While Sora was resting, Might Guy had already finished his warm-up and started doing laps around the village.
Even though Guy was only fourteen this year, he had already been a Chunin for quite some time.
If he went all out, his combat power might even surpass Kakashi's by a notch.
By Sora's estimation, he was definitely not far from becoming a Jonin.
These thoughts flashed through Sora's mind.
Once his stamina recovered, he dusted off his clothes and headed toward Minato's house.
The sun was already leaning westward, and evening was approaching—it was time to go home.
Otherwise, Kushina would absolutely teach him why flowers are so red.
The Fourth Training Ground was already on the outskirts of Konoha and still quite far from the central area.
And with the day winding down, Sora realized that besides himself, there wasn't a single soul around.
"tsk tsk, if this were a novel, this is the moment where an assassination would take place."
He glanced at the woods on both sides, eyes twinkling with anticipation.
That kind of plot twist was a main character's privilege—and he wanted to try it out too.
Step. Step. Step...
A series of footsteps echoed as Sora walked farther and farther from the training ground.
Another ten meters and he'd leave the forested area completely.
Even though he'd remained vigilant the whole time, disappointment clouded his eyes.
"So I really don't have main character treatment?"
By the time Sora got home, he hadn't encountered a single threat, leaving him thoroughly deflated.
Meanwhile, deep within the forest he'd just left, a faint voice muttered, "Are Konoha's kids all this alert?"
"Sora, the ninja academy starts in a few days. Minato and I already signed you up."
Just as he picked up his rice bowl, Kushina dropped the news.
"Got it."
Seeing how Sora instantly wilted like a frostbitten eggplant, Minato couldn't help but chuckle as he added fuel to the fire.
"Thing is, Sora, now that the war's over, you'll need to finish the full six years at the academy before you can graduate!"
Watching Minato try to suppress his laughter, Sora felt utterly defeated. He mumbled a few words and retreated to his bedroom.
"Seriously? Going to ninja school now?" he muttered. "Kakashi and the others have already graduated. Itachi is only three years old and still in toddler clothes. What am I even going to do there?"
The more he thought about it, the more lifeless his eyes became.
Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai—they were all older than him and had already graduated because of the war. The Twelve Guardian Ninjas weren't even born yet.
The only notable person from the original series in this time period was Itachi Uchiha—and he was still in diapers!
Which meant all his classmates would be nobodies and future cannon fodder!
"Damn it!" The more he thought, the angrier he got. Eventually, he couldn't hold back and cursed aloud.
"No geniuses, just cannon fodder. What the hell kind of cards am I supposed to collect like this?"
But there was no helping it. Konoha's rules weren't going to change for one person—especially not with the Third Hokage still in power.
Besides, both Minato and Kushina wanted him to attend school, so he had no choice but to obey.
"No... I can't let this stand!" Sora suddenly flipped upright like a ninja on a mission. Rubbing his chin, he muttered, "The Night of the Nine Tails is only two years away. There's no way I can just sit back and watch Minato and Kushina die. I have to do something!"
"Battle! I need battles! But with no war and no way to leave Konoha, where the hell am I supposed to find fights?"
Clap! Suddenly, he smacked his palm against the floor, eyes lighting up. "I got it! Sleep—sleep on it!"
Satisfied, Sora went to bed with a smile.
Soon, he drifted into dreamland.
In his dream, Sora was holding stacks of cash, organizing the First Konoha Martial Arts Tournament right in the village square!
The prize for first place? A full ten million ryo—enough to buy a third of Asuma Sarutobi's head!
In pursuit of both wealth and the title of Konoha's strongest, ninjas from across the village rushed to sign up.
Even the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, couldn't resist and entered the tournament himself.
Sora, basking in the sunlight, picked up attribute cards one after another while golden cards rained down on him like a downpour.
By the time the final showdown began, Sora stood undefeated in the shinobi world. In one epic move, he sent both Hiruzen and Minato flying off the stage!
In the quiet room, Sora grinned in his sleep, drooling uncontrollably as he dreamed his glorious dream.
....
The next morning, the moment he woke up, Sora bolted outside before he even had breakfast—to begin his investigation of Konoha.