Chapter 12 - First Year 03.

[Chapter Size: 1500 Words.]

Third Person POV

Ninja Academy, Konoha, Year 32.

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In the afternoon, with the sun high in the sky and the heat permeating the air, the teacher gathered the elite class at the training track in the courtyard, a spacious and well-equipped space designed to test and develop the physical and mental abilities of the young ninjas. The children gathered, some excited, others nervous, but all aware that this training was a crucial part of their ninja journey.

"Today we will test your physical fitness. Don't worry about the initial result. We have years to train you, and you're in the elite class for a reason. So just strive to improve from today onwards," the teacher said, offering words of encouragement. His voice was calm and steady, conveying the seriousness of the training, but also an underlying confidence in each student's abilities.

As everyone familiarized themselves with the track, looking at the various obstacles that included walls to climb, beams to balance on, and areas designated to test agility and speed, the air was charged with a mix of anticipation and determination. Some students stretched, others exchanged words of encouragement or strategies, and some, like Minato, quietly observed, mentally preparing for the challenge ahead.

"I want everyone to line up at the start of the obstacle course. We're going to do an initial circuit to assess your physical level," the instructor announced, and all the children began to line up at the starting line. They positioned themselves side by side, some with confident postures, others a bit more hesitant, but all ready to begin.

Minato took his place in the line, next to Tsuna and Mikoto, his already common partners. He could feel their tension, the friendly but intense competition between the girls. He knew that, despite being together, each one was focused on their own goals and desires for improvement.

The teacher raised his hand, ready to give the start signal. A tense silence fell over the track as all eyes focused on him, waiting for the moment to begin. And then, with a decisive nod, the race began. The students took off, each with their own pace and style, facing the obstacles with determination and courage. It was the beginning of not just a simple circuit, but a long and challenging path toward mastery and excellence with parkour and speed.

As the young ninjas raced towards the obstacle circuit, the track was a tangle of challenges designed to test strength, agility, and speed.

Minato, although a civilian, had exceptional physical characteristics, a result of his origins in the world of One Piece. His body was naturally more powerful and resilient, and he moved with an agility and strength that surprised many of his peers. The first obstacle was a series of tall walls that needed to be climbed. While some students struggled to find a foothold, Minato used his superior strength to propel himself upward, almost with ease, his movements fluid and precise.

"Incredible, he's really a civilian...?" Someone asked.

"He's not even sweating chakra..." Tsuna reflected with some surprise.

"Yes, he's using pure physical strength, but how is that possible..." Mikoto also murmured.

Moving forward, there was a narrow beam that required balance and concentration. Here, many students faltered, their bodies swaying uncertainly. Minato, however, crossed the beam with the confidence of someone accustomed to high-sea battles and maneuvers on rocking ships naturally. His posture was firm, his eyes fixed on the goal ahead.

Next, the circuit led to a series of barriers and tunnels that required agility and flexibility. Minato stood out, his speed almost a blur to the onlookers. He moved with a grace that belied his power, sliding under barriers and twisting through narrow tunnels with ease that made it clear his training and origin were not as ordinary as many thought.

But what really impressed was his endurance. While others began to show signs of fatigue, Minato's breathing remained controlled, his movements as efficient at the end of the circuit as at the beginning. He treated each obstacle as an opponent to be overcome, a chance to prove to himself and others what he was capable of.

At the end of the circuit, while other students arrived panting and exhausted, Minato completed the course with a breath that surprised even the teachers. He didn't reach first place, as he was competing with students who had been training since birth for their clans, but he certainly surpassed most of the other students.

Minato's performance did not go unnoticed. Murmurs and looks of admiration, envy, and surprise ran through the crowd that arrived after him at the finish line. Even Tsuna and Mikoto, who knew Minato better than most, couldn't help but be impressed with the demonstration of skill and strength.

As Minato caught his breath, his thoughts were already on the next challenge, the next chance to improve and grow. After the completion of the circuit, while the young ninjas recovered, panting and exhausted, the teacher walked along the finish line, holding a clipboard and carefully noting the results of each student. He observed each one with an attentive eye, marking the times, highlighting the strengths, and the areas that needed improvement.

The teacher approached Minato, looking at the clipboard before fixing his eyes on the young ninja.

"Minato Namikaze," he began, his voice carrying a tone of respect and a bit of surprise. "Your time and ability on the circuit were remarkable. Your strength, agility, and endurance are exceptional, especially for a civilian and you did this with physical capabilities. This speaks volumes about your commitment and potential."

Minato just nodded, listening attentively. He was aware of his abilities, but he knew that praise from the teacher was not the ultimate goal. It was just the confirmation that he was on the right path.

The teacher made a special mark next to Minato's name on the clipboard and then continued to speak. "However, the path of a ninja is not just about physical ability. Tactics, strategy, chakra control, teamwork, and many other aspects are equally important. I hope you continue to develop in all these areas."

"Understood, professor," Minato responded, his voice firm and determined. He knew that the original Minato would have already been breaking all the academy records at this time before Kakashi, so he must do even better.

As the teacher moved away to continue his notes, Minato looked around at his peers. He saw Tsuna and Mikoto discussing their own results, some students expressing frustration, others joy, and still others silent determination.

'These two are always fighting all the time...' Minato looked at the girls with a lost gaze.

After the obstacle course, the teacher guided the students to a new training area, aimed at improving precision in kunai throwing. It was a crucial skill for any ninja, useful both in combat and on missions that required discretion and accuracy. Minato joined his peers, each receiving a set of kunais to practice.

'The wooden kunais I use have the same weight as these, but it's still quite different to hold a real one compared to a copy.' Minato murmured, balancing the weapon for the first time.

Lined up in front of targets fixed at various distances, the students began to throw their kunais, one after the other. There was a palpable tension in the air, a mix of concentration and competition among the children. Minato positioned himself, briefly observing the others before focusing on his own target.

He took a deep breath, seeking to find a state of calm and focus. Throwing kunais was never his strong point; he knew that his precision was mediocre compared to some of the other skills he possessed. With a fluid motion, he threw the first kunai, watching as it spun through the air and hit the target, but not exactly at the point he was aiming for. It hit the target, but far from the center.

Minato threw one kunai after another, each time adjusting his aim, his strength, and his control. Despite his efforts, only 40% of his kunais hit a satisfactory area of the target. Frustration began to form within him, but he refused to let it take over. He was determined to improve, no matter how many attempts it took.

Beside him, Tsuna and Mikoto also practiced. Tsuna, with impressive precision, threw her kunais with confidence and skill, while Mikoto, even more adept, showed her mastery with each throw.

"Focus, Minato. Visualize the exact point you want to hit," the teacher advised, noticing Minato's struggle. He offered some additional tips on posture and throwing technique, hoping to help the young ninja improve.

Minato nodded in acknowledgment and took another deep breath. He remembered the intense training he had undergone, the hours of practice, and the burning desire to improve. With a new sense of determination, he threw another kunai, watching closely its flight and impact. The kunai hit closer to the center, a small but significant progress.

"I'm on the way, but I need to improve a lot with my training..." He murmured, still not satisfied with the result.

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