c9: Ninja Academy
"Dad, I want to enroll in the Ninja Academy and graduate early just like my brother did to become a great shinobi," Chiba declared with confidence.
"You're only four years old and already thinking about school?" Sakumo Hatake raised his brows in mild surprise, turning to observe his younger son's determined eyes.
"Don't underestimate me! I'm stronger than I look even my brother can't beat me anymore," Chiba said proudly, puffing his chest.
"Kakashi, is that true? Even you can't beat Chiba now?" Sakumo looked over at his eldest son, eyes filled with curiosity.
"Chiba's strength has definitely grown a lot," Kakashi admitted calmly. "He's already developed a fire-style ninjutsu tailored to his abilities. If I don't stay sharp, I'd have a hard time keeping up with him."
Sakumo was stunned. He hadn't realized Chiba's talent was progressing this fast. At four years old, inventing a personalized jutsu that was unheard of, even among Konoha's elite.
Even prodigies like the Third Hokage or Orochimaru didn't create original jutsu at such a young age. Not even Itachi Uchiha had shown such rapid development at four.
"Impressive. That's my son!" Sakumo chuckled heartily, pleased. "With talent like this, the Hatake name will shine for another generation. The three of us will one day be known as Konoha's strongest trio."
Chiba froze slightly, a flicker of emotion rising in his heart.
He knew Sakumo's fate.
In the original timeline, during a mission to rescue his comrades, Sakumo abandoned the objective to save their lives. Though noble in intent, the mission's failure cost Konoha dearly. Rather than praise him, the village condemned him. Even his comrades those he saved turned against him.
Crushed by shame and isolation, Sakumo ultimately took his own life before Kakashi had even graduated.
Chiba clenched his fists. If that moment comes again I'll stop it. I won't let Dad die for loyalty that no one respects.
"I'll make sure history doesn't repeat itself," he swore silently.
Sakumo exhaled quietly, brushing off the heaviness. "The Academy starts in ten days. Unfortunately, I've been assigned a mission. I won't be able to send you on your first day."
He sounded genuinely regretful. It was clear he wished to be present for Chiba's milestone, but duty called.
"It's no big deal, Dad," Chiba said casually. "I can head there on my own. With my current strength, school is just a formality. Like Kakashi, I'll graduate top of my class and earn my headband in no time."
Though he looked like a child, Chiba's soul was that of a seasoned adult. Unlike other kids who cried on their first day or clung to their parents, he was confident, almost detached.
"I'll take Chiba to the Academy," Kakashi offered. Though still only six, he carried himself with composure beyond his age.
"No need, big bro," Chiba waved him off. "It's just registration. I can handle it."
The idea of being escorted by another child even his genius older brother just felt awkward.
"Haha, that's the Hatake spirit. Independence is a shinobi's first lesson," Sakumo said, smiling with pride.
That night, the three of them talked for hours, enjoying their rare time together. From family stories to training techniques, they soaked in each other's presence until late into the night.
Over the next eight days, Chiba split his time between rigorous solo training and evenings with Sakumo, who shared not only advanced techniques but the kind of battlefield wisdom only a veteran like the White Fang could offer.
Sakumo wasn't just a powerful jōnin he was revered across the elemental nations. His mastery of the White Light Chakra Sabre, deadly speed, and clean kills made him feared even by the Sannin. To receive his guidance was a priceless opportunity.
Motivated, Chiba absorbed every word, training his instincts and refining his tactics. His power might not have made massive leaps, but his combat awareness, movement precision, and response times improved drastically.
Now, against most genin and even some chūnin, he wouldn't be easily overpowered. In fact, he could hold his own and even outmaneuver opponents with his experience and adaptability.
Then, the tenth day arrived.
It was the official start of the school term at the Konoha Ninja Academy.
Across the village, children between the ages of six and eight flocked toward the school with excitement, some with parents in tow, others chattering nervously. For them, it was a big deal a first step toward becoming shinobi.
Chiba, however, didn't share their excitement.
He knew exactly what to expect: basic chakra theory, kunai throwing drills, and endless lectures about the Will of Fire. It was necessary, but hardly thrilling. The idea of sitting next to a group of six-year-olds and pretending to be amazed by tree climbing made him internally cringe.
Still, he understood the importance of appearances.
Around nine in the morning, dressed in a simple training outfit with the Hatake family insignia, Chiba left the house with his admission forms in hand.
Kakashi had offered to accompany him, but Chiba refused again, insisting on walking alone. He didn't want to draw more attention than necessary.
The Ninja Academy was situated in the heart of the village, not far from the Hokage's office. From the Hatake compound, it only took a short walk and two street turns before the Academy gates came into view.
The school's grounds were expansive. A large, well-maintained building stood at its center, surrounded by various training fields and open spaces for physical development and tactical drills. The layout was intentional each section serving a distinct purpose.
As Chiba approached, he paused in front of the grand archway above the entrance. Carved into its wooden frame were six proud kanji: Konoha Shinobi Academy.
The school was established by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, during the Warring States era's end. His vision was to unify Konoha's youth and standardize shinobi education emphasizing loyalty, teamwork, and strength.
Thanks to the Academy, each year Konoha produced dozens of capable genin, many of whom rose to serve the village faithfully. It became the foundation upon which generations of warriors were built.
And now, Chiba was officially joining their ranks.
Even if it was just the beginning, even if he already knew more than the average student this was his next step.
A step not just toward strength, but toward protecting what mattered.
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