New Bonds and Friendly Rivalries

Konohagakure.

"Takumi, how was your first day at the academy?" Saki asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"It was good, though I can't say I learned anything new," Takumi replied, his tone casual.

Just then, Hana, who seemed to have returned from Konoha Hospital, interjected, "It's not just about what you learn; it's about the connections you build. Many of the students here, especially those from various clans, have learned this information from a very young age."

Hearing this, Takumi nodded in understanding. He recognized that, at a certain point, being at the academy would become redundant for him. When that time came, he could simply use a Shadow Clone to attend classes in his stead, allowing him to focus on his own training. Afterward, he could apply for early graduation.

After discussing his day at the academy, Takumi decided to go to bed early. His mind was racing with various thoughts. He was acutely aware of the hidden dangers lurking in the world around him. Soon, the Third Great Ninja War would begin, and as a shinobi of Konoha, he would have to participate. As these thoughts swirled in his mind, he gradually drifted off to sleep.

---

"Saki-san, has Takumi woken up yet? It's almost time for the Ninja Academy to start," Minato asked, glancing at Saki as she prepared breakfast. He didn't quite understand why, but watching her made his heart feel warm.

"Umm… I called him earlier. He said he would get dressed and come down soon. By the way, Minato, what do you want to do in the future? Do you have any plans?" Saki inquired, curious about his aspirations.

Minato, initially a bit embarrassed, gathered enough courage to answer, "I want to become Hokage so that I can protect my loved ones!"

Takumi, overhearing their conversation, couldn't help but tease him. "It seems I underestimated you, Minato. I thought you were quite humble, but now I see you're a wolf in sheep's clothing, aiming directly for the Hokage position," he said with a mischievous grin.

Minato's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at Takumi's words, but Saki quickly intervened. "You two are going to be late for the academy, you know? I hope you don't want to be tardy on your second day."

Takumi glanced at Minato and smirked, "Whoever reaches the academy last will treat the winner to Yakiniku Q, okay?"

With that, he took off running toward the academy, prompting Minato to chase after him.

---

While the Ino-Shika-Cho team made their way to the Ninja Academy, they noticed something unusual.

"Hey, Shikaku. Aren't those guys Minato and Takumi? Why are they rushing toward us like that? If they're after my chips, they'll have to answer for it!" Choza exclaimed, putting away his snacks while tapping his belly for emphasis.

Before Shikaku could respond, both Minato and Takumi rushed past them.

---

"Takumi, it seems today's victory belongs to me," Minato declared happily, breathing heavily from their earlier race. Takumi and Minato often engaged in these lighthearted competitions. Initially, Takumi would win easily, but over time, Minato improved significantly. This was largely due to Toru, who trained both Minato and Takumi whenever he wasn't on missions.

Knowing that Minato had more talent than him, Takumi shrugged it off and responded with a playful grin, "Alright, alright. As the older and more mature one, I shall treat little Minato to Yakiniku Q."

At this, both Minato and Takumi burst into laughter.

---

As the bell rang, signaling the start of the second day at the Ninja Academy, Takumi and Minato settled into their usual seats, their faces still flushed from the race. The classroom gradually filled with students, many from prominent clans, each eager to begin the day. Takumi scanned the room and noticed the Uchiha from the day before, now sitting closer to the front, appearing deep in thought.

After a while, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio entered the room. Shikaku, always calm and composed, gave a brief glance at Minato and Takumi before taking his seat, while Choza protectively clutched a bag of chips, shooting them a mock glare. "You two better not come after my chips again," Choza teased, still in good spirits after their earlier encounter.

Minato looked puzzled, unaware of what had transpired, but before he could ask, the instructor, Tsubasa Sato, entered the room, silencing the chatter. "Alright, class. Today, we'll focus on basic ninjutsu and team exercises," she announced, her sharp gaze sweeping across the room.

Takumi's eyes narrowed slightly. He knew most of the material would be familiar, but if things became too repetitive, he could always use a Shadow Clone to attend in his place, allowing him to train on his own. Still, for now, he needed to demonstrate his sincerity.

As the lesson began, Takumi observed that many of the students, like himself, were already proficient in the basics. The air in the room buzzed with quiet confidence. Everyone here was likely to become Chunin or higher, provided they survived long enough.

Minato, ever diligent, paid close attention to every word, despite having studied most of this material with Takumi. He had told Saki that morning about his dream of becoming Hokage, and even though Takumi had teased him, he deeply respected Minato's ambition.

The class broke into small groups for their first exercise of the day and headed to the outdoor training ground. Takumi found himself paired with Minato and another student, Inoichi Yamanaka. As they began practicing basic seals, Inoichi turned to them and asked, "Did you guys practice these before? You seem to be more proficient than I am."

Understanding that this was Inoichi's way of getting to know them, Takumi welcomed the gesture and replied, "My father is a Konoha Jonin, so whenever he has time, he personally teaches us. By the way, I'm Takumi Kazeharu, and this is my friend Minato Namikaze."

"Ah! It seems I didn't formally introduce myself. I'm Inoichi Yamanaka. How about we go to Yakiniku Q after classes today to get to know each other better? You know Shikaku and Choza, right? They will also be there."

"What a coincidence! Minato and I were also planning to go to Yakiniku Q today after classes," Takumi replied, a look of surprise crossing his face.

"Oh! It seems it was destined for us to meet today," Inoichi said with a smile.

---

As the day progressed, the classroom hummed with the sounds of students practicing their basic seals. In the meantime, Takumi, Minato, and Inoichi got to know each other better.

When the final bell rang, signaling the end of their second day at the Academy, Takumi stretched his arms and said, "Well, that wasn't so bad," to which Minato nodded in agreement. After reminding both Takumi and Minato of their plans to meet at Yakiniku Q, Inoichi left to join Shikaku and Choza.

The students began gathering their belongings, with Choza excitedly talking about his next meal, Shikaku looking half-asleep, and Inoichi discussing their plans for the evening.

Minato gave Takumi a playful nudge. "Ready for Yakiniku Q?" he asked, grinning widely.

"Yeah, let's go," Takumi replied as they walked out together, leaving the academy behind for the day, their laughter echoing through the halls.