Chapter 10: Unexpected Life Event and Academy Testing
Isamu exhaled quietly, feeling a gentle burn in his muscles from the rigorous clan training session he'd just finished. Standing in the family sparring room, he took a calm breath, eyes steady as he studied his older brother, Daiki, poised and ready just across from him.
At nine years old, Daiki had already secured a place in the Ninja Academy's elite first class—reserved for the year's most naturally gifted shinobi. Physically powerful and robust, Daiki embodied the traditional strengths of their Akimichi heritage, favoring raw strength over subtlety. However, his approach lacked experience and discipline; he relied on sheer power and straightforward aggression rather than strategic finesse.
Their sister Ayumi, seven years old and always observant, stood quietly to the side, captivated by the unfolding spectacle, her hazel-green eyes wide with silent anticipation.
Isamu knew clearly where he stood. Physically, Daiki surpassed him in strength, size, and raw force. If Isamu didn't rely on his experience and creativity—his greatest advantages—Daiki would easily overpower him. His brother's predictable patterns and minor flaws opened opportunities, but Isamu would have to seize them carefully and precisely.
Daiki moved first, charging forward aggressively, throwing a heavy punch aimed directly at Isamu's shoulder. Anticipating this straightforward strike, Isamu slipped gracefully aside, fluidly pivoting and tapping Daiki's exposed ribs with a quick, controlled strike—what he called a "love tap," just enough force to make Daiki aware of the opening without causing real pain.
Daiki's frustration became evident as he growled lightly under his breath, immediately launching into a sweeping kick aimed at knocking Isamu off balance. Isamu, recognizing the predictable nature of the attack, sprang lightly over the sweeping leg, landing with practiced ease behind Daiki, lightly rapping his knuckles against Daiki's exposed back in another gentle yet clear correction.
Ayumi's fascination grew with every exchange, noticing how Isamu's smaller frame and more careful strikes consistently overcame Daiki's raw aggression and superior strength. Each subtle tap clearly communicated a lesson—a playful reminder to Daiki about where he had left himself vulnerable.
Daiki's breathing grew heavier, his movements more forceful and increasingly frustrated. Every powerful strike was met with creative, precise counters from Isamu—quick jabs, gentle strikes, each carefully placed to capitalize on Daiki's openings without causing humiliation.
Isamu breathed deeply and calmly, carefully maintaining control. His experience allowed him to read Daiki's attacks clearly, turning every flaw in his brother's form into opportunities for growth. His creativity balanced the match, letting him stand firmly against Daiki's formidable power, each subtle "love tap" quietly nudging Daiki toward greater finesse.
After ten minutes, Isamu had carefully landed numerous gentle taps—"love taps," as he privately called them—on Daiki. Each tap highlighted a flaw in Daiki's technique, delivered with intentional gentleness so as not to damage his older brother's pride. He understood deeply that ignoring Daiki's weaknesses would be far more harmful in the long run.
Isamu's thoughts momentarily darkened as he remembered what awaited him soon—the war. It was a heavy secret, one he couldn't yet share, particularly with Daiki.
Panting and visibly frustrated, Daiki finally asked, "How are you doing that?"
Taking a calm, steady breath, Isamu met his brother's gaze with quiet seriousness. "You rely too heavily on brute strength," he explained patiently. "Kunai, shuriken, explosive tags—they're not tools you can always overcome just by sheer power. You need more finesse, more strategy. You have to think your way through."
Daiki frowned slightly, clearly conflicted. Though naturally good-natured, it was evident that accepting advice from a younger sibling was difficult for him.
A faint worry crept into Isamu's heart. It would become apparent he was a genius as time progressed. Ayumi, kind-hearted and gentle but possessing only average talent, would likely adapt easily—he felt certain she wouldn't be troubled by sibling rivalry. Daiki, however, was another matter entirely. Being the eldest carried different burdens. Isamu worried that jealousy or rivalry might cloud their relationship, simply due to the natural dynamics between siblings.
Taking a careful step forward, Isamu softened his voice further. "You're strong, big brother, and—"
He hesitated briefly, searching for the right words. The last thing he wanted was a rift between them. Navigating human emotions, he thought with quiet frustration, was always complicated.
Unexpectedly, Daiki placed both hands gently yet firmly on Isamu's shoulders, looking directly into his younger brother's eyes. "Please teach me to be a better ninja."
Isamu blinked, momentarily stunned by his brother's sincerity and humility.
Daiki's expression softened with genuine respect. "You're a genius—I know it. She knows it," he nodded toward Ayumi, who stood silently nearby. "I knew this day was coming."
Isamu felt genuine surprise at his brother's words. Wait, Daiki had already accepted this?
Daiki offered a weary but affectionate smile. "You've been improving at an incredible pace. You're already smarter and more skilled than both of us."
From the sidelines, Ayumi crossed her arms indignantly. "Hey!"
Daiki gave her a gentle but pointed look, sighing lightly. "Come on, Ayumi. You know it's true."
Ayumi pursed her lips thoughtfully, rubbing her chin in a gesture reminiscent of their mother. With her slender build, graceful posture, and delicate features, she resembled their mother more and more each day.
Isamu agreed to regular training alongside his siblings after evening clan workouts, carefully guiding them and offering pointers tailored to their unique strengths.
Daiki, though rough around the edges, showed exceptional raw potential—his natural Akimichi strength and physical talent, if honed properly, would undoubtedly carry him far. Ayumi's natural talent was more limited, yet her gentle demeanor, steady intelligence, and notably precise chakra control stood out clearly to Isamu.
Though he hadn't mentioned it aloud yet, privately Isamu considered that Ayumi might find real success as a medical-nin one day. It was an idea he quietly filed away for the future—another consideration in his careful planning, and another way he might help guide his siblings toward paths that suited them best.
Instead of returning directly to his room, Isamu quietly slipped away, heading toward a secluded, wooded area on the clan's grounds. The air was cool and peaceful, filled with the gentle rustling of leaves under the pale glow of the moonlight. Approaching one of the taller trees, he focused chakra steadily into the soles of his feet, beginning his practiced ascent up the trunk.
He had made considerable progress in chakra control as he neared his sixth birthday in a few months. When the New year started in a few months after his birthday, he would officially begin attending the Ninja Academy. The thought stirred quiet anticipation in his chest.
Step by step, he walked calmly and steadily upward, his movements smooth and controlled. Reaching a sturdy branch high above the ground, Isamu paused, carefully balancing himself as he settled into a comfortable position. From his vantage point, he gazed silently upward at the moon, contemplating the future that awaited him, both eager and wary of the path ahead.
He took a deep breath, carefully contemplating his next steps. With his improving chakra control, it was finally time to approach his father about learning the family's ninjutsu.
His chakra reserves had steadily expanded month after month, already significantly larger than typical for a five-year-old—unless he compared himself to someone extraordinary like Naruto.
Thoughtfully, Isamu reviewed the basic Akimichi clan ninjutsu he hoped to master first, recalling the techniques Choji famously utilized as a genin. Foremost among them was the Partial Multi-Size Technique, allowing focused chakra expansion of limbs for increased strength and powerful strikes. Another fundamental move was the Human Bullet Tank, channeling chakra to expand the body into a rolling sphere, charging toward opponents with formidable speed and force.
Additionally, his mind lingered briefly on the food pills his clan was well-known for, potent supplements that temporarily boosted strength and chakra. Isamu remained cautious about these pills—he viewed external enhancements as useful tools, but uncertainty lingered regarding their possible unknown side effects. Though any negative impacts were likely minimal, he preferred not to risk even the slightest instability in his developing foundation.
These essential clan jutsu relied heavily on precise Yang Release chakra control, perfectly aligning with his steady progress. Isamu exhaled softly, resolved—knowing these foundational techniques were the first practical step toward mastering his clan's fighting style.
He allowed his thoughts to shift specifically toward Yang Release, the chakra nature foundational to his clan's techniques. Yang Release revolved around breathing life, vitality, and physical enhancement into the body, making it perfect for the Akimichi clan's fighting style. Mastering it meant deepening his physical resilience, fortifying his muscles, bones, and even internal organs—strengthening the very essence of his body.
Training Yang Release was subtle yet systematic. It involved exercises emphasizing stamina, physical exertion, and disciplined breathing techniques to steadily nurture and expand chakra pathways. The clan elders had cleverly embedded these exercises into everyday activities for younger members—simple, enjoyable tasks like playful sparring, weightlifting contests, and even communal feasts designed to nourish the body deeply. The youngest Akimichi children often didn't realize that the hearty meals and playful activities were structured training, quietly strengthening their Yang Release foundation from an early age.
Yet Isamu had no intention of limiting himself solely to clan traditions. He intended not only to master the fundamental Akimichi jutsu but also to enhance them, refining and evolving their applications beyond their traditional forms. Furthermore, he aimed to broaden his skills with techniques and chakra natures outside his clan's typical specialties, integrating diverse abilities to create a versatile and formidable fighting style uniquely his own.
With that in mind, he knew he needed chakra-induction paper soon. Testing his chakra nature would help him better understand his innate affinities beyond Yang Release, allowing him to build a clear, structured plan for his training moving forward.
Isamu considered the subtle yet profound potential of Yang Release, knowing that precise control could greatly amplify his strength and stamina, boosting his natural healing abilities. With continued refinement, it would become an invaluable cornerstone for his growth, setting a firm foundation for advanced techniques and future battles.
Sitting quietly on the branch beneath the moon's soft glow, he resolved to prioritize mastering Yang Release—but also to reach beyond it. It was essential, he knew, not only for his clan's legacy but for his survival and the ambitious path he intended to forge ahead.
But as life goes, there was always the unexpected…
The Akimichi, Nara, and Yamanaka clans had each quietly received discreet instructions from Konoha's leadership—a carefully worded request to select a promising youngster from their families. Not yet full-fledged shinobi, these children nevertheless showed clear and exceptional promise, ideal candidates for training within a clandestine branch of ANBU. Root itself was never explicitly mentioned, but the subtle hand of Danzo Shimura was unmistakable.
Each clan had been given a carefully prepared list of names—talented youths already demonstrating potential. On the Akimichi clan's list, both Isamu and Daiki were clearly noted.
The request specifically sought to form a new team mirroring the clans' historically famous Ino-Shika-Cho combination, renowned for its teamwork and strategic effectiveness.
Though acceptance meant the selected child would vanish forever into anonymity, the clans understood the hidden advantages offered in return: deeper political influence, greater leverage, and quiet assurances from the village leadership.
It was a difficult decision, carefully considered and weighed. And quietly behind it all stood Danzo, orchestrating his careful moves, further strengthening Root's foundations from the shadows.
The clan's leadership quickly ruled out children from the main branches and those identified as having the greatest potential, leaving each clan to carefully select from among suitable candidates—branch-family children who showed promise, yet whose ultimate potential was judged modest enough to risk losing.
Isamu and Daiki's father, Hiroto, was a branch member himself, having married a civilian; his own potential had peaked at Special Jonin, respected but not exceptional. Despite Isamu's young age—he had already captured the careful attention of the clan's elders with his rapid improvement. The clan swiftly ruled him out, unwilling to risk losing someone whose growth showed such remarkable promise.
Then, one quiet afternoon, only a few short days before Isamu's sixth birthday, he and Ayumi returned home with their mother, Emiko, who walked quietly beside them, tears glistening silently on her pale cheeks. They found Hiroto waiting inside, his usually broad shoulders sagging beneath an invisible weight, though his expression remained stoically composed.
Carefully kneeling before Isamu and Ayumi, Hiroto looked into their eyes with quiet strength, despite the clear sorrow shadowing his features.
"Your brother Daiki has been chosen by the clan," he explained gently, voice steady yet strained with hidden grief. "He must go serve the village now."
The words hung quietly in the room, heavy with finality and meaning.
And just like that, their brother was gone.
Isamu had asked a few careful questions, trying to make sense of it all, but his father only shook his head silently, eyes shadowed and distant. His mother, Emiko, had turned away abruptly, retreating into another room, the door closing sharply behind her with an audible slam.
Now, Isamu sat quietly on the high branch of a tree, gaze drifting toward the distant horizon, having slipped away from the clan grounds and skipped evening training. The soft rustle of leaves around him did little to soothe the heavy uncertainty pressing into his chest.
This development had caught him entirely off-guard. Yet, after carefully piecing together what little his father had shared, combined with memories from the anime of his previous life, he had come to a quiet, troubling conclusion—Daiki had undoubtedly been taken into ROOT, swallowed into Danzo's shadowy network.
He exhaled softly, closing his eyes to steady his racing thoughts. In just a few days, he would turn six and begin attending the Ninja Academy. Yet, this incident was a stark reminder that events were accelerating, the village atmosphere growing increasingly tense. Political undercurrents had deepened, tensions were building beneath the surface, and he knew without question that war would soon break out—perhaps within the coming year.
Isamu drew another slow breath, centering himself. The path ahead had suddenly grown darker and more complicated. It was time to prepare for the inevitable.
His mother, Emiko, had accompanied him to the academy that morning, a quiet, reassuring presence by his side. Many shinobi had recently been deployed on missions, including his father, Hiroto—clear signs the village was rapidly militarizing. Having lived through war before, Isamu recognized the subtle yet unmistakable signs of preparation quietly unfolding around him.
Glancing down at him, Emiko gently asked, "Are you nervous, Isamu?"
He looked up at her, expression silently amused, clearly conveying gentle disbelief—'Are you serious?'
She laughed softly at the look on his slightly pudgy face, finding it adorable, though she couldn't help but notice how his disciplined, steady training had begun reshaping him, the roundness of childhood subtly giving way to more defined features.
Watching him patiently wait, Emiko found herself reminiscing about raising him. Even as a baby, Isamu had displayed remarkable maturity—he rarely cried without reason, slept soundly through the night early, and quietly observed the world around him with calm, inquisitive eyes. He'd shown unusual discipline, firmly refusing even small indulgences like sweets from an astonishingly young age, instead preferring balanced meals of meat, vegetables, cheeses, eggs, and fruits, as if naturally aware of their nutritional importance.
In fact, Emiko realized with quiet amazement, she couldn't remember a single instance when she'd had to discipline or reprimand him. Isamu had never thrown tantrums, caused trouble, or acted out impulsively as most children did. Instead, he'd always approached everything with seriousness and quiet consideration far beyond his years.
Even as a toddler, Isamu consistently noticed small details others overlooked. When she misplaced household items, he'd calmly retrieve them, recalling exactly where she'd set them down. Instructions rarely needed repeating, and he effortlessly grasped concepts far beyond his age, quietly amazing her each day.
Reflecting on these memories filled her heart with warmth and pride, reinforcing just how exceptional—and quietly extraordinary—her youngest child truly was.
Isamu quietly sat, waiting for his name to be called, his thoughts drifting to the past six months. He'd finally received the clan's basic jutsu from his father, Hiroto, who carefully guided him through the initial training steps. During that time, he'd also undergone his chakra affinity test, a simple slip of chakra paper held gently between his fingers. The result had been clear—he had a single affinity: Earth.
Technically, Isamu knew having a single natural affinity like Earth wasn't a limitation; it was actually a distinct advantage. In fact, many shinobi trained extensively to master even one element fully, and starting with a natural affinity often allowed a ninja to progress faster, more intuitively, and with greater potency in that specific chakra nature.
In time, shinobi could still learn to utilize other chakra natures beyond their natural affinity. It was entirely possible—though significantly more challenging—to master additional elements through dedicated practice, experience, and training. Historical examples from Konoha clearly illustrated this: Kakashi Hatake had famously learned multiple chakra natures through rigorous training, despite originally possessing a natural affinity primarily for Lightning Release. Similarly, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, was revered for his mastery over all five basic chakra elements through relentless dedication and skill, proving that natural affinity was simply a starting point rather than a barrier.
Thus, Isamu viewed his single affinity as foundational rather than restrictive. Earth Release suited his fighting style and natural strengths, giving him a clear direction for initial specialization. With patience and dedicated practice, he could expand to other chakra natures in time, building on his solid foundation of Earth.
Eventually, Isamu heard his name called and calmly stepped forward, joining a small group of other children—some clearly from prominent clans, others visibly nervous civilian kids. He watched closely as the instructors outlined the series of tests.
It quickly became apparent that the academy's selection process was intentionally harsh and demanding. One test involved intense physical drills, exhausting races, and obstacle courses designed to gauge basic stamina, agility, and determination. Another assessed basic mental sharpness through situational puzzles meant to evaluate quick decision-making under stress.
But the most challenging evaluation was undeniably the sparring trial. Each candidate was required to spar directly against a member of the Genin Corps—a specialized unit composed mainly of academy students who neither fully passed nor outright failed, along with older genin who never managed to advance to Chunin. Unlike those assigned to Jonin-led squads, these shinobi primarily handled internal village assignments, training assessments, and supported higher-ranked shinobi on routine missions. The Genin Corps member, around twelve or thirteen years old, had explicit instructions to push the academy candidates to their absolute limits. Isamu quietly observed as several other children stepped forward, only to be swiftly overwhelmed. The genin from the Corps didn't hold back, landing punishing blows that knocked some kids down hard enough to make them cry and quit. Those children, he noted quietly, were certain to be cut from the selection.
When Isamu's turn came, he entered the sparring circle without hesitation, calmly facing his opponent. As the Genin Corps member rushed him aggressively, Isamu quickly realized—after experiencing life-and-death battles in his previous life, compared to facing opponents of Guy's or even Duy's caliber—this opponent was honestly a joke. The genin wasn't particularly skilled in Isamu's assessment; his movements lacked real precision, and his attacks held more aggression than technique.
Smoothly and patiently, Isamu parried each blow, easily sidestepping and redirecting every strike with controlled movements. Several openings appeared—clear moments when Isamu could have ended the fight decisively. But he chose to hold back, deliberately refraining from exploiting them, maintaining a composed and disciplined defense.
After several exchanges, their match settled into a calm, clear standstill. Stepping back, Isamu met the Genin Corps member's slightly startled gaze with quiet composure. His breathing steady, he knew with absolute certainty he had passed the test.
The instructor stared at Isamu thoughtfully, eyes narrowed with quiet consideration. "You held back?"
"You said to last as long as I could," Isamu replied simply, repeating the exact instructions they'd been given clearly at the start of the spar.
The instructor blinked once, then quickly adjusted. "All right, then—this time finish as fast as you can."
Isamu didn't hesitate, not even for a heartbeat. His decisive movement was ruthless, perhaps even considered dirty to some—but shinobi were never bound by rules of fairness or honor. Efficiency and practicality reigned supreme.
He was Akimichi through and through, even at just six years old, his blood naturally gifting him with a powerful, robust physique and strength far beyond that of most children his age. His body was solid, firm muscles beneath the deceptive softness, bones sturdy enough to support fierce strikes and powerful impacts.
Surging forward swiftly, Isamu landed a precise, forceful uppercut directly beneath the Genin's sternum, the older boy immediately doubling over as all breath escaped him in a sharp gasp. Isamu smoothly pivoted, his stance perfectly balanced, delivering a fierce, calculated kick to the Genin's jaw, knocking him cleanly onto the ground.
The Genin struggled to rise, attempting to regain his footing, but Isamu had already moved decisively toward him, intent on swiftly finishing the fight. Only the proctor's sharp voice calling for him to stop halted his relentless advance.
Isamu stopped instantly, relaxing his stance with practiced calm, breathing steadily. Meeting the instructor's impressed, quiet nod with a composed gaze, he allowed himself a slight, satisfied smile as he walked off, fully aware he'd demonstrated precisely what they were looking for.
The results were posted the next day, clearly displayed at the academy entrance. As expected, Isamu's name appeared prominently among those assigned to the first class—the elite group designated for the year's most promising and talented students.
He sighed softly, unsurprised. His mother, Emiko, beamed proudly, hugging him warmly alongside Ayumi, whose excitement matched their mother's joyful expression.
Months earlier, Isamu had gently encouraged Ayumi to start volunteering at the hospital and explore medical ninjutsu, never mentioning the looming war or suggesting it would keep her from combat. Instead, he'd simply explained that medical techniques suited her natural strengths—her gentle personality and precise chakra control. He continued to patiently help her train, quietly pleased to see her genuine enthusiasm.
Watching Ayumi now, Isamu felt reassured by her dedication to his advice. Medical training would offer her a secure, meaningful role when inevitable conflict began. Though he'd accepted war as an unavoidable reality in his previous life, Isamu currently wasn't interested in actively trying to alter events—with one quiet exception. He personally knew Might Duy and Guy, deeply respected both father and son, and particularly admired Duy's remarkable courage. Duy's eventual death had always haunted him, a tragedy he sincerely wished he could prevent. But Isamu knew clearly that, at just six years old, he was still far too weak to change such significant outcomes.
Still, deep down, he calmly looked forward to the challenges ahead.