MTLNOVEL Chapter 7: Will of Fire
The Hokage looked around at the gathered children, smiling gently, and then began his speech:
"Congratulations to all of you for passing the entrance exams."
At these words, the children erupted in cheers. The Hokage waited a moment for them to calm down before continuing:
"Today you have taken your first step on the path of the ninja. The entrance exam you passed was not only a test of your strength, but above all of your determination and fighting spirit. Every shinobi of Konoha must be ready to face adversity, even when everything seems lost.
Being a ninja means more than just using techniques or fighting on the battlefield. It is the responsibility you carry on your shoulders – responsibility for the village, for your comrades, for future generations. The Village Hidden in the Leaves is not built of wood, but of the people who protect and nurture it.
Many generations of shinobi before you have walked this path. Each of you follows the road once tread by your predecessors – ninjas who sacrificed their lives so that Konoha could survive and grow. Their effort and sacrifice are what allow you to stand here today and take your first steps as future defenders of the village.
I believe that the Will of Fire burns within each of you. It is the flame that makes the shinobi of Konoha never give up, never abandon a comrade in need, and always fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. It is this will that has made our village strong. As long as we pass it on, Konoha will never fall!
From today onward, you are part of something greater. The Academy will be your home, where you will learn not only techniques and strategies, but also the values that make the ninja of Konoha exceptional. There will be difficulties and moments of doubt ahead, but remember – true strength does not come solely from the body, but from the heart, from friendship, from unwavering loyalty to one another and to the village.
Let your Will of Fire burn brightly! Welcome to the Ninja Academy!"
After these words, the square filled with loud applause and joyful shouts. The children, full of excitement, looked at the Hokage; some were smiling widely, others stood proudly upright, trying to look like real shinobi.
Yoichi thought:
"Wow! He really possesses a legendary skill similar to Naruto's Talk no Jutsu. One speech, and he gets such effects, judging by the kids' reactions."
A moment later, as emotions began to subside, the Hokage continued:
"Now, you will follow the examiners, who will hand out your academic IDs. With them, you will be able to access the library and study jutsu techniques available there.
Ahead of you lies much learning, but remember that every great shinobi started just like you – on the first day at the Academy. Strive to be the best version of yourself and never extinguish the Will of Fire within you!"
When the speech ended, the crowd of children erupted in joyous cries again. Yoichi approached the nearest examiner, Satoshi, to receive his ID. However, when he stood before him, he heard:
"Orphans must wait until IDs are distributed to all other students. Afterward, you will be informed about housing arrangements and other formalities related to the Academy."
Yoichi sighed softly and stepped back, waiting with the rest of the orphans.
When almost all IDs had been distributed, Yoichi noticed that seven children from his orphanage had failed. Then Examiner Satoshi raised his voice and began speaking:
"Attention! Along with receiving your academic ID, you will also be assigned housing. As future shinobi, you must learn independence and responsibility for yourselves.
The size of the apartments will depend on the rank of your parents. If at least one of your parents was a chūnin, you will receive a two-room apartment. If both were chūnins, you will be assigned a larger two-room apartment. If at least one of your parents was a jōnin, you will receive a three-room apartment.
The apartments will contain your belongings and a stipend for this month. If you find any scrolls with ninjutsu techniques, it means they were previously selected by your parents according to the rules specified in the library.
Additionally, each of you is entitled to one free medical check-up at the hospital. You also have the option to purchase meals at the Academy for 500 ryō per month. On your ID, you will find information about the class you have been assigned to.
Classes at the Academy begin in a week."
Yoichi's apartment had one large room that served as a living room, a separate bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom. It was equipped with a refrigerator, stove, and other basic items needed for cooking.
Yoichi looked around the interior, noticing several boxes with his belongings stacked against the wall. On the table lay an envelope containing the stipend for this month and documents regarding the apartment. After checking everything, Yoichi thought:
"I receive 1000 ryō as an orphan's stipend and 500 ryō as a stipend for civilian children who made it into Class A. I'll spend 500 ryō on meals at the Academy. I've heard that besides eating there, you also get food rations for home. This will allow me to save a bit.
The next 500 ryō I'll allocate for daily necessities, fees, and probably extra food. The rest I'll save for buying weights for training, kunai, and shuriken. The apartment is now my property, but it is treated as an inheritance from my parents.
I still need to check what's on these three scrolls."
Looking at them, he saw:
Genjutsu [C]
Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings Technique
Ninjutsu [B]
Shadow Clone Technique
Taijutsu [C]
Senju Taijutsu Style
After reviewing the scrolls, Yoichi thought:
"I don't plan to learn genjutsu right now, but it might be useful in the future. Shadow Clone Jutsu... I feel I don't have enough chakra yet to safely attempt it. If I manage to learn it in the future, I can study faster, but I need to check exactly how information from clones is transmitted.
As for the Senju Taijutsu style, I can start training it right away. From what I've heard, the Academy will teach the Konoha Taijutsu style, which is quite versatile. The Senju style, however, focuses more on offense and aggressive attacks.
The scroll contains a detailed description of several forms and movements. At the very end, there is a note stating that more techniques are available in a higher-level scroll. It's good to know that this isn't everything; otherwise, I would be a bit disappointed.
Now I'll check the prices of the things I need, then I'll rest, and tomorrow I'll resume training."