Beyond Lives and Horizons

The next morning, the sun had barely risen on the horizon, but Zack was already up. He wore simple, fitted clothes to facilitate his movements, carrying a small bag with the items Haruto had given him: a notebook, a brush, and a basic scroll for notes. His expression was serious, reflecting the determination he had cultivated the night before.

Haruto, already ready, waited at the entrance of the small house. He held a folded map and a small package with something for Zack to eat on the way. Upon seeing him, the man nodded in approval.

— Ready for your first day at the academy? — Haruto asked with a light smile.

— Ready. I'm going to make this work, Haruto — Zack replied with conviction, though a slight tone of anxiety crept into his voice, which Haruto recognized immediately.

— It's normal to feel nervous, but remember: observe everything. School is not just a place to learn techniques; it's a place to understand how people think, act, and position themselves. Be a good listener and an attentive observer. That will make all the difference.

The two began walking toward the Konoha ninja academy. The journey was relatively short, but Haruto took the time to share some words of encouragement and wisdom.

— The environment at the academy will be new to you, but there's something I want you to understand from the start: not everyone will be your friend. Some kids may see you as a stranger, and others may try to intimidate you. Don't let that affect you. Focus on your goals and use these interactions to learn about people and their intentions.

Zack absorbed every word like a sponge, knowing that each piece of advice would be valuable. When they arrived in front of the academy building, Haruto stopped and looked at him seriously.

— Here we are. From now on, this is on you. Today I'll walk you to the door, but tomorrow will be different. You'll have to come on your own and, more importantly, learn to manage on your own inside.

Zack swallowed hard and nodded. He knew this was a test, not just of his abilities, but also of his determination.

Haruto placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.

— I believe in you, Zack. Make this the start of something great.

They entered together, passing through the academy gates. Inside, the environment was already bustling. Kids around Zack's age were running, chatting, and experiencing their first lessons of the day. Haruto accompanied Zack to the entrance of the classroom, where a serious-looking instructor awaited him.

— This is Zack — Haruto said, addressing the instructor. — He's new to Konoha and needs guidance. I trust he will be welcomed.

The instructor, a middle-aged man with graying hair and an imposing posture, nodded.

— Of course. We will take care of him. Zack, welcome to the ninja academy. I hope you are ready to work hard.

Zack nodded again, looking at Haruto one last time before entering. The man gave an encouraging smile and waved goodbye.

— See you later, Zack. Remember: eyes and ears open.

Zack stood still for a few seconds, scratching his head nervously as he felt the instructor's eyes fixed on him.

— Excuse me, sir… But could you tell me where my classroom is? — he asked, his voice polite but hesitant.

The man narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms while letting out a slight sigh, clearly disappointed.

— You don't know where your classroom is? — he asked, with a reproachful look that made Zack feel the weight of his question.

Zack didn't know how to respond. He thought it was a valid question, but the instructor's reaction left him confused. It wasn't as if he was trying to cause problems; after all, it was his first day. Still, the man's disapproval was evident.

— Tell me your name — the instructor continued, pulling a list from the inner pocket of his vest. — I'll check for you, but know that this is the last time. If you want to be a ninja, start learning how to solve simple things on your own.

Zack felt his face heat up, a bit embarrassed. He didn't understand why the instructor reacted that way to something that seemed so basic. After all, it wasn't his fault to be in a completely new environment. Nonetheless, he quickly composed himself, trying not to show his irritation.

— My name is Zack — he replied, keeping his voice steady, though still a little uncomfortable.

The instructor scanned the list, taking a few seconds to locate Zack's name.

— Here it is. You're in room 1-B. Corridor to the right, second door. Now go, and remember: pay more attention next time.

Zack nodded quickly, murmuring a thank you before turning to follow the indicated path. As he walked down the corridor, his mind still revolved around the interaction. Why did the instructor react that way? Had he failed at something without realizing it?

Upon reaching the door to room 1-B, Zack took a deep breath, determined not to let that discourage him. He pushed the door open and entered, receiving curious looks from the other students, who were already in their seats. Without saying anything, he found an empty desk at the back and sat down, trying to situate himself while waiting for class to begin.

Zack looked around, carefully observing the other children in the room. None of them seemed to belong to one of Konoha's twelve great clans. There were no symbols of the Uchiha, Hyūga, Nara, or any other notable clan he had heard of. Instead, the emblems he saw were strange, unknown, or seemed improvised, as if they were personal and without significant collective meaning.

He analyzed the details. Some children wore simple, worn clothes, indicating families with limited resources. Others had accessories that seemed exaggerated, perhaps an attempt to compensate for a lack of natural skills with a striking appearance. A skinny boy in the corner had spiky orange hair and wore a worn green scarf, even inside the classroom. A girl with long braids drummed her fingers on the desk impatiently, while another boy with thick glasses was engrossed in a scroll, paying no attention to anything around him.

The children initially looked at Zack with curiosity, but their eyes soon dropped to his clothes. Haruto had ensured he was dressed in a clean and practical manner, but it was still obvious that Zack was a newcomer. There was nothing in his appearance that shouted power or tradition, nothing that stood out. After one or two quick glances, most of the students seemed to lose interest.

Zack noticed the pattern: some observed him for a moment, assessed his presence, and then simply returned to their conversations or distractions. He heard whispers from afar but couldn't quite make out what they were saying. There was a certain mistrust in their looks, as if they were trying to decide whether he was worthy of their attention.

"I must be in the class of the less capable," Zack thought, observing the students. There didn't seem to be a rigid organization among them, but the environment made it clear that this group probably wasn't among the prodigies of the academy.

He took a deep breath, resisting the urge to feel diminished. After all, being placed among the less skilled could be an advantage. He would have more time to observe, adapt, and perhaps even exceed the expectations of everyone— including his own.

Meanwhile, the classroom door opened, and a woman with short hair and a stern expression entered, carrying some papers. As soon as she walked in, the room fell into a partial silence, with most students straightening their postures. Zack sat up in his chair, ready to begin. He knew that no matter where he was, every second would be an opportunity for learning.

The teacher entered the room with firm steps, her eyes evaluating each child present. She had short brown hair pulled behind her ears and wore a typical Konoha vest, exuding an air of authority that silenced any lingering murmurs. Upon reaching the front, she placed a thick notebook on the table and looked directly at the students, as if measuring each one's potential.

— My name is Akemi-sensei — she began, her voice firm and clear, filling the room. — I am responsible for this class, and what I'm about to say must be taken seriously.

Zack straightened in his chair, feeling the weight of her words even before fully grasping their meaning. The other children, who had been fidgeting or whispering, quickly stopped and focused on the teacher.

— This class has the chance to prepare for true ninja training — Akemi-sensei continued, crossing her arms as she observed the class. — But don't be fooled: not all of you will make it. By the end of this cycle, only five students will have the opportunity to advance to the next stage of the academy. The rest... — she paused, leaving the sentence hanging, increasing its impact. — Well, you'll find another path for your lives.

The tension in the room became palpable. Zack could see some children exchanging nervous glances while others simply stared at the teacher with wide eyes.

— I know this is usually announced midway through the year, but I prefer to make sure you are aware from the start — Akemi-sensei continued, ignoring her students' reactions. — From today on, every lesson counts. Every activity, every training session, every test. If you want to be among the top five, you have to prove that you deserve it.

Without allowing space for questions or murmurs, Akemi-sensei opened the thick notebook she had brought.

— Now I will call out the names. I want to hear a clear and strong "present." This is the first step to showing that you have the determination needed.

Zack felt a knot form in his stomach. The teacher's words were as direct as a blade, and he knew he would need to work hard to even have a chance of advancing. He wasn't just a newcomer; he had everything to prove.

— Aoyama, Hiroshi! — Akemi-sensei called.

— Present! — replied a skinny boy with spiky hair, his voice full of confidence.

— Himura, Kaede!

— Present! — responded the girl with braids, her voice a bit more hesitant.

— Tanaka, Renji!

— Present! — replied a robust boy with shaved hair and small eyes that sparkled with determination.

— Saito, Yuki!

— Present! — said a girl with short hair, her tone confident despite looking a little anxious.

The list went on, and Zack could feel his heart racing with each name called. He kept his eyes fixed on the teacher, trying to appear calm, but inside, his anxiety only grew.

— Haruno, Ayame!

— Present! — replied a girl with large eyes and hair tied back in a ponytail, her voice soft and almost inaudible.

Finally, the moment arrived.

— Zack.

He took a deep breath, swallowing the tension and trying to sound confident.

— Present! — he said, his voice clear, but not as strong as he would have liked.

After finishing the name calls, the teacher closed the notebook with a quick gesture and looked at the entire class.

— Very well, now that everyone has been called, let's start with a simple question: does anyone here have doubts?

Silence fell over the room. Some children looked around, clearly waiting for someone to have the courage to speak first. Zack considered raising his hand but hesitated, unsure if it would be seen as a good initiative or just someone trying to gain unnecessary attention.

Akemi-sensei crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.

— No questions? Are you sure? This is your chance to ask.

A boy in the front row timidly raised his hand.

— Yes, what's your question? — the teacher asked, leaning slightly toward the boy.

— Teacher, what exactly will be evaluated to decide who will advance? — he asked, his voice filled with nerves.

Akemi-sensei smiled slightly, but her gaze remained serious.

— Good question. We will evaluate everything: your practical skills, such as chakra control and discipline in physical training, but also your attitude, ability to work in teams, and performance in theoretical tests. In short, every action you take will be analyzed.

The boy nodded quickly and sat down. The room fell silent again, and Akemi-sensei waited a few seconds before continuing.

Zack observed the boy who had asked the question and realized that despite his nervousness, the teacher's reaction had been calm and clear. He felt a small wave of relief at seeing that maybe it wasn't as intimidating as it seemed. Still, he knew he needed to overcome his own fear of exposing himself.

"If I'm going to stand out here, I need to start now," he thought.

Taking a deep breath, Zack raised his hand, trying to ignore the gaze that immediately fell upon him.

— Yes? — Akemi-sensei called, looking at him with interest.

— Teacher, you said that only the five best will advance, but… why? What exactly do they gain compared to the others? — he asked, trying to keep his voice firm and clear.

The room fell silent again, and Zack realized that now all eyes were fixed on the teacher, waiting for her response. Akemi-sensei smiled slightly, perhaps surprised by the boldness of the question, but soon her face returned to a serious, professional expression.

— A good question, Zack. And the answer is simple: the five best gain the opportunity to continue on the true ninja path. They advance to the next phase of the academy, where they will receive more specialized training and the chance to become genin.

She paused, looking around the room to ensure her message was clear.

— Those who do not make it into the top five will be directed to alternative paths. This may include support roles in the village, such as logistics, administration, or manual labor. All are important, but only the top five will have the chance to enter the field as active ninjas.

Zack absorbed her words, feeling the weight of what was at stake. He knew this meant more than just competition; it was a matter of defining the course of his life.

— So, to answer your question directly, Zack: the top five get the chance to continue pursuing the ninja dream. The others... — she looked around, letting the words hang in the air. — Will need to find another purpose.

Zack nodded, quietly thanking her before sitting down again. The nervousness was still there, but alongside it came a growing determination. "I need to be among those five," he thought.

Akemi-sensei gave one last evaluative look to the room before opening a new notebook.

— Now that this is clear, let's start with the basics. Open your notebooks and get ready for the first lesson. As I said before, every action you take will be evaluated. Let's see who really wants to reach the top.