"Night Fight... Time is almost up!"
The mongoose on the side suddenly opened its blood-red jaws, snapping up a butterfly that had carelessly fluttered past. With a few swift chews, it swallowed the insect before speaking in a deep, guttural voice, "The first day at the Academy—don't be late."
"I know."
Hearing this, Ye Dou retracted his fist, took a deep breath, and walked toward the nearby river. Without hesitation, he plunged in, letting the cool water wash over his battle-worn body. Afterward, he returned to the small wooden house, changed into a fresh black yukata, and set off toward Konohagakure.
This was the 55th year of Konoha, the year Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha enrolled at the Academy.
It was also the day Ye Dou would begin his journey.
Metkay had gifted him the yukata not long ago. Originally, his enthusiastic teacher had insisted he wear the iconic green jumpsuit and adopt the same bowl-cut hairstyle, believing that it would solidify their bond as master and apprentice in the true spirit of youth. However, Ye Dou, who had always found his teacher's fashion sense to be a bit too... fiery, politely declined. In the end, Might Guy settled for gifting him a simple black yukata instead.
---
The Ninja Academy was founded by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
After decades of development, it had become the cornerstone of Konoha's military strength. Beyond the Land of Fire's vast resources, the Academy played a crucial role in Konoha's dominance during the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars. It had produced countless legendary shinobi, from the feared "Konoha's White Fang," Sakumo Hatake, to the "Yellow Flash," Minato Namikaze, whose mere presence on a battlefield could force the Hidden Cloud to abandon a mission. Even the Sannin—Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru—were products of this system.
From Ye Dou's perspective, Tobirama Senju's achievements were often overshadowed by those of his elder brother, Hashirama. However, his governance laid the foundation for Konoha's future strength. His policies, including the creation of the Academy and the ANBU Black Ops, ensured stability, though his mistrust of the Uchiha Clan planted seeds of discord that would later haunt the village.
The Academy's curriculum primarily covered the theoretical aspects of ninjutsu, including chakra control, basic taijutsu, and introductory genjutsu principles. While the village's prominent clans privately trained their heirs, for commoners, the Academy provided a rare and invaluable path to power. This disparity was evident in the stories of the Konoha 12—those born into ninja clans had an undeniable head start, leaving only a few exceptional individuals to rise beyond the limits of their origins.
In addition to combat skills, the Academy taught essential ninja arts such as stealth, reconnaissance, and counterintelligence—skills necessary for espionage, assassination, and survival in the brutal world of shinobi.
Ye Dou didn't need the Academy to teach him strength. What he sought was knowledge—how to function as a shinobi in a structured society.
As he approached the Academy gates, he felt a stark contrast between the serene training grounds he was accustomed to and the lively atmosphere before him. The area teemed with children his age, most accompanied by parents who proudly escorted them onto the campus. Excitement buzzed in the air.
Unlike the others, Ye Dou stood apart, an observer rather than a participant in their joy.
Finding a quiet spot beneath a tree, he sat cross-legged and began refining his chakra, waiting for the entrance ceremony to begin.
---
[The Beginning of the Story]
"Konoha is more than just a village—it is our home. Blood relations do not bind us, but our shared will does."
"As long as the leaves continue to dance, the fire will burn. That fire will illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout."
"I am Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, inheritor of the First and Second Hokages' will. One day, I will grow old and pass on, but the pillars of Konoha will not crumble, for you will become its foundation."
In the grand auditorium of the Academy, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the aging yet revered Third Hokage, stood before the new students, his voice steady and warm. His words carried weight, filling the hearts of the children with pride and determination.
Ye Dou, however, remained indifferent.
For generations, the so-called "Will of Fire" had driven countless shinobi to sacrifice their lives in the name of Konoha. Many accepted their deaths with honor, believing it to be their duty. But Ye Dou did not subscribe to such ideals. His life belonged to him alone—he would not die for the village, nor for anyone else.
As Sarutobi concluded his speech, the ceremony came to an end. The students returned to their classrooms, energy and excitement filling the air.
---
In Class A, the first-year students were quick to settle into their cliques. Boys engaged in playful scuffles, eager to test their strength, while girls huddled together, gossiping about their favorite topics.
Only a handful of children remained reserved, whether out of shyness or a lack of social skills.
When Ye Dou entered the room, the entire class turned to look at him.
Especially the girls.
Even at seven years old, his features were strikingly handsome. His unkempt hair, rather than appearing messy, added to his rugged charm, while his black yukata gave him an air of quiet elegance. But what truly set him apart were his cold, unreadable eyes—mysterious and unapproachable.
For the young girls, this was an irresistible allure.
Yet, none dared to approach him.
Unlike Sasuke Uchiha, who exuded a natural "cool" factor, Ye Dou's aura was genuinely intimidating. He didn't simply act aloof—he radiated a presence that warned others to keep their distance. Even the most outgoing girls hesitated, stealing glances but never stepping forward.
That didn't stop them from whispering amongst themselves, casting glances his way every few seconds.
Girls in Konoha matured quickly. Even at this young age, they understood infatuation, rivalry, and romantic competition. Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino, two of the boldest in the class, were already known for their fierce battles over Sasuke's attention.
This time, however, they had a new contender to consider.
And unlike Sasuke, Ye Dou was an enigma.