2 Joining The Academy

In a flash, four years had gone by. Kiba, Shikamaru, Choji, Naruto and I had become a closer group in this time, close enough for me to regularly visit Shika's or Choji's houses. Naruto also visited but less regularly, since he had already become the prankster he was known to be in the beginning of the series. I had already lost count of how many times he had painted the Hokage's Faces.

In this time I had also begun "training", though I camouflaged it as children's games. I did it by running around, practicing "parkour" and competing with everyone else on lifting heavy things.

Besides that, as per the customs of the Inuzuka, I had already chosen my Ninken, which were the Hound Dogs of the Inuzuka. Guremaru, as I named him, was still a pup of the same age as Akamaru, but his appearance was more in line with that of Kuromaru. He was extremely obedient and behaved lovingly, only showing aggressiveness during traning.

"Ryota! Come get your breakfast already!"

"Going mom!"

Some other changes were that I began helping people around town with minor tasks. Inuzuka's are known to be hyperactive and forward, but I was mostly calm and laid back, which led people to call me "the gentle Inuzuka". I didn't dislike the moniker, but I wasn't a fan either.

Something else that changed entirely were my stats.

[Name: Ryota Inuzuka Age: 8 Level: 7

STR: 61/70

AGI: 69/70

CHA: ?/70

Ninjutsu: <Imitation Beast Ninja Arts: Four Legs Technique - Gatsūga> - <Basic Ninjutsu: Transformation - Body Replacement - Clone> - <Suiton (Water Style): Liquid Bullet> - <Genjutsu: Dispel>

Taijutsu: Basic Shurikenjutsu - Inuzuka Beast Style - ? ]

Indeed, I had already learned the basic ninjutsus used by the Inuzuka Clan and all three required Jutsus to graduate from the Academy. My skill with Shurikens and Kunai was also already on the required level, but I still didn't know many elemental jutsus. The only reason why I had learned Liquid Bullet was becasue my affinity was, apparently, Water.

Once I had eaten my breakfast and mom was pleased with my appearance, I picked Kiba up and we left towards the Academy.

*

"... and I wish you, who are our future, will carry the will of fire and protect the village that the First founded with hope!"

Ok... I had to admit that he was a very good public speaker. That damn Hokage almost made me emotional with his damn speech! Still, I trully respect the old man. He put down his own life to protect the village and everyone in it. Pitifully, he made a huge mistake with Danzo.

"Ok, new students come with me! I'll be sorting you in your corresponding classes!"

The one who spoke was none other than the trash-sensei and traitor, Mizuki. I simply ignored him for now and went towards him. I would find a way to get rid of him later on. Oh yeah, I had decided to shit on canon.

"Ok, first will be the names of Class A! Sasuke Uchiha, Shino Aburame, Ino..."

The original Konoha nine were sorted first, together with some mob characters. I was about to lose hope when I was finally called by the white haired idiot 'Sorry Kakashi'

"Lastly, Inuzuka Ryota. That is all for Class A. Now Class B..."

*

We all had arrived at the classroom. I was doing small talk with Shika, Naruto and Choji when Iruka came in and gave us a short speech about doing our best and enjoying the next few years. Nothing unexpected and, besides, that was my plan from the beginning.

"Ok everyone, we'll be holding a mock exam to see were everyone stands!"

Immediate grumbling resounded throughout the classroom. The only people who I didn't hear complaining were Sasuke and Shino, probably because one was busy brooding and the other being serious. Still, I was happy with the test. That would allow me to discern where exactly I stood in comparison to my peers.

"First will be History of the Shinobi World and then we'll hold Shurikenjutsu and Taijutsu tests"

This was... annoying. I knew that in the Academy we would be taught a lot about Shinobi history, but I didn't expect it to be the first thing we did. Thus, I got rid of it as quickly as possible. How? Reciting the entire story of how Konoha was founded and the First Great Ninja War. Iruka said he'd pass me since I seemed to know everything I'd need.

Time-skip half and hour and everyone was on the back of the Academy with three instructors providing us with Shuriken and Kunai. The tests were accuracy based and we had ten shots with each weapon, as such, everyone began their test.

"Ok, we'll do it in order. Sasuke Uchiha!"

I expected Sasuke to do well and he didn't disappoint. Getting 10/10 for Shuriken and 8/10 for Kunai. Even if it wasn't a perfect score, it was good enough. But he wasn't going to be the best with me around.

"Then... last one! Ryota Inuzuka!"

I was given the Shuriken and Kunai as per the rules and checked them to see there was no problem with them. Once I was sure they were in the best condition, I proceeded to throw all of the Shuriken at the same time. My fellow classmates gasped in shock and the teachers mocked me, saying that I was an overconfident tadpole. I payed them no mind, since their mouths were shut a few seconds later when all Shuriken hit their targets.

The same process was repeates with the Kunai, but instead of throwing all ten -which was almost impossible physically-, I threw them four at a time, two in each hand. Once again, all ten projectiles hit their targets perfectly.

"Perfect score! Congratulations, Ryota" were the words that Iruka gave me while smiling brightly. I understood from that smile that he actually was proud. To him I wasn't nothing more than a student and the future of the village, and he was genuinely happy to know I had talent.

My classmates were shocked, with Shikamaru, Naruto and Choji being the most shocked, since they had never seen me training and thought of me as a very lax guy. Shikamaru might've even considered me his equal in laziness if it weren't fro this test.

There was someone who didn't seem to be that happy though. Sasuke. He looked at me in envy and borderline hatred, which made me sigh. I was hopeless in this situation. Some things were meant to happen and I couldn't change them. One of those things was Sasuke being an emo. But I could at least make it so that he wouldn't bother me to much.

"Next will be the Taijutsu test. To evaluate this we'll be having spars between students in the form of a tournament!"

And the perfect opportunity came to me on its own.