Joining academy wasn't exactly fast, his parents did try to move slowly with the papers, with the necessary equipment and the accord that from this point on. Konoha and hokage himself had a fair share of time, responsibilities and demands from Ren.
Since any shinobi was part of the military loyal to Konoha first, then hokage second. And that was an interesting distinction that means any coup, if there ever would be could use this argument for why the predecessor was downed and another one put in their place.
A safe measure to change leadership with a minimal bloodshed, since if all or a good majority of shinobi decided that the hokage wasn't worth the loyalty, they would simply remove them.
Gripping the pen in his hand and looking at the exams he was given to complete if he was to enter the academy. Simple stuff, basic math, some reading material and a bit of theory on combat situations.
A system made to encourage the enrollment of clans and children of former shinobi and that any civilian would have no means to enter without hard work.
Ren balanced the pen on his hand and thought some more, since this was post war, post Kyuubi attack. There would be a harsh few civilians kids, or even those from mixed families like him.
So kids from full military background and clans. Interesting, and would there be a lot of Uchiha? They are forced to send a few of them to school he guessed, they couldn't simply refuse to take part of the system.
Since they were the system and also opposition. Controlling the safety and guaranteeing the safety of the civilians in their way. More visible and humane than the larger normal look chunin.
Also to take in account that most shinobi families lived separately from the larger civilian base and the markets. Closer to the hokage's office.
For the last task a mini essay on what it means to be a shinobi from his viewpoint.
A shinobi was meant to serve Konoha, to protect the future of those who bask in light and agree that by donning the hitai-ite they willingly abandon the notion that they were a simple human.
They become more, a man in the service of Hokage. A person willing to protect. To attack those who are deemed to be enemies of the village.
In conclusion, to be a shinobi was to enter a social contract with Konoha and it's main clause to be a pillar of safety for those too weak to guard it.
Giving in the papers to the assistant and popping his back bones. That was enough for today, though he would need to help his mother at the stands. They started to get back on the feet with basic haggling and that a route opened back from around the villages of Konoha.
A week of detritus because after that he would start the academy and his life will take the path of fighting, training hard and preparing for the damnable future.
The week passed in a blink somehow. Helping his mother with shelving and counting the items to be sold. His cheeks being pinched, looking after Sakura when her mother was talking with the customers.
His father was barely present at home and when he was, he taught him how to throw kunai and then shuriken, all in all, it was a good week. A last week of being simply a dutiful boy to his parents.
The academy. This imposing building for learning next to the Hokage office. The immaculate lawn, the training fields and the teachers being like on a military parade staying with the head high.
Pupils were alone, herded inside the building by their new teachers. A pompous feeling all over the place and a multitude of colours and chakra. Most of them with a red hue and intersected with a few blues and yellows.
A podium inside the building made with a form of cement, with gray walls and wooden furniture. With the smell of anxiety and nerves that soon the hokage would be present holding his yearly diatribe for the future of Konoha.
And how the young minds of today would be the tomorrow's guardians of peace. Where the will of fire would become from a kindling to a bonfire.
Propaganda in a soft way to mold the minds and the spirit of his future soldiers, and from the few of them the next elite that would guide and continue his vision of leadership.
Ren sighed and let his mind wander off, no more thinking of what, ifs and how the system functions.
In a smoke show filled with leaves blowing out in all directions. On every new pupil there was a leaf on their head or shoulder.
And from that show a figure emerged. A wizened man, the red hat and long white robes going to the ground, a pipe in his mouth and eyebrows heavy on his eyes.
The third Hokage, with a grand gesture he said, "From this point on my dear children, you are future shinobi. The will of fire burning strong inside all of you, and those who have the brightest flame would rise the highest."
Making a head gesture, "A fruitful year of studying and learning the mysteries of shinobi. Good luck!" and disappearing back in a puff.
Ren thought of brightest flame also goes out the faster since the fuel was consumed at a higher rate. A weary chuckle ringed in his head.
Glancing around few people where of normal heritage, of civilian sort, most had the marks, the feeling and the density of chakra refined.
Clans.
He also spotted a tame yet deep red chakra. It was huge in its amount. Powerful, yet gave the feeling of a burning campfire.
He narrowed his eyes and spotted Itachi, an year or two younger than him, already having one of the hugest amounts of chakra from all of the cohort.
Amazing, simply amazing what genetics could do with modifying the human structure.
And how much unequal was the Naruto world. There could never be a democracy in this world.
Since might gives the right of rulership. An oligarchy based on a system of powers could work.
Not now. Shaking his head and following his teacher in the class. An aged man, maybe over his forties.
With a shellshocked expression, locked in a taciturn smile. Onyx eyes and black hair, so an Uchiha in teaching position, how rare.
Though based on the feeling from him. Probably PTSD reasons for being delegated to teaching.
Ren picked his chair next to a window and in the middle of the row. Far enough to not be spotted always, close enough to be still visible to the teacher.
He took out his notepad, his pink pen and a little cat doll for good luck. He loved them cats, and prepared for lessons that would come.
Using this time when the students were picking their locations, he glanced at them. Few Uchihas, some Hyuuga. Two Sarutobi and the others escaped his knowledge. Probably minor ones that didn't have an important role.
And a special Uchiha girl. Wasn't that Itachi's girlfriend? Izuna? If he remembers right. How lucky.
To be away for some time from the problem that was Itachi. Though in the middle of Uchiha sea.
He stood out like a sore spot. A charcoal smudge on a white canvas.
The teacher counted them and introduced himself, "I am Izuna Uchiha. Your instructor for these four years of your education. Attendance is obligatory, no exceptions, only the medical ones. No tears or whining about hard work."
Focusing his gaze on the Uchiha especially he mentioned, "Even if I am of the same clan as the majority of this class, I will not be playing favourites. So I don't want to hear of your parents coming to my house and complaining of grades or that you put a low effort."
"Okay, let's start the lesson. Introduction in hidden and applications of subterfuge."