Academy

The morning sun bathed Konoha in a soft light as Nyx and Rina made their way through the village streets. The air was cool and crisp, and a thin layer of frost trailed behind Nyx with each step. Today marked an important turning point for Rina—a new chapter in her life.

As they approached the Ninja Academy, Rina glanced nervously at the building. "Are you sure I'm ready for this, Nyx?" she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Nyx's gaze remained forward, her expression calm but thoughtful. "You've trained hard, Rina. You'll be fine."

"But the other students… they've been here longer. What if I can't keep up?"

Nyx stopped, her icy presence momentarily causing a shiver in the air. She turned to Rina, her blue eyes locking onto the younger girl's. "You're stronger than you think. Remember, the academy is a place to learn, to grow. It's not about where you start, but how you improve."

Rina took a deep breath, nodding. "Okay. I'll do my best."

As they entered the academy grounds, children were gathered in small groups, laughing and playing, their excitement evident as they waited for classes to begin. Nyx's sharp eyes quickly noticed a few familiar faces—children she had seen around the village. Among them was a loud blond boy, Naruto Uzumaki, causing a scene as usual. His energy seemed endless, and though his antics were often frowned upon by the adults, the other kids seemed drawn to him.

Rina's gaze followed Naruto for a moment before she turned to Nyx. "Is he… a ninja too?"

Nyx nodded slightly. "Yes. He's a student here, just like you will be. Each of these children is on their own path."

A brief silence passed between them before Rina asked, "What was it like when you were my age?"

Nyx's expression remained cool, though her thoughts momentarily drifted to her own past—her village, her training, and the devastation that had shaped her into who she was now. "Different. But the principles are the same. Focus. Discipline. Growth. If you embrace these, you'll become strong."

They approached the academy's registration office, where an academy instructor greeted them with a polite bow. "Welcome. Are you here to enroll your child?" the instructor asked, glancing from Nyx to Rina.

"She's not my child," Nyx replied, her voice calm but firm. "But yes, I'm here to enroll her. Her name is Rina."

The instructor nodded, then glanced at Rina with a gentle smile. "And what is your last name, Rina?"

There was a brief pause as Rina looked up at Nyx for reassurance. Nyx gave a subtle nod, her icy gaze unwavering. Rina straightened herself, then answered with confidence. "Hyōketsu. My name is Rina Hyōketsu."

The instructor raised an eyebrow for a moment, recognizing the name but deciding not to comment on it. He simply nodded, writing it down. "Very well, Rina Hyōketsu. Welcome to the Ninja Academy."

Nyx watched the exchange with quiet satisfaction. Rina's nervousness was still present, but there was a spark of determination in her eyes—a spark Nyx recognized well. It reminded her of the drive she herself had once possessed at that age, though her path had been far more brutal.

"Good," the instructor said. "You'll start with basic lessons in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu. Over time, you'll develop your own strengths. But remember, it's about teamwork and perseverance."

As they stepped back outside, Rina looked up at Nyx. "Will you… be watching me?"

Nyx's gaze softened, though her voice remained steady. "I'll be around. But this is your journey now, Rina. You need to find your own way."

Rina nodded, her resolve strengthening. "I understand."

Before leaving the academy grounds, Nyx crouched down to Rina's level, something she rarely did for anyone. "Listen carefully, Rina. The Academy will teach you the ways of a shinobi, but your real strength comes from within. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Rina's eyes shimmered with emotion. "I won't forget."

With that, Nyx rose to her feet and began to walk away, leaving a faint frost behind her as she disappeared into the village. Rina watched her go, feeling both anxious and excited for the road ahead.

As Rina turned back to the academy, her heart was filled with a mixture of hope and determination. She was no longer just a survivor—she was on her way to becoming a kunoichi, and with Nyx's words echoing in her mind, she knew she had the strength to face whatever came next.

After leaving the Academy, Nyx strolled through the village, her thoughts turning inward. The mission with Itachi weighed heavily on her mind, but for now, she pushed it aside. There were preparations to be made, plans to consider, but today belonged to Rina. Her presence in Konoha was a new beginning for both of them.

Nyx's cold demeanor was unshakable as ever. Wherever she stepped, frost formed beneath her feet, a silent reminder of her power. The villagers kept their distance, instinctively wary of the strange aura that surrounded her. She preferred it that way—detached from their curious stares and unwanted questions.

But not everyone avoided her. She could sense a familiar presence watching her from afar. Nyx didn't need to turn around to know it was Itachi, maintaining his quiet observation as usual. He didn't approach, respecting her space, but his presence was a reminder of the larger responsibilities they both shared.

As she continued her walk, Nyx allowed herself a brief moment of reflection. The Uchiha massacre—an unspeakable act that she and Itachi were trying to prevent—remained a constant shadow in her thoughts. The weight of the Hokage's trust, Itachi's quiet determination, and her own cold resolve all melded together into one singular purpose. But today, for a fleeting moment, Nyx let herself focus on Rina.

That evening, Nyx returned to the small home she shared with Rina. The familiar chill of her presence filled the air as she entered, but it was met with the warmth of Rina's excitement.

"I met so many people today!" Rina exclaimed as she rushed over to Nyx, her eyes alight with enthusiasm. "The other kids were really curious about my last name. I told them I was a Hyōketsu, and they seemed impressed!"

Nyx gave a small nod, her expression unreadable. "Did you train well?"

"Yes! They said we'll start learning jutsu soon!" Rina's energy was infectious, and though Nyx remained composed, she allowed herself a moment of satisfaction. This was the life Rina deserved—far from the destruction that had once consumed both their worlds.

"Good," Nyx said simply. "Keep your focus."

Rina smiled brightly. "I will."

As night fell, Nyx sat quietly by the window, watching the village lights flicker in the distance. Her thoughts turned once again to the mission ahead, to Itachi, to the web of secrets they were entangled in. But here, in this small home, there was a fragile peace—a sliver of hope that Nyx would protect with everything she had.

For now, that was enough.