NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11: Opening Ceremony
It was Monday morning and after eating a delicious omelet, I was standing in front of the academy waiting for the welcoming ceremony for new students. I spent the rest of my weekend training to get my body accustomed to the basic moves I remembered from my past life and honestly, I was beyond sore.
Seriously, my pain had its own pain.
"Ken-kun! You're here too!" I turned around and saw one of my old orphanage companions who had also been admitted to the academy.
"Yes, Jimei-san, I made it too, remember?" I replied, forcing a smile onto my face.
"Oh, right, I forgot for a moment." Jimei laughed softly, a bit embarrassed. "It seems Hokage-sama is going to be here. Apparently, he gives a speech to every new class at the academy."
Eh? That made sense. After all, the Hokage's office was right next to the academy. Besides, I was sure this was part of the old man's brainwashing program.
"Look! There he is!" Jimei's excitement was evident as he pointed at the figure of the Hokage approaching the podium at the academy entrance.
My first impression of the Third Hokage was that he was old. Seriously, he was old and honestly, it was impressive. I was pretty sure the life expectancy of ninjas in this world wasn't very high, so him being this old was badass.
"It's wonderful to see so many young people willing to join the village's shinobi force. Today, you take an important step toward the future of our village, the beloved Konohagakure no Sato. Standing right here are not just students but also the future protectors who will guide our village to a brighter future."
The raspy voice of a smoker somehow made the Third's words feel deeper. I noticed that all the students around me and even some of the parents who had brought their children to the academy were listening attentively to the Hokage's speech.
"The path of a ninja is not easy. It demands strength, determination, compassion and, above all, a heart that never gives up. During your time here at the academy, you will learn much more than combat techniques and jutsus; you will learn the true meaning of teamwork and courage." A smile graced the Hokage's face. "Now prepare yourselves and may the Will of Fire burn brightly within you."
That was what the Hokage said. To be honest, it all seemed like nonsense to me, meant to make kids even more enamored with the village's notion of the Will of Fire—not that I'd say that out loud.
After the speech, all the students clapped, and I noticed the Hokage was about to leave the stage. This was a great opportunity. What I was planning to do was risky, but to be honest, I doubted I'd have a better chance anytime soon, so I raised my hand.
"Hokage-sama!" I shouted loudly as I could, ignoring the stares from others around me and mentally celebrating the only look I cared about catching. "What is this Will of Fire you mentioned?"
"Oh! What's your name, young man?" The Third's eyebrow arched as he fixed his gaze on me.
That gaze was more intense than I expected, but I wasn't backing down now. This was the best chance to get on the Third Hokage's radar in a positive way.
"My name is Hoshino Kenshin."
"Kenshin-kun… Very well…" The Hokage brought his hand to his goatee, scratching it slowly before continuing. "The Will of Fire is what keeps our village alive and united. It's the force that holds our village together even in the worst storms. The Will of Fire resides in each of us, and it's expressed in the desire to protect the lives of those around us, even if it means making sacrifices."
"I, as the Hokage, have lived and continue to live with the Will of Fire in my heart. And I hope that, like me, all who come after will continue to pass this flame forward. The true power of a ninja lies not just in their physical strength but in their heart and actions for the collective good. That, my young ones, is the true essence of the Will of Fire."
The Hokage's words drew applause again from everyone, but I kept my gaze fixed on him.
To be honest, I thought it was all a bunch of hypocrisy. A will to protect the lives of others even by making sacrifices? I was practical and selfish—I'd never be altruistic enough to sacrifice my entire clan for a village like Konoha to survive. Honestly, if I found myself in a situation where I had to sacrifice a friend for the village, I'd let Konoha burn without a second thought.
But of course, I wouldn't say that out loud. If I did, I'd probably never have a good position in the village. I had gotten used to my old village's way of saying what my superiors wanted to hear. Sarutobi Hiruzen might be the Hokage, but I had faced the corporate world.
"I see..." I said, looking at the Hokage with more determination. "Then I will become strong enough to protect everyone in the village, including you, Hokage-sama!"
That would have to do. I deserved an acting award for that nonsense, but I had practiced nearly every day to say such things without laughing, and I noticed I had convinced the Hokage—if the widening of his eyes was a good indicator.
"Eh? Hohoho! The Will of Fire burns brightly within you, my boy. I look forward to seeing your next steps."
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Sorry for not update a chapter yesterday. I went out with my family to the beach and used the secret technique of getting super drunk. This chapter is pretty meh too, but it's a transition and a first interaction with the Hokage. As compensation, tomorrow I'll post two chapters at once as soon as I recover from this damn hangover.