"Good morning, Shorai-kun!"
A familiar chorus from his unofficial fan club greeted him as he entered the classroom.
"Good morning to you too, ladies," he replied with a warm smile, waving as he made his way to his seat.
His gaze briefly landed on Sakura and Ino, where another magazine lay open between them. Man... is this going to bite me later?
"Good morning, Sasuke...-kun!" Shorai smirked, adding deliberate emphasis to the honorific as he sat down.
"Hm... w-what?" Sasuke turned, flustered by the unexpected familiarity.
"What what? You're as brooding as ever," Shorai teased, lowering his voice. "Maybe I should just ignore you and never spar again."
"Huh?" Sasuke's eyes widened, then narrowed. "Did that loser rub off on you? You're not acting like yourself."
"I'm just happy," Shorai said, meeting his gaze with a half-smile. "Graduation's close. And this semester… I'm taking first place in every class. He-he."
Sasuke's expression flickered—surprise, irritation—before settling into a scowl. "We'll see about that. I'll show you!"
"Oh? Go ahead and try…"
The classroom door slid open.
"Everyone, sit down and keep it silent!" Iruka announced, stepping in with Mizuki behind him.
He placed a stack of papers on the desk. "Welcome back from summer break. Two semesters left until your final year—plenty to cover. Some of you have been selected for Specialization classes. When I call your name, come forward, take this sheet, and I'll direct you. The rest stay here—Mizuki will lead Strategic Studies."
A ripple of curiosity spread through the room.
"Ino Yamanaka!"
"Yes!"
"Outside—training grounds."
"Hyuga Hinata!"
"Y-yes!"
"Second building, Class 10."
"Shorai!"
"Yes, sensei!"
"Same as Hinata—Class 10."
Shorai took the sheet, scanning it with quiet interest.
"Wait—here's another," Iruka said, handing him a second slip. "Class 12, our building. There's an exception for you. Read it later. For now, go to the first."
Murmurs erupted.
"Quiet!" Iruka rapped the desk sharply.
Shorai grabbed his bag and stepped out, soon meeting Hinata at the assigned classroom. He knocked—once, twice—then paused.
Inside, a familiar voice called out:
"Come in!"
Shorai opened the door, stunned.
There, seated at the teacher's desk with a warm smile, was Hiruzen Sarutobi himself.
"Don't stand—come, take a seat."
"Y-yes, Lord Hokage," Shorai and Hinata replied in unison, Shorai correcting himself mid-sentence.
"You two have been exceptional in your studies," Sarutobi said. "Based on your evaluations, you've been selected for a special fuinjutsu class." He handed each a scroll and a book, nodding at Shorai. "Hinata, you'll focus on sensory seals and chakra tracking. Shorai… yours is broader. Read carefully."
Hinata quickly took the front seat; Shorai sat beside her.
"I won't be teaching constantly," Hiruzen continued. "As you know, I'm quite busy. He-he. This class is unique—only twelve sessions. Today, one mid-semester, one at semester's end, and nine in your final year. The third and the last of each semester will include practical tests. Fuinjutsu is rarely taught at the Academy. It's typically reserved for chunin and higher. Your chakra control and calligraphy scores indicated hidden talent—precision is everything here."
He began the lecture, covering seal foundations, intent-based symbols, and stability in activation. Two hours passed like minutes—Hiruzen taught with clarity and depth, earning every bit of his "Professor" title.
"Any questions?" he asked, turning from the board.
Shorai raised his hand. "Sensei, how was fuinjutsu founded? The symbols require precise intent—some tied to words, others to abstract concepts. Someone must have spent a lifetime mastering this. Was it the Uzumaki clan?"
Hinata glanced at him, curious.
Hiruzen paused. "There's little record of its true origin. But yes—the Uzumaki of Uzushiogakure brought it to its peak. Their sealing techniques were unmatched. Even today, all villages use remnants of their knowledge."
"Uzumaki…" Shorai murmured.
"If they were that strong… how did they fall? Konoha was their ally. Was there a traitor? Someone who disabled their seals from within?"
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "A disaster befell them. We were too late to respond." He sighed. "I've long wondered… if I missed something."
Hiruzen paused, then added a whisper that only Shorai heard: 'Root was involved… but I found no proof.'
Shorai's breath caught, a silent answer with a buried truth.
Then, the silence was broken by the chime of a bell.
"Oh-ho! We covered a lot," Hiruzen said, glancing at the clock with pride. "Alright, children. Study well—see you in a month."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage!" Hinata said softly.
"Thank you, sensei!" Shorai added, offering a respectful bow.
As they stepped into the hallway, Shorai noticed Hinata's distant gaze.
"Thinking about Naruto's clan?" he asked.
"E-eh?" She jolted, startled.
"The Uzumaki," he continued, smiling. "Renowned for their stamina, massive chakra reserves, and long lifespans. They were known for their energy and spirit. The only thing Naruto didn't inherit is the red hair—one of their most common traits."
She looked away, flustered, giving a quiet "En."
"I wonder what kind of test we'll face," Shorai mused, gazing out the row of windows as they passed by. "I'm excited."
He turned back to her and suddenly said, "You'll be a great shinobi one day. Practice helps, but so does unwavering determination. Naruto calls it his 'Ninja Path.' If you focus on yours and voice it with confidence, it'll become real."
Hinata straightened, her eyes wide with surprise meeting his.
"Naruto never gives up, no matter what. He's one of a kind—always shouting, 'Believe it!'" Shorai mimicked, grinning.
"Pfff…" Hinata let out a small laugh.
"Well, see you later, Hinata."
Without waiting for a reply, Shorai darted away to find Iruka. He wanted to ask about the second class—medical ninjutsu.
"No need to attend," Iruka said. "Your knowledge is already exceptional. Just review the material and come to take the test on the last day of each semester. Until then... I'll give you a time free."
Shorai smiled.
Another gap in his schedule—perfect for training.