KONOHA :THE RISE OF KAITON

The next day dawned with clear skies and bright sunshine.

On the road to the ninja academy, a figure was sprinting at full speed.

"Ah, no! I'm going to be late! I forgot to set my alarm clock yesterday!" Kaiton exclaimed, his expression full of despair as he clutched a lunch box meant for two.

As he berated himself for oversleeping, a loud voice called out from behind him.

"Hey! Wait for me! Let's go together!"

Kaiton glanced over his shoulder.

A boy in a light green kimono, sporting spiky white hair and two red markings near his eyes, was sprinting toward him. His speed was remarkable, and the gap between them closed quickly.

Kaiton slowed down, and when the boy caught up, he greeted him with a smile. "Hey, are you a freshman too?"

The newcomer bent over, panting before replying, "Yeah, that's right." He straightened up, a wide grin on his face. "My name's Akirai, first-year, class one. Let's get along!"

"Kaiton," Kaiton responded. "Looks like we're in the same class. What a coincidence! Let's head to school together."

Akirai's eyes lit up. "Really? We're classmates? Lucky! I was worried about being scolded for being late on my first day, but with you, it feels less scary!" He clapped Kaiton on the shoulder enthusiastically.

Kami, who wants to be scolded with you?! Kaiton thought, forcing a cheerful smile. He slung an arm around Akirai's shoulders. "Bro, since we're late anyway, and it looks like you skipped breakfast... how about I treat you to some ramen before we head to school?"

Akirai hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed, his face bright with gratitude. "Kaiton, you're the best! I'll owe you one!"

---

They stopped at a small ramen shop that had just opened nearby. Kaiton ordered two bowls and waited. After a while, he suddenly clutched his stomach, his expression pained.

"Ah, Akirai, I think I ate something bad yesterday. My stomach hurts! I need to find the restroom!" He dropped some money on the table before bolting. "Don't worry about the bill; it's on me!"

Before Akirai could respond, Kaiton disappeared out the door.

Once outside, Kaiton sprinted toward the academy. Sorry, Akirai. I just can't afford to be late on the first day.

---

Kaiton arrived at the classroom ten minutes into the lecture. The teacher was writing on the blackboard, seemingly unaware of his presence. Kaiton spotted a familiar face—Hinatabi, sitting in the second row. She noticed him and was about to wave when Kaiton quickly gestured for her to stay quiet.

Thinking fast, Kaiton crouched and tiptoed into the room, moving backward to avoid detection. The entire class watched curiously as he crept toward an empty seat.

"Student," a deep voice interrupted, "what do you think you're doing?"

Kaiton froze, his back to the teacher. Turning slowly, he forced an awkward grin.

"Sensei, I was just... uh, hungry." He held up his bento box. "I didn't want to disturb the class, so I was sneaking out to eat."

The teacher,Tenzou, frowned. "Nonsense! You've barely been here long enough to be hungry. Sit down and wait until class ends."

"Yes, Sensei!" Kaiton responded obediently, quickly taking the seat next to Hinatabi.

As he settled in, Hinatabi stifled a laugh and gave him a thumbs-up. "As expected of you, Kaiton!"

Kaiton grinned, raising an eyebrow. "What can I say? Talent."

---

Tenzou introduced himself as a retired jōnin from the renowned Senju clan and a master of water and earth release techniques. He was now responsible for guiding the next generation of ninja.

The students were then asked to introduce themselves.

One by one, they went up to the podium.

"Hi everyone, I'm Akimori . I love painting and hope to create jutsu inspired by art."

"My name is Nara Luming. I enjoy cloud-watching and sleeping."

"I'm Akamichi . I love food and aspire to make the best dishes for my clan."

"Yamanaka Rei. I enjoy gardening."

"Uchiha Keiyan. I don't have hobbies. My goal is to become the strongest ninja."

"Hyuga Tsu. I like sparring and improving my taijutsu."

When it was Akirai's turn, he introduced himself with enthusiasm. "I'm Akirai. I enjoy exploring and aim to learn every jutsu out there!"

Dressed in a white kimono, Akirai's pale, snake-like eyes unnerved some of his classmates, though he seemed unaware of the effect he had.

Next up was Hinatabi. With her golden ponytail swaying, she strode confidently to the podium.

"Hi, everyone! I'm Hinatabi of the Senju clan. I love Kaiton's cooking, and my dream is to become as strong as my grandfather, the First Hokage!"

Tenzou's expression turned sour at her declaration. What?! My little princess already likes someone?!

Kaiton was next. With a relaxed demeanor, he said, "Name's Kaiton. I enjoy making easy money and aim to become a wealthy ninja someday."

The teacher's frown deepened. This kid? He's nothing special!

---

After introductions, Tenzou began the lesson, explaining the origins of the ninja villages, the nature of chakra, and its various uses. Kaiton, who had little prior knowledge, was amazed at the complexity of the ninja world.

Wait... I'm understanding all of this effortlessly, Kaiton thought. He recalled everything the teacher said with perfect clarity. Am I a genius after reincarnating?

His self-congratulatory thoughts were interrupted by a loud crash.

The classroom door slammed open as Akirai stumbled in, clutching his forehead. He had clearly run into the doorframe.

"You!" Akirai's eyes locked onto Kaiton, fury evident in his gaze.

Before Akirai could storm over, Senju Ye grabbed him by the collar.

"Name and class?"

"Akirai... class one," he stammered.

"Two hours late on your first day? Stand in the hallway as punishment!"

"But, Sensei, it's Kaiton's—"

"Handle your grievances after class!"

Dejected, Akirai was escorted to the hallway, where he stood with his head hanging.

Hinatabi leaned over to Kaiton. "What happened between you two?"

Kaiton waved her off. "Nothing. I'll apologize later."

---

After class, Tenzou reminded everyone about the afternoon's practical training session before leaving.

Hinatabi, holding a camera, dragged Kaiton to the podium. "Let's take a photo to commemorate our first day of school!"

She handed Kaiton the camera. "Here, take one of me first!"

Kaiton groaned but obliged, snapping a picture of her striking a victory pose.

Meanwhile, Akirai peeked through the window, glaring at Kaiton. You owe me big time, Kaiton. Big time.

-------------------------------------------

Visit our Patreon for more:

patreon.com/Johnwick007