Chapter 19: Konoha's Future Strongmen
Three days passed in a flash, and soon it was the day for the Ninja Academy to start. Along the way, Tetsuya saw many parents leading their children towards the school. In Konoha, and the entire ninja world, ninjas are a high-paying profession, albeit a high-risk one. Despite the dangers, many families still hope to have a ninja among their members. Even those who only become Genin or Chūnin can significantly improve their family's life.
With the end of the war, the Third Hokage adjusted the ninja school's strategy. During the war years, the school didn't refuse anyone who wanted to become a ninja, regardless of their potential, lowering age requirements to fill the ranks. However, in peaceful times, the school had become more selective, focusing on nurturing future talent rather than cannon fodder.
Tetsuya remembered the youngest member of Konoha's entrance, who was selected at the age of two but became a sickly child. Now, only those with sufficient potential were admitted. But no matter how high the standards were, they didn't affect privileged individuals like Tetsuya. The Third Hokage had assured him of his admission long ago.
When Tetsuya arrived at the crowded entrance of the ninja school, he chose to stand alone under a large tree, observing the surroundings. His eyes scanned the crowd until he spotted several 'acquaintances.'
Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Chōji, and Yamanaka Ino—the Ino–Shika–Chō trio—followed behind their respective fathers. He also noticed Inuzuka Kiba and Aburame Shino.
"Hey, Shikamaru, Chōji, look over there! That boy is so handsome!" Ino's eyes lit up as she spotted Tetsuya leaning against the tree. Their eyes met, and Tetsuya smiled slightly, causing Ino to shyly lower her head and excitedly talk to her friends.
Shikamaru sighed, finding the situation troublesome. "Why do six-year-old girls start to be nympho?" Despite his annoyance, he looked in Tetsuya's direction and admitted the boy was indeed handsome. Chōji, uninterested in the conversation, continued munching on his chips.
"Shikamaru, do you think he will be assigned to our class?" Ino asked eagerly.
Shikamaru observed Tetsuya and replied, "Don't worry. He'll definitely be in our class. He has an admission letter in his hand, and usually, those admitted by letter are grouped together." He didn't bother explaining further, knowing Ino wouldn't understand the complexities.
After a while, another significant figure appeared—Uchiha Sasuke, escorted by his brother Itachi. The appearance of the Uchiha brothers caused a commotion due to their high status and remarkable looks. Many believed that with Uchiha in their class, the top student position was already decided.
After signing up, Itachi led Sasuke toward Tetsuya. "Tetsuya, please take care of Sasuke in the future," Itachi requested.
"Nii-san?" Sasuke's eyes filled with confusion. Quickly, he realized Tetsuya was the genius his brother had mentioned, and his gaze turned hostile. It was this boy who had taken his brother's attention!
Tetsuya was puzzled by Sasuke's sudden hostility but understood it was part of Sasuke's intense brotherly love. He decided to provoke Sasuke further, giving him a challenging look.
Sure enough, Sasuke's teeth clenched in irritation. Itachi observed the interaction quietly, seeing it as harmless play between two children. Tetsuya turned his attention away from Sasuke when he saw Hinata arriving with her father, Hyuga Hiashi. Though they didn't greet each other, Tetsuya and Hinata shared a moment of silent understanding, much to Hiashi's annoyance.
Hiashi's fists clenched and loosened as he watched Tetsuya openly flirt with his daughter. "She's only six years old!" he fumed silently.