2 Class PT

[9 years later]

"Here it is... The ninja academy."

Twelve years. It had taken me twelve years to reach this moment.

The experience of stepping into the shoes of a ninja felt vastly different from what I had imagined, especially now that I had the chance to truly grasp the essence of this world beyond the confines of my memories.

The Hidden Leaf, at first glance, defied my Edo period perceptions, revealing a society surprisingly modern in its amenities.

Even before stepping beyond the bounds of the Hyūga compound, a three-story apartment complex loomed into view. And though I could see through its walls, what I saw inside surprised me.

Nearly every unit boasted at least one television, gracing either the living rooms or bedrooms. These weren't just any TVs; they were sleek flatscreens, a testament to the technological advancement of this world.

Prior to today, I had viewed the inhabitants of this world as simplistic, hindered by chakra and lacking in technical innovation. But now, I realized my assumptions were far from the truth.

Homes were lavishly furnished, with luxury items like jewelry, watches, and fine wines tucked away in cupboards. It dawned on me that the people here were just as consumed by vanity as those in my world of origin.

Office buildings, resembling skyscrapers, were no exception. Peering into their interiors, I couldn't help but notice their resemblance to the corporate structures I remembered from my past life.

Today was a day of perpetual astonishment. And to add to my amazement, my Byakugan revealed the intricate electrical wiring running through these buildings like veins, a sight that both fascinated and unsettled me.

If I desired a mundane profession, I could see a future as an electrician, effortlessly deciphering lighting networks and HVAC systems with my enhanced vision.

Yet, amidst the marvels of modernity, some aspects remained familiar. The sewer system, for instance, mirrored that of the Hyūga compound, serving as a common link to the outside world.

In hindsight, I felt foolish for my narrow-minded assumptions. For nine years, I had believed toilets and sinks to be the pinnacle of modernity, oblivious to the existence of appliances like electric ovens and vacuum cleaners.

While wall plugs were absent in my home, the world outside was fully plugged in.

Though the architecture of the Leaf bore the semblance of feudal Japan, it was but a facade. Today, I saw through it with newfound clarity, discovering a bustling metropolis teeming with surprises at every turn.

As I strolled through the Leaf with my family, each new sight filled me with wonder. A news station, an animation studio, a comic shop—every discovery was a revelation.

The nation lacked little in comparison to my former world. I even passed movie theaters where children played strange handheld devices reminiscent of Gameboys.

Today, I realized just how sheltered my upbringing had been. Yet, strangely enough, it didn't bother me. The past twelve years within the Hyūga compound had afforded me a rare opportunity for introspection and growth, allowing me to focus on developing my character as a human being.

In truth, being sheltered had its benefits, shaping me into the person I was today. And as I embarked on this new chapter of my life, I embraced the challenges and wonders that lay ahead, ready to carve out my own destiny in this vibrant world.

As we traversed the village, I sensed a slight unease in my father's demeanor. Eventually, he confided in me, admitting to feeling guilty for not allowing me to explore the world sooner. However, I gently reminded him that the decision to stay home had been mine. Despite my surprise at the advancements in Konoha, I harbored no resentment toward the main family.

The Hyūga main faction adhered staunchly to tradition. Following the 3rd Great Ninja War, amidst a technological boom, my grandfather, driven by a belief in combat techniques and lineage, imposed strict Neo-Luddite principles within our territory. Anything deviating from traditional values was discarded, technology regressed to a more primitive state. These rules were exclusive to the main family.

The realization that I could have experienced the world sooner by simply exploring another side of our compound was frustrating. Yet, dwelling on it now served no purpose. I was on the cusp of becoming a ninja.

"I pulled some strings to get you admitted so late," my father revealed, pride laced with a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Convincing the Hokage of your capabilities was no easy task. My veteran status helped, but being head of one of the noble clans wasn't enough."

"I'll make sure to make you look good," I joked.

"I don't want you to make me look good. Do it for our clan, Agni," he emphasized, his sincerity palpable. I bowed respectfully in acknowledgment.

"Father, I understand. I'll do my best."

"Prove it by outclassing your peers," he challenged, his smile now genuine.

"Alright..."

"As I mentioned earlier, the test you'll face this week will be based on topics you've studied," he continued, outlining the intellectual fundamentals of becoming a shinobi: physics, geometry, psychological statistics, history, and Ninshū.

Physics underpinned reality, focusing on matter and energy—chakra. Geometry's principles were crucial for combat and chakra control. Statistics aided in interpreting vast amounts of information essential for a ninja's missions. Psychology was integral for understanding targets, while history provided context. Ninshū represented the spiritual aspect.

I had been fortunate to have tutors preparing me for this world.

"This applies to you too, Hinata," Father directed toward my sister, who nodded absentmindedly.

"Brother, is it what you expected?" she asked.

"Yeah, perhaps a little bigger," I replied.

"I'm glad you're comfortable," Father interjected.

Standing at 5'7 at the age of 12, I was taller than my father, who was 5'9. I couldn't care less about my weight. Removing my hood, I revealed my waist-length hair, basking in the morning sun.

"Why did you cover yourself?" Father inquired, perplexed.

"I didn't want eyes on me," I admitted.

"Social anxiety after being home so long?" he speculated sternly.

"I was hit with sensory overload, but I'm fine," I assured him, nudging him playfully.

"Alright, I'll trust you," he relented.

Truthfully, my discomfort stemmed from the prying eyes of strangers I could see from mobiles away staring at me like vultures.

"Once I enter the academy, my life will be constantly at risk," I mumbled. It was strange, even though I had prepared my mentally to leave my clan, I was… kinda scared.

"Imagine how it feels for those who can't heal like you," Hinata remarked with a gentle smile, her hand resting comfortingly on my shoulder. Her eyes held a mixture of admiration and concern, conveying her understanding of the risks involved in our chosen path.

I nodded in agreement, acknowledging the privilege of my healing abilities. Despite this advantage, the weight of mortality still loomed over me, a reminder that even I was not invincible.

"Hinata, Just because I can heal doesn't mean I can't die. Just like everyone, I die when I run out of chakra."

I shrugged my shoulders, but me so recklessly throwing that comment in made my father flinch.

"Can you?" Hinata's question carried genuine surprise, prompting me to delve into the complexities of my healing abilities.

As I explained the limitations of my regeneration, I noticed a furrow forming between her brows, a sign of her growing concern. Her gaze shifted to our father, seeking reassurance or perhaps a deeper explanation.

Father's expression softened slightly as he observed our interaction, a mixture of pride and paternal concern evident in his eyes. His posture, though composed, betrayed a hint of tension, as if he too grappled with the implications of my revelation.

Hinata's confusion gave way to empathy as she processed the implications of my explanation. She offered a light punch to my shoulder, accompanied by a chuckle, her attempt to alleviate the somber mood with a touch of humor. Yet beneath her playful demeanor, I sensed a genuine desire to offer comfort and support.

"Agni, you really shouldn't worry about that," she reassured me, her voice tinged with warmth. "You're probably the strongest-"

*cough-cough*

Father's cough interrupted her, drawing our attention to his flushed cheeks and sheepish expression. His attempt to interject with a cough only served to add a touch of awkwardness to the moment, a silent reminder of the seriousness of our conversation.

"Second strongest person, I know," Hinata corrected herself with a chuckle, her playful tone tempered by a newfound awareness of our father's presence.

"Nah... I'd say I'm the strongest," I quipped, offering a lighthearted retort to ease the tension that lingered between us.

Father's gaze sharpened, his eyes locking onto mine with a mixture of amusement and warning. His body language, though relaxed, conveyed a subtle undercurrent of authority, a silent reminder of his role as both mentor and protector.

"Boy, you see in 360 degrees," he teased, his voice carrying a hint of mischief. "I know you can see my expressions. Do you want to test that statement and have your arms broken?"

I chuckled nervously, recognizing his jest for what it was—an attempt to lighten the mood and reaffirm the boundaries of our banter. Despite the levity of his words, I sensed a genuine concern beneath his playful demeanor, a silent reminder of the dangers that awaited us in our journey as shinobi.

"Ha. My apologies, father."

"Agni, Your sister is right. You are well prepared. You're of one of the most prestigious clans in the entirety of the leaf. Not only that, but I'm absolutely certain that you're one of the most capable to ever grace the academy…. You'll make history, Agni. Make me, your sister, and the rest of the clan proud."

"T-thanks… that means a lot to me."

I nodded with a reassured smile on my face. It was a rare occurrence to receive praise from him. He only complimented me once in a blue moon. To be fair, he was a man of few words, but his words meant a lot to me.

"After all that, can I trust you two to await your guide's arrival?" Father inquired, his brows furrowed with a mixture of concern and responsibility.

"Yeah, we're good," I affirmed with a nod, mirroring Hinata's reassuring gesture. Despite our outward assurance, a flicker of uncertainty lingered in our eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the weighty responsibilities ahead.

"Good. I have duties to attend to." With a brisk stride, our father disappeared into the empty streets, leaving behind a palpable sense of anticipation and apprehension.

As we stood before the imposing structure of the four-story academy, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement tinged with nervousness coursing through me. It was the culmination of years of anticipation and preparation, yet the reality of stepping into this new chapter of my life felt surreal.

'This is it... The place I've yearned to attend for the past 24 years. The Akademī... It's surreal to think that I once dreamed of being here, of being part of this world and becoming one of its main characters... And now, I am the protagonist of my own story. Who would've thought?'

Turning to Hinata, I found her gaze fixed on the academy, her expression a mix of determination and contemplation. There was a subtle tension in her posture, a reflection of the uncertainty lurking beneath her composed facade.

"Hey," I began, breaking the silence that enveloped us.

"Hmm?" Hinata turned to me, her eyes searching mine for unspoken reassurance.

"Tell me... What was your experience here like?" My voice was laced with genuine curiosity, a desire to understand her journey as a shinobi-in-training.

"My time here?" Hinata's brows furrowed slightly, a hint of surprise coloring her features. It was a rare moment of vulnerability from someone who often wore a mask of stoicism.

"Yeah. I want to know what it was like growing up with your classmates, the people you met, and befriended. Give me insight into Hinata's journey to becoming a shinobi," I urged, sensing the opportunity to bridge the gap between us and deepen our bond as siblings.

"That's a first... You don't usually ask about my experiences here," Hinata noted, a flicker of curiosity sparking in her eyes as she met my gaze.

"I figured, since I'm about to start attending, why not ask," I replied with a shrug, a small smile playing on my lips.

"Um... Could you be more specific?" Hinata's voice held a note of hesitation, as if she were unsure how much to reveal.

"Mmm. What's your perspective on this place?" I pressed, eager to uncover the nuances of her relationship with the academy and its inhabitants.

As we delved into our conversation, I couldn't help but notice the subtle shifts in Hinata's body language—the way she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, the furrow of her brow as she recalled past memories, the hesitance in her voice as she spoke of her friendships. Each gesture spoke volumes, revealing layers of emotion and complexity beneath her calm exterior.

Though we often spoke as siblings, our conversations rarely ventured beyond the surface. Yet, in this moment, as we stood on the precipice of a new beginning, I felt a newfound closeness with Hinata, a shared understanding of the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead.

As our conversation continued, I made a mental note to pay closer attention to the subtle cues in our interactions, recognizing that beneath the facade of strength and composure, lay a depth of emotion waiting to be explored.

"But… lately, it's been weird," she said with an expression of discomfort on her face.

"Hm? Why is that?" I asked, raising a brow

"Well, because a lot of people discriminate against the Hyūga."

"Wait, we're discriminated against? How badly, and why? Does it have something to do with the rumor of our probation?"

"I thought that father would have informed you by now?"

She looked genuinely riddled.

"Informed me of what? What type of climate did I step into this morning?"

Shaking my head, She continued.

"A shady one. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but while you were in training, rumors began to spread about the Hyūga manufacturing some type of secret weapon. That weapon being the Clan heir… You."

"What the hell?"

How would the village even get ahold of that information? Who could have known that I was in training?

"Yeah… the rumor has made certain clans weary of us. It's to the extent that a few stores won't even serve us. The branch family children often get bullied. We're villainized on a small scale. And some people don't like us just because of the way we look."

"Why would they up and assume that I'm a weapon?"

"Because of your mystique… Barley anyone has ever seen you in person. Even our own clansmen… They've only heard tales about your incredible potential from either me, father, or our maids. All they know is that all you do is train and isolate yourself."

"Then, how are you treated?" That's what I cared about most.

"Well… I'm treated well. But I think the reason for that is because I've managed to perform better than everyone in the academy. That's not me being egotistical, but factual."

"Then… why are you still here? I'm sure you were allowed to graduate early. Why didn't you take it if you're in a place where they don't respect you."

"Because… I wasn't always at the top of the class."

"..."

"Let me make it a little more clear... I hid my true capabilities for a long while."

"What prompted you to reveal them?" I inquired.

"Partially because I wanted to wait for you," Hinata explained.

"For me? Why?" I asked, surprised.

"I wanted us to graduate together," she admitted softly.

"That's sweet… But you mentioned there was another reason?" I probed gently.

"The other part was the boy I mentioned earlier... Naruto. He's the kindest person I've ever met."

"Naruto, huh?" I couldn't help but smile. "Can you tell me more about him?"

"Well, I have to start by saying that when I was younger, I was bullied for being a Hyūga. I never told you because it was mostly just name-calling. Growing up with you, I developed a tough skin for taunting."

"Wait, I wasn't that bad, was I?" I interjected, feeling a pang of guilt.

"No, you weren't, but having an older brother like you did toughen me up," Hinata reassured me. "Anyway, their bullying didn't really bother me. It never escalated to physical altercations, and if it did, I knew how to handle myself…"

"Then, one day when I was about 6, I was alone, playing on the swings when some older boys came up to me and pushed me off. Before I could react, this yellow-haired boy with blue eyes appeared out of nowhere and punched the biggest bully, who happened to be about three years older and twice his size."

"Damn... What happened next?" I leaned in, eager to hear the rest of the story.

"Well… while Naruto's initial attack was impressive enough to stun the bully, it wasn't enough to knock him out… Without an ounce of fear in his heart, he yelled at them and said he wouldn't stand by and allow for someone to get bullied for no reason… that day, he got beat up for 5 stright minutes before I stepped in."

"Wait, Five minutes? What took you so long."

"I… I had faith that he would eventually get back on his feet. He just had so much conviction in his voice that I believed he would win.

"..."

"..."

I couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at the corners of my mouth. The actions I heard mirrored exactly what I remembered Naruto would have done.

"*Snicker*"

"*Cough-cough*"

"Excuse me. What a strange little itch I had in my throat just now."

"It's not funny. He really tried his hardest to defend me!"

"I'm sorry. It's just… I can't shake the mental image of you standing in the background like a cheerleader, watching him get his ass whooped, shouting some motivational nonsense like 'you believed in him' or something…"

"..."

"..."

"No way…" Hinata's cheeks flushed bright red as she avoided eye contact, her embarrassment palpable.

"*Snicker*"

This time, I couldn't hold back my laughter. "Hahaha! You watched him get beat up for five straight minutes?"

"Shut up! I helped him eventually!"

"Yeah… after five minutes when you realized moral support wasn't going to cut it."

"Forget it… I'm not telling the story." Hinata crossed her arms, turning away from me in a display of stubbornness.

Knowing her penchant for holding grudges, I couldn't leave this unresolved. Placing my hand on her shoulder, I attempted to diffuse the tension. "Wait-wait-wait… I'll be mature now."

"..." Hinata turned slowly, her expression still guarded, but curiosity glinting in her eyes.

"I'm serious."

"*Sigh* If you laugh again, I'm not telling the story."

"Fine… I won't laugh." I assured her, noting her skepticism as I maintained a serious demeanor.

"Continuing where I left off, after I was sure that he wasn't going to win, I activated my Byakugan. Once I did, I beat the one who hit Naruto so badly that he couldn't get up for an hour. Then, I made sure all three of them ended up in the same condition. Afterward, I checked on Naruto to make sure he was okay. When he assured me he was fine, I asked why he tried to help me… and he told me that he felt it wasn't right to watch someone get bullied just because they looked different… And it was then that I…"

"Fell in love?" I interjected, unable to resist teasing her.

"Got my first and only friend! Stop making a joke out of my wholesome story!" Hinata exclaimed, playfully swatting my arm.

"What? I think your story is wholesome too. Kinda similar to those fairytales I read you to sleep when we were younger," I replied with a grin.

"Alright. I'm done with the story." She spat in a huff, turning away from me with exaggerated indignation.

"I just asked a question. No need to get so upset," I said, raising my hands in a gesture of innocence.

"What do you know?" Hinata retorted, her cheeks still flushed as she turned her entire back toward me, pretending to be upset.

Hinata's cascading locks fell in a smooth, straight curtain, gracefully reaching down to her waist, mirroring the length of my own hair. Despite our contrasting eye colors and hair textures, any observer would find it difficult to believe we were twins. However, the subtle resemblance in our noses and other facial features unmistakably revealed our sibling connection.

Taking a moment to allow her emotions to settle, I broached the topic gently. "So… he's your only friend, huh?"

"Yeah. And one of the reasons I decided to postpone graduation. I don't want to leave him behind."

Curiosity piqued, I asked, "But why is he your only friend? With your talent, I imagine you could easily make friends."

Hinata sighed softly. "Because I don't care about superficial popularity. Besides, people only started paying attention to me when I showcased my abilities… None of them bothered to talk to me before."

"Ah, just like Dad mentioned," I remarked, understanding dawning on me.

"Exactly," she confirmed. "Those who are drawn to flashy displays often fizzle out in the end."

Switching gears, I ventured into more personal territory. "So, as we're about to become teenagers, there's bound to be a lot of romantic interest swirling around. How do you handle it when a boy expresses his feelings for you? You're undeniably beautiful."

Her cheeks tinted with a faint blush at the compliment, but she remained composed. "Thank you. But compliments don't make up for being a jerk," she teased lightly. "As for boys showing interest, I usually just ignore them. Most of the time, I receive curious glances rather than the usual disdain directed at the Hyūga. But those who approach often have eyes filled with ulterior motives. I prefer to keep my distance."

Her response was delivered with a calm, matter-of-fact demeanor, yet I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for any brave souls who attempted to court her. However, that fleeting sympathy vanished when I remembered they were vying for the affection of my sister.

"Quite straightforward," I remarked, acknowledging her candor.

"I don't care enough to understand them. I have other things to worry about like our family and other people of importance," Hinata remarked, her tone carrying a hint of indifference towards the social dynamics of her peers.

Her words prompted a subtle internal critique from me. 'Other people? The only person outside of our family this wallflower probably talks to is Naruto.' Despite my internal musings, I couldn't help but smile at her demeanor. This version of Hinata felt more genuine, more relatable than the passive character I remembered. It took some getting used to, but I found myself appreciating this newfound assertiveness, cementing a stronger bond between us as siblings.

'I'm glad that in this world, my sister knows her worth… It's still foggy, but I'm pretty sure that I had a sister in the last world. I think I have memories of her getting knocked up at a young age too. Too young to be a parent.'

Shifting the conversation, I expressed my curiosity about our future classmates. "Anyway, I want to know more about my soon-to-be classmates. Is there anyone I should be concerned about?"

Hinata shook her head. "Not that I'm aware of. I'm sure that you're stronger than everyone. There is a person who annoys me though."

'A person that annoys Hinata? That's my job.' I thought, amused. "What's their name?"

"His name is Sasuke Uchiha, and he has an ego that surpasses the height of the highest mountain."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, it's that bad. We used to have sparring matches at random. Every week that Sasuke's name and my own were drawn from the instructor's bag, he always forfeited. And yet, he's willing to fight Naruto, who everyone knows is weak… in my eyes, he's just another bully who needs to be taught his place," she said, her fists clenching in frustration.

"Why does he reject your challenge?"

"I don't know, which is the most infuriating part."

"Hmm…"

"There's him and another person who generally annoy me. It's this girl with a big forehead. I forget her name, but she has pink hair. She also bullies Naruto for the sake of it. But it's never enough for me to take justifiable action."

'Big forehead? I know who that is.' I mused, recognizing the description as Sakura.

Although I empathized with Hinata's frustrations, I had no desire to involve myself in the petty disputes of children. My role for now was simply to listen to her vent as her brother.

"Alright… If I meet this Sasuke guy and we end up fighting, I'll be sure to pass down a message from you to him," I offered with a smile, knowing that Hinata understood my jest.

"Good. Glad to hear…"

As our conversation drew to a close, I sensed someone entering our vicinity, precisely three miles Southeast. It was none other than our tour guide, Iruka, recognizable by his green armored vest adorned with a red whirlpool logo and his distinctive scar. As he traversed through the town, greeting the residents with warmth and sincerity, I knew our journey was about to begin.

"Ah… Hinata. Our tour guide just made himself known," I informed her with a nod.

"Our tour guide? Do you mean Iruka Sensei?" She questioned, looking around curiously.

"Scar on his nose?" I asked. When I did, veins manifested on Hinata's face while her pupils became far more defined.

"What… I don't see him," she said, looking confused, uncertain if I made a mistake or not.

"Give it a second. He's not in your range. You'll see him coming South-East from here."

"How the…" she continued focusing, frustrated that I could see and she couldn't.

"What?" I asked.

"It's just… I thought that I could see far. And here you are," she muttered.

"Oh? How far can you see?"

"4 miles, max. Father can see just a little over 2,600 feet," she frowned, realizing how much she was lacking.

"Never mind. It doesn't matter. I forget that your eyes are fundamentally different from the average Hyūga," she said while shaking her head.

…

"Hello, you two!"

Iruka shouted, putting his hands together to project his voice like a megaphone.

Chakra had quite the amount of utility. It even allowed Iruka to focalize the output of his shout directly towards us.

Waving, Hinata and I returned his greeting, kindly.

"Hi. I'm Iruka Umino. From now on, you can refer to me as Iruka Sensei. And you are?"

He said with an outstretched hand.

"I'm Agni Hyūga. It's a pleasure."

"To meet the Hyūga clan heir? The pleasure is mine, my young friend. And it's good to see you, Hinata."

He said with a smile that warmed hearts.

Bowing, Hinata returned the greeting.

…

Exploring the training fields, library, other classrooms, and meeting other teachers, we finally arrived at the place where I would be meeting iconic figures I had only seen in the media till now.

"And this will be your classroom," announced Iruka as he leisurely concluded the tour.

Looking around, I felt the nostalgia of my childhood creep out from within. 'This… This is where I'll meet them.'

Taking a deep breath, I surveyed the empty classroom before me.

'The chairs… The desk… The view of Konoha from the window… This is the day to begin all days… A day to remember.'

Suddenly, I felt a nudge on my shoulder. Without bothering to turn my head, I glanced at Hinata and Iruka, realizing they had been staring at me for a bit.

"Are you nervous?" Iruka asked with a calming smile, while Hinata looked on with a hint of confusion.

"Me? No. I'm fine. Why?"

"You look uncomfortable. For a minute there, you were like a stone statue. You haven't said a word in about 3 minutes," said Iruka, scratching the back of his head.

"I can't help but to agree. You look a little… on guard," Hinata added.

'On guard?'

I uncrossed my arms and stepped forward, resting my palm on the table before me as I gazed out the window with one balled fist behind my back.

"In all honesty, I'm just imagining the future fellow shinobi who'll be occupying those seats when the school doors open up in a few minutes. I'm thinking about what great ninja they'll become, and picturing the great ninja that came before." It may have sounded cheesy, but I was being genuine in my sentiment.

While Hinata gave me an understanding nod, Iruka approached with a face of intrigue, propping himself against the desk before me.

"Agni?" Iruka uttered with a raised brow and a smile.

"Hmm?"

"I want you to know that I thought those exact same words on my first day of teaching… Probably not verbatim, but close enough." He said with a nod of approval.

"Ya'know, you speak differently than the other kids here. You and your sister."

"Uh… Thank you. I'll take it as a compliment."

"I mean, it kinda is. You guys are mature for your age. I tell Hinata this all the time. It's an observation I made from hearing you speak this whole time."

"Anyway, Because you're so new, I wanna get you feeling as comfortable and welcomed as possible. Let's start that process with your seating arrangement. Tell me, do you have an idea of where you'd like to sit? By a window, by a door, next to anyone?"

Turning around, I began to think about all of my classmates and where they sat… But then, I realized, Hinata was making a strange expression that she attempted to mask with a smile.

This expression of course was a mixture of embarrassment and anticipation.

It was obvious what she wanted my answer to be.

"Is it possible for me to sit next to my sister?" I asked, catching Hinata off guard with my request.

"Next to me?" she replied, pointing to herself in surprise.

"Yeah, who else?" I said, grinning at her reaction.

Hinata gently slid my hand from her head, her touch soft and reassuring.

"You know, you don't have to do that," she murmured casually.

I grinned, feeling the need to assert my independence. "I'm my own man, Hinata. My actions are mine, not dictated by anyone, not even father," I replied, my tone light but firm, a warm smile spreading across my face.

She tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful. "I don't think that's fair to you," she countered softly.

Leaning in closer, I met her gaze with determination. "Fair or not, I'd rather be with you. Social status in a class of children is trivial compared to spending time with my sister and becoming a ninja," I insisted, my hand finding its way back to her head, a playful gesture between siblings.

Iruka interjected, his voice breaking the moment with a gentle authority. "Then I guess it's settled," he chimed in, a warm smile playing on his lips.

Hinata's grateful smile mirrored my own, a silent acknowledgment of our bond.

"Let me show you to your seats while we wait for the others to arrive," Iruka offered casually, leading us toward our designated spots with an easygoing stride.

…

The rhythmic tick-tock of the clock echoed through the classroom as Iruka settled by the entrance, ready to welcome the incoming students.

Hinata and I found ourselves nestled in the back left corner, closest to the window, lost in our own thoughts about the day ahead. Or at least, it appeared that way to an outsider. In reality, I was keenly observing the students making their way down the hall even before they arrived.

My gaze lingered on a young man with a black ponytail, pierced ears, and a laid-back demeanor, lazily dragging his feet as he approached. Despite his casual appearance, his eyes betrayed a keen sense of observation, darting around as if analyzing every detail.

"Is he... Is he counting all the tiny little squares?" I wondered to myself, intrigued by his behavior.

As he peeked into the classroom, his eyes briefly locked onto mine before scanning the rest of the room. Iruka's greeting pulled his attention away, confirming his identity as Shikamaru.

While Hinata and I remained unresponsive, I continued to observe Shikamaru discreetly, noting his relaxed posture and apparent disinterest. Yet, beneath his nonchalant exterior, I sensed a sharp intelligence at work.

Once settled in his seat, Shikamaru succumbed to sleep with remarkable speed, leaving me to ponder his enigmatic nature.

"That's some mask he has on," I thought to myself, reflecting on the layers of complexity hidden beneath each individual's outward appearance.

With Iruka's departure, the room fell silent, leaving only the eight of us to contemplate the mysteries that lay beneath the surface.

We all had them. We as people had to be very careful as to whom we chose to share these proverbial shrouds to. Behind it, it revealed our true colors. Once our tones were revealed, we were opened to be ridiculed by any person who claimed themselves to be an artist. When a person laid their cards face first on the table, they were open to be taken advantage of by anyone with a greater hand.

'That leaves only the 8 of us.'

I thought whilst I included the pest who were hidden in the walls.

…

As minutes passed, familiar faces from my childhood materialized before my eyes as they entered the classroom.

Shino Aburame, Chōji Akimichi, Kiba Inuzuka, Ino Yamanaka—the heirs of the Hidden Leaf Clan—strolled in with an air of casual confidence, grounding me in the reality of the moment. However, alongside them were unfamiliar ninja, reminding me that this experience transcended the boundaries of a mere television show.

The classroom buzzed with the energy of 25 individuals, each unaware of the intensity of their whispers and glances once they settled into their seats.

Among them, rumors about me began to circulate like wildfire.

"That new kid... I heard stories about him."

"What did you hear?"

Some were oblivious, while others clung to the rumors as if they were gospel truth.

A boy discreetly glanced over his shoulder before whispering to his female friend, who eagerly awaited the scoop.

"I heard he's the Hyuga clan's secret weapon."

"The heir?" she asked, bewildered.

A weapon? The notion sounded absurd to her, yet she couldn't help but be intrigued.

"Yeah. The Hyūga have supposedly been grooming him for years," another chimed in, his green hair standing out in the row before them.

"But I thought Hinata was the heir?" questioned a blue-haired boy.

"Well, she's not," he replied confidently.

"I heard something about him being confined to his household. Can you imagine never seeing sunlight?" added another, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"I heard that the reason for that was because he was some type of mutant allergic to sunlight," chimed in another girl, diving headfirst into the gossip.

"Like a vampire?" suggested someone else.

"Well, he can't be sucking blood; that's illegal," quipped another student, even Chōji joining in on the drama this time.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the rumors circulating. Despite efforts to shut them down, it seemed the clan's children had formed their own ideas about me.

"Don't get offended. They do this a lot," Hinata muttered under her breath.

"They do what?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

"Run their mouths. It's why I ignore almost all of them day-to-day."

"It's fine. I find it interesting to hear what they have to say about me," I replied.

I could sense that the rumors were bothering her slightly.

"What? That's crazy talk. How could he be a vampire if Shinto just said he was the Hyūga clan's secret weapon? I doubt the Hyūga would allow their heir to have such a glaring weakness as the sun," someone scoffed.

"What's with his appearance? Why does he have spiky white hair and yellow eyes? All the Hyūga I've met have black hair and white eyes," questioned another student.

"Well, obviously, he's the exception... Maybe it's some sort of meditation technique that caused it," another speculated.

"A meditation technique? That sounds ridiculous. What kind of meditation changes your appearance so drastically?" another scoffed.

"Maybe he's been using it since he was a baby or something," nervously suggested a boy, glancing around as if afraid of being caught speaking out of turn.

"I wouldn't be surprised, considering they're calling him a secret weapon. Most of us have family techniques passed down through generations. Maybe the Hyūga have their own, but medication? This isn't a novel. Maybe it's a rare kekkei genkai," he continued.

It was during this time of unrest that a rather loud-mouthed child spoke up.

"While all of you are talking all of that nonsense, I know for a fact what's going on with his eyes… My dad saw him this morning right before he opened up the shop." That same child whispered while sitting behind who I knew to be Kiba Inazuka. It seemed as though he had a high social status considering he wasn't from a clan that I knew of but everyone seemed to listen to him attentively.

Noticing Kiba's persistent gaze directed my way, I couldn't help but feel a sense of scrutiny.

"Hey, Hinata," I interjected, disregarding the need for whispers, "who's the kid with the markings on his face, the one wearing a hoodie?"

Without missing a beat, my sister responded, "Kiba," causing a noticeable reaction from the boy.

As Ino Yamanaka relayed her observations to her friends, I couldn't help but cringe at her description of Kiba as "cute." It was a sentiment I could have done without.

Suppressing a sigh, I muttered to Hinata, "Now I understand why you choose to ignore people," observing her focus on sketching stripes on her tiger figurine.

Noticing Kiba's flustered reaction to Hinata's mere mention, I couldn't help but inwardly chuckle at the realization that he might be one of her admirers.

Shifting my thoughts, I pondered the whereabouts of Naruto, the object of Hinata's affections, and his rival, Sasuke.

"Hinata, what about those two other students you mentioned?" I redirected the conversation, eager to delve into a less superficial topic.

"Naruto and Sasuke? They usually arrive last," Hinata responded, her tone devoid of emotion.

"Mmm," I acknowledged, mentally preparing for their eventual entrance.

…

"Sasuke!" A girl's voice pierced the air.

"Sasuke, can you sit next to me today?" Another voice chimed in, amidst a chorus of hopeful pleas.

Despite the commotion surrounding him, I couldn't fathom why everyone was clamoring over the 4'11, 12-year-old boy. Sure, he had a certain charm, but the frenzy seemed excessive.

Rolling her eyes, Hinata continued sketching, her disdain evident in her demeanor. "You can guess who that is," she muttered, a hint of annoyance creeping into her voice.

Nodding in agreement, I focused my attention on Sasuke, noting the distinct hue of his chakra as it surged through his tenketsu. Unlike the typical blue, his chakra possessed a fiery, almost purple intensity, a sign of his exceptional prowess. However, his impressive abilities failed to impress me as much as they seemed to captivate the others.

Navigating through the throng of admirers and glowering peers, Sasuke approached his seat, only to pause upon realizing the unfamiliar figure seated behind him — me. His gaze bore into mine, a silent challenge passing between us, until I broke the stalemate, turning my attention to the approaching Naruto.

As Naruto's footsteps echoed through the room, Sasuke redirected his focus to me, ignoring Hinata's presence entirely. "Hey," he began, his tone demanding attention.

"Yes?" I responded, meeting his gaze evenly.

"Who are you?" Sasuke inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"I'll introduce myself once Iruka arrives," I replied coolly, refusing to yield to his probing.

"Why? It's a simple question," he persisted.

"And I gave you a simple answer," I countered, noting the furrow that creased his brow. It was clear Sasuke was accustomed to getting his way, but today, I wasn't inclined to indulge him.

In the ensuing silence, the classroom seemed to hold its breath, the unexpected exchange between Sasuke and me drawing the attention of our classmates.