bound to be numerous changes since her academy days. Without any hesitation, Kenji proceeded to relish in the art of being first to volunteer for things. His teacher poked a small, square piece of paper into his students face. Kenji was used to the erratic behavior of his sensei already.

Mr. Yuto croaked out a "Channel your chakra into it."

Kenji's classmates couldn't help themselves. Each student made an attempt to climb over one another just to see their esteemed top student's nature.

Kenji smiled at his eager peers. No matter what they thought of him before, nothing could replace the veneration boiling for him now. He sent his chakra into the square with tingles in his bones as he looked up at Hansuke beside him. The cocky smile given to his best friend clearly indicated his drive to triumph at this contest too.

When Kenji glanced to the paper, half of it caught fire with a 'WOOSH!'. The flame reached at least a foot tall causing Kenji to shield his face with an agile forearm. Still feeling the singe of his eyebrows, he thought, 'Wait, only half of it caught fire, so does that mean...?' Clearing his head of curiousity, the other half responded with a crinkle louder than Mr. Yuto's snoring. Complete silence.

Even the teacher was at a loss for words. "...Uh.....Dual Affinity...Fire and...Lightning." Mr. Yuto struggled tremendously with his words like he still couldn't process the sight with the belief between his brain and eyes.

Kenji walked to the side. Every set of eyes followed him to where he stood. He didn't feel right. He thought 'Why are they staring at me just like everyone else.' Kenji's rare frown was on display. Eventually, the show continued. Of course the second student to try would be Hansuke. His relayed back as completely normal. Extremely high water natured with a hint of Earth.

With the exception of four students from Mr. Yuto's class, water affinity was dominant across the board. Kenji suspected his affinity was just rare in the Mist. Nobody would judge him for being different, Right?

A body from a few blocks away was kneeling upon a rooftop. The hidden man bared the whites of his teeth into an evil smile. "hehe. The commander has good eyes." He grumbled to himself.

Kenji had to walk home alone that day. Aya's explanation was she had to 'meet a friend.' She gave strict instructions who to go to if he was in trouble, what route to take, and not to emerge from the house until she returned. Kenji pouted for a few minutes. He would have to wait to boast about his day, but it wasn't unbearable. He began to think of anything that could overshadow Hansuke for tomorrow's showdown. Suddenly, a shudder down the spine crashed Kenji's train of thought. He looked left and right. Nobody. He glanced over his shoulder and toward his home. Nobody. Kenji went on alert as every tiny hair he had stood on edge. Kenji stood his ground. This didn't feel right.

Note : YEEERRRR. So I don't really like this chapter for some reason. Usually the words I want to write come to me easy, but it wasn't happening today. Whatever. I'm having a little trouble with the pacing I want but next chapter will be lit. Guaranteed. I know I said shit will hit the fan in a few chapters, so on the next one, I'm gonna put the pile of shit in my hand and slowly ease it into the fan and knock of little by little for a while, then I'll throw the pile into the fan all at once. lol. Btw the torture tag I put on the story wasn't an accident. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) I'm a tease I know.

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