Chapter 10: Life at Ninja School

The year after Kirito's enrollment, Ninja School buzzed with excitement. Today marked the arrival of a new batch of students—among them, the future "Konoha Twelve": Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Hinata, and their peers.

As Kirito sat in class, he couldn't help but glance out the window at the bustling playground below. A faint smile played on his lips.

The plot is finally starting.

The Chunin teachers often emphasized that students spent six years in Ninja School. Since Naruto and the others were starting this year, Kirito calculated that in six more years, the events of the original series would begin unfolding.

"Kirito, focus on the lesson," the teacher scolded lightly, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Yes, sensei." Kirito straightened up, refocusing on the blackboard.

His current standing was impressive: top three in the entire school and second in his class, just behind Neji Hyuga. While his academic performance was strong, his theoretical knowledge required constant effort to keep up. Despite his memories of Naruto's world, the details of ninja theory and Konoha's curriculum were unfamiliar to him, forcing him to start from scratch.

The chakra fruit may have made me physically powerful, but it didn't improve my IQ. I still have to study the old-fashioned way.

Though academically capable, Kirito's social life remained barren. He struggled to connect with his classmates, not because of shyness or self-doubt as in his previous life, but because of an insurmountable gap in mindset. His serious demeanor clashed with the carefree energy of his peers, leading to an unspoken mutual distance.

They'll mature someday. I have plenty of time to wait. Besides, I don't really mind the solitude.

Thankfully, his strength and appearance earned him a modest fanbase. Boys admired his skills in combat, and girls were drawn to his composed demeanor. Though his fan following wasn't as overwhelming as Sasuke's in the original story, they still cheered enthusiastically during his matches.

Kirito appreciated their support but remained distant. Admiration from afar is safer—no need to puncture their illusions of me.

For the most part, Kirito's school life was uneventful. With the Hyuga Clan ninjas no longer bothering him during school hours, he finally felt a semblance of peace. Still, his mind remained vigilant.

Once I graduate, I'll settle things with the Hyuga Clan. I can't have them constantly watching my back during missions.

Combat practice was a cornerstone of the Ninja School experience, and Kirito often faced challenges from his classmates. Many were eager to test themselves against him, undeterred by repeated defeats. Their persistence, while admirable, sometimes left Kirito exasperated.

Neji was his most frequent challenger, driven by his desire to "defy fate." Though Kirito admired Neji's determination, it made him a near-constant opponent. Thanks to these bouts, Kirito gained a deeper understanding of how to subdue others quickly and efficiently.

Second to Neji was Rock Lee. While Lee wasn't as relentless, his quiet resolve made each match a lesson in resilience. Kirito couldn't help but respect Lee's unwavering commitment to improvement.

Life outside school was less predictable. Kirito remained acutely aware of the potential dangers surrounding him: Danzo, Orochimaru, and other shadowy figures loomed as ever-present threats. He kept a contingency plan in place, ready to flee Konoha at a moment's notice using his teleportation ability, Yomotsu Hirasaka. Little Leopard, his constant companion, was both a source of comfort and his ultimate last resort.

Surprisingly, Konoha's higher-ups had taken no action against him. While Kirito had expected someone like Danzo to target him for his Otsutsuki heritage and chakra-enhanced body, the village seemed content to simply observe.

Perhaps this is for the best. A peaceful Konoha benefits everyone.

Years passed, and one crisp morning, Kirito sat atop Hokage Rock, gazing at the village. His Byakugan activated, surveying the area, he noticed an unusual movement in the outskirts near the Uchiha compound.

Is that... White Zetsu?

The underground figures were clearly monitoring the area. Kirito immediately connected the dots: the Uchiha Clan's massacre was approaching. These White Zetsu must be assisting Obito in preparing for the event.

So, it's already happening.

Initially, Kirito had considered intervening during the massacre to claim a Sharingan for research. But the sight of White Zetsu scurrying beneath the surface changed his mind. Their presence confirmed Obito's involvement—and likely Black Zetsu's as well.

With Black Zetsu around, I can't afford to risk exposure. He's lived for millennia; he'd see through me in an instant.

Though tempted, Kirito resolved to stay out of the conflict. He couldn't afford to attract attention from figures like Obito or Black Zetsu. Instead, he silently mourned the inevitable loss of the Uchiha Clan and prepared for school.

The day after the massacre, news of the Uchiha Clan's extermination spread like wildfire through Konoha. The once-powerful clan had been reduced to a single survivor: Sasuke Uchiha.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the village. Even the heads of other major clans felt uneasy, realizing that even a founding clan wasn't untouchable.

Poor Sasuke. Kirito reflected on the boy's future. He had a bright spirit once, but Itachi twisted everything. Now he'll carry this pain for the rest of his life.

For all his physical strength, Kirito knew he lacked the emotional resilience to carry out something like Itachi's mission. The thought of such cold, calculated cruelty made him shudder.

Back at school, Kirito continued to dominate. His consistent academic excellence and unrivaled combat skills cemented him as the top student in the academy, dethroning Sasuke from his original place as number one.

The school's curriculum had expanded to include basic ninjutsu: Transformation Jutsu, Clone Jutsu, and Substitution Jutsu. These techniques, though simple, were essential foundations for any aspiring ninja.

Kirito quickly mastered them, recognizing their limitations but appreciating their utility. His sharp mind and disciplined practice set him apart from his peers, and his classmates often marveled at his prowess.

Despite his success, Kirito remained ever-vigilant. The massacre was a grim reminder of the harsh realities of the ninja world. Watching Sasuke's descent into solitude, Kirito couldn't help but reflect on the duality of strength and vulnerability.

Ninjas may smile, but beneath the surface, they're trained killers. Even these children—so full of potential—are being shaped into tools for war.

As he prepared for another day of lessons, Kirito resolved to make the most of his time at the academy. Each day brought new challenges, and while the world outside loomed dark and uncertain, for now, his path was clear.

First, master what I can. Then, shape my destiny on my own terms.

(End of Chapter 10)