Chapter 27: The Academy… is boring.

Author Note: Nothing of importance, just enjoy the chapter, and if you have any questions, make sure to comment!

And like always, remember if you want to read up to 12 chapters ahead go to https://www.patreón.com/cornbringer

I'm currently updating the novel 2-8 chapters a day in patreeeeon. On chapter 38 so far, though by the end of today it will be chapter 40-42

Discord invite: https://discord.gg/XHduApz

Enjoy you sexy bastards.

—————————————————-

[Hokage Office.]

[Third Person POV.]

As the door closed behind Mikoto and Fugaku, the tension in the room remained palpable. Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his attention to Danzo, who stood there with a grim expression, his displeasure evident.

"Danzo," Hiruzen began, his tone measured but firm, "why are you so adamant about Takeshi not staying with the Uchiha?"

Danzo's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice cold and unyielding. "Hiruzen, you are being a blind fool, as usual. Takeshi is not just any child; he is a valuable tool for Konoha. Allowing him to stay with the Uchiha, a clan already under suspicion for the Nine Tails attack, is a grave mistake."

Hiruzen's gaze hardened, his voice low and controlled. "Are you suggesting that the Uchiha are responsible for the Nine Tails incident? Even after Minato himself confirmed Takeshi's warnings about the intruder not being from the village?"

Danzo's lips thinned into a tight line. "I am suggesting that we cannot afford to be complacent. The Uchiha have always been a clan that seeks power. Placing Takeshi in their care only strengthens their position."

Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Danzo's. "Takeshi is a child who has just lost his parents. And Fugaku and his family are the only thing he has left. He needs stability and support, not to be treated as a mere tool. The Uchiha can provide that stability."

Danzo's voice grew harsher, almost growling. "And what if they use him against us? What if they mold him into a weapon for their own purposes? You are too trusting, Hiruzen. The village's safety must come first, no matter what."

Hiruzen's expression remained calm, but his eyes flashed with a steely resolve. "And what of Takeshi's well-being, Danzo? All your points are that we are losing a valuable tool, but not about Takeshi himself. Are we to sacrifice his childhood for the sake of potential threats? We cannot allow ourselves to be ruled by fear and suspicion."

Danzo's fists clenched at his sides, his voice dripping with disdain. "You are too soft, Hiruzen. Your idealism blinds you to the harsh realities of the world. We must be vigilant. We must be prepared to do whatever it takes to protect Konoha."

Hiruzen stood, his presence commanding as he faced Danzo. "And I will not allow us to lose our humanity in the process. Takeshi will stay with the Uchiha, and they will care for him. We will monitor the situation closely, but we will not turn an innocent child into a pawn in our political games."

Danzo's eyes flashed with anger, but he knew better than to challenge Hiruzen directly in this setting. Instead, he nodded curtly, his expression hardening. "As you wish, Lord Hokage. But do not say I didn't warn you."

Hiruzen's gaze softened slightly, though his resolve remained firm. "Your concerns are noted, Danzo. But remember, we are here to protect all of Konoha's citizens, including its children. We must strive to find a balance between security and compassion."

Danzo's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "And what if your compassion leads to our downfall? The Uchiha have already shown they cannot be trusted. How long until they turn against us with Takeshi as their weapon?"

Hiruzen's eyes blazed with fierce determination. "We will deal with that if and when it comes. For now, Takeshi is a child in need of a home and family. I will not deny him that because of your paranoia."

Danzo's expression darkened, his hands gripping his cane tightly. "Paranoia, you say? It was my 'paranoia' that kept this village safe during the Third Shinobi War. It was my 'paranoia' that uncovered countless threats before they could strike. And it will be my 'paranoia' that ensures Konoha's survival."

Hiruzen took a step forward, flaring his chakra, making Danzo take a step back. "At what cost, Danzo? How many lives have been sacrificed in the name of your 'protection'? How many innocents have we put through hell for it? How many more are you willing to sacrifice? I will not let you turn this village into a place ruled by fear and suspicion."

Danzo's eyes bore into Hiruzen's, his voice a low growl. "And I will not let your sentimentality lead us to ruin. Remember this day, Hiruzen. Remember it when the Uchiha turn on us and Takeshi is their weapon."

Hiruzen's voice was cold as ice. "I will remember, Danzo. But I will also remember that I chose to protect a child and give him a chance at a normal life. That is something you seem to have forgotten in your eternal pursuit of power."

Danzo turned sharply on his heel, his cloak billowing behind him as he strode towards the door. "This isn't over, Hiruzen. Not by a long shot."

"Yes, it is, Danzo," Hiruzen replied, his tone colder than anyone would expect from the kind Hokage. "Don't test the limits of my patience by meddling in this matter. Because I assure you, that I won't stand back and watch."

As the door slammed shut behind Danzo, Hiruzen let out a weary sigh, sinking back into his chair. The weight of the village's future pressed heavily on his shoulders, but he knew he had made the right choice.

—————————————————————————————————-

[Arata Takeshi - POV.]

[One Week Later] 

The sun rose over Konoha, casting a warm, golden glow on the village as it began to stir to life. Today was a special day for many children, including me, as it marked the beginning of our journey as ninja at the academy.

I stood in front of my mirror, adjusting my jacket, wondering how much I would learn at the academy today. I had pretty high standards when it came to learning. My clothes were neatly pressed, and Tsuki, my loyal cat, circled my feet, seemingly sensing my anticipation.

"Ready for the big day, Tsuki?" I asked, bending down to scratch her behind the ears. She purred in response, nuzzling my hand.

After one last glance in the mirror, I grabbed my backpack and headed out the door, eager to meet Itachi and start learning.

---———————————————-

The academy buzzed with energy as parents and children filled the courtyard. I spotted Itachi standing with Mikoto and Fugaku, who were bidding him farewell. Mikoto waved at me, a warm smile on her face.

"Good luck today, Takeshi," Mikoto said as I approached. Fugaku gave me a nod of acknowledgment. "I made some lunch for you."

"Thanks, Lady Mikoto," I replied, taking the bento box she was offering.

Itachi turned to me. "Ready for our first day?"

"Definitely," I smiled.

We walked into the academy together, joining a throng of other children who were chattering excitedly. That might get annoying soon. As we entered the classroom, our teacher greeted us with a warm smile.

"Welcome, everyone! I'm Yoshida Hagumoto, and I'll be your instructor this year," he announced, his voice carrying over the excited chatter. "We're going to start with some introductions, and then we'll have a little test to see where everyone stands."

Itachi and I exchanged glances, our curiosity piqued. A test was a good way to start the day, especially if it was a hard test. Calmly, we took our seats, sitting at the back, waiting for the introductions to begin.

One by one, the children stood up and introduced themselves. I noticed a variety of personalities—some confident, others shy, but all eager to begin their ninja training. I also noticed most glared at Itachi when he introduced himself… rude.

"Takeshi, your turn," Mr. Hagumoto eventually called, breaking my train of thought.

Nodding, I stood up and faced the class. "My name is Arata Takeshi, and that's all you guys need to know about me," I introduced, my voice steady, a faint smile on my face. "My goals, dreams, likes, and dislikes are none of your concern, so please ignore me for I will do the same to all you."

"Ok..." Mr. Hagumoto said, raising an eyebrow slightly as I sat back down but moved swiftly along.

And now they are glaring at me? Rude...

After the introductions were over, Mr. Hagumoto clapped his hands. "All right, everyone, now it's time for our placement test. This will help us understand what you already know and where we need to focus."

Finally, time to learn something, time to become stronger!

Mr. Hagumoto handed out the test papers, and I glanced at the questions. My excitement quickly turned to disbelief, and that disbelief quickly turned into utter disappointment.

Question 1: How many kunai are in the picture?

Question 2: What is the name of our village?

Question 3: Draw the symbol of Konoha.

Question 4: What are the three basic types of jutsu?

Question 5: Name all of the Hokage.

Question 6: What is chakra?

Question 7: What is the difference between a Kunai and a Shuriken?

Question 8: Name two clans in the village.

Question 9: Was Senju Tobirama the first Hokage? Yes or No.

I stared at the paper, then looked at Itachi, who was equally baffled and disappointed as I was. The questions were ridiculously easy—almost laughably so. This was below even my lowest expectations, and boy…. my expectations for this were low.

"I feel we are a bit overqualified," Itachi whispered to me, and I could only nod in agreement.

Thinking this had to be some kind of joke, I glanced around the room. Many of our classmates were furrowing their brows in concentration, some even biting their pencils in frustration. I couldn't believe it.

Well… shit, it wasn't some kind of joke.

I think hanging out with Itachi has made me forget how mentally challenged normal kids are.

Sighing, I grabbed my pen, and in ten seconds, finished the entire test.

"I'm done," I said, turning to Itachi.

"Same," Itachi replied, his tone deadpan. "Should… we give the tests back to the teacher? Or do you think there will be a second phase?"

"What? The head, shoulders, knees and toes phase?" I replied. Another phase… as if. Nothing as disappointing as this poor excuse of a test can have a second phase.

"No sharing answers," Mr. Hagumoto interrupted our whispering, coming over to lightly rap a ruler against our desks.

"I will assume that was a joke," I replied, handing my test back to Mr. Hagumoto.

"I'm done as well," Itachi said, handing his test as well.

"Very well," Mr. Hagumoto replied, a hint of surprise as he took the papers from us, glancing over the answers quickly, his eyes widening slightly. "The test was supposed to keep the class busy for an hour..."

"Can we read?" Itachi asked, and the teacher nodded absentmindedly.

I sighed… I had the feeling this was the start of a very… VERY boring chain of events.