It probably wasn't a very good move to tell them all of that, but I've got to build up trtust somehow. I don't know exactly why I even did it, when I could perfectly go down the lone wolf route.
Problem is, I don't know how much potential I really have. A Kekkei Genkai is something—probably guaranteed to get me to at least Kage-level if I train hard enough—but raw talent and bloodline limits alone aren't enough. I need connections and people to rely on in the future, and they could probably become quite strong, given the knowledge I have.
Not that I know the stuff in this world, like throwing kunai in a straight line or using jutsu. Only the popular ones and how to train them, such as the Rasengan, along with the chakra control training methods.
I think that's very valuable, especially since I'm a girl.
Women mostly amounted to basically nothing in this world, unless you were part of the main cast or something. The one thing they had going for them was chakra control and intelligence, along with, well, y'know... I'm not going to spell it out, but it's basically the way they "persuade" guys to spill information.
I'm not going to do that. Definitely not.
As little pride as I have, I refuse to throw what's left of it away. If I want something, I'm going to take it by using my own strength, because might is everything in this world.
Who will listen to a weak genin? No one, that's who.
People will obviously be more inclined to do what the strong say. You could be the smartest, the kindest, the most righteous person in the world—but if you don't have the strength to back it up, no one will give a flying fuck about who you are.
If that's how the world works, then...
I don't mind playing by its rules.
Anyway, the months have passed quite quickly. They didn't always want to join me for training, but I tried to stay consistent—although I could only do physical conditioning. Turns out only moving your chakra internally didn't do much for your control.
Slowly, I got used to my new name. Amai... doesn't sound too bad.
Ten or eleven years are what I have before canon really starts, so of course, my main priority was training. Starting out young probably did wonders for one, and was probably the reason many ninja didn't get far.
That would be why most of them end up in the Genin Corps, because they didn't really start taking it seriously until they started their career.
The same couldn't be said for those who belong to clans, though. There's a reason why they're so powerful and respected.
Wonder if I'll ever reach the geniuses and the prodigies in this world—Kakashi, Itachi, and even Orochimaru.
I can't keep wasting my time here in this place if I want to do it.
Today, there was an uproar in the main room, and we had been called. Every single one of us.
Why? No idea.
That never happened unless it was something serious, so I really wonder what the hell it could be.
Right before being called, I was just playing cards (some shitty knock-offs, of course) with Rei and the others, trying to pass the time. The game was pretty basic, but it was fun enough to distract me for a while.
Entering the room, I couldn't help but notice one singular person, above the hundred children and the caretakers.
He was an old man with gray hair, a weathered face, and a sharp goatee. The robes he was wearing resembled a red haori, and his face was gentle, yet imposing.
What the absolute hell? I didn't expect to meet a canon character this early.
...Sarutobi Hiruzen?!
It left me staring in disbelief. This is the first time I'm meeting such an important figure!
I glanced around me, and almost everyone was looking at him in curiosity, which I couldn't really blame them for. They had never met the man or known him.
Never talked to Rei about him either, so it was a given that he didn't know.
It was like meeting a celebrity, but worse. It felt insanely weird to see someone you had only known in an animated series standing there, alive. In the flesh, breathing, talking—especially so when it was such an important figure.
The Third Hokage.
Who would've known that he'd be the first one I'd actually recognize in this place?
He took a glance around, and I noticed that his eyes laid on me for a moment, before shifting away.
"It seems all of you are present. Wonderful younglings you are indeed, being so attentive," Hiruzen said with a small, grandfatherly smile.
Oh no. Nononono, that's the smile of the same sly fox that swayed Naruto with cheap words and half-truths. Actually, not even half-truths—what did Naruto even get to know about himself before the old man kicked the bucket?
Naturally, I kept my expression neutral. I can't be seen disrespecting anyone, especially with my current status.
"We do our best to raise them, Sandaime-sama."
One of the caretakers responded, bowing slightly.
"I can see that, they're rather well-behaved. It's quite difficult to get silence like this in a room full of children," He chuckled, looking back at the crowd.
I still couldn't believe that was actually Hiruzen. This was the current and actual "God of Shinobi," the same man who lived through more than what amounted to basically three world wars.
"Allow me to begin explaining exactly why I am here," The old-timer continued, keeping his warm smile.
"Exactly why would that be, Sandaime-sama?" the matron asked, probably already knowing the answer.
It isn't for what I think it is, right? It couldn't yet be the time.
"Why, this year's upcoming Academy admissions, of course." He answered, deciding to humor her.
...Of course.
It was finally the time, huh? I've been working myself to the very bone all for this moment.
I didn't really trust him, but the thought of finally being able to step into what was essentially magic was exhilarating. Ninjutsu... I know that I'm still way too far off, but I want to use the Rasengan and the Shadow Clones, like Naruto. What kind of Naruto fan wouldn't want to do that?!
Kids began to murmur amongst themselves, probably wondering what exactly it was about.
"This is what we've been preparing for?" Rei whispered to me in surprise, and I silently nodded.
Hiruzen cleared his throat, shutting off all the murmurs and drawing everyone's attention back to him.
"Indeed, many of you will be attempting the admission exam next week," He continued. "I came here mainly to check up on all of you seedlings, but also to explain of what it will consist."
"Most of you wish to become a proud ninja of the village in the future, do you not?"
Quite a few kids nodded frantically, and some even yelled "Hai, Hokage-sama!"
"Such enthusiasm," He mused, "As expected of the younger generation, the Will of Fire truly burns bright in each and every single one of you."
...I'm pretty sure it's just because of the cool things we'd be able to do once we become ninja.
Then, as if he had read my thoughts, he kept going. "However, it's not all about the flashy techniques you'll learn. Above all, you'll learn everything there is to know about shinobi life, basic knowledge about the world, and the values of a ninja. Does anyone here know what the three values of the village are?"
Silence ensued in the room for a moment as everyone seemed to ponder the question. What were the three values? Something about sacrifice, loyalty, and what else?
A boy raised his hand.
"Would the first one be loyalty...?" He asked, hesitantingly.
"Correct, correct," Hiruzen applauded at him, "One must always be loyal to the village, to your comrades, and to your mission. Loyalty is the foundation of any true shinobi of the Leaf Village."
He then glanced back at the crowd, "Now, who can tell me the second one?"
The room was quiet for a moment, but then a girl in the front hesitantly raised her hand.
"Is it, uh... sacrifice? Like putting your family above yourself?" she asked, uncertain. "I consider most of my friends here siblings, so does that count too?"
Hiruzen nodded with a wholehearted smile, "Of course, of course," he took a look at her, "Sacrifice is yet another one of our values. It is good that you think that way, that you are willing to put others before yourself. A shinobi protects not only their own family but also their comrades and the entire village.
There's a saying that originated from the Shodaime himself. It goes like this..."
He paused for a moment, before crossing his arms and speaking up once more.
"...Where the tree leaves dance, one shall find flames. The fire shadow will illuminate the village, and once again, tree leaves shall bud anew!"
Oh my god, isn't that what he said to Orochimaru?! It's cool, but I still gotta be wary. This could be brainwashing as far as I know.
"That is the meaning of sacrifice." Hiruzen continued, "It does not mean to throw away your life needlessly, but to give what you can. To pass down onto the next generation the strength, the wisdom and love that sustains this village. All of you will carry this within your hearts, and be responsible for the generation that comes after you.
We have covered the first two values. Who among you can tell me the third and last one?"
Crap, even I don't know the last one.
Think, think, think... Will of Fire. What does the Will of Fire say?
After a brief pause, another boy raised his hand. "Would that be unity, sir?"
"Correct, it is," Hiruzen confirmed, "Unity is what binds all of us together. The village is all but one large family unit, and every Konoha shinobi must love, believe, cherish and fight to protect the village. It is also tied to the second value, which I commend the little lady for."
He turned to her, "What is your name, young one?"
"A-Amaririsu, sir." she stammered, caught off guard by the sudden attention.
"A fitting name, indeed," Hiruzen nodded, "I'm certain you will grow to be someone great, if you already have such considerate thoughts for others at such a young age."
She looked somewhere else, shrinking slightly and muttering a quiet thank you.
"You all know the three values of a shinobi. How about I get to explaining what the admission exam will consist of?"
About time.
Let's see if what I know aligns with everything he's gonna say.