Year of Establishment: Second Year of Konoha's Founding
Month: November
Age of Kenichi Sato: 6 years and 7 months
As the end of autumn approached, the leaves began to fall across Konoha's newly formed roads—paths that, only months ago, were nothing more than compacted dirt molded by footsteps, now gradually taking on the features of a true ninja village.
But Kenichi didn't see what others saw.
He didn't just see a village being built. He saw it transforming into a stage of preparation for a war that would inevitably come.
Deep inside, he knew that the peace they currently lived in was nothing more than a brief intermission before the flames ignited.
And he had to stay one step ahead.
—
As the first academic term neared its end, the academy began discussing an evaluation activity for the class—one that wasn't combat-oriented but aimed to develop analytical skills and team communication.
A group of six distinguished students was selected, all of whom had previously worked together in training. They were: Hiruzen, Danzo, Kagami, Homura, Koharu… and Kenichi.
In a small conference room inside the academy building, they all sat around wooden tables, surrounded by a quiet stillness. One of the instructors said:
"This task is not about fighting, and you will not leave the training grounds. It is a mental simulation. Each group will receive a simple scenario and will be expected to analyze the information and design a surveillance plan."
Another instructor confirmed, "This is your first exposure to something similar to real teamwork in actual missions. There's no danger, and no interaction with enemy shinobi."
Sealed envelopes were handed out. Kenichi's team opened theirs, and Homura read aloud:
> "A kitchen staff member is smuggling rare ingredients for use beyond the permitted limits. Objective: Monitor his movements within the premises, analyze behavior, and prepare a report."
Koharu smiled. "Finally, something we can do without being asked to fight."
Kagami said, "Sounds like a spy game."
Danzo remained silent.
Hiruzen looked at Kenichi and asked, "What do you think?"
Kenichi answered calmly, "It's not about the ingredients… it's about the method. How we analyze, how we observe, and when we report."
—
The team began their surveillance plan by dividing roles:
Koharu and Homura watched from the rear courtyard.
Danzo observed from the academy's rooftop.
Kagami and Hiruzen monitored from the dining hall.
Kenichi tracked movement patterns by reviewing old preparation logs stored in the rest room.
Over two days, they recorded numerous details—who entered, who exited, who talked too much, and who fell silent when questioned. But there was no solid evidence.
On the third day, Kenichi noticed something subtle: the kitchen worker left the back door slightly ajar at the end of every shift. It happened three times.
On the fourth occasion, the worker left a few minutes after his shift ended, carrying a small food bag.
Kenichi wrote in his notebook:
> "Repeated behavior is more important than surprises."
—
At the end of the week, the team compiled their notes. They didn't reach a final conclusion but highlighted unusual behavior that warranted further review.
Upon presenting the report to the instructors, the teachers praised their documentation and teamwork.
One instructor remarked, "The report wasn't exaggerated, didn't make hasty accusations, and didn't overlook key points. That's exactly the type of analytical thinking we're looking for."
Then he added with a smile, "And clearly, someone here has a keen eye for subtle details…"
He looked directly at Kenichi.
—
After the exercise, on the way back to class, a quiet conversation broke out among the team members.
Danzo said, "At first, I wasn't convinced by the task… but it revealed a lot."
Koharu responded, "What surprised me most was Kenichi's silence. He writes more than he speaks… but hits the mark."
Kagami laughed, "This little ghost thinks more than some of the instructors."
Hiruzen remained silent for a moment, then said, "We need to learn from him. Each of us has a method… but Kenichi has a vision."
Kenichi smiled and turned his gaze toward the tall academy tree.
In his mind, he was already planning beyond this semester.
He already knew there would be a two-month break before the second academic year began.
A break? No.
It was an opportunity.
An opportunity to focus on merging the Six Powers with chakra, especially since he had begun improving his use of Rankyaku, one of the Six Powers that involved launching sharp air blades through precise kicks.
He was starting to combine it with the chakra control technique in the feet, directing it in a straight, focused line.
Each morning of the break would become a laboratory.
And each evening, a review of his progress.
He knew he still had five years left until graduation—academy training lasted six full years—but he wanted to stand out every year… not just at the end.
End of Chapter Five.