MTLNOVEL Chapter 9: First day
As he entered the classroom, he noticed that it was already half-full of students. He took a seat on one of the empty benches and started thinking:
"I'm glad I started learning fūinjutsu. Seals function similarly to jutsu, and their symbols resemble hand signs. The number of symbols is truly vast. There are symbols for each of the five elements, as well as symbols that can suppress or amplify them. There are also symbols controlling time and space. A basic explosive seal consists of multiple explosive symbols, whereas a more complex one incorporates not only explosive symbols but also spatial symbols to ensure it remains attached to its target.
I realized it's somewhat like programming on Earth. Each symbol has a specific function, and their proper combination allows for advanced effects. I need to first practice writing symbols with regular ink before I start using special fūinjutsu ink. It will allow me to save some money."
His thoughts were interrupted when a boy sat next to him, flashing a wide smile as he introduced himself:
"Hi! I'm Takagi Shigeru, and you?"
Yoichi looked at him and replied:
"Kamado Yoichi, nice to meet you."
Shigeru immediately asked:
"Are you also looking forward to the classes? I wonder who will be our sensei? Do you think we'll be able to finish the Academy in one year, like the Uchiha did last year?"
Before Yoichi could answer any of the questions, their teacher entered the classroom and introduced himself:
"My name is Sarutobi Shougo. From today, I will be your teacher. First, you'll introduce yourselves, and then I'll announce what we'll be doing. Start!"
A moment of silence fell over the classroom, after which the first kid stood up and began:
"Hello everyone, I'm Hatake Ren. I don't like spicy food. My dream is to become a great ninja, like Hatake Kakashi."
The next person stood up and continued:
"I'm Inuzuka Haru. I like dogs and spending time training with my clan. My dream is to become the best tracker-ninja in Konoha!"
One by one, other students stood up, introducing themselves and sharing a little about who they were. Some were confident, others spoke reluctantly, as if they didn't want to draw attention to themselves.
"I'm Yamanaka Kaede. I like flowers and helping others. My dream is to become a medical ninja."
"Hello everyone, I'm Takagi Shigeru. I like eating and practicing fencing. My dream is to become a jōnin like my father and have a team with whom I can carry out missions."
Finally, it was Yoichi's turn.
He stood up and began speaking calmly:
"Hi, I'm Kamado Yoichi. I enjoy training and learning new techniques. My goal is to become Hokage."
After him, four more people introduced themselves, and then Shougo spoke again:
"Alright. Now that we know each other, let's move on to discussing what we'll be doing over the next six months until the mid-year exams.
The foundation of every shinobi is a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. That's why over the next few months, we'll focus on practicing chakra control, hand signs, shurikenjutsu, taijutsu, and theory.
When it comes to taijutsu, we'll work on improving your fitness, speed, and hand-to-hand combat technique. Whether you excel at long-range combat or specialize in jutsu, every shinobi must be proficient in close-quarters combat. This skill could mean the difference between life and death on a mission.
In shurikenjutsu, you'll learn the correct techniques for throwing kunai and shuriken. It's not just about strength, but also precision and reflexes. A shinobi who can't hit the target is useless in battle."
Yoichi wondered: "Are all Sarutobi such passionate speakers?"
Shougo continued:
"Practicing hand signs will help you perform techniques faster. Some jutsu require many signs, and their correct execution in stressful situations is crucial. Additionally, without knowing them, you won't be able to perform advanced techniques in the future.
As for chakra control, we'll focus on practicing Leaf Concentration. It's a basic but extremely important technique that will allow you to better manage your energy and use it more effectively. The ability to precisely use chakra will not only increase your effectiveness in battle but also allow you to conserve energy at critical moments.
Theory will cover tactics, combat strategy, first aid basics, and knowledge of the village's and shinobi world's history. Knowledge is a powerful weapon that can save your life on missions.
Additionally, your ID card allows access to sections F, E, and D in the Academy library. You can find many useful materials there that will help you better understand both ninja techniques and their practical application. If you have any questions, you can ask me or other teachers."
Shougo made a short pause, allowing the students to absorb the information, and then continued:
"A test will be held every six months. Those who take the top three places will get access to section C of the library for six months.
Since there are no questions, today we'll begin with a discussion on our village's history."
After the class ended, Yoichi decided to go practice fūinjutsu. However, before he could leave the school, Shigeru stopped him and enthusiastically asked:
"Yoichi, let's go for ramen? I recently found a pretty good place. You won't be disappointed!"
Yoichi thought for a moment:
"I could use a bit of rest. Ramen shouldn't be expensive, no more than 50 ryō. Although the meals at the Academy are decently sized, they're not enough for me. I'll have to buy additional ingredients for cooking when I return. No wonder Naruto ate instant ramen since he didn't know how to cook. And since Shigeru said he likes practicing fencing, I can ask him if he knows someone who teaches sword fighting."
He looked at his friend and nodded.
"Alright, let's go. I'm curious if it's really as good as you say."
Shigeru smiled widely and led Yoichi toward the restaurant.
When they entered, Yoichi couldn't help but wonder:
"Who would have expected that the place he had in mind is Ichiraku Ramen. Naruto hasn't started coming here yet. I wonder if this place is really that good."
With enthusiasm, Shigeru approached the counter.
"Good day! Two large bowls of ramen, please!"
After placing the order, Shigeru turned to Yoichi and asked:
"What do you think, when will we have sparring sessions in class?"
Yoichi replied:
"It's hard to say. Sensei mentioned all the topics, but didn't specify when we'll cover them."
Shigeru scratched his head thoughtfully.
"I hope it's soon. I can't wait to see how I stack up against the rest of the class. And I'm curious who will turn out to be the strongest."
Yoichi looked at him carefully.
"Do you think anyone stands out?"
Shigeru shrugged.
"Definitely the Uchiha. Last year, one completed the entire academy in one year."
At that moment, the shop owner placed the steaming bowls of ramen in front of them. Shigeru immediately brightened up.
"Itadakimasu!" – he exclaimed and grabbed the chopsticks, then started eating.
Yoichi also began eating. After the first bite, he admitted to himself that the ramen was really worth its price.
During the meal, he decided to seize the opportunity and asked:
"You said you like practicing fencing. How long have you been learning?"
Shigeru swallowed a bite and responded enthusiastically:
"For about a year! My dad is a jonin and teaches me when he has time. Recently, he said he'd look for someone for sparing so I don't only fight with him."
Yoichi looked at him with interest and said:
"Lately, I've been interested in learning how to fight with a weapon. I was mainly thinking about a sword. Do you think your dad would be willing to teach me?"
Shigeru thought for a moment, then answered:
"Hmm... it's possible, but I need to ask him first. I'll let you know tomorrow. If he agrees, we could train together."
Yoichi nodded and returned to eating.
After finishing their meals, they paid and headed for the exit.
When they parted ways, Yoichi, walking home, thought:
"The ramen was really good, but the price of 50 ryō is a bit too high for me. I wanted to ask the sensei about sword training, but first, I wanted to see his approach to students. If Shigeru can arrange for me to train with his dad, this might be a great opportunity."